Blueberry extract and its bioactive compounds mitigate oxidative stress and suppress human lung cancer cell (A549) growth by modulating the expression of p53/EGFR/STAT3/IL6-mediated signaling molecules.

Bioactive phytocompounds are crucial components in all plants. Since the time of traditional medicine, the utilization of plants has been grounded in the potential of these bioactive compounds to treat or manage specific illnesses. These natural bioactive compounds have sparked growing interest in employing medicinal plants for addressing various conditions, such as inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and cancer. This study focuses on assessing the qualitative phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and cytotoxic effects of blueberry (Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus) extract using three different solvents, namely water, ethanol, and methanol. The extract exhibited notable antioxidant activities, as evidenced by DPPH and H2O2 free radical scavenging assays. The cell viability assay also demonstrated cell growth inhibition in A549 cells. Furthermore, nine specific phytocompounds sourced from existing literature were selected for molecular docking studies against CDK6 and, AMPK key protein kinases which enhance the cancer progression. The molecular docking results also revealed favorable binding scores, with a high score of -9.5 kcal/mol in CDK6 protein and a maximum score of AMPK with targets of -8.8 kcal/mol. The selected phytocompounds' pharmacodynamic properties such as ADMET also supported the study. Furthermore, rutin stated that pre-dominantly present in blueberry plants shows a potent cytotoxicity effect in A549 cells. Functional annotations by bioinformatic analysis for rutin also revealed the strong enrichment in the involvement of PI3K/AKT1/STAT, and p53 signaling pathways. Based on this analysis, the identified rutin and other compounds hold a promising anticancer activity. Overall, the comprehensive evaluation of both in vitro and in silico data suggests that the Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus extract could serve as a valuable source of pharmaceutical agents and may prove effective in future therapeutic applications.

TSPAN6 reinforces the malignant progression of glioblastoma via interacting with CDK5RAP3 and regulating STAT3 signaling pathway.

Glioblastoma is the prevailing and highly malignant form of primary brain neoplasm with poor prognosis. Exosomes derived from glioblastoma cells act a vital role in malignant progression via regulating tumor microenvironment (TME), exosomal tetraspanin protein family members (TSPANs) are important actors of cell communication in TME. Among all the TSPANs, TSPAN6 exhibited predominantly higher expression levels in comparison to normal tissues. Meanwhile, glioblastoma patients with high level of TSPAN6 had shorter overall survival compared with low level of TSPAN6. Furthermore, TSPAN6 promoted the malignant progression of glioblastoma via promoting the proliferation and metastatic potential of glioblastoma cells. More interestingly, TSPAN6 overexpression in glioblastoma cells promoted the migration of vascular endothelial cell, and exosome secretion inhibitor reversed the migrative ability of vascular endothelial cells enhanced by TSPAN6 overexpressing glioblastoma cells, indicating that TSPAN6 might reinforce angiogenesis via exosomes in TME. Mechanistically, TSPAN6 enhanced the malignant progression of glioblastoma by interacting with CDK5RAP3 and regulating STAT3 signaling pathway. In addition, TSPAN6 overexpression in glioblastoma cells enhanced angiogenesis via regulating TME and STAT3 signaling pathway. Collectively, TSPAN6 has the potential to serve as both a therapeutic target and a prognostic biomarker for the treatment of glioblastoma.

NRN1 interacts with Notch to increase oncogenic STAT3 signaling in melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is a highly heterogeneous cancer, in which frequent changes in activation of signaling pathways lead to a high adaptability to ever changing tumor microenvironments. The elucidation of cancer specific signaling pathways is of great importance, as demonstrated by the inhibitor of the common BrafV600E mutation PLX4032 in melanoma treatment. We therefore investigated signaling pathways that were influenced by neurotrophin NRN1, which has been shown to be upregulated in melanoma. METHODS: Using a cell culture model system with an NRN1 overexpression, we investigated the influence of NRN1 on melanoma cells' functionality and signaling. We employed real time cell analysis and spheroid formation assays, while for investigation of molecular mechanisms we used a kinase phosphorylation kit as well as promotor activity analysis followed by mRNA and protein analysis. RESULTS: We revealed that NRN1 interacts directly with the cleaved intracellular domain (NICD) of Notch1 and Notch3, causing a potential retention of NICD in the cytoplasm and thereby reducing the expression of its direct downstream target Hes1. This leads to decreased sequestration of JAK and STAT3 in a Hes1-driven phosphorylation complex. Consequently, our data shows less phosphorylation of STAT3 while presenting an accumulation of total protein levels of STAT3 in association with NRN1 overexpression. The potential of the STAT3 signaling pathway to act in both a tumor suppressive and oncogenic manner led us to investigate specific downstream targets - namely Vegf A, Mdr1, cMet - which were found to be upregulated under oncogenic levels of NRN1. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we were able to show that NRN1 links oncogenic signaling events between Notch and STAT3 in melanoma. We also suggest that in future research more attention should be payed to cellular regulation of signaling molecules outside of the classically known phosphorylation events.

[Shenqi Chongcao Formula ameliorates inflammatory response in rats with pulmonary fibrosis by activating the ASS1/src/STAT3 signaling pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Shenqi Chongcao (SQCC) Formula on the ASS1/src/STAT3 signaling pathway in a rat model of lung fibrosis and explore its therapeutic mechanism. METHODS: A total of 120 male SD rats were divided equally into 5 groups, including a blank control group with saline treatment and 4 groups of rat models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. One day after modeling, the rat models were treated with daily gavage of 10 mL/kg saline, SQCC decoction (0.423 g/kg), pirfenidone (10 mL/kg), or intraperitoneal injection of arginine deiminase (ADI; 2.25 mg/kg, every 3 days) for 28 days. After the treatments, the lung tissues of the rats were collected for calculating the lung/body weight ratio, observing histopathology using HE and Masson staining, and analyzing the inflammatory cells in BALF using Giemsa staining. Serum chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) levels were measured with ELISA. The protein expressions of src, p-srcTry529, STAT3, and p-STAT3Try705 and the mRNA expressions of ASS1, src and STAT3 in the lung tissues were detected using Western blotting and RT-qPCR. RESULTS: The neutrophil, macrophage and lymphocyte counts and serum levels of CCL2 and TGF-ß1 were significantly lower in SQCC, pirfenidone and ADI treatment groups than in the model group at each time point of measurement (P < 0.05). P-srcTry529 and p-STAT3Try705 protein expression levels and ASS1, src, and STAT3 mRNA in the lung tissues were also significantly lower in the 3 treatment groups than in the model group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SQCC Formula can alleviate lung fibrosis in rats possibly by activating the ASS1/src/STAT3 signaling pathway in the lung tissues.

[Upregulating KLF11 ameliorates intestinal inflammation in mice with 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenesulfonic acid-induced colitis by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression level of Kruppel-like transcription factor family member KLF11 in intestinal mucosal tissues of Crohn's disease (CD) and its regulatory effect on intestinal inflammation in CD-like colitis. METHODS: We examined KLF11 expression levels in diseased and normal colon mucosal tissues from 12 CD patients and 12 patients with colorectal cancer using immunofluorescence staining. KLF11 expression was also detected in the colon mucosal tissues of a mouse model of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. A recombinant adenoviral vector was used to upregulate KLF11 expression in the mouse models and the changes in intestinal inflammation was observed. A Caco-2 cell model with stable KLF11 overexpression was constructed by lentiviral infection. The effect of KLF11 overexpression on expressions of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway proteins was investigated using immunoblotting in both the mouse and cell models. The mouse models were treated with coumermycin A1, a JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway agonist, and the changes in intestinal inflammatory responses were observed. RESULTS: The expression level of KLF11 was significantly lowered in both the clinical specimens of diseased colon mucosal tissues and the colon tissues of mice with TNBS-induced colitis (P < 0.05). Adenovirus-mediated upregulation of KLF11 significantly improved intestinal inflammation and reduced the expression levels of inflammatory factors in the intestinal mucosa of the colitis mouse models (P < 0.05). Overexpression of KLF11 significantly inhibited the expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in intestinal mucosal tissues of the mouse models and in Caco-2 cells (P < 0.05). Treatment with coumermycin A1 obviously inhibited the effect of KLF11 upregulation for improving colitis and significantly increased the expression levels of inflammatory factors in the intestinal mucosa of the mouse models (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: KLF11 is downregulated in the intestinal mucosa in CD, and upregulation of KLF11 can improve intestinal inflammation and reduce the production of inflammatory factors probably by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

A novel function of STAT3ß in suppressing interferon response improves outcome in acute myeloid leukemia.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is frequently overexpressed in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). STAT3 exists in two distinct alternatively spliced isoforms, the full-length isoform STAT3α and the C-terminally truncated isoform STAT3ß. While STAT3α is predominantly described as an oncogenic driver, STAT3ß has been suggested to act as a tumor suppressor. To elucidate the role of STAT3ß in AML, we established a mouse model of STAT3ß-deficient, MLL-AF9-driven AML. STAT3ß deficiency significantly shortened survival of leukemic mice confirming its role as a tumor suppressor. Furthermore, RNA sequencing revealed enhanced STAT1 expression and interferon (IFN) signaling upon loss of STAT3ß. Accordingly, STAT3ß-deficient leukemia cells displayed enhanced sensitivity to blockade of IFN signaling through both an IFNAR1 blocking antibody and the JAK1/2 inhibitor Ruxolitinib. Analysis of human AML patient samples confirmed that elevated expression of IFN-inducible genes correlated with poor overall survival and low STAT3ß expression. Together, our data corroborate the tumor suppressive role of STAT3ß in a mouse model in vivo. Moreover, they provide evidence that its tumor suppressive function is linked to repression of the STAT1-mediated IFN response. These findings suggest that the STAT3ß/α mRNA ratio is a significant prognostic marker in AML and holds crucial information for targeted treatment approaches. Patients displaying a low STAT3ß/α mRNA ratio and unfavorable prognosis could benefit from therapeutic interventions directed at STAT1/IFN signaling.

GGT1 is a SNP eQTL gene involved in STAT3 activation and associated with the development of Post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is an acute pancreatitis caused by endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). About 10% of patients develop PEP after ERCP. Here we show that gamma-glutamyltransferase 1 (GGT1)-SNP rs5751901 is an eQTL in pancreatic cells associated with PEP and a positive regulator of the IL-6 amplifier. More PEP patients had the GGT1 SNP rs5751901 risk allele (C) than that of non-PEP patients at Hokkaido University Hospital. Additionally, GGT1 expression and IL-6 amplifier activation were increased in PEP pancreas samples with the risk allele. A mechanistic analysis showed that IL-6-mediated STAT3 nuclear translocation and STAT3 phosphorylation were suppressed in GGT1-deficient cells. Furthermore, GGT1 directly associated with gp130, the signal-transducer of IL-6. Importantly, GGT1-deficiency suppressed inflammation development in a STAT3/NF-κB-dependent disease model. Thus, the risk allele of GGT1-SNP rs5751901 is involved in the pathogenesis of PEP via IL-6 amplifier activation. Therefore, the GGT1-STAT3 axis in pancreas may be a prognosis marker and therapeutic target for PEP.

NANOG regulate the JAK/STAT3 pathway to promote trophoblast cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) through protein interaction with CDK1.

PROBLEM: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a common pregnancy disease. NANOG and Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) are essential for regulating the function of cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, the mechanism of action in HDP is yet unclear. METHOD: The microarray dataset GSE6573 was downloaded from the GEO database. Emt-related gene set was downloaded from Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition gene database 2.0 were screened differentially expressed genes by bioinformatics analysis. Pathway Commons and Scansite 4.0 databases were used to predict the interaction between proteins. Placental tissue samples were collected from HDP patients and patients with uneventful pregnancies. RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of NANOG, CDK1, MMP-2, MMP-9, EMT markers and the JAK/STAT3 pathway proteins. Transfection NANOG overexpression/knockdown, and CDK1 knockdown into the human chorionic trophoblast cells (HTR-8/Svneo). CCK-8, Transwell and Wound-healing assay were used to evaluate cell proliferation, invasion and migration. CO-IP and GST pull-down assays were used to confirm the protein interaction. RESULTS: A total obtained seven EMT-related differentially expressed genes, wherein NANOG, NODAL and LIN28A had protein interaction. In the HDP patients' tissue found that NANOG and CDK1 had lower expression. NANOG overexpression promoted HTR-8/Svneo proliferation, migration and EMT, while NANOG knockdown had the opposite effect. Further a protein interaction between STAT3 and CDK1 with NANOG. NANOG overexpression downregulated the JAK/STAT3 pathway to promote HTR-8/Svneo proliferation, migration and EMT, which was reversed by CDK1 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS: NANOG downregulated the JAK/STAT3 pathway to promote trophoblast cell proliferation, migration and EMT through protein interaction with CDK1.

Uridine phosphorylase-1 promotes cell viability and cell-cycle progression in human epidermal keratinocytes via the glycolytic pathway.

Glycolysis is vital for the excessive proliferation of keratinocytes in psoriasis, and uridine phosphorylase-1 (UPP1) functions as an enhancer of cancer cell proliferation. However, little is known about whether UPP1 promotes keratinocyte proliferation and accelerates psoriasis development. This study revealed that UPP1 facilitates cell viability and cell-cycle progression in human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) by modulating the glycolytic pathway. Bioinformatics analysis of UPP1 gene expression and its correlation with the Reactome revealed that UPP1 mRNA expression, cell-cycle progression, the interleukin-6 (IL-6)/Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway and glycolysis were positively associated with psoriasis. Cell proliferation, the cell cycle and glycolysis were evaluated after UPP1 was silenced or overexpressed. The results showed that UPP1 overexpression increased cell proliferation, cell-cycle progression and glycolysis, which was contrary to the effects of UPP1 silencing. However, the STAT3 inhibitor diminished UPP1 expression because STAT3 can bind to the UPP1 promoter. In conclusion, UPP1 was significantly activated by the IL-6/STAT3 pathway and could modulate glycolysis to regulate cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression in keratinocytes during the development of psoriasis.

Hair growth-promoting effects of Enz_MoriL on human dermal papilla cells through modulation of the Wnt/ß-Catenin and JAK-STAT signaling pathways.

Enz_MoriL is a naturally occurring substance extracted from the leaves of Morus alba L. through enzymatic conversion. Historically, M. alba L. has been recognized for its potential to promote hair regrowth. However, the precise mechanism by which Enz_MoriL affects human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular basis of Enz_MoriL's effect on hair growth in hDPCs. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was used to examine the effects of Enz_MoriL on hDPCs during the anagen and catagen phases, as well as under conditions mimicking alopecia areata (AA). Enz_MoriL demonstrated the ability to promote cell proliferation in both anagen and catagen stages. It increased the levels of active ß-catenin in the catagen stage induced by IFN-γ, leading to its nuclear translocation. This effect was achieved by increasing the phosphorylation of GSK3ß and decreasing the expression of DKK-1. This stimulation induced proliferation in hDPCs and upregulated the expression of the Wnt family members 3a, 5a, and 7a at the transcript level. Additionally, Enz_MoriL suppressed JAK1 and STAT3 phosphorylation, contrasting with IFN-γ, which induced them in the catagen stage. In conclusion, Enz_MoriL directly induced signals for anagen re-entry into hDPCs by affecting the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway and enhancing the production of growth factors. Furthermore, Enz_MoriL attenuated and reversed the interferon-induced AA-like environment by blocking the JAK-STAT pathway in hDPCs.

Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived periostin promotes papillary thyroid tumor growth through integrin-FAK-STAT3 signaling.

Background: Periostin (POSTN) is a critical extracellular matrix protein in various tumor microenvironments. However, the function of POSTN in thyroid cancer progression remains largely unknown. Methods: Postn and Rag1 knock-out mice and orthotopic mouse models were used to determine the role of POSTN on papillary thyroid tumor progression. Immunofluorescence, cell co-culture, fluorescence in situ hybridization, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, recombinant protein and inhibitor treatment were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms of POSTN-promoted papillary thyroid tumor growth. Results: POSTN is up-regulated in papillary thyroid tumors and negatively correlates with the overall survival of patients with thyroid cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived POSTN promotes papillary thyroid tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. POSTN deficiency in CAFs significantly impairs CAF-promoted papillary thyroid tumor growth. POSTN promotes papillary thyroid tumor cell proliferation and IL-4 expression through integrin-FAK-STAT3 signaling. In turn, tumor cell-derived IL-4 induces the activation of CAFs and stimulates POSTN expression by activating STAT6. We reveal the crucial role of CAF-derived POSTN and tumor cell-derived IL-4 in driving the development of papillary thyroid tumors through the POSTN-integrin-FAK-STAT3-IL-4 pathway in tumor cells and IL-4-STAT6-POSTN signaling in CAFs. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the significance of POSTN and IL-4 as critical molecular mediators in the dynamic interplay between CAFs and tumor cells, ultimately supporting the growth of papillary thyroid tumors.

Inhibition of STAT3 by S3I-201 suppress peritoneal fibroblast phenotype conversion and alleviate peritoneal fibrosis.

Peritoneal fibrosis is a common pathological response to long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) and a major cause for PD discontinuation. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the induction and progression of peritoneal fibrosis is of great interest. In our study, in vitro study revealed that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a key factor in fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. Furthermore, STAT3 induced by IL-6 trans-signalling pathway mediate the fibroblasts of the peritoneal stroma contributed to peritoneal fibrosis. Inhibition of STAT3 exerts an antifibrotic effect by attenuating fibroblast activation and ECM production with an in vitro co-culture model. Moreover, STAT3 plays an important role in the peritoneal fibrosis in an animal model of peritoneal fibrosis developed in mice. Blocking STAT3 can reduce the peritoneal morphological changes induced by chlorhexidine gluconate. In conclusion, our findings suggested STAT3 signalling played an important role in peritoneal fibrosis. Therefore, blocking STAT3 might become a potential treatment strategy in peritoneal fibrosis.

Tumor-associated NK cells drive MDSC-mediated tumor immune tolerance through the IL-6/STAT3 axis.

Apart from their killer identity, natural killer (NK) cells have integral roles in shaping the tumor microenvironment. Through immune gene deconvolution, the present study revealed an interplay between NK cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in nonresponders of immune checkpoint therapy. Given that the mechanisms governing the outcome of NK cell-to-myeloid cell interactions remain largely unknown, we sought to investigate the cross-talk between NK cells and suppressive myeloid cells. Upon contact with tumor-experienced NK cells, monocytes and neutrophils displayed increased expression of MDSC-related suppressive factors along with increased capacities to suppress T cells. These changes were accompanied by impaired antigen presentation by monocytes and increased ER stress response by neutrophils. In a cohort of patients with sarcoma and breast cancer, the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by tumor-infiltrating NK cells correlated with S100A8/9 and arginase-1 expression by MDSCs. At the same time, NK cell-derived IL-6 was associated with tumors with higher major histocompatibility complex class I expression, which we further validated with b2m-knockout (KO) tumor mice models. Similarly in syngeneic wild-type and IL-6 KO mouse models, we then demonstrated that the accumulation of MDSCs was influenced by the presence of such regulatory NK cells. Inhibition of the IL-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) axis alleviated suppression of T cell responses, resulting in reduced tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. Together, these results characterize a critical NK cell-mediated mechanism that drives the development of MDSCs during tumor immune escape.

Pharmacokinetic studies, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations of phytochemicals from Morus alba: a multi receptor approach for potential therapeutic agents in colorectal cancer.

This study explores the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals derived from Morus alba for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. Colorectal cancer is a global health concern with increasing mortality rates, necessitating innovative strategies for prevention and therapy. Employing in silico analysis, molecular docking techniques (MDT), and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS), the study investigates the interactions between Morus alba-derived phytochemicals and key proteins (AKT1, Src, STAT3, EGFR) implicated in CRC progression. ADME/T analysis screens 78 phytochemicals for drug-like and pharmacokinetic properties. The study integrates Lipinski's Rule of Five and comprehensive bioactivity assessments, providing a nuanced understanding of Morus alba phytoconstituent's potential as CRC therapeutic agents. Notably, 14 phytochemicals out of 78 emerge as potential candidates, demonstrating oral bioavailability and favorable bioactivity scores. Autodock 1.5.7 is employed for energy minimization followed by molecular docking with the highest binding energy observed to be - 11.7 kcal/mol exhibited by Kuwanon A against AKT1. Molecular dynamics simulations and trajectory path analysis were conducted between Kuwanon A and AKT1 at the Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain region (TRP80), revealing minimal deviations. In comparison to the standard drug Capivasertib, the phytochemical Kuwanon A emerges as a standout candidate based on computational analysis. This suggests its potential as an alternative to mitigate the limitations associated with the standard drug. The research aims to provide insights for future experimental validations and to stimulate the development of Kuwanon A as a novel, effective therapeutic agent for managing colorectal cancer.

Features of Intracellular Signal Transduction in Neural Stem Cells under the Influence of Alkaloid Songorine, an Agonist of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors.

We performed a comparative in vitro study of the involvement of NF-κB, PI3K, cAMP, ERK1/2, p38, JAKs, STAT3, JNK, and p53-dependent intracellular signaling in the functioning of neural stem cells (NSC) under the influence of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and FGF receptor agonist, diterpene alkaloid songorine. The significant differences in FGFR-mediated intracellular signaling in NSC were revealed for these ligands. In both cases, stimulation of progenitor cell proliferation occurs with the participation of NF-κB, PI3K, ERK1/2, JAKs, and STAT3, while JNK and p53, on the contrary, inhibit cell cycle progression. However, under the influence of songorin, cAMP- and p38-mediated cascades are additionally involved in the transmission of the NSC division-activating signal. In addition, unlike FGF, the alkaloid stimulates progenitor cell differentiation by activating ERK1/2, p38, JNK, p53, and STAT3.

Quercetin exerts anti-tumor immune mechanism by regulating IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to deplete Treg cells.

Breast cancer is still the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Due to the lack of effective drug targets, triple-negative breast cancer has a worse prognosis and higher mortality compared with other types of breast cancer, and chemotherapy is still the main treatment for triple-negative breast cancer at present. Quercetin (QUE) is a flavonoid compound found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. The mechanism of QUE has been extensively studied, such as prostate cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. However, the anti-tumor immune mechanism of QUE in triple-negative breast cancer remains unclear. Therefore, we assessed the anti-tumor immune effects of QUE on triple-negative breast cancer using both 4T1 cells and a xenograft mouse model of 4T1 cells. In vitro, we examined the inhibitory effects of QUE on 4T1 cells and its molecular mechanisms through MTT, Transwell, ELISA, and Western blotting. In vivo, by establishing a xenograft mouse model, we utilized flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and Western blotting to evaluate the anti-tumor immune effects of QUE on triple-negative breast cancer. The results indicate that QUE inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of 4T1 cells, concurrently significantly suppressing the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, it depletes Treg cell content in 4T1 xenograft mice, thereby improving the tumor immune microenvironment and promoting the cytotoxicity of relevant tumor immune cells. These findings suggest that QUE may serve as a potential adjuvant for immune therapy in triple-negative breast cancer.

Knockdown of trem2 promotes proinflammatory microglia and inhibits glioma progression via the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB pathways.

BACKGROUND: In the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (trem2) is widely considered to be a crucial molecule on tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs). Multiple studies have shown that trem2 may function as an immune checkpoint in various malignant tumors, mediating tumor immune evasion. However, its specific molecular mechanisms, especially in glioma, remain elusive. METHODS: Lentivirus was transfected to establish cells with stable knockdown of trem2. A Transwell system was used for segregated coculture of glioma cells and microglia. Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR), and immunofluorescence (IF) were used to measure the expression levels of target proteins. The proliferation, invasion, and migration of cells were detected by colony formation, cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) and transwell assays. The cell cycle, apoptosis rate and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of cells were assessed using flow cytometry assays. The comet assay and tube formation assay were used to detect DNA damage in glioma cells and angiogenesis activity, respectively. Gl261 cell lines and C57BL/6 mice were used to construct the glioma orthotopic transplantation tumor model. RESULTS: Trem2 was highly overexpressed in glioma TAMs. Knocking down trem2 in microglia suppressed the growth and angiogenesis activity of glioma cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, knockdown of trem2 in microglia promoted proinflammatory microglia and inhibited anti-inflammatory microglia by activating jak2/stat1 and inhibiting the NF-κB p50 signaling pathway. The proinflammatory microglia produced high concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and high levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß, and caused further DNA damage and promoted the apoptosis rate of tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that trem2 in microglia plays a significant role in the TIME of gliomas. Knockdown of trem2 in microglia might help to improve the efficiency of inhibiting glioma growth and delaying tumor progression and provide new ideas for further treatment of glioma.

Interlukin-22 improves ovarian function in polycystic ovary syndrome independent of metabolic regulation: a mouse-based experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive endocrine disorder with multiple metabolic abnormalities. Most PCOS patients have concomitant metabolic syndromes such as insulin resistance and obesity, which often lead to the development of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease with serious consequences. Current treatment of PCOS with symptomatic treatments such as hormone replacement, which has many side effects. Research on its origin and pathogenesis is urgently needed. Although improving the metabolic status of the body can alleviate reproductive function in some patients, there is still a subset of patients with metabolically normal PCOS that lacks therapeutic tools to address ovarian etiology. METHODS: The effect of IL-22 on PCOS ovarian function was verified in a non-metabolic PCOS mouse model induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and rosiglitazone, as well as granulosa cell -specific STAT3 knockout (Fshrcre+Stat3f/f) mice (10 groups totally and n = 5 per group). Mice were maintained under controlled temperature and lighting conditions with free access to food and water in a specific pathogen-free (SPF) facility. Secondary follicles separated from Fshrcre+Stat3f/f mice were cultured in vitro with DHEA to mimic the hyperandrogenic environment in PCOS ovaries (4 groups and n = 7 per group) and then were treated with IL-22 to investigate the specific role of IL-22 on ovarian function. RESULTS: We developed a non-metabolic mice model with rosiglitazone superimposed on DHEA. This model has normal metabolic function as evidenced by normal glucose tolerance without insulin resistance and PCOS-like ovarian function as evidenced by irregular estrous cycle, polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), abnormalities in sex hormone level. Supplementation with IL-22 improved these ovarian functions in non-metabolic PCOS mice. Application of DHEA in an in vitro follicular culture system to simulate PCOS follicular developmental block and ovulation impairment. Follicles from Fshrcre+Stat3f/f did not show improvement in POCS follicle development with the addition of IL-22. In DHEA-induced PCOS mice, selective ablation of STAT3 in granulosa cells significantly reversed the ameliorative effect of IL-22 on ovarian function. CONCLUSION: IL-22 can improve non-metabolic PCOS mice ovarian function. Granulosa cells deficient in STAT3 reverses the role of IL-22 in alleviating ovary dysfunction in non-metabolic PCOS mice.

Chaga mushroom extract suppresses oral cancer cell growth via inhibition of energy metabolism.

Oral cancer stands as a prevalent maligancy worldwide; however, its therapeutic potential is limited by undesired effects and complications. As a medicinal edible fungus, Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) exhibits anticancer effects across diverse cancers. Yet, the precise mechanisms underlying its efficacy remain unclear. We explored the detailed mechanisms underlying the anticancer action of Chaga mushroom extract in oral cancer cells (HSC-4). Following treatment with Chaga mushroom extracts, we analyzed cell viability, proliferation capacity, glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, and apoptosis. Our findings revealed that the extract reduced cell viability and proliferation of HSC-4 cells while arresting their cell cycle via suppression of STAT3 activity. Regarding energy metabolism, Chaga mushroom extract inhibited glycolysis and mitochondrial membrane potential in HSC-4 cells, thereby triggering autophagy-mediated apoptotic cell death through activation of the p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Our results indicate that Chaga mushroom extract impedes oral cancer cell progression, by inhibiting cell cycle and proliferation, suppressing cancer cell energy metabolism, and promoting autophagy-mediated apoptotic cell death. These findings suggest that this extract is a promising supplementary medicine for the treatment of patients with oral cancer.