[Effect of moxibustion on autophagy in mice with Alzheimer's disease based on mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on autophagy and amyloid ß-peptide1-42 (Aß1-42) protein expression in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) double-transgenic mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: After 2-month adaptive feeding, fifty-six 6-month-old APP/PS1 double transgenic AD mice were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group, a rapamycin group and an inhibitor group, 14 mice in each group. Another 14 C57BL/6J mice with the same age were used as a normal group. The mice in the moxibustion group were treated with monkshood cake-separated moxibustion at "Baihui"(GV 20), "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) for 20 min; the mice in the rapamycin group were intraperitoneally injected with rapamycin (2 mg/kg); the mice in the inhibitor group were treated with moxibustion and injection of 1.5 mg/kg 3-methyladenine (3-MA). All the treatments were given once a day for consecutive 2 weeks. The morphology of hippocampal tissue was observed by HE staining; the ultrastructure of hippocampal tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy; the expression of Aß1-42 protein in frontal cortex and hippocampal tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry; the expressions of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) and phosphorylated p70S6K (p-p70S6K) protein in hippocampus were detected by Western blot method. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the number of neuron cells was decreased, cells were necrotic and deformed, and autophagy vesicle and lysosome were decreased in the model group. Compared with the model group, the number of neuron cells was increased, cell necrosis was decreased, and autophagy vesicle and lysosome were increased in the moxibustion group and the rapamycin group. Compared with the normal group, the protein expressions of Aß1-42, mTOR, p-mTOR, p70S6K and p-p70S6K in the model group were increased (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the protein expressions of Aß1-42, mTOR, p-mTOR, p70S6K and p-p70S6K in the moxibustion group, rapamycin group and inhibitor group were decreased (P<0.05); compared with the inhibitor group, the protein expressions of Aß1-42, mTOR, p-mTOR, p70S6K and p-p70S6K in the moxibustion group and rapamycin group were decreased (P<0.05); compared with the rapamycin group, the protein expressions of mTOR, p-mTOR, p70S6K and p-p70S6K in the moxibustion group were decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion could enhance autophagy in hippocampal tissue of APP/PS1 double transgenic AD mice and reduce abnormal Aß aggregation in brain tissue, the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway.

[Protective effect of salidroside on high fat-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes through AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K pathway].

The study explored the effect of salidroside(SAL) on high fat-induced apoptosis in H9 c2 cardiomyocytes based on AMPK/mTOR/p70 S6 K pathway.H9 c2 cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro and the lipotoxicity model of H9 c2 cardiomyocytes was constructed by 0.2 mmol·L~(-1) palmitic acid(PA) treatment for 24 hours.The cells were divided into control group, PA group, and SAL group(20 µmol·L~(-1)).Cell proliferation was detected with cell proliferation kit I(MTT) assay after SAL and PA treatment.Dihydroethidium(DHE) probe, Annexin V-FITC/PI kit, and JC-1 probe were used to estimate reactive oxygen species(ROS) level, cell apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP) change, respectively.The expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, p-p70 S6 K/p70 S6 K and apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 were investigated with Western blot.The mRNA levels of AMPK, mTOR and p70 S6 K were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).RESULTS:: showed that compared with control group, PA group had decreased cell proliferation ability, MMP, Bcl-2 protein expression and AMPK protein and mRNA expression, while increased ROS level, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression, and mTOR and p70 S6 K mRNA and protein expression, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05, P<0.01).Compared with PA group, SAL improved cell proliferation ability, MMP level, Bcl-2 protein expression, and AMPK mRNA and protein expression, while down-regulated ROS level, cell apoptosis, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression, and mTOR and p70 S6 K mRNA and protein expression, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05, P<0.01).In conclusion, SAL exerted protective effects on high fat-induced lipotoxicity of H9 c2 cardiomyocytes, alleviated the oxidative stress injury and reduced cell apoptosis via regulating AMPK/mTOR/p70 S6 K signaling pathway.

Low-frequency electroacupuncture improves disordered hepatic energy metabolism in insulin-resistant Zucker diabetic fatty rats via the AMPK/mTORC1/p70S6K signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Disordered hepatic energy metabolism is found in obese rats with insulin resistance (IR). There are insufficient experimental studies of electroacupuncture (EA) for IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to probe the effect of EA on disordered hepatic energy metabolism and the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)/ribosomal protein S6 kinase, 70-kDa (p70S6K) signaling pathway. METHODS: Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats were randomly divided into three groups: EA group receiving EA treatment; Pi group receiving pioglitazone gavage; and ZF group remaining untreated (n = 8 per group). Inbred non-insulin-resistant Zucker lean rats formed an (untreated) healthy control group (ZL, n = 8). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), C-peptide, C-reactive protein (CRP) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to investigate the liver morphologically. The mitochondrial structure of hepatocytes was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blotting was adopted to determine protein expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), mTOR, mTORC1, AMPK, tuberous sclerosis 2 (TSC2) and p70S6K, and their phosphorylation. RT-PCR was used to quantify IRS-1, mTOR, mTORC1, AMPK and p70S6K mRNA levels. RESULTS: Compared with the ZF group, FPG, FINS, C-peptide, CRP and HOMA-IR levels were significantly reduced in the EA group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Evaluation of histopathology showed improvement in liver appearances following EA. Phosphorylation levels of AMPK, mTOR and TSC2 decreased, and IRS-1 and p70S6K increased, in hepatocytes of the ZF group, while these negative effects appeared to be alleviated by EA. CONCLUSIONS: EA can effectively ameliorate IR and regulate energy metabolism in the ZDF rat model. AMPK/mTORC1/p70S6K and related molecules may represent a potential mechanism of action underlying these effects.

Effects of Cynaroside on Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis, Migration and Invasion though the MET/AKT/mTOR Axis in Gastric Cancer.

The Chinese medicine monomer cynaroside (Cy) is a flavonoid glycoside compound that widely exists in plants and has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as its important role in the respiratory system, cardiovascular system and central nervous system. Studies have reported that Cy has varying degrees of anticancer activity in non-small cell lung cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer and other cancers. However, there are no relevant reports about its role in gastric cancer. The MET/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway plays important roles in regulating various biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, invasion and tumorigenesis. In this study, we confirmed that Cy can inhibit the cell growth, migration and invasion and tumorigenesis in gastric cancer. Our finding shows that Cy can block the MET/AKT/mTOR axis by decreasing the phosphorylation level of AKT, mTOR and P70S6K. Therefore, the MET/AKT/mTOR axis may be an important target for Cy. In summary, Cy has anti-cancer properties and is expected to be a potential drug for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Moscatilin Inhibits Metastatic Behavior of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells: A Crucial Role of uPA Suppression via Akt/NF-κB-Dependent Pathway.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) frequently shows early invasion into blood vessels as well as intrahepatic metastasis. Innovations of novel small-molecule agents to block HCC invasion and subsequent metastasis are urgently needed. Moscatilin is a bibenzyl derivative extracted from the stems of a traditional Chinese medicine, orchid Dendrobium loddigesii. Although moscatilin has been reported to suppress tumor angiogenesis and growth, the anti-metastatic property of moscatilin has not been elucidated. The present results revealed that moscatilin inhibited metastatic behavior of HCC cells without cytotoxic fashion in highly invasive human HCC cell lines. Furthermore, moscatilin significantly suppressed the activity of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), but not matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. Interestingly, moscatilin-suppressed uPA activity was through down-regulation the protein level of uPA, and did not impair the uPA receptor and uPA inhibitory molecule (PAI-1) expressions. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of uPA was inhibited via moscatilin in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the expression of phosphorylated Akt, rather than ERK1/2, was inhibited by moscatilin treatment. The expression of phosphor-IκBα, and -p65, as well as κB-luciferase activity were also repressed after moscatilin treatment. Transfection of constitutively active Akt (Myr-Akt) obviously restored the moscatilin-inhibited the activation of NF-κB and uPA, and cancer invasion in HCC cells. Taken together, these results suggest that moscatilin impedes HCC invasion and uPA expression through the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Moscatilin might serve as a potential anti-metastatic agent against the disease progression of human HCC.

Zuojin Pill ameliorates chronic atrophic gastritis induced by MNNG through TGF-ß1/PI3K/Akt axis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Zuojin Pill (ZJP) is a classic prescription composed of Coptis chinensis and Tetradium ruticarpum (A.Juss.) T.G.Hartley, which is often used in the treatment of digestive system diseases. AIM OF THIS STUDY: The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of ZJP on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) induced by MNNG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The GES-1 and rat model of CAG was established by MNNG. Detection of cell viability, morphological changes and proliferation of GES-1 by CCK-8 and high content screening (HCS) assay. G-17, IL-8 and TNF-α in rat serum were detected by ELISA kit. The expression of related mRNA and protein on TGF-ß1/PI3K/Akt signal axis were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: The results showed that ZJP could significantly improve the GES-1 damage induced by MNNG and improve the gastric histomorphology of CAG rats. The intervention of ZJP could significantly reduce the content of G-17 and inflammatory factors IL-8, TNF- α, IL-6 and IL-1ß, inhibit the expression of TGF-ß1, PI3K and their downstream signals p-Akt, p-mTOR, P70S6K, and promote the expression level of PTEN, LC3-II and Beclin-1. CONCLUSION: ZJP has a good therapeutic effect on CAG induced by MNNG, which may be closely related to the inhibition of TGF-ß1/PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

The TOR pathway participates in the regulation of growth development in juvenile spotted drum (Nibea diacanthus) under different dietary hydroxyproline supplementation.

Commonly used aquatic feed naturally contains low-level or no hydroxyproline (Hyp). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary Hyp inclusion on growth performance, body composition, amino acid profiles, blood biochemistry, and the expression of target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway-related genes in juvenile Nibea diacanthus. Fish with similar size (initial body weight, 133.00 ± 2.14 g) were fed six isonitrogenous and isolipidic practical diets supplemented with graded levels of Hyp (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g kg-1 of dry matter) for 8 weeks. The results indicated that growth performance and feed utilization were improved with increased levels of dietary Hyp (P < 0.05), and the optimum amount of dietary Hyp estimated from SGR as 16.6 g kg-1. The crude protein of whole body and swim bladder and the amino acid composition of muscle and swim bladder were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the addition of dietary Hyp, which reflects the important role of feed composition in animal body composition. In addition, the expression levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (TOR) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase1 (S6K1) genes in the liver, muscle, and swim bladder increased with increasing Hyp content of diets, while the mRNA expression level of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein (4E-BP) gene in these tissues decreased. These results indicated that Hyp improved fish growth and the ability to synthesize proteins, most likely through the TOR pathway. It is suggested that dietary Hyp supplementation is particularly necessary for application in aquatic feed.

The Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Intestinal Protective Effects of Baicalin-Copper in Deoxynivalenol-Challenged Piglets.

The present study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant and intestinal protective effects of baicalin-copper on deoxynivalenol-challenged piglets. Forty weaned piglets were randomly divided into four groups and assigned to different diets: (1) basal diet (Con), (2) 4 mg/kg deoxynivalenol of basal diet (DON), (3) 5 g/kg baicalin-copper of basal diet (BCU); and (4) 4 mg/kg deoxynivalenol + 5 g/kg baicalin-copper of basal diet (DBCU). The results showed that the ADFI and ADG of piglets in the DON group were markedly lower than those in the Con group, but the ADFI and ADG of the DBCU group were not significantly different from those of the Con group. In piglets fed a DON-contaminated diet, dietary supplementation with BCU significantly decreased the mRNA levels of P70S6K, 4E-BP1, and HSP70 in the liver, the protein expression of HO-1 in the jejunum, and the expression of p-Nrf2 and p-NF-κB in the ileum but increased Mn-SOD activity in serum. Dietary supplementation with BCU increased jejunal maltase, ZIP4 and MT mRNA levels, and serum concentrations of Arg, Val, Ile, Leu, Lys, and Tyr in DON-contaminated piglets. In summary, BCU can alleviate the growth impairment induced by DON and enhance antioxidant capacity and nutrition absorption in piglets fed DON-contaminated diets.

Effects of low-protein diet supplementation with alpha-ketoglutarate on growth performance, nitrogen metabolism and mTOR signalling pathway of skeletal muscle in piglets.

Excessive protein levels in diets result in incomplete digestion of nitrogenous nutrients that are excreted from the body, causing environment pollution. Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) has been reported to decrease dietary protein levels, promote intestinal health in piglets and reduce environmental pollution. However, the underlying mechanisms of AKG are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of low-protein diet supplementation of AKG on the growth performance, nitrogen metabolism, relative expression of amino acid transporter genes and mTOR signalling pathway of skeletal muscle in piglets. Forty-eight piglets with an initial weight of 11.53 ± 0.04 kg were randomly divided into four groups. Each group had four replicates, and each replicate had three pigs. A low-protein (LP) diet (crude protein was 14.96%) served as the control without AKG, while 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% AKG were added to the LP diet for the other experimental groups. The trial period lasted for 28 days. Compared with the LP group, the LP + 1.0%A and LP + 1.5%A groups increased the growth performance (p < .05);increased the mRNA levels of amino acid transporters in the duodenum, anterior jejunum and posterior jejunum (p < .05); and reduced faecal nitrogen and urine nitrogen emissions (p < .05). They also showed greater mRNA levels and phosphorylated protein levels for S6 kinase beta (S6K) (p < .05), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) (p < .05) and 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) (p < .05) in skeletal muscle. An LP diet supplemented with AKG activated the mTOR signalling and promoted the ability of the small intestine to absorb protein, thereby increasing protein deposition. Taken together, an LP diet supplemented with AKG provides a theoretical basis for the promotion and application of AKG in piglet production.

Sasanquasaponin ΙΙΙ from Schima crenata Korth induces autophagy through Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway and promotes apoptosis in human melanoma A375 cells.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is a high fatality skin cancer which lacks effective drugs. Sasanquasaponin, an important sort of constituents in theaceae, has been demonstrated to have potent anti-tumor effect in breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. As a sasanquasaponin, we speculate that Sasanquasaponin III (SQS III) isolated from Schima crenata Korth may also have anti-tumor activity. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate whether SQS III has anti-melanoma activity and examine the underlying mechanisms of SQS III against melanoma. METHODS/STUDY DESIGNS: The anti-proliferative effect of SQS III was assessed by cells viability assay. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay was utilized for detection of apoptosis. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were detected using JC-1 and DCFH-DA assay, respectively. Autophagy was monitored using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and GFP-LC3 transfection fluorescence analysis. Autophagosome-lysosome fusion and lysosomal degradation were determined using a GFP-LC3 & LAMP1 co-localization assay and DQ-BSA staining. Proteins related to apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that the SQS III exhibited potent anti-cancer activity in A375 cells by inducing both apoptosis and autophagy. In melanoma cells treated with SQS III, caspases were activated and PARP was cleaved, proving the occurrence of apoptosis. Mechanistic studies indicated that the pro-apoptosis activity of SQS III was mediated by death receptor pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction which was induced by ROS accumulation and reversed by the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). In addition to triggering apoptosis, SQS III may also cause autophagy in melanoma cells. Our results demonstrated that SQS III induced up-regulated expression of GFP-LC3, autophagosome-lysosomal fusion and lysosomal degradation. Additionally, the ROS accumulation was also involved in the activation of autophagy. Meanwhile, it was also found that after SQS III treatment, the expression of LC3-II was up-regulated and the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was inhibited. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA converted cytotoxicity and apoptosis of SQS III in A375 cells, which indicated that autophagy promoted the SQS III-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION: SQS III showed potent anti-cancer activity by inducing apoptosis and autophagy, which provides insights into its possible use as a therapy for melanoma.

Comparative Study of Different Maternal Zinc Resource Supplementation on Performance and Breast Muscle Development of their Offspring.

Maternal zinc supplementation has a pivotal role in enhancing breast muscle development of the offspring. What is poorly defined is the impact of supplemental zinc from different sources on the offspring. Broiler breeders at 24-week-old were randomly divided into three treatments with six replicates of 40 hens each and respectively fed for 8 weeks with supplemental 0-(group Zn/C), 100 mg/kg organic-(group Zn/O), and 100 mg/kg inorganic-(group Zn/I) zinc. The male offspring from each nutritional treatment were allocated into eight cages of 14 birds each, and a commercial diet supplemented with zinc from ZnSO4 at 20 mg/kg was fed to the offsprings. Results showed that eggs from Zn/O group had the highest zinc deposition (P < 0.05). Furthermore, maternal zinc supplementation promoted breast muscle yield; increased serum insulin and IGF-I concentration; upregulated AKT, mTOR, and P70S6K mRNA levels; and improved the phosphorylation of AKT at Serine 473 residue, mTOR at Serine 2448 residue, and FOXO at Serine 256 residue in the breast muscles of the offspring. In contrast, hens' diet supplemented with zinc could result in downregulation of atrogin-1 and MuRF1 mRNA levels in the breast muscle of the offspring. Additionally, no significant effect on breast muscle development post-hatch was observed between organic and inorganic zinc supplementation. In conclusion, maternal organic zinc supplementation improved zinc deposition in egg; however, no significant difference was detected in breast muscle development of the offspring of broiler breeder between organic and inorganic zinc supplementation.

Attenuation of Free Fatty Acid-Induced Muscle Insulin Resistance by Rosemary Extract.

Elevated blood free fatty acids (FFAs), as seen in obesity, impair muscle insulin action leading to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Serine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS) is linked to insulin resistance and a number of serine/threonine kinases including JNK, mTOR and p70 S6K have been implicated in this process. Activation of the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) increases muscle glucose uptake, and in recent years AMPK has been viewed as an important target to counteract insulin resistance. We reported recently that rosemary extract (RE) increased muscle cell glucose uptake and activated AMPK. However, the effect of RE on FFA-induced muscle insulin resistance has never been examined. In the current study, we investigated the effect of RE in palmitate-induced insulin resistant L6 myotubes. Exposure of myotubes to palmitate reduced the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, increased serine phosphorylation of IRS-1, and decreased the insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt. Importantly, exposure to RE abolished these effects and the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was restored. Treatment with palmitate increased the phosphorylation/activation of JNK, mTOR and p70 S6K whereas RE completely abolished these effects. RE increased the phosphorylation of AMPK even in the presence of palmitate. Our data indicate that rosemary extract has the potential to counteract the palmitate-induced muscle cell insulin resistance and further studies are required to explore its antidiabetic properties.

Suppression of ribosomal protein RPS6KB1 by Nexrutine increases sensitivity of prostate tumors to radiation.

Radiation therapy (XRT) is a standard treatment for prostate cancer (PCa). Although dose escalation increases local control, toxicity hampers further escalation. Broader improvement will be possible by the addition of adjuvant therapies, which can synergize with radiation and thus improve efficacy. We have identified a natural compound (Nexrutine, Nx) that inhibits the survival and growth of PCa cells in combination with radiation. Combination studies demonstrated strong interaction between Nx and radiation both in vitro in multiple PCa cell lines and in the Transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. Nx potentiated growth inhibitory effects of IR by down regulating ribosomal protein S6K (RPS6KB1), CyclinD1, Chk1 and HIF-1 α and prolonging G2/M checkpoint block. RPS6KB1 is upregulated in prostate cancers and its expression is correlated with tumor grade. Knockdown of RPS6KB1 in PCa cells increased their sensitivity toward radiation-induced survival inhibition. Overall, we provide scientific evidence (i) in support of Nx as an adjuvant in PCa patients receiving XRT (ii) suggesting that RPS6KB1 is an important player in Nx-mediated combinatorial benefits and emphasizes that RPS6KB1 is a novel target for PCa treatment. These data underscore the need to test the agent in additional preclinical models to validate these observations.

The protective effects of selenium-enriched Spirulina platensis on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in mice.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of selenium-enriched Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury. Selenium incubation raises the nutrition quality of S. platensis by absorption enhancement of functional elements. Our results demonstrated that the effective dose of selenium-enriched S. platensis on HL7702 cells treated with alcohol was 200 µg ml-1, containing 20% selenium. Selenium-enriched S. platensis could raise the cell survival rate by decreasing the expression of p53, Caspase3, LC3, and Caspase1 and by increasing the expression of p70s6k. In vivo experiments, where mice were pretreated with selenium-enriched S. platensis, exhibited obvious inhibition of the liver function index and this pretreatment enhanced the activity of GSH-Px and SOD in alcohol induced mice. In summary, our results indicate that the protective mechanism of selenium-enriched S. platensis on chronic alcoholic liver injury is associated with the activity enhancement of antioxidant enzymes and immunity, the inhibition of DNA damage and apoptosis, accompanied with autophagy and pyroptosis.

mTORC1 pathway disruption abrogates the effects of the ciliary neurotrophic factor on energy balance and hypothalamic neuroinflammation.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) potently decreases food intake and body weight in diet-induced obese mice by acting through neuronal circuits and pathways located in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus. CNTF also exerts pro-inflammatory actions within the brain. Here we tested whether CNTF modifies energy balance by inducing inflammatory responses in the ARC and whether these effects depend upon the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway, which regulates both energy metabolism and inflammation. To this purpose, chow- and high fat diet (HFD)- fed mice lacking the S6 kinase 1 (S6K1-/-), a downstream target of mTORC1, and their wild-type (WT) littermates received 12 days continuous intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of the CNTF analogue axokine (CNTFAx15). Behavioral, metabolic and molecular effects were evaluated. Central chronic administration of CNTFAx15 decreased body weight and feed efficiency in WT mice only, when fed HFD, but not chow. These metabolic effects correlated with increased number of iba-1 positive microglia specifically in the ARC and were accompanied by significant increases of IL-1ß and TNF-α mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Hypothalamic iNOS and SOCS3 mRNA, molecular markers of pro-inflammatory response, were also increased by CNTFAx15. All these changes were absent in S6K1-/- mice. This study reveals that CNTFAx15 requires a functional S6K1 to modulate energy balance and hypothalamic inflammation in a diet-dependent fashion. Further investigations should determine whether S6K1 is a suitable target for the treatment of pathologies characterized by a high neuroinflammatory state.

Folic acid delays development of atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice.

Many studies support the cardioprotective effects of folic acid (FA). We aimed to evaluate the utility of FA supplementation in preventing the development of atherosclerotic in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDLR-/-) mice and to elucidate the molecular processes underlying this effect. LDLR-/- mice were randomly distributed into four groups: control group, HF group, HF + FA group and the HF + RAPA group. vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were divided into the following four groups: control group, PDGF group, PDGF + FA group and PDGF + FA + RAPA group. Blood lipid levels, oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were measured. Atherosclerosis severity was evaluated with oil red O staining. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess atherosclerosis progression. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with antismooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA) antibodies and anti-osteopontin (OPN) antibodies that demonstrate VSMC dedifferentiation. The protein expression of α-SMA, OPN and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70S6K signalling was detected by Western blot analysis. FA and rapamycin reduced serum levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL, inhibiting oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. Oil red O and H&E staining demonstrated that FA and rapamycin inhibited atherosclerosis. FA and rapamycin treatment inhibited VSMC dedifferentiation in vitro and in vivo, and FA and rapamycin attenuated the mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway. Our findings suggest that FA attenuates atherosclerosis development and inhibits VSMC dedifferentiation in high-fat-fed LDLR-/- mice by reduced lipid levels and inhibiting oxidative stress and the inflammatory response through mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway.

Monotropein promotes angiogenesis and inhibits oxidative stress-induced autophagy in endothelial progenitor cells to accelerate wound healing.

Attenuating oxidative stress-induced damage and promoting endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) differentiation are critical for ischaemic injuries. We suggested monotropein (Mtp), a bioactive constituent used in traditional Chinese medicine, can inhibit oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and stimulate bone marrow-derived EPC (BM-EPC) differentiation. Results showed Mtp significantly elevated migration and tube formation of BM-EPCs and prevented tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced programmed cell death through apoptosis and autophagy by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species release and restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, which may be mediated viamTOR/p70S6K/4EBP1 and AMPK phosphorylation. Moreover, Mtp accelerated wound healing in rats, as indicated by reduced healing times, decreased macrophage infiltration and increased blood vessel formation. In summary, Mtp promoted mobilization and differentiation of BM-EPCs and protected against apoptosis and autophagy by suppressing the AMPK/mTOR pathway, improving wound healing in vivo. This study revealed that Mtp is a potential therapeutic for endothelial injury-related wounds.

Effects of long-term exposures to low iron and branched-chain amino acid containing diets on aging skeletal muscle of Fisher 344 × Brown Norway rats.

Aging skeletal muscle displays an altered iron status that may promote oxidative stress and sarcopenia. A diet containing low iron (LI) could reduce muscle iron status and attenuate age-related muscle atrophy. Supplemental branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) may also alleviate sarcopenia by promoting muscle protein synthesis and iron status improvement. This study examined individual and combined effects of LI and BCAA diets on anabolic signaling and iron status in skeletal muscle of aging rats. Twenty-nine-month-old male Fisher 344 × Brown Norway rats consumed the following control-base diets: control + regular iron (35 mg iron/kg) (CR; n = 11); control + LI (∼6 mg iron/kg) (CL; n = 11); 2×BCAA + regular iron (BR; n = 10); and 2×BCAA + LI (BL; n = 12) for 12 weeks. Although LI and/or 2×BCAA did not affect plantaris muscle mass, 2×BCAA groups showed lower muscle iron content than did CR and CL groups (P < 0.05). p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase phosphorylation was greater in 2×BCAA and LI animals compared with CR animals (P < 0.05). Interactions between IRON and BCAA were observed for proteins indicative of mitochondrial biogenesis (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha) and oxidative capacity (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 and citrate synthase) (P < 0.05) wherein the combined diet (BL) negated potential benefits of individual diets. Antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, and oxidative injury (3-nitrotyrosine, protein carbonyls, and 4-hydroxynonenal) were similar between groups. In conclusion, 12 weeks of LI and 2×BCAA diets showed significant impacts on increasing anabolic signaling as well as ameliorating iron status; however, these interventions did not affect muscle mass.

Ginkgo biloba L. attenuates spontaneous recurrent seizures and associated neurological conditions in lithium-pilocarpine rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy through inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin pathway hyperactivation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ginkgo biloba L. (Ginkgoaceae) has been widely used in traditional medicine for variety of neurological conditions particularly behavioral and memory impairments. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was envisaged to explore the effect of a standardized fraction of Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBbf) in rat model of lithium-pilocarpine induced spontaneous recurrent seizures, and associated behavioral impairments and cognitive deficit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats showing appearance of spontaneous recurrent seizures following lithium pilocarpine (LiPc)-induced status epilepticus (SE) were treated with different doses of GBbf or vehicle for subsequent 4 weeks. The severity of seizures and aggression in rats were scored following treatment with GBbf. Further, open field, forced swim, novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests were conducted. Histopathological, protein levels and gene expression studies were performed in the isolated brains. RESULTS: Treatment with GBbf reduced seizure severity score and aggression in epileptic animals. Improved spatial cognitive functions and recognition memory, along with reduction in anxiety-like behavior were also observed in the treated animals. Histopathological examination by Nissl staining showed reduction in neuronal damage in the hippocampal pyramidal layer. The dentate gyrus and Cornu Ammonis 3 regions of the hippocampus showed reduction in mossy fiber sprouting. GBbf treatment attenuated ribosomal S6 and pS6 proteins, and hippocampal mTOR, Rps6 and Rps6kb1 mRNA levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results of present study concluded that GBbf treatment suppressed lithium-pilocarpine induced spontaneous recurrent seizures severity and incidence with improved cognitive functions, reduced anxiety-like behavior and aggression. The effect was found to be due to inhibition of mTOR pathway hyperactivation linked with recurrent seizures.

L-Arginine promotes protein synthesis and cell growth in brown adipocyte precursor cells via the mTOR signal pathway.

L-Arginine has been reported to enhance brown adipose tissue developments in fetal lambs of obese ewes, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. The present study tested the hypothesis that L-arginine stimulates growth and development of brown adipocyte precursor cells (BAPCs) through activation of mammalian target of rapamycin cell signaling. BAPCs isolated from fetal lambs at day 90 of gestation were incubated   for 6 h in arginine-free DMEM, and then cultured in DMEM with concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 500 or 1000 µmol L-arginine/L for 24-96 h. Cell proliferation, protein turnover, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and pre-adipocyte differentiation markers were determined. L-arginine treatment enhanced (P < 0.05) BAPC growth and protein synthesis, while inhibiting proteolysis in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with 50 and 100 µmol/L (the concentrations of arginine in the maternal plasma of obese ewes), 200 µmol L-arginine/L (the concentrations of arginine in the maternal plasma of obese ewes receiving arginine supplementation) increased (P < 0.05) the abundances of phosphorylated mTOR, P70S6K and 4EBP1, as well as the abundances of PGC1α, UCP1, BMP7 and PRDM16. These novel findings indicate that increasing extra-cellular arginine concentration from 50 to 200 µmol/L activates mTOR cell signaling in BAPCs and enhances their growth and development in a dose-dependent manner. Our results provide a mechanism for arginine supplementation to enhance the development of brown adipose tissue in fetal lambs.