The role of podocyte injury in the pathogenesis of Fabry disease nephropathy / O papel da injúria podocitária na patogênese da nefropatia da doença de Fabry

Abstract Renal involvement is one of the most severe morbidities of Fabry disease (FD), a multisystemic lysosomal storage disease with an X-linked inheritance pattern. It results from pathogenic variants in the GLA gene (Xq22.2), which encodes the production of alpha-galactosidase A (α-Gal), responsible for glycosphingolipid metabolism. Insufficient activity of this lysosomal enzyme generates deposits of unprocessed intermediate substrates, especially globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and derivatives, triggering cellular injury and subsequently, multiple organ dysfunction, including chronic nephropathy. Kidney injury in FD is classically attributed to Gb3 deposits in renal cells, with podocytes being the main target of the pathological process, in which structural and functional alterations are established early and severely. This configures a typical hereditary metabolic podocytopathy, whose clinical manifestations are proteinuria and progressive renal failure. Although late clinical outcomes and morphological changes are well established in this nephropathy, the molecular mechanisms that trigger and accelerate podocyte injury have not yet been fully elucidated. Podocytes are highly specialized and differentiated cells that cover the outer surface of glomerular capillaries, playing a crucial role in preserving the structure and function of the glomerular filtration barrier. They are frequent targets of injury in many nephropathies. Furthermore, dysfunction and depletion of glomerular podocytes are essential events implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease progression. We will review the biology of podocytes and their crucial role in regulating the glomerular filtration barrier, analyzing the main pathogenic pathways involved in podocyte injury, especially related to FD nephropathy.

Resumo O acometimento renal é uma das mais severas morbidades da doença de Fabry (DF), enfermidade multissistêmica de depósito lisossômico com padrão de herança ligada ao cromossomo X, decorrente de variantes patogênicas do gene GLA (Xq22.2), que codifica a produção de alfa-galactosidase A (α-Gal), responsável pelo metabolismo de glicoesfingolipídeos. A atividade insuficiente dessa enzima lisossômica gera depósitos de substratos intermediários não processados, especialmente do globotriaosilceramida (Gb3) e derivados, desencadeando injúria celular e, posteriormente, disfunção de múltiplos órgãos, incluindo a nefropatia crônica. A lesão renal na DF é classicamente atribuída aos depósitos de Gb3 nas células renais, sendo os podócitos o alvo principal do processo patológico, nos quais as alterações estruturais e funcionais são instaladas de forma precoce e severa, configurando uma podocitopatia metabólica hereditária típica, cujas manifestações clínicas são proteinúria e falência renal progressiva. Embora os desfechos clínicos tardios e as alterações morfológicas estejam bem estabelecidos nessa nefropatia, os mecanismos moleculares que deflagram e aceleram a injúria podocitária ainda não estão completamente elucidados. Podócitos são células altamente especializadas e diferenciadas que revestem a superfície externa dos capilares glomerulares, desempenhando papel essencial na preservação da estrutura e função da barreira de filtração glomerular, sendo alvos frequentes de injúria em muitas nefropatias. A disfunção e depleção dos podócitos glomerulares são, além disso, eventos cruciais implicados na patogênese da progressão da doença renal crônica. Revisaremos a biologia dos podócitos e seu papel na regulação da barreira de filtração glomerular, analisando as principais vias patogênicas envolvidas na lesão podocitária, especialmente relacionadas à nefropatia da DF.

The Role of Marein During Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Diabetic Kidney Disease / Rol de la Mareína Durante la Transición Endotelial-Mesenquimatosa en la Enfermedad Renal Diabética

SUMMARY: Marein is a flavonoid compound that reduces blood glucose and lipids and has a protective effect in diabetes. However, the effect and mechanism(s) of marein on renal endothelial-mesenchymal transition in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) have not been elucidated. In this study, single-cell sequencing data on DKD were analyzed using a bioinformation method, and the data underwent reduced dimension clustering. It was found that endothelial cells could be divided into five subclusters. The developmental sequence of the subclusters was 0, 1, 4, 2, and 3, of which subcluster 3 had the most interstitial phenotype.The expression of mesenchymal marker protein:Vimentin(VIM), Fibronectin(FN1), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) increased with the conversion of subclusters. In db/db mice aged 13-14 weeks, which develop DKD complications after 8-12 weeks of age, marein reduced blood levels of glucose, creatinine, and urea nitrogen, improved structural damage in kidney tissue, and reduced collagen deposition and the expression of FN1 and VIM. Marein also up-regulated autophagy marker:Light chain 3II/I(LC3II/I) and decreased FGFR1 expression in renal tissue. In an endothelial-mesenchymal transition model, a high glucose level induced a phenotypic change in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Marein decreased endothelial cell migration, improved endothelial cell morphology, and decreased the expression of VIM and FN1. The use of the FGFR1 inhibitor, AZD4547, and autophagy inhibitor, 3-Methyladenine(3-MA), further demonstrated the inhibitory effect of marein on high glucose-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition by reducing FGFR1 expression and up-regulating the autophagy marker protein, LC3II/I. In conclusion, this study suggests that marein has a protective effect on renal endothelial- mesenchymal transition in DKD, which may be mediated by inducing autophagy and down-regulating FGFR1 expression.

La mareína es un compuesto flavonoide que reduce la glucosa y los lípidos en sangre y tiene un efecto protector en la diabetes. Sin embargo, no se han dilucidado el efecto y los mecanismos de la mareína sobre la transición endotelial- mesenquimatosa renal en la enfermedad renal diabética (ERD). En este estudio, los datos de secuenciación unicelular sobre DKD se analizaron utilizando un método de bioinformación y los datos se sometieron a una agrupación de dimensiones reducidas. Se descubrió que las células endoteliales podían dividirse en cinco subgrupos. La secuencia de desarrollo de los subgrupos fue 0, 1, 4, 2 y 3, de los cuales el subgrupo 3 tenía el fenotipo más intersticial. La expresión de la proteína marcadora mesenquimatosa: vimentina (VIM), fibronectina (FN1) y receptor del factor de crecimiento de fibroblastos. 1 (FGFR1) aumentó con la conversión de subgrupos. En ratones db/db de 13 a 14 semanas de edad, que desarrollan complicaciones de DKD después de las 8 a 12 semanas de edad, la mareína redujo los niveles sanguíneos de glucosa, creatinina y nitrógeno ureico, mejoró el daño estructural en el tejido renal y redujo la deposición y expresión de colágeno de FN1 y VIM. Marein también aumentó el marcador de autofagia: Cadena ligera 3II/I (LC3II/I) y disminuyó la expresión de FGFR1 en el tejido renal. En un modelo de transición endotelial-mesenquimal, un nivel alto de glucosa indujo un cambio fenotípico en las células endoteliales de la vena umbilical humana. Marein disminuyó la migración de células endoteliales, mejoró la morfología de las células endoteliales y disminuyó la expresión de VIM y FN1. El uso del inhibidor de FGFR1, AZD4547, y del inhibidor de la autofagia, 3-metiladenina (3-MA), demostró aún más el efecto inhibidor de la mareína en la transición endotelial-mesenquimal inducida por niveles altos de glucosa al reducir la expresión de FGFR1 y regular positivamente la proteína marcadora de autofagia. , LC3II/I. En conclusión, este estudio sugiere que la mareína tiene un efecto protector sobre la transición endotelial-mesenquimatosa renal en la ERC, que puede estar mediada por la inducción de autofagia y la regulación negativa de la expresión de FGFR1.

Inhibition of anlotinib-induced autophagy attenuates invasion and migration by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cytoskeletal rearrangement through ATG5 in human osteosarcoma cells

Abstract The cure rates for osteosarcoma have remained unchanged in the past three decades, especially for patients with pulmonary metastasis. Thus, a new and effective treatment for metastatic osteosarcoma is urgently needed. Anlotinib has been reported to have antitumor effects on advanced osteosarcoma. However, both the effect of anlotinib on autophagy in osteosarcoma and the mechanism of anlotinib-mediated autophagy in pulmonary metastasis are unclear. The effect of anlotinib treatment on the metastasis of osteosarcoma was investigated by transwell assays, wound healing assays, and animal experiments. Related proteins were detected by western blotting after anlotinib treatment, ATG5 silencing, or ATG5 overexpression. Immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect alterations in autophagy and the cytoskeleton. Anlotinib inhibited the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells but promoted autophagy and increased ATG5 expression. Furthermore, the decreases in invasion and migration induced by anlotinib treatment were enhanced by ATG5 silencing. In addition, Y-27632 inhibited cytoskeletal rearrangement, which was rescued by ATG5 overexpression. ATG5 overexpression enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistically, anlotinib-induced autophagy promoted migration and invasion by activating EMT and cytoskeletal rearrangement through ATG5 both in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that anlotinib can induce protective autophagy in osteosarcoma cells and that inhibition of anlotinib-induced autophagy enhanced the inhibitory effects of anlotinib on osteosarcoma metastasis. Thus, the therapeutic effect of anlotinib treatment can be improved by combination treatment with autophagy inhibitors, which provides a new direction for the treatment of metastatic osteosarcoma.

Serum autophagy-related gene 5 level in stroke patients: correlation with CD4+ T cells and cognition impairment during a 3-year follow-up

Abstract Autophagy-related gene (ATG) 5 regulates blood lipids, chronic inflammation, CD4+ T-cell differentiation, and neuronal death and is involved in post-stroke cognitive impairment. This study aimed to explore the correlation of serum ATG5 with CD4+ T cells and cognition impairment in stroke patients. Peripheral blood was collected from 180 stroke patients for serum ATG5 and T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cell detection via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and flow cytometry. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale was completed at enrollment, year (Y)1, Y2, and Y3 in stroke patients. Serum ATG5 was also measured in 50 healthy controls (HCs). Serum ATG5 was elevated in stroke patients compared to HCs (P<0.001) and was positively correlated to Th2 cells (P=0.022), Th17 cells (P<0.001), and Th17/Treg ratio (P<0.001) in stroke patients but not correlated with Th1 cells, Th1/Th2 ratio, or Treg cells (all P>0.050). Serum ATG5 (P=0.037), Th1 cells (P=0.022), Th17 cells (P=0.002), and Th17/Treg ratio (P=0.018) were elevated in stroke patients with MMSE score-identified cognition impairment vs those without cognition impairment, whereas Th2 cells, Th1/Th2 ratio, and Treg cells were not different between them (all P>0.050). Importantly, serum ATG5 was negatively linked with MMSE score at enrollment (P=0.004), Y1 (P=0.002), Y2 (P=0.014), and Y3 (P=0.001); moreover, it was positively related to 2-year (P=0.024) and 3-year (P=0.012) MMSE score decline in stroke patients. Serum ATG5 was positively correlated with Th2 and Th17 cells and estimated cognitive function decline in stroke patients.

Silencing of matrix metalloprotease-12 delays the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer by regulating autophagy and lipolysis

Abstract The complex pathogenesis of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) makes it challenging to identify effective treatment methods. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 can degrade elastin as well as various extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which is associated with cancer progression. However, the relationship between MMP-12 and CRPC progression is poorly understood. In this study, we observed the effect of MMP-12 on the progression of CRPC and further explored its potential mechanism of action. High levels of MMP-12 were observed in patients with CRPC. We therefore developed cell co-culture and mouse models to study the function of MMP-12. Silencing MMP-12 in CRPC cells disrupted lipid utilization and autophagy marker expression via the CD36/CPT1 and P62/LC3 pathways, respectively, leading to reduced CRPC cell migration and invasion. Moreover, animal experiments confirmed that MMP-12-knockdown CRPC xenograft tumors exhibited reduced tumor growth, and the mechanisms involved the promotion of cancer cell autophagy and the inhibition of lipid catabolism. According to our results, MMP-12 played important roles in the progression of CRPC by disrupting adipocyte maturation and regulating cancer migration and invasion via the modulation of autophagy and lipid catabolism pathways.

Silencing ANGPT2 alleviates ulcerative colitis by regulating autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation via the mTOR signaling pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a difficult intestinal disease characterized by inflammation, and its mechanism is complex and diverse. Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPT2) plays an important regulatory role in inflammatory diseases. However, the role of ANGPT2 in UC has not been reported so far. After exploring the expression level of ANGPT2 in serum of UC patients, the reaction mechanism of ANGPT2 was investigated in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC mice. After ANGPT2 expression was suppressed, the clinical symptoms and pathological changes of UC mice were detected. Colonic infiltration, oxidative stress, and colonic mucosal barrier in UC mice were evaluated utilizing immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and related kits. Finally, western blot was applied for the estimation of mTOR signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins. ANGPT2 silencing improved clinical symptoms and pathological changes, alleviated colonic inflammatory infiltration and oxidative stress, and maintained the colonic mucosal barrier in DSS-induced UC mice. The regulatory effect of ANGPT2 on UC disease might occur by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway and thus affecting autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation. ANGPT2 silencing alleviated UC by regulating autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation via the mTOR signaling pathway.

Coenzyme Q10 prevents RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by promoting autophagy via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant that is implicated in the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, but the underlying mechanism has not been determined. We explored the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in this process. RAW264.7 cells received receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and CoQ10, after which the differentiation and viability of osteoclasts were assessed. After the cells were treated with CoQ10 and/or H2O2 and RANKL, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proteins involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways and autophagy were tested. Moreover, after the cells were pretreated with or without inhibitors of the two pathways or with the mitophagy agonist, the levels of autophagy-related proteins and osteoclast markers were measured. CoQ10 significantly decreased the number of TRAP-positive cells and the level of ROS but had no significant impact on cell viability. The relative phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, ERK, and p38 were significantly reduced, but the levels of FOXO3/LC3/Beclin1 were significantly augmented. Moreover, the levels of FOXO3/LC3/Beclin1 were significantly increased by the inhibitors and mitophagy agonist, while the levels of osteoclast markers showed the opposite results. Our data showed that CoQ10 prevented RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by promoting autophagy via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways in RAW264.7 cells.

The essential role of adenine nucleotide translocase 4 on male reproductive function in mice

Adenine nucleotide translocator 4 (Ant4), an ATP/ADP transporter expressed in the early phases of spermatogenesis, plays a crucial role in male fertility. While Ant4 loss causes early arrest of meiosis and increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in male mice, its other potential functions in male fertility remain unexplored. Here, we utilized Ant4 knockout mice to delineate the effects of Ant4-deficiency on male reproduction. Our observations demonstrated that Ant4-deficiency led to infertility and impaired testicular development, which was further investigated by evaluating testicular oxidative stress, autophagy, and inflammation. Specifically, the loss of Ant4 led to an imbalance of oxidation and antioxidants. Significant ultrastructural alterations were identified in the testicular tissues of Ant4-deficient mice, including swelling of mitochondria, loss of cristae, and accumulation of autophagosomes. Our results also showed that autophagic flux and AKT-AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway were affected in Ant4-deficient mice. Moreover, Ant4 loss increased the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Overall, our findings underscored the importance of Ant4 in regulating oxidative stress, autophagy, and inflammation in testicular tissues. Taken together, these insights provided a nuanced understanding of the significance of Ant4 in testicular development.

Inhibitory Effect of Sesquiterpenoid M36 from Myrrha on Growth of Human Hepatoma Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveThe antitumor activity of sesquiterpenoid M36 isolated from Myrrha against human hepatoma HepG2 cells was investigated in this study. MethodHepG2 cells were treated with M36 at different concentrations （0， 2， 4， 6， 8， 10 μmol·L-1）. Firstly， the effects of M36 on the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT）， colony formation assay， and EdU proliferation assay. Hoechst staining， flow cytometry analysis， and Western blot were used to explore the effect of M36 on the apoptosis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Acridine orange staining and western blotting were used to examine the effect of M36 on autophagy in HepG2 cells. Finally， Western blot was used to detect protein expression of cancer-related signaling pathways. ResultCompared with the blank group， M36 treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells （P<0.01）， and the half inhibitory concentration （IC50） value of M36 for 48 h was 5.03 μmol·L-1， in a dose- and time-dependent manner. M36 was also able to induce apoptosis and autophagy in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. After treatment with 8 μmol·L-1 M36 for 48 hours， the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells was （42.03±9.65）% （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， HepG2 cells treated with 4 and 8 μmol·L-1 M36 for 48 h had a significant increase in cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase （cleaved-PARP） protein levels （P<0.01）. Acridine orange staining showed that autophagy was significantly activated in HepG2 cells treated with 4 and 8 μmol·L-1 M36 for 48 h compared with the blank group （P<0.01）， which was further verified by the up-regulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ （LC3 Ⅱ）. Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group， the levels of phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinase （p-ERK）， phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p-p38 MAPK）， phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase （p-JNK）， and its downstream nuclear transcription factors c-Jun and p-c-Jun protein were significantly increased in M36 group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of MAPK signaling pathway. ConclusionThe sesquiterpenoid M36 isolated from Myrrha inhibits the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells and promotes apoptosis and autophagy， which may be related to the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway.

Mechanism of Xibining Ⅱ Combined with ADSC-Exos in Improving Knee Osteoarthritis by Regulating Mitochondrial Autophagy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Xibining （XBN） and adipose stem cell exosome （ADSC-Exos） in the cases of separate or joint application on cartilage degeneration and mitochondrial autophagy and explore its mechanism of action to improve knee osteoarthritis （KOA）. MethodSD rats were divided into a sham operation group （sham group）， a model group， an ADSC-Exos group （Exos group）， an XBN group， and an ADSC-Exos+XBN group （Exos+XBN group）. KOA model was established by using anterior cruciate ligament transection （ACLT）. The pain sensitivity status of rats was evaluated， and the degeneration degree of the knee joint and cartilage tissue was detected by Micro-CT and pathological staining. The expression of p62 and LC3B was observed by immunofluorescence， and the serum levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and IL-15 in rats were detected by ELISA. The Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of MMP-3， MMP-13， ADAMTS5， ColⅡ， TIMP， ACAN， PINK1， Parkin， p62， and LC3A/B. ResultCompared with the sham group， rats in the model group showed decreased cold-stimulated foot-shrinkage thresholds and mechanical pain sensitivity thresholds， varying degrees of abrasion and loss of cartilage tissue， degeneration of cartilage tissue， elevated serum IL-1β， IL-6， IL-15， and TNF-α levels （P<0.01）， and increased protein expression of MMP-3， MMP-13， and ADAMTS5 in cartilage tissue. In addition， the protein expression of ColⅡ， TIMP1， and ACAN was decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， rats in each treatment group showed higher cold-stimulated foot-shrinkage thresholds and mechanical pain sensitivity thresholds， reduced cartilage tissue degeneration， lower serum levels of IL-1β， IL-6， IL-15， and TNF-α （P<0.05，P<0.01）， decreased protein expression of MMP-3， MMP-13， and ADAMTS5， and higher protein expression of Cold， TIMP1， and ACAN in cartilage tissue （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Moreover， the changes were the most obvious in the Exos+XBN group. ConclusionBoth ADSCs-Exos and XBN can increase the level of mitochondrial autophagy in chondrocytes and delay cartilage tissue degeneration by promoting the expression of the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway， and the combination of the two can enhance the therapeutic effect.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Ischemic Stroke by Regulating mTOR Signaling Pathway： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Ischemic stroke （IS） is a serious cerebrovascular disease common in clinical practice. Targeting the pathogenesis of IS， intravenous thrombolysis for restoring blood flow is still the most effective therapy. However， intravenous thrombolysis has shortcomings such as increased bleeding risk， narrow therapeutic window， and contraindications， which limited its clinical application. Protection of the ischemic brain tissue before full recovery of blood flow is associated with the prognosis of IS. Studies have identified multiple pathways in the alleviation of the brain injury caused by IS， such as the mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has abundant therapies and unique advantages in the treatment of IS， especially in alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients. After the onset of IS， TCM can be integrated with Western medicine to play a role in the whole process of treatment， rehabilitation， and recurrence prevention as soon as possible， thus maximizing patient benefits. TCM has clinical significance for the recovery of neurological and motor functions after IS. Studies have shown that TCM can reduce the cerebral injury caused by IS by regulating and activating the mTOR signaling pathway， thereby regulating autophagy， inhibiting apoptosis of nerve cells， and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. TCM exerts a positive effect for achieving cerebral protection and improving the prognosis of IS and provides new ideas for the prevention and treatment of IS. This article introduces the role of the mTOR signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of IS and reviews the research progress in the TCM regulation of this pathway in the treatment of IS， aiming to provide new therapeutic ideas and systematic scientific reference for the treatment of IS with TCM.

Mechanism of monoclonal antibody against interleukin IL-17A regulating autophagy and inflammation in gout / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To investigate the mechanism of anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody(secukinumab) regulating autophagy and inflammation in gout.Methods The peripheral venous blood samples from 57 patients with acute gout(AG),57patients with intermittent gout(IG) and 82 healthy volunteers were collected and measured for the mRNA transcription levels of autophagy-related genes(ATGs) ATG4B,ATG7, A TG16L1,Beclin-1 and LC3B by RT-qPCR.The model of AG inflammation was established by adding monosodium urate(MSU) crystals into the peripheral venous blood samples of healthy volunteers,and the transcription and protein expression of IL-1β were detected by RT-qPCR and ELISA at 0,1,2,4,6 and8 h and different concentrations(0,100,200 and 400 μmol/L) of secukinumab.The peripheral blood samples of healthy volunteers were divided into control(without MSU treatment),MSU(100 μg/mL),MSU+colchicine(100 μg/mL+30 μg/mL) and MSU+secukinumab(100 μg/mL+400 μmol/L) groups,which were detected for the mRNA transcription and protein expression of IL-1 β and ATGs by RT-qPCR and Western blot,and for the expression of IL-1β,IL-12 and IL-35 by ELISA.Results The mRNA expression levels of ATG4B, Beclin-1 and LC3B in AG,IG and healthy control groups were significantly different(F=3.896,11.78 and 3.856,respectively,each P <0.05),among which the mRNA levels in AG were lower than those in IG and HC groups(t=2.692,3.234,2.231 and 2.085,4.795,2.748,respectively,each P <0.05);the expression levels of ATG16L1 mRNA were significantly different in the three groups(F=7.949,P <0.001),and was significantly lower in AG group than HC group(t=3.860,P <0.001).In AG inflammation model,the mRNA and protein expression of IL-1 β reached their peak in 2—4 h,and the anti-inflammation effect of secukinumab was the strongest at the concentration of 400 μmol/L.Compared with MSU group,the mRNA levels of ATG16L1 and LC3B(t=2.343 and 2.916,respectively,each P <0.05) as well as the expression levels of ATG4B,ATG7,Beclin-1,ATG16L1 and LC3B-Ⅱ proteins(t=28.84,11.6,8.402,4.124 and 2.458,respectively,each P <0.05) in MSU+secukinumab group decreased significantly.The expression levels of IL-12 and IL-35 in the control,MSU,MSU+colchicine and MSU+secukinumab groups showed significant difference(F=7.009 and 6.518,respectively,each P <0.01).Compared with MSU group,the expression level of IL-12 significantly decreased(t=2.604,P <0.05)in MSU+secukinumab group,and the expression level of IL-35 also decreased,while with no significant difference(t=1.928,P> 0.05).Conclusion Secukinumab can regulate the mRNA and protein expression of ATGs,reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines,and inhibit gout inflammation,which provides a reference for the treatment of gout.

ATPR alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute liver injury in mice by promoting autophagy / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the effect of4-amino-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl retinate(ATPR)on acute liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)in C57BL/6 mice and its related mechanism.Methods Fifteen 6-week-old male C57BL/6 strain mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group and ATPR group,with 5 mice in each group.Mice in the ATPR group were intraperitoneally injected with ATPR(15 mg/kg·d),and normal group and model group were given solvent.After continuous administration for one week,model group and ATPR group were intraperitoneally injected with LPS(6 mg/kg),and all mice were sacrificed 6 hours later.The contents of Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and Aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in serum of mice were detec-ted.The mRNA levels of Interleukin-6(IL-6)and Tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)were detected by qPCR.Hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of liver in mice.The ultra-structural changes of mouse hepatocytes were observed by Transmission electron microscope(TEM).The expres-sion levels of mitochondrial damage-related proteins FUNDC1 and OPA1 and autophagy related proteins LC3B,P62,Beclin1 and ATG5 were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the normal group,the content of ALT and AST in serum and the mRNA levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in liver tissue increased in the model group,and the changes were reversed in the ATPR group.H&E staining showed that the hepatic lobule structure was normal in the normal group,the hepatic cords were arranged radially,there was no hyperemia and inflammatory cell infiltra-tion,and the hepatocyte boundary was clear.In the model group,the intercellular space of liver was enlarged,the arrangement of hepatic cords was disordered,and inflammatory cells infiltrated.In the ATPR group,the intercellu-lar space of liver and the structure of hepatic cords were restored,and the inflammatory cell infiltration was less.TEM showed that the damaged mitochondria and lipid droplet accumulation in the hepatocytes of mice in the model group were compared with that in the normal group,and the morphology and quantity of mitochondria and lipid droplet in the hepatocytes of mice in the ATPR group tended to be normal.Western blot showed that compared with the normal group,the expression of FUNDC1 protein in the liver tissues of mice in the model group increased,the expression of OPA1 protein decreased,the ratio of LC3B Ⅱ to LC3B Ⅰ decreased,the expression of P62 protein in-creased,the expression of Beclin1 and ATG5 protein decreased,and the above changes were reversed in the ATPR group.Conclusion ATPR alleviates acute liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice by promoting autoph-agy.

Mechanism of malignant behavior in cervical cancer cells based on NOD2-mediated AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To explore the mechanism of malignant behavior of cervical cancer(CC)cells based on AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/rapamycin target protein(mTOR)signaling pathway mediated by nucleo-tide-binding oligomerization domain receptor 2(NOD2).Methods Bioinformatics analysis was performed to deter-mine the expression of NOD2 in CC tissue.Plasmids targeting NOD2(shNOD2)and shRNAs negative control(shNC),NOD2 overexpression(NOD2)and vectors(Vec)were transfected into CC cells.The effect of NOD2 on the growth of CC cells was determined by cell counting kit-8 assay,colony formation and Transwell cell invasion as-say.Transcriptome analysis was performed by high throughput RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq).Western blot was used to detect the expression of NOD2,AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy protein in the cell line.24 female BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into four groups,with 6 mice in each group:vector group(Vec group),NOD2 overexpression group(NOD2 group),shNC group and shNOD2 group.The distant metastasis mod-el was established in mice,and the fluorescence intensity of lung metastasis was monitored and the number of lung metastasis nodules was counted.Results On-line database analysis showed that the expression of NOD2 in CC tis-sues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues,and there were significant differences in the mRNA expres-sion of NOD2 in different stages of CC(P＜0.05).In addition,the high expression of NOD2 was associated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival(P＜0.05).NOD2 overexpression promoted the proliferation,colony formation,migration and invasion of CC cells,while NOD2 knock-down was the opposite.Consistent with the re-sults in vitro,the lung colonization and lung metastasis of CC cells in NOD2 group were significantly higher than those in Vec group(P＜0.05),while those in shNOD2 group were significantly lower than those in shNC group(P＜0.05).RNA-Seq results showed that the expression of NOD2 was significantly related to AMPK signal activa-tion,mTOR signal inhibition,autophagy regulation pathway activation and autophagy formation.Compared with shNC group,the expression of phosphorylated AMPK and LC3 protein decreased significantly in shNOD2 group(P＜0.05),and the expression levels of phosphorylated mTOR and p62 protein increased significantly(P＜0.05).Compared with Vec group,the expression levels of LC3 and AMPK protein in NOD2 group increased significantly(P＜0.05),and the expression levels of phosphorylated mTOR and p62 protein decreased significantly(P＜0.05).Compared with shNC group,the point accumulation of GFP-mRFP-LC3 in shNOD2 group decreased signifi-cantly(P＜0.05).Compared with Vec group,the point accumulation of GFP-mRFP-LC3 increased significantly(P＜0.05).Conclusion NOD2 may promote the proliferation,migration and invasion of CC through AMPK/mTOR signal,and its mechanism partly involves autophagy activation.

Effect of culture supernatant of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on survival,apoptosis and endometrium receptivity of human endometrial stromal cells after treated with mifepristone / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To discuss the effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells culture supernatant(hUCMSCs-Sup)on the proliferation,apoptosis,and endometrium receptivity of the human endometrial stromal cells(hEndoSCs)treated with mifepristone(Ms),and to clarify the possible mechanism.Methods:The hEndoSCs were cultured in vitro and divided into control group and 40,60,80,and 100 μmol·L-1 Ms groups.The survival rates of the cells in various groups were detected by MTT assay.The hEndoSCs were divided into control group,40 μmol·L-1 Ms group,and 60 μmol·L-1 Ms group.The apoptotic rates of the cells in various groups were detected by flow cytometry;the expression levels of apoptosis-related protein B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)proteins in the cells in various groups were detected by Western blotting method,and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was calculated.After treated with hUCMSCs-Sup,the hEndoSCs were divided into control group,Ms group,Ms+hUCMSCs-Sup group,and Ms+hUCMSCs-Sup+3-methyladenine(3-MA)group.The survival rates of the cells in various groups were detected by MTT assay;the apoptotic rates of the cells in various groups were detected by flow cytometry;the expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B-Ⅱ(LC3B-Ⅱ)and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B-I(LC3B-Ⅰ)proteins in the cells in various groups were detected by Western blotting method,and the ratio of LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰwas calculated;the expression levels of endometrium receptivity marker molecules mRNA in the cells in various groups were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method.Results:Compared with control group,the survival rates of the cells in 40,60,80,and 100 μmol·L-1 Ms groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05)in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner.Compared with control group,the apoptotic rates of the cells in 40 and 60 μmol·L-1 Ms groups were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the ratios of Bcl-2/Bax were significantly decreased(P<0.05).After treated with hUCMSCs-Sup,compared with control group,the survival rate of the cells and ratio of LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰ in the cells in Ms group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the apoptotic rate was significantly increased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of homeobox A10(HOXA10),leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF),and integrin subunit beta 3(ITGB3)mRNA in the cells were significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with Ms group,the survival rate of the cells and ratio of LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰin the cells in Ms+hUCMSCs-Sup group were significantly increased(P<0.05),the apoptotic rate was significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of HOXA10,LIF,and ITGB3 mRNA in the cells were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with Ms+hUCMSCs-Sup group,the survival rate of the cells and ratio of LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰ in the cells in Ms+hUCMSCs-Sup+3-MA group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:hUCMSCs-Sup can increase the survival rate and decrease the apoptotic rate of the hEndoSCs after treated with Ms,and increase the endometrium receptivity,and its mechanism may be associated with the activation of autophagy of the hEndoSCs by hUCMSCs-Sup.

The mechanism of extract of ginkgo biloba inducing mitochondrial autophagy in breast cancer cells MCF-7 / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of extract of ginkgo biloba (EGB) on mitochondrial autophagy in breast cancer cells MCF-7.Methods:Breast cancer MCF-7 cells were divided into four groups. EGB with mass concentrations of 40, 80, 120 mg/L was used to incubate breast cancer MCF-7 cells for 24 h or 48 h, as a low concentration group of EGB, a medium concentration group of EGB, and a high concentration group of EGB. Breast cancer MCF-7 cells without intervention were taken as control group. Cell proliferation was measured using MTT assay; Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis; Immunofluorescence assay was used to determine the contents of prostacyclin (P62), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ), and caspase-3; The levels of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) were identified by PCR; Western blotting was used to detect the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p-ERK, and p-MAPK proteins in cells.Results:The results of MTT assay for cell proliferation showed that cell proliferation at 24 h in control group, EGB low, medium and high concentration groups were 0.95±0.14, 0.65±0.09, 0.51±0.07, 0.37±0.04, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=43.13, P<0.001), cell proliferation at 48 h were 1.32±0.19, 0.54±0.08, 0.32±0.05, 0.15±0.02, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=141.30, P<0.001). Compared with 24 h, cell proliferation was decreased in EGB low, medium and high concentration groups at 48 h (all P<0.05). Pairwise comparison showed that EGB treatment significantly decreased MCF-7 cell viability and cell proliferation was decreased in turn at 24 and 48 h in control group, low, medium, high EGB groups (all P<0.05). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the apoptosis rates of MCF-7 cells in control group, EGB low, medium and high concentration groups were 2.12%±0.23%, 9.28%±0.45%, 15.17%±1.28% and 22.21%±2.32%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=128.80, P<0.001). Pairwise comparison showed that the apoptosis rate of control group, EGB low, medium and high concentration groups were increased in turn (all P<0.05). The results of immunofluorescence assay showed that the protein relative expression levels of P62 protein in MCF-7 cells of control group, EGB low, medium and high concentration groups were 3.34±0.52, 2.85±0.47, 2.02±0.18 and 1.08±0.21, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=41.55, P<0.001). LC3Ⅱ protein relative expression levels were 0.24±0.05, 1.02±0.14, 1.47±0.26, 1.95±0.21, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=94.82, P<0.001). The relative expression levels of caspase-3 protein were 0.25±0.03, 0.68±0.21, 1.12±0.17 and 1.65±0.23, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=68.09, P<0.001). Pairwise comparison showed that LC3Ⅱ and caspase-3 protein expression levels were increased in turn in control group, EGB low, medium and high concentration groups, while P62 protein expression levels were decreased in turn (all P<0.05). The PCR experiment results showed that the MRP1 mRNA level of MCF-7 cells in control group, EGB low, medium and high concentration groups were 1.06±0.14, 0.83±0.18, 0.71±0.11, 0.52±0.08, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=17.41, P<0.001). The mRNA levels of MDR1 were 1.14±0.17, 0.75±0.13, 0.60±0.09, 0.48±0.06, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=34.40, P<0.001). BCRP mRNA levels were 1.09±0.11, 0.88±0.13, 0.69±0.07, 0.57±0.05, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=34.13, P<0.001). Pairwise comparison showed that the levels of MRP1, MDR1 and BCRP mRNA were decreased in turn in control group, EGB low, medium and high concentration groups (all P<0.05). The results of Western blotting showed that the expression of ERK in MCF-7 cells in control group, EGB low, medium and high concentration groups were 2.54±0.38, 1.89±0.25, 1.55±0.21, 1.12±0.16, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=31.18, P<0.001). MAPK expression were 2.47±0.34, 1.96±0.29, 1.63±0.27, 1.20±0.24, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=20.90, P<0.001). p-ERK expression were 2.03±0.29, 1.74±0.21, 1.45±0.11, 1.18±0.24, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=16.31, P<0.001). p-MAPK expression were 2.26±0.47, 1.90±0.41, 1.61±0.33, 1.35±0.16, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=7.01, P=0.002). Pairwise comparison showed that the expressions of ERK, MAPK, p-ERK and p-MAPK in control group, EGB low, medium and high concentration groups were decreased in turn (all P<0.05) . Conclusion:EGB can inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer MCF-7 cells, promote the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells, decrease the expression of P62 protein, increase the expression of LC3Ⅱ and caspase-3 protein, induce mitochondrial autophagy.

Rapamycin attenuates ioversol-induced acute kidney injury in rat models / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the role of autophagy in contrast-induced acute kidney injury(CI-AKI)in rats and to explore its possible mechanism.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into control group,acute kid-ney injury model group(intravenous injection of contrast medium ioversol via tail vein;model),rapamycin(RAPA)group and hydroxychloroquine(HCQ)group.Blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and serum creatinine(Scr)con-tents were measured and the potential change foun in renal pathology was detected by HE staining and microscopy.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe auto-phagy-related changes in ultrastructure.Western blot was used to observe the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,ubiquitin-binding protein p62 and Histone deacetylase 4(HDAC4).The expression of HDAC4 was also observed by RT-qPCR.Results Compared with control group,the level of BUN,Scr and HDAC4 expression in the model and HCQ group was increased(P＜0.01),the proximal tubules of the kidney were significantly damaged.In the model group,auto-phagososomes and autolysosomes increased,accompanied by an increase of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ and a decrease in the p62 level(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);Compared with model group,there were more autophagosomes and autolysosomes were found in RAPA group(P＜0.01),accompanied by increased LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰratio and decrease in the p62 and HDAC4(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).In contrast,the number of autophagy related structures decreased in HCQ group(P＜0.01),accompanied by the simultaneous increase of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,p62 and the increase of HDAC4(P＜0.01).Conclusions Ioversol may induce autophagy activation,while enhancing autophagy by RAPA alleviates CI-AKI induced renal dysfunction.The mechanism is potentially atributed to the regulation of HDAC4.

Effect of sorafenib induced apoptosis and autophagy on drug resistance in HeLa cells / 基础医学与临床

Objective To explore the effect of sorafenib on HeLa cell proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis and autophagy and its impact on drug resistance.Methods The drug-resistant cell strains were constructed through in-termittent induction method,with concentrations of 0,2.5,5.0,7.5,10.0,15.0,20.0 μmol/L.HeLa cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of sorafenib with each concentration for 1 week.The drug-resistant cell strains with stable passages were collected.MTT assay was used to detect the effect of sorafenib on cell prolifer-ation.Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry.The change in the expression of drug-resistant and ap-optotic genes in the parents and drug-resistant cell strains under different drug concentrations was examined by semi-quantitative PCR.The changes of apoptotic related marker proteins LC3-Ⅰ and LC3-Ⅱ were detected by Westernblot.Results Stable drug-resistant strains were successfully obtained;Drug-treated cells were more blocked in the G1 phase.In drug-resistant cells,the expression of apoptosis suppressor gene Bcl-2 was significantly decreased and the apoptotic gene Bax as well as the drug-resistant genes were all significantly increased(P＜0.05).The LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio of drug-resistant cells was significantly higher than that of parent cells(P＜0.05).Conclusions Sorafenib may block the cell cycle,suppress malignant cell proliferation and promote autophage.On one hand,autophagy participates in the development of cell drug resistance and promotes cell survival.On the other hand,drug-induced autophagy may activate some of apoptotic signaling pathway in drug-resistant cells and promote the reversal of cell drug resistance.

Expression levels and clinical significance of autophagy related proteins in placenta tissues of pregnant women with fetal growth restriction / 基础医学与临床

Objective To explore the expression and clinical significance of autophagy related proteins Beclin-1,microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)in placenta tissues of pregnant women with fetal growth restric-tion(FGR).Methods A total of 40 pregnant women undergoing delivery due to FGR and 40 pregnant women un-dergoing normal delivery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were enrolled as FGR group and healthy group between August 2022 and August 2023.The general clinical data in the two groups were collected.The levels of Beclin-1 and LC3 mRNA in placenta tissues were detected by PCR,and expressions of Beclin-1 and LC3 proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry.The differences in positive of Beclin-1 and LC3 proteins among patients with different clinical data were analyzed.Results The placental thickness,placental mass and neonatal weight in FGR group were lower than those in healthy group(P＜0.05).The mRNA levels of Beclin-1 and LC3 in FGR group were higher than those in healthy group(P＜0.05)and positive expression rates of Beclin-1 and LC3 proteins were significantly higher than those in healthy group(P＜0.05).There was significant difference in positive expression profile of Beclin-1 and LC3 proteins among patients with different placental thickness,placental mass and neonatal weight(P＜0.05).Conclusions The positive expressions of autophagy genes(Beclin-1 and LC3)are related to FGR,and their specific expression levels are closely related to fetal growth and development.

Lentiviral vector mediated steroidogenic factor-1 silencing regulating decidualization and autophagy of endometrial stromal cells / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the influence and mechanism of lentiviral vector-mediated steroidogenic factor-1(SF-1)silence on decidual process of human endometrial stromal cells(hESCs).Methods The endometrial tissues of patients with endometriosis(EM)and normal pregnant women were collected,and the differential expression of SF-1 was detected by Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining.hESCs were isolated from the endometrial tissue of normal pregnancy and identified,hESCs were divided into control group,estradiol(E2)+progesterone(P4)group,short hairpin RAN(shRNA,sh)-normal control(NC)+E2+P4 group,sh-SF-1+E2+P4 group,after the corresponding processing,the morphological changes of hESCs were observed under an inverted microscope.Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA expression levels and protein levels of human insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1(IGFBP-1)and prolactin(PRL)in cells,respectively,flow cytometry was used to determine the cycle distribution of the cells,immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expression of the intracellular auto-bid microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3),Western blotting was used to determine the protein level of intracellular autophagy-related proteins LC3-Ⅱ,LC3-Ⅰ and Beclin-1.Results The relative expression of SF-1 mRNA and the positive rate of SF-1 protein in endometrial tissue of EM patients were higher than those of normal pregnancy endometrial tissue(P<0.05).Compared with the sh-NC+E2+P4 group,the cells in the sh-SF-1+E2+P4 group were mostly long-spindle,and there was no obvious decidualization.The relative mRNA expression and protein expression of IGFBP1 and PRL were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05),the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase was significantly decreased,the proportion of cells in S phase was significantly increased(P<0.05),the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰwas significantly increased,and the relative expression of Beclin-1 protein was also significantly up-regulated(P<0.05).Conclusion The expression of SF-1 in the endometrial tissue of EM patients is increased,and SF-1 silencing mediated by lentiviral vector can inhibit the decidualization process of hESCs,which may be related to regulating the level of autophagy.