1.Effects of SR9009 and LXH0225,REV-ERB agonists,on mood disor-ders and cognitive impairment in over-training mice
Qi DENG ; Xinhua HE ; Zhiyong XIAO ; Wenxia ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2024;38(11):816-825
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of SR9009 and LXH0225,nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member(REV-ERB)agonists,on mood disorders and cognitive impairment in over-training mice.METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal control,over-training model,model+fluoxetine(15 mg?kg-1),model+SR9009(100 mg?kg-1)and model+LXH0225(50 mg?kg-1)groups.Mice in the normal control group were ip given15%cremophor without extra stress while those in other groups were ip given 15%cremophor or different drugs respectively 30 min before daily forced swimming stress.When stressed,mice were forced to swim in 19-21℃water for 20 min per day for 18 d.After that,locomotor activity was assessed.Rotarod test and weight-loaded swimming test were performed to measure physical strength,while open field test and stair-climbing test were performed to measure anxiety-like behavior.Tail suspension test and forced swimming test were used to measure depression-like behavior while novel object recognition test and Y maze test were conducted to measure recogni-tion function.ELISA was used to measure serum corticosterone contents.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group,the locomotor activity of mice in the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01).There were anxiety-like behaviors with a significant increase in the number of times of stair-climb-ing and rearing(P<0.01).Depression-like behaviors were observed with a significant increase immobile time in forced swimming test(P<0.01).Cognitive impairment was manifested as decreased accuracy of Y-maze spontaneous alternation response(P<0.01).The corticosterone content was significantly elevated(P<0.01)in forced swimming mice.Compared with the model group,the accuracy of Y-maze spontaneous alternations was higher(P<0.01)and the content of serum corticosterone was lower(P<0.01)in the model+fluoxetine group.The immobile time was shorter(P<0.01),the spontaneous alternation response of Y maze was was less accurate(P<0.05)and serum corticosterone content was lower(P<0.01)in the model+SR9009 group than in the model group.The latency to fall off the rotarod was longer(P<0.05),the immobile time was shorter(P<0.01)and the content of serum corticosterone was lower(P<0.01)in the model+LXH0225 group compared with the model group.CONCLUSION The REV-ERBs agonists SR9009 and LXH0225 may protect against forced swimming over-training induced mood disorders and cognitive impairment.
2.Long non-coding RNA AW112010 improves insulin resistance in adipocytes of aging mice through the miR-204/POU2F2 axis
Rui WANG ; Shuwen WANG ; Yifan ZHANG ; Yaqi HU ; Qi YUAN ; Yuan WEN ; Xiaoling CHEN ; Ting LU ; Ying ZHENG ; Zhiyong LIN ; Mengzhen XUE ; Yaqi WANG ; Fangqi XIA ; Leiqi ZHU ; Chengfu YUAN
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(1):44-52
Objective:To investigate whether long non-coding RNA(lncRNA) AW112010 can improve insulin resistance in aging adipocytes through the miR-204/POU2F2 signaling pathway.Methods:In vivo experiment: C57BL/6 mice were divided into young control group(4 months old) and aging model group(18 months old) based on body weight. The expression levels of AW112010, miR-204-5p, POU2F2, aging related indicators(p16, p21), and insulin signaling pathway genes [insulin receptor(INSR), insulin receptor substrate 1(IRS1), phosphatidylinositol kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B(AKT)] in epididymal adipose tissue were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. In vitro experiment: Using adriamycin(ADR) to induce 3T3-L1 aging adipocyte model, β-gal staining was used to observe cellular senescence, and miR-204 inhibitor and miR-204 mimic small interfering RNA were successfully constructed and transfected into 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Results:RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the young group, the expression of AW112010 in the adipose tissue of aging mice was increased, while the expression of miR-204-5p was decreased. The expressions of POU2F2, p16, and p21 in the adipose tissue of aging mice were increased, while the expressions of INSR, IRS1, PI3K, GLUT4 mRNA and protein were decreased. The β-gal stainging results showed that the number of 3T3-L1 senescent adipocytes induced by ADR was significantly increased, and the expression levels of AW112010, POU2F2, p16, and p21 in ADR-induced senescent adipocytes were increased compared with the control group, while the expression levels of miR-204-5p, INSR, IRS1, PI3K, GLUT4 were decreased, and remaining glucose in the culture medium was increased. Compared with control, overexpression of miR-204 resulted in decreased expressions of aging indicators p16, p21, and target gene POU2F2 while the expressions of INSR and GLUT4 were increased.Conclusion:Upregulation of lncRNA AW112010 in adipocytes of aging mice may induce insulin resistance by targeting miR-204-5p/POU2F2/IRS1.
3.Anti-metastatic Pharmacology Based on Tumor Microenvironment Regulation: A Review
Yang ZHANG ; Lina YANG ; Yujie LI ; Xinke DU ; Li LIU ; Zhiyong LI ; Qing YANG ; Ying CHEN ; Xiaoxin ZHU ; Qi LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(13):209-218
Tumor metastasis is the major cause of death for tumor patients and the key bottleneck of clinical treatment. In recent years, basic and clinical studies have recognized that tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly correlated with tumor metastasis, which provides hope for anti-metastatic drug development and clinical treatment. At present, the mainstream studies on TME represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) mainly focus on the rectification of immune function of T cells and B cells. However, a large number of studies have shown that the significance of other members of TME for tumor metastasis cannot be ignored, which greatly reflects the progress of anti-metastatic research based on TME regulation. This review focused on tumor metastasis, summarized the mechanism of action of non-T and non-B immune cells [tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs)] and non-immune members [vascular endothelial cells (ECs), tumor-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and blood platelet] in the process of tumor metastasis in TME based on the literature over the recent five years, and explored their key value in the treatment of metastasis. At the treatment level, this review focused on the perspective of the integration of frontier and traditional methods and took the functional homeostasis remodeling of TME as the entry point to summarize the activity and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulation of non-T and non-B immune cells and non-immune members and highlight its advantages and characteristics in clinical intervention of metastasis. This review helps to break through the limitations of over-reliance on T and B immune cells in anti-metastatic research, make the research rely on a wider range of cell groups, explore the potential value of TME in anti-metastatic drug intervention, and enrich the idea and strategy of understanding the anti-metastatic pharmacological activity. The review is also expected to provide a broader vision for the research and development of new anti-metastatic drugs.
4.α2-macroglobulin alleviates glucocorticoid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head in mice by promoting proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells
Qi ZHU ; Yunxiang LU ; You PENG ; Jiale HE ; Zeyu WEI ; Zhiyong LI ; Yuxian CHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(4):712-719
Objective To explore the mechanism underlying the protective effect of α2-macroglobulin (A2M) against glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis. Methods In a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model with injuries induced by gradient concentrations of dexamethasone (DEX;10-8-10-5 mol/L), the protective effects of A2M at 0.05 and 0.1 mg/mL were assessed by examining the changes in cell viability, migration, and capacity of angiogenesis using CCK-8 assay, Transwell and scratch healing assays and angiogenesis assay. The expressions of CD31 and VEGF-A proteins in the treated cells were detected using Western blotting. In BALB/c mouse models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head induced by intramuscular injections of methylprednisolone, the effects of intervention with A2M on femoral trabecular structure, histopathological characteristics, and CD31 expression were examined with Micro-CT, HE staining and immunohistochemical staining. Results In cultured HUVECs, DEX treatment significantly reduced cell viability, migration and angiogenic ability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P<0.05), and these changes were obviously reversed by treatment with A2M in positive correlation with A2M concentration (P<0.05). DEX significantly reduced the expression of CD31 and VEGF-A proteins in HUVECs, while treatment with A2M restored CD31 and VEGF-A expressions in the cells (P<0.05). The mouse models of femoral head necrosis showed obvious trabecular damages in the femoral head, where a large number of empty lacunae and hypertrophic fat cells could be seen and CD31 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). A2M treatment of the mouse models significantly improved trabecular damages, maintained normal bone tissue structures, and increased CD31 expression in the femoral head (P<0.05). Conclusion A2M promotes proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of DEX-treated HUVECs and alleviates methylprednisolone-induced femoral head necrosis by improving microcirculation damages and maintaining microcirculation stability in the femoral head.
5.Developing pathology guidelines and consensus: methods and considerations
Qi ZHOU ; Yaolong CHEN ; Zhiyong LIANG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2024;53(6):521-527
Pathological diagnosis is vital in medicine. Developing and implementing high-quality pathology guidelines and consensus can enhance disease diagnosis accuracy and reduce unnecessary misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses. This article will cover the current status of pathology guidelines and consensus, methods for high-quality development, and the distinctions between them. Additionally, it will provide thoughts and suggestions for promoting their development in China.
6.α2-macroglobulin alleviates glucocorticoid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head in mice by promoting proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells
Qi ZHU ; Yunxiang LU ; You PENG ; Jiale HE ; Zeyu WEI ; Zhiyong LI ; Yuxian CHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(4):712-719
Objective To explore the mechanism underlying the protective effect of α2-macroglobulin (A2M) against glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis. Methods In a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model with injuries induced by gradient concentrations of dexamethasone (DEX;10-8-10-5 mol/L), the protective effects of A2M at 0.05 and 0.1 mg/mL were assessed by examining the changes in cell viability, migration, and capacity of angiogenesis using CCK-8 assay, Transwell and scratch healing assays and angiogenesis assay. The expressions of CD31 and VEGF-A proteins in the treated cells were detected using Western blotting. In BALB/c mouse models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head induced by intramuscular injections of methylprednisolone, the effects of intervention with A2M on femoral trabecular structure, histopathological characteristics, and CD31 expression were examined with Micro-CT, HE staining and immunohistochemical staining. Results In cultured HUVECs, DEX treatment significantly reduced cell viability, migration and angiogenic ability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P<0.05), and these changes were obviously reversed by treatment with A2M in positive correlation with A2M concentration (P<0.05). DEX significantly reduced the expression of CD31 and VEGF-A proteins in HUVECs, while treatment with A2M restored CD31 and VEGF-A expressions in the cells (P<0.05). The mouse models of femoral head necrosis showed obvious trabecular damages in the femoral head, where a large number of empty lacunae and hypertrophic fat cells could be seen and CD31 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). A2M treatment of the mouse models significantly improved trabecular damages, maintained normal bone tissue structures, and increased CD31 expression in the femoral head (P<0.05). Conclusion A2M promotes proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of DEX-treated HUVECs and alleviates methylprednisolone-induced femoral head necrosis by improving microcirculation damages and maintaining microcirculation stability in the femoral head.
7.Progress of exosomes in drug resistance of hematologic malignancies
Lin QI ; Rui WANG ; Jianzhu FU ; Zhiyong CHENG
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2023;32(5):314-317
The incidence of hematologic malignancies is increasing, and although new drugs and treatments have made great progress, relapse and drug resistance are still urgent problems to be solved. Exosomes are tiny membrane vesicles secreted in cells that carry lipid bilayer membrane structures including mRNA, microRNA and proteins. It carries and transmits important signaling molecules, forming an entirely new intercellular information transfer system that exhibits a wide range of biological properties and functions in organisms. Tumor cell exosomes are confirmed to contribute to cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasiveness, distant metastasis and drug resistance. Multiple studies have shown that exosomes from some malignant hematological tumor cells are closely related to tumor resistance. This review summarizes the research progress of exosomes in the mechanism of drug resistance of hematologic malignancies, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of hematologic malignancies.
8.Endothelial METRNL determines circulating METRNL level and maintains endothelial function against atherosclerosis.
Sili ZHENG ; Zhiyong LI ; Jie SONG ; Pin WANG ; Jian XU ; Wenjun HU ; Yi SHI ; Qi QI ; Zhuwei MIAO ; Yunfeng GUAN ; Chaoyu MIAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2023;13(4):1568-1587
METRNL is a recently identified secreted protein with emerging functions. This study is to find major cellular source of circulating METRNL and to determine METRNL novel function. Here, we show METRNL is abundant in human and mouse vascular endothelium and released by endothelial cells using endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi apparatus pathway. By creating endothelial cell-specific Metrnl knockout mice, combined with bone marrow transplantation to produce bone marrow-specific deletion of Metrnl, we demonstrate that most of circulating METRNL (approximately 75%) originates from the endothelial cells. Both endothelial and circulating METRNL decrease in atherosclerosis mice and patients. By generating endothelial cell-specific Metrnl knockout in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, combined with bone marrow-specific deletion of Metrnl in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, we further demonstrate that endothelial METRNL deficiency accelerates atherosclerosis. Mechanically, endothelial METRNL deficiency causes vascular endothelial dysfunction including vasodilation impairment via reducing eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 and inflammation activation via enhancing NFκB pathway, which promotes the susceptibility of atherosclerosis. Exogenous METRNL rescues METRNL deficiency induced endothelial dysfunction. These findings reveal that METRNL is a new endothelial substance not only determining the circulating METRNL level but also regulating endothelial function for vascular health and disease. METRNL is a therapeutic target against endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
9.Role of NMDA receptors in sevoflurane anesthesia-caused necroptosis in hippocampal neurons of aged mice
Jiaxu YU ; Qi ZHANG ; Chunping YIN ; Yanan LI ; Wi LI ; Lian ZHU ; Zhiyong HOU ; Qiujun WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2022;42(1):55-59
Objective:To evaluate the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA receptors) in sevoflurane anesthesia-caused necroptosis in hippocampal neurons of aged mice.Methods:Ninety clean-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 18 months, weighing 27-30 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=30 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), sevoflurane anesthesia group (group S) and sevoflurane anesthesia plus NMDA receptor antagonist memantine hydrochloride group (group S+ M). Mice inhaled 3% sevoflurane for 2 h for 3 consecutive days in S group and S+ M group, and memantine hydrochloride 20 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 1 h before each inhalation of sevoflurane in S+ M group.Mice only inhaled pure oxygen for 2 h in group C. Ten mice of each group were selected on 1 day before anesthesia and 3 and 7 days after anesthesia to perform Morris water maze test.The mice were sacrificed immediately after Morris water maze test, and hippocampus was removed for microscopic examination of pathological changes (with a light microscope) and for determination of the necroptosis rate of neurons and cytoplasmic free calcium concentration([Ca 2+ ] i)(by flow cytometry), and expression of NMDA receptor subtypes GluN2A, GluN2B and receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1) (by Western blot). Results:Compared with group C, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, and the frequency of crossing the original platform was decreased, and the [Ca 2+ ] i and neuronal necroptosis rate in the hippocampus were increased at each time point after anesthesia, and the expression of GluN2A, GluN2B and RIP1 was up-regulated( P<0.05), and the pathologic changes were accentuated in S group and S+ M group.Compared with group S, the escape latency was significantly shortened, and the frequency of crossing the original platform was increased, and the [Ca 2+ ] i and neuronal necroptosis rate in the hippocampus were decreased at each time point after anesthesia, and the expression of GluN2A, GluN2B and RIP1 was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathologic changes were attenuated in group S+ M. Conclusions:NMDA receptors are involved in the process of cognitive dysfunction induced by sevoflurane anesthesia in aged mice, and the mechanism may be related to the promotion of necrptosis in hippocampal neurons.
10.Role of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway in multiple exposures to sevoflurane-induced long-term cognitive impairment in neonatal rats
Qi ZHANG ; Yanan LI ; Jiaxu YU ; Chunping YIN ; Juan ZHAO ; Zhiyong HOU ; Qiujun WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2022;42(3):284-288
Objective:To evaluate the role of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway in multiple exposures to sevoflurane-induced long-term cognitive impairment in neonatal rats.Methods:Sixty SPF healthy neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats of either sex, aged 6 days, weighing 12-20 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=20 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), multiple exposures to sevoflurane group (group S) and RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway inhibitor Y-27632 group (group Y). Group S and group Y inhaled 3% sevoflurane for 2 h at days 6, 7 and 8 after birth.In group Y, Y-27632 5 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected before sevoflurane anesthesia.The spontaneous activity was evaluated by open field test on day 35 after birth.The cognitive function was detected by Morris water maze test at day 36 after birth.The rats were sacrificed after Morris water maze test, and the hippocampal tissues were isolated for determination of the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons and cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i) (by flow cytometry) and expression of phosphorylated RhoA (p-RhoA), ROCK2 and cleaved-caspase-3 (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons (with a transmission electron microscope). Results:There was no significant difference in movement speed, distance and time of stay in the open field center in the open field test among the three groups ( P>0.05). Compared with group C, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved-caspase-3 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological injury to hippocampal neurons was found in group S. Compared with group S, the escape latency was significantly shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons and [Ca 2+ ] i were decreased, the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved-caspase-3 was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological injury to hippocampal neurons was attenuated in group Y. Conclusions:The mechanism by which multiple exposures to sevoflurane induces long-term cognitive impairment is related to activation of RhoA/Rock2 signaling pathway and induction of apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons in neonatal rats.

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