Research progress on the mechanism of PGC-1α, a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, in arsenic-induced nervous system damage / 中华地方病学杂志

Arsenic, as a toxic substance that can affect human health, can cause various neurological disorders, including cognitive impairment, when excessive. Relevant epidemiological surveys and animal experimental studies have shown that exposure to arsenic can not only cause intellectual impairment and peripheral neuropathy in humans, but also lead to abnormal behavior in humans and animals. However, so far, the mechanism of arsenic induced damage to the nervous system is still unclear. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ auxiliary activation factor 1α (PGC-1α), as a nuclear transcription coactivator, can interact with transcription factors or other coactivators and plays a role in biological processes such as mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism. PGC-1α, by activating mitochondrial biogenesis, affecting energy metabolism, activating oxidative stress regulatory factors [catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), etc.], mitigates the damage to the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nervous system (PNS), and blood-brain barrier (BBB) caused by arsenic. This article summarize the research progress of arsenic-induced neurological injury and the mechanism of PGC-1α's role in arsenic-induced neurological injury to provide a theoretical basis for further prevention and treatment of neurological diseases caused by arsenic.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Promotes PGC-1α Mediated Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Antioxidant Stress to Protect Cognitive Function in Vascular Dementia Rats / 生物化学与生物物理进展

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on cognitive function of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism. MethodsVD rat model was established by modified two-vessel occlusion (2-VO). After modeling, TEAS and electroacupuncture (EA) were used to stimulate Baihui and Zusanli points of rats respectively for 14 d. After treatment, novel object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and Y maze test were used to evaluate the spatial memory and learning ability of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal mitochondria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detected the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA and ROS in serum of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, HO-1, NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus, Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus. ResultsAfter treatment for 14 d, compared to the model group, the escape latency of VD rats decreased, while the discrimination index, the times of rats crossing the original platform area, the residence time in the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of alternation increased. TEAS can improve the structure of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria of VD rats, showing that neurons were arranged more regularly and distributed more evenly, nuclear membrane and nucleoli were clearer, and mitochondrial swelling were reduced, mitochondrial matrix density were increased, and mitochondrial cristae were more obvious. The levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in serum increased significantly, while the concentration of MDA and ROS decreased. TEAS also up-regulated the expression levels of PGC-1α TFAM, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus, but down-regulated the Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm. ConclusionTEAS can improve cognition, hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial structure of VD rats, and the effect is better than EA. The mechanism may be the activation of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant stress, which also provides a potential therapeutic technology and experimental basis for the treatment of VD.

Review of PGC-1α role in exercise anti-aging in different tissues and organs / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α(PGC-1α)is closely related to aging and plays an important regulatory role in exercise anti-aging.However,there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on the role of PGC-1α in exercise anti-aging from the perspective of different tissues and organs. OBJECTIVE:To provide a detailed overview of the role of PGC-1α in exercise anti-aging and discuss its regulation from the perspective of different tissues and organs. METHODS:A literature search was conducted from May 1,2023 to July 1,2023.The search covered self-built databases up to July 2023,as well as databases such as Web of Science,PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),WanFang,and VIP.The Chinese search terms included"PGC-1α,peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α,PPARGC1A,aging,exercise,older adults".The English search terms were"PGC-1α,aging,exercise,exercise training,older adults".Boolean logical operators were used to connect the search terms,and corresponding search strategies were developed.Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,83 articles were included in the review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)PGC-1α is an important transcriptional coactivator that plays a key regulatory role in maintaining mitochondrial function,regulating energy metabolism,and adapting to different metabolic demands.(2)PGC-1α has a significant regulatory role in mitochondrial aging and various functions in multiple cell types,and is associated with inflammatory pathways,redox control,protein modifications,and epigenetic changes.(3)The expression level of PGC-1α can be increased by exercise training,and it exerts positive effects through regulating mitochondrial biogenesis,energy metabolism,and anti-oxidative stress pathways.It plays an important role in exercise-induced improvement of adipose tissue aging,cardiovascular aging,neurosystem aging,renal aging,skeletal muscle aging,and liver aging.(4)The expert group recommends future research directions including exploring the regulatory effects of different types,intensities,and durations of exercise on PGC-1α expression,studying the regulatory mechanisms of protein modifications and epigenetic changes in PGC-1α, and strengthening the research on the mechanisms of PGC-1α in different aging-related diseases.

Protective effect of Jianpi Bushen Yishi formula on dry age-related macular degeneration in mice and its mechanism / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of Jianpi Bushen Yishi Formula on dry age-related macular degeneration(dARMD)induced by sodium iodate in mice and its mechanism.METHODS: A total of 27 SPF male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank, model and traditional Chinese medicine groups, with 9 in each group, the structure and morphology of the retina were observed by Hematoxylin-Ehong(HE)staining, and the intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the retina were observed by fluorescence staining with dihydroethidium(DHE). In addition, malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)expression levels in mouse retina were detected by biochemical kit, and expression levels of silent information regulator type 1(SIRT1)and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α(PGC-1α)protein in mouse retina were detected by Western blot.RESULTS: Retinal structure and morphology of the model group showed a slight or mild decrease in the number of cells in the outer nuclear layer, a localized thinning of the outer nuclear layer, an inconspicuous demarcation between the outer and outer membranes, a slight or mild swelling of retinal pigment epithelial cells, and a slight or mild disturbance in the arrangement of retinal cells; while retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptor layers in the traditional Chinese medicine group were significantly improved. DHE staining fluorescence results showed that the ROS level in the model group was significantly higher than that in the blank group at 14 d after modeling(P<0.01); the ROS level in the traditional Chinese medicine group was significantly lower than that in the model group(P<0.001). ELISA showed that the SOD level of the model group was significantly lower than that of the blank group at 14 d after modeling(P<0.01), and the MDA level was significantly increased(P<0.01)in the model group compared with the blank group; the SOD level was significantly higher(P<0.01), and the MDA level was significantly lower(P<0.01)in the traditional Chinese medicine group compared with the model group. Western blot results showed that the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in the model group was significantly lower compared with that in the blank group(P<0.01), and the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in the traditional Chinese medicine group was significantly higher compared with that in the model group at 7 and 14 d after modeling(P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The Chinese herbal medicine, which strengthens the spleen, tonifies the kidney and benefits the eyesight, can improve the oxidative stress state of the retina induced by sodium iodate in mice and reduce the damage to the retinal tissues, which may exert the anti-oxidative stress effect through the PGC-1α/SIRT1 signaling pathway.

Effect and Mechanism of Total Saponins from Panax Japonicus on White Adipose Tissue Browning/Brown Adipose Tissue Activation in High-fat Diet-induced Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of total saponins from Panax japonicus （TSPJ） on white adipose tissue （WAT） browning/brown adipose tissue （BAT） activation in C57BL6/J male mice fed on a high-fat diet （HFD）. MethodThirty-two C57BL6/J male mice （8-week-old） were randomly divided into a normal group， a model group， a low-dose TSPJ group， and a high-dose TSPJ group. The mice in the low-dose and high-dose TSPJ groups were given TSPJ for four months by gavage at 25， 75 mg·kg-1·d-1， respectively， and those in the other groups were given 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose （CMC-Na） accordingly. After four months of feeding， all mice were placed at 4 ℃ for acute cold exposure， and the core body temperature was monitored. Subsequently， all mice were sacrificed， and BAT and inguinal WAT （iWAT） were separated rapidly to detect the corresponding indexes. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the morphological changes in each group. The effect of TSPJ on the mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 1 （UCP1）， fatty acid-binding protein 4 （FABP4）， cytochrome C （CytC）， PR domain-containing protein 16 （PRDM16）， elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 3 （ELOVL3）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ （PPARγ）， and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α （PGC-1α） in iWAT and BAT was detected by Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Western blot was also used to detect the protein expression of UCP1， PRDM16， PPARγ， and PGC-1α in BAT and iWAT of each group. The effect of TSPJ on UCP1 expression in BAT and iWAT was detected by immunohistochemistry. Result① Compared with the model group， TSPJ could decrease the body weight and proportions of iWAT and BAT in the HFD-induced mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ② The body temperature of mice in the model group decreased compared with that in the normal group in the acute cold exposure tolerance test （P<0.05）. The body temperature in the high-dose TSPJ group increased compared with that in the model group （P<0.01）. ③ Compared with the normal group， the model group showed increased adipocyte diameter in iWAT and BAT and decreased number of adipocytes per unit area. Compared with the model group， the TSPJ groups showed significantly reduced cell diameter and increased number of cells per unit area， especially in the high-dose TSPJ group. ④ Compared with the normal group， the model group showed decreased mRNA expression of FABP4， UCP1， CytC， PRDM16， ELOVL3， PGC-1α， and PPARγ in adipose tissues of mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， after intervention with TSPJ， the mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ⑤ Compared with the normal group， the model group showed decreased protein expression of UCP1， PRDM16， PPARγ， and PGC-1α in adipose tissues of mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， after intervention with TSPJ， the protein expression increased significantly （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionTSPJ could induce the browning of iWAT/BAT activation and enhance adaptive thermogenesis in obese mice induced by HFD. The underlying mechanism may be attributed to the activation of the PPARγ/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Sestrin1 is involved in the regulation of gluconeogenesis in mouse liver cells / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of stress-inducing protein 1(SESN1)in liver gluconeogenesis of fasting mice.Methods RT-qPCR was used to detect mRNA expression of SESN1 in liver tissues of C57BL/6J mice and primary mouse hepatocytes treated with forskolin(Fsk)and dexamethasone(Dex).HepG2 cells were transfected with plasmids and the effects of SESN1 overexpression on mRNA expression of gluconeogenesis related genes PGC-1α,PEPCK and G6Pase was detected by RT-qPCR.The effect of SESN1 on the promoter activity of PGC-1α in HepG2 cells was studied using a dual luciferase reporter system.The effect of SESN1 on PGC-1α deacetylation was detected by overexpression of SESN1 and inhibition of SIRT1 expression.By knocking down SIRT1 expression,we detected whether it mediated the changes in mRNA levels of SESN1 in-duced gluconeogenesis related genes.Results The mRNA expression of SESN1 was significantly increased in liver tissues of starved C57BL/6J mice and in primary hepatocytes treated with Fsk and Dex(P<0.001).Over-expression of SESN1 in HepG2 cells promoted mRNA expression of PGC-1α,PEPCK and G6Pase(P<0.001)and promoter activity of PGC-1α(P<0.001).Over-expression of SESN1 decreased the acetylation level of PGC-1α in primary hepatocytes.Sirt family inhibitors NAM and shRNA adenovirus interfered with SIRT1 expression respective-ly,and antagonized the deacetylation effect of SESN1 on PGC-1α.The expression of PGC-1α,PEPCK and G6Pase induced by SIRT1 was also significantly impaired(P<0.000 1).Conclusions SESN1 regulates liver gluconeogene-sis in mice with a SIRT1-dependent mechanism.

Inhibition of Oxidative Stress of Sciatic Nerve in Diabetic Rats by Tangbikang Granules Regulating AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tangbikang granules on oxidative stress of sciatic nerve in diabetic rats by regulating adenylate activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α/mitochondrial Sirtuins 3 （AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3） signaling pathway. MethodThe spontaneous obesity type 2 diabetes model was established using ZDF rats. After modeling， they were randomly divided into high， medium， and low dose Tangbikang granule groups （2.5， 1.25， 0.625 g·kg-1·d-1） and lipoic acid group （0.026 8 g·kg-1·d-1）， and the normal group was set up. The rats were administered continuously for 12 weeks after modeling. The blood glucose of rats was detected before intervention and at 4， 8， 12 weeks after intervention. At the 12th week， motor nerve conduction velocity （MNCV）， sensory nerve conduction velocity （SNCV）， nerve blood flow velocity， mechanical pain threshold， and thermal pain threshold were detected. The sciatic nerve was taken for hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining to observe the tissue morphology. The ultrastructure of the sciatic nerve was observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in sciatic nerve were determined by enzyme-related immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA expressions of AMPKα， AMPKβ， PGC-1α， and SIRT3 in sciatic nerve were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the normal group， fasting blood glucose in the model group was increased at each time point （P<0.01）. The mechanical pain threshold was decreased （P<0.05）， and the incubation time of the hot plate was extended （P<0.01）. MNCV， SNCV， and nerve blood flow velocity decreased （P<0.05）. The expression level of SOD was decreased （P<0.01）. The expression levels of MDA， IL-1β， and TNF-α were increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα， AMPKβ， PGC-1α， and SIRT3 were decreased （P<0.01）. The structure of sciatic nerve fibers in the model group was loose， and the arrangement was disordered. The demyelination change was obvious. Compared with the model group， the fasting blood glucose of rats in the high dose Tangbikang granule group was decreased after the intervention of eight weeks and 12 weeks （P<0.01）. The mechanical pain threshold increased （P<0.05）. The incubation time of the hot plate was shortened （P<0.01）. MNCV， SNCV， and Flux increased （P<0.05）. The expression level of SOD was increased （P<0.01）. The expression levels of MDA， IL-1β， and TNF-α were decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα， AMPKβ， PGC-1α， and SIRT3 were increased （P<0.01）. The sciatic nerve fibers in the high-dose Tangbikang granule group were tighter and more neatly arranged， with only a few demyelinating changes. The high， medium， and low dose Tangbikang granule groups showed a significant dose-effect trend. ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve sciatic nerve function in diabetic rats by regulating AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway partly to inhibit oxidative stress.

Treatment of Exercise-induced Fatigue with Buzhong Yiqitang Through Adipor1/AMPK/PGC-1α to Regualte Lipid Metabolism / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo discuss the impact of Buzhong Yiqitang on lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle of exercise-induced fatigue （EIF） mice through adiponectin receptor 1 （Adipor1）/adenosine 5'-monophosphate（AMP）-activated protein kinase （AMPK）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）. MethodC57BL6J mice were randomly divided into the control group， model group， low， middle， and high dose groups of Buzhong Yiqitang， and vitamin C group. No intervention was given to the control group， while the other groups were subjected to exhaustive swimming training to establish the EIF model. One hour before exhaustion， 0.2 mL distilled water was given to the control group and the model group， while the mice in the low， middle， and high dose groups of Buzhong Yiqitang were given intragastrically Buzhong Yiqitang of 4.1， 8.2， and 16.4 g·kg-1， respectively， and the vitamin C group was given vitamin C of 0.04 g·kg-1 via gavage for a duration of six weeks. After six weeks of the experiment， the growth rate of body weight， organ index， and exhaustive swimming time were calculated. Enzyme colorimetry was utilized to detect the levels of blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， creatine kinase acid （CK）， lactate dehydrogenase acid （LDH）， and lactic acid （LD）. The pathological changes of skeletal muscle were observed using hematoxylin -eosin （HE） staining， while the ultrastructure of skeletal muscle was observed with transmission electron microscope （TEM）. The contents of free fatty acids （NEFA） and triglyceride acid （TG） in serum were also examined by microplate method. The protein expressions of Adipor1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and HK2 in the skeletal muscle were measured by Western blot. ResultCompared with those of the control group， the growth rate of body weight and thymus index of the model group were decreased， and the serum levels of BUN， CK， LD， and LDH were increased （P<0.01）. The contents of NEFA and TG were decreased （P<0.01）， and the protein expression of Adipor1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1 α， and HK2 in the skeletal muscle decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the growth rate of body weight， thymus index， and exhaustive swimming time were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the levels of BUN， CK， LD， and LDH dropped in the high dose group of Buzhong Yiqitang （P<0.01）. The levels of NEFA and TG were greatly improved （P<0.01）. The protein expressions of Adipor1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and HK2 in the skeletal muscle were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the thymus index and exhaustive swimming time were significantly increased in the vitamin C group， and the levels of BUN， CK， and LD dropped （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The levels of NEFA and TG were improved significantly （P<0.01）， and the protein expression of Adipor1 in skeletal muscle was increased greatly （P<0.01）. ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang can delay the development of EIF， which may be connected with the regulation of the Adipor1/AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway and the improvement of the utilization rate of skeletal muscle to fat.

Gegen Qinliantang Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Rat Model of Catch-up Growth by Regulating SIRT1/PGC1α/Nrf1 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Gegen Qinliantang on glucose and lipid metabolism in the rat model of catch-up growth （CUG） induced by a high-fat diet and the underlying mechanism. MethodA total of 60 SD rats were randomized into a normal control group （n=18） and a modeling group （n=42）. The rat model of CUG was established with a restricted diet followed by a high-fat diet， and the changes of general status and body weight were observed. The levels of fasting blood glucose （FBG）， fasting insulin （FINS）， triglyceride （TG）， and total cholesterol （TC） were measured in 6 rats in each group at the end of the 4th and 8th week， respectively. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR） was calculated， and the insulin sensitivity and body composition changes of CUG rats were evaluated. The successfully modeled rats were assigned into 6 groups： normal control， model， high-， medium-， and low-dose Gegen Qinliantang （2.5， 5， 10 g·kg-1）， and pioglitazone （3.125 mg·kg-1）. The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 6 weeks， and the normal control group and model group were administrated with the same amount of normal saline. During the experiment period， the changes of body weight were recorded， and the FBG， FINS， HOMA-IR， TG， and TC were determined at the end of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of skeletal muscle in rats. The levels of reactive oxygen species （ROS） and malondialdehyde （MDA） in the skeletal muscle were measured strictly according to the manuals of the reagent kits. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was performed to measure the mRNA levels of silencing information regulator 1 （SIRT1）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator1α （PGC1α）， and nuclear respiratory factor 1 （Nrf1） in the skeletal muscle. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were employed to assess the expression of SIRT1， PGC1α， and Nrf1 in the skeletal muscle. ResultCompared with the normal control group， the model group presented elevated levels of FBG， FINS， TG， and TC （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased HOMA-IR （P<0.01）， increased diameter of muscle fibers and adipocytes between muscle cells in the skeletal muscle， rising levels of ROS and MDA in the skeletal muscle （P<0.01）， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1， PGC1α， and Nrf1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Gegen Qinliantang （especially the medium and high doses） and pioglitazone decreased the body weight， FINS， HOMA-IR， and TG （P<0.05， P<0.01） and reduced interstitial components such as intermuscular fat in the skeletal muscles and the diameter of muscle fibers. Furthermore， the drugs lowerd the levels of ROS and MDA （P<0.05， P<0.01） and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1， PGC1α， and Nrf1 （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the skeletal muscle. ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can ameliorate the glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in CUG rats by regulating the SIRT1/PGC1α/Nrf1 signaling pathway.

Tetramethylpyrazine Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Fission and Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Apoptosis through PGC-1α Pathway / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Objective To investigate the effects of tetramethylpyrazine(TMP)on acute kidney injury(AKI)induced by cisplatin(Cis)and its related mechanisms.Methods Sixty SPF male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group(Ctl),TMP group,Cis-induced AKI model group(Cis group)and TMP treated AKI model group(Cis+TMP group).The contents of BUN and Scr were detected,and the apoptosis of renal tissue was detected by TUNEL staining.The structural changes of mitochondria in renal cortex of each group were observed by transmission electron microscope,and the expression of ROS in renal tissue was detected by DHE staining.The expression of PGC-1α and the phosphorylation of Drp1(p-Drp1Ser637/Drp1)in renal tissue were detected by Western blotting assay.Proximal renal tubule epithelial cell line HK-2 was cultured in vitro and divided into Ctl group,TMP group,Cis group and Cis+TMP group.Proliferation activity of cells in each group was detected by CCK-8 assay,apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI method,ROS expression and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by DCFH-DA fluorescence probe and JC-1 staining.The expression of PGC-1α and p-Drp1Ser637/Drp1 were detected by Western blotting assay.Results Compared with Ctl group,the contents of BUN and Scr in Cis group and Cis+TMP group were significantly increased(P<0.05),cell apoptosis of renal tubular and the damage of renal cortical mitochondrial structure were significantly increased(P<0.05).However,the expression of PGC-1α protein and p-Drp1Ser637/Drp1 ratio in renal tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and no significant changes were observed in TMP group(P>0.05).Compared with Cis group,the change trend of above detection indexes in Cis+TMP group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with HK-2 cells in Ctl group,the proliferation activity,mitochondrial membrane potential,PGC-1α protein expression and p-Drp1Ser637/Drp1 ratio of Cis group and Cis+TMP group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the apoptosis ratio of Cis and Cis+ TMP group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The ROS expression and Drp1 protein expression in mitochondria were significantly increased(P<0.05),but no significant changes were observed in TMP group(P>0.05).Compared with Cis group,the change trend of above detection indexes in Cis+TMP group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions TMP can ameliorate CIS-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage in renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo,which may be related to PGC-1α pathway.

PARP-1 inhibitor reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by activating SIRT1-PGC-1α axis / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To establish an experimental model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)in rats,and explore whether polyadenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase-1(PARP-1)inhibitors regulate Sirtuin 1(SIRT1)and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator 1α(PGC-1α)to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD rats,and explore the possibility of SIRT1-PGC-1α axis as a new target of PARP-1 inhibitor.Methods:Twelve of 48 SD rats were randomly selected as healthy group,and the remaining rats were used to construct experimental models of COPD.Rats that were successfully modeled were randomly divided into model group,PARP-1 inhibitor treatment group and PARP-1 inhibitor+PGC-1α inhibitor group.HE staining was used to observe pathological changes of lung tissue,ELISA was used to detect levels of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD)in rats lung tissue,fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect expression levels of SIRT1 and PGC-1α mRNA of rats in each group,Western blot was used to detect expressions of SIRT1 and PGC-1α proteins.Results:Lung tissue structure of rats in healthy group was complete,compared with healthy group,lung tissue of model group suffered structural damage,with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated,contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in alveolar lavage fluid were significantly increased,con-tent of MDA in serum was significantly increased,while content of SOD was significantly reduced,and expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α mRNA and protein were significantly reduced;compared with model group,lung tissue structure of rats in PARP-1 inhibitor treatment group was recovered,and inflammatory cells were reduced,contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly reduced,content of MDA in serum was significantly reduced,while content of SOD was significantly increased,and expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α mRNA and protein were significantly increased;compared with PARP-1 inhibitor treatment group,the number of inflammatory cells in PARP-1 inhibitor+PGC-1α inhibitor group was increased,contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly increased,content of MDA in serum was significantly increased,while content of SOD was significantly reduced,expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α mRNA and protein were significantly reduced.Conclusion:PARP-1 inhibitors can alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress by activating SIRT1-PGC-1α axis,thereby effectively alleviating COPD.

Protective effect and mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis compatibility against triptolide-induced hepatotoxicity by regulating Keap1/Nrf2/PGC-1α / 中国中药杂志

This paper aims to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis before and after compatibility against triptolide(TP)-induced hepatotoxicity. The experiment was divided into a blank group, model group, Astragalus membranaceus group, Angelica sinensis group, and compatibility groups with Astragalus membranaceus/Angelica sinensis ratio of 1∶1, 2∶1, and 5∶1. TP-induced hepatotoxicity model was established, and corresponding drug intervention was carried out. The levels of alanine transaminase(ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST), and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) in serum were detected. Pathological injuries of livers were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), and reduced glutathione(GSH) in the liver were measured. Wes-tern blot method was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator-1 alpha(PGC-1α), heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1(NQO1) in livers. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of Nrf2 and PGC-1α in livers. The results indicated that Astragalus membranaceus/Angelica sinensis ratio of 2∶1 and 5∶1 could significantly reduce the levels of serum AST, ALT, and ALP, improve the pathological damage of liver tissue, increase the levels of GSH and GSH-Px, and reduce the content of MDA in liver tissue. Astragalus membranaceus/Angelica sinensis ratio of 1∶1 and 2∶1 could significantly improve the level of SOD. Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis before and after compatibility significantly increased the protein expression of HO-1 and NQO1, improved the protein expression of Nrf2 and PGC-1α, and decreased the protein expression of Keap1 in liver tissue. The above results confirmed that the compatibility of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis had antioxidant effects by re-gulating Keap1/Nrf2/PGC-1α, and the Astragalus membranaceus/Angelica sinensis ratio of 2∶1 and 5∶1 had stronger antioxidant effect and significantly reduced TP-induced hepatoto-xicity.

Pathologically Elevated-Cyclic Stretch Suppressed Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Mitochondrial Biogenesis by Down-regulating PGC1α Expression / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the effect of pathologically elevated-cyclic stretch induced by hypertension on mitochondrial biogenesis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and the role of PGC1α in this process. Methods The Flexcell-5000T stretch loading system in vitro was applied to VSMCs with a frequency of 1. 25 Hz and an amplitude of 5% or 15% to simulate the mechanical environment under normal physiological or hypertensive pathological conditions respectively. Western blotting and qPCR were used to detect the expression of PGC1α, citrate synthase and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in VSMCs under normal physiological or hypertensive pathological conditions. VSMCs were treated with PGC1α specific activator ZLN005 to promote PGC1α expression or specific interfering fragment siRNA to inhibit PGC1α expression in order to detect the effect on citrate synthase and mtDNA copy number. Results Compared with 5% physiological cyclic stretch, 15% pathologically elevated-cyclic stretch significantly suppressed the expression of PGC1α, citrate synthase and mtDNA copy number in VSMCs. Compared with control group, the protein expression of PGC1α was significantly decreased and increased respectively. When VSMCs transfected with PGC1α siRNA or incubated PGC1α activator ZLN005, the expression of citrate synthase and mtDNA copy number were also significantly down regulated and up-regulated in VSMCs accordingly. Under physiological cyclic stretch conditions, the protein level of PGC1α was significantly down-regulated by PGC1α siRNA, which also significantly down-regulated citrate synthase expression and mtDNA copy number. The protein expression of PGC1α was significantly up-regulated by ZLN005, which also enhanced the expression of citrate synthase and mtDNA copy number. Conclusions The pathological cyclic stretch induced by hypertension significantly down-regulated the expression of citrate synthase and mtDNA copy number via suppressing the expression of PGC1α, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction of VSMCs. PGC1α may be a potential therapeutic target molecule to alleviate the progression of hypertension.

SuanZaoRen decoction amliorates mitochondrial dysfunction of APP/PS1 mice via activating AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the effect of Suanzaoren decoction(SZRD) on mitochondrial dysfunction in AD model of APP/PS1 mice via AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway and to reveal the possible mechanism. Methods Thirty APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into app /PS1 group, low-dose SZRD group(L-SZRD) and high-dose SZRD group(H-SZRD). Ten C57BL/6JNju mice were set as control group(WT). Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory ability of mice. Thioflavin T staining was used to observe senile plaques hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression level of Aβ in hippocampus. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the mitochondrial morph hology in hippocampus. Kits were employed to detect the contents of ATP and ROS in hippocampus; Western blot was employed to detect the expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPKThrK172, SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, NRF2 and TFAM in hippocampus. Results Compared to the APP/PS1 group, L-SZRD and H-SZRD induced mouse cognitive impairment, reduced the deposition of senile plaques, inhibited the expression of Aβ, improved the damage of mitochondrial structure, increased the content of ATP in the hippocampus, reduced the expression level of ROS in hippocampus and increased the expression of p-AMPK-ThrK172, SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, NRF2, TFAM Conclusions SZRD could improve the cognitive impairment, senile plaque deposition and mitochondrial dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be involved in the up-regulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Reduced the Deposition of Senile Plaques, Inhibited the Expression of Aβ, Improved The Damage of Mitochondric Structure, Increased the Content of At in TH. E hippocampus, Reduced the Expression level of Ros in Hippocampus and Increased The Expression of P-Ampk-Thrk172, SIRT1, SIRT1 PGC-1α, NRF1, NRF2, TFAM. Conclusions SZRD could improve the cognitive impairment, senile plaque deposition and mitochondrial dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be involved in the up-regulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Reduced the Deposition of Senile Plaques, Inhibited the Expression of Aβ, Improved The Damage of Mitochondric Structure, Increased the Content of At in TH. E hippocampus, Reduced the Expression level of Ros in Hippocampus and Increased The Expression of P-Ampk-Thrk172, SIRT1, SIRT1 PGC-1α, NRF1, NRF2, TFAM. Conclusions SZRD could improve the cognitive impairment, senile plaque deposition and mitochondrial dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be involved in the up-regulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Senile plaque deposition and mitochondrial dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be involved in the up-regulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Senile plaque deposition and mitochondrial dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be involved in the up-regulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Mulberry leaf flavonoids activate BAT and induce browning of WAT to improve type 2 diabetes via regulating the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway / 中国天然药物

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf is a well-established traditional Chinese botanical and culinary resource. It has found widespread application in the management of diabetes. The bioactive constituents of mulberry leaf, specifically mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs), exhibit pronounced potential in the amelioration of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This potential is attributed to their ability to safeguard pancreatic β cells, enhance insulin resistance, and inhibit α-glucosidase activity. Our antecedent research findings underscore the substantial therapeutic efficacy of MLFs in treating T2D. However, the precise mechanistic underpinnings of MLF's anti-T2D effects remain the subject of inquiry. Activation of brown/beige adipocytes is a novel and promising strategy for T2D treatment. In the present study, our primary objective was to elucidate the impact of MLFs on adipose tissue browning in db/db mice and 3T3-L1 cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism. The results manifested that MLFs reduced body weight and food intake, alleviated hepatic steatosis, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased lipolysis and thermogenesis in db/db mice. Moreover, MLFs activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) and induced the browning of inguinal white adipose tissue (IWAT) and 3T3-L1 adipocytes by increasing the expressions of brown adipocyte marker genes and proteins such as uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and beige adipocyte marker genes such as transmembrane protein 26 (Tmem26), thereby promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Mechanistically, MLFs facilitated the activation of BAT and the induction of WAT browning to ameliorate T2D primarily through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) signaling pathway. These findings highlight the unique capacity of MLF to counteract T2D by enhancing BAT activation and inducing browning of IWAT, thereby ameliorating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. As such, MLFs emerge as a prospective and innovative browning agent for the treatment of T2D.

Mechanism of Salvianolate in Inducing Autophagy in Podocytes of Rats with Membranous Nephropathy via AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of salvianolate on the protein expressions of adenosine monophosphate （AMP）-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1） and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）， autophagy and apoptosis in kidney tissue of rats with membranous nephropathy （MN）， and to explore its possible molecular mechanism against MN. MethodEighty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， benazepril hydrochloride group （10 mg·kg-1）， and salvianolate low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （16.7， 33.3 and 66.7 mg·kg-1）. The rats were modeled by injection of cationized bovine serum albumin （C-BSA） into the tail vein. After successful modeling， rats in the administration groups were given corresponding doses of drugs for 4 consecutive weeks， and then 24-hour urine， serum and kidney tissue were collected for the detection of 24-hour urinary protein （UTP）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， serum creatinine （SCr）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， C reactive protein （CRP）， glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and malondialdehyde （MDA）. The pathological changes of kidneys were observed by light microscope， electron microscope and immunofluorescence. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of phospho-AMPK （p-AMPK）， AMPK， phospho-SIRT1 （p-SIRT1）， SIRT1 and PGC-1α in rat kidney tissue. The protein expressions of autophagy-specific gene （Beclin-1）， microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3） Ⅱ， ubiquitin-binding protein （p62）， B cell lymphoma （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-associated X （Bax）， and cysteine aspartic protease-7 （Caspase-7） in rat kidney tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. ResultCompared with the conditions in the normal group， the levels of UTP， IL-6， TNF-α， CRP and MDA in the model group were increased （P<0.05） while the levels of SOD and GSH-Px were decreased （P<0.05）， and there was no difference in BUN and SCr. Compared with the model group， the administration groups had lowered UTP， IL-6， TNF-α， CRP and MDA （P<0.05） while elevated SOD and GSH-Px （P<0.05）. It could be seen from hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining， Masson staining， immunofluorescence and electron microscopy that the pathological damage of rat kidney tissue in the model group was significant， but after treatment with benazepril hydrochloride and salvianolate， the pathological damage of kidney cells was gradually improved. The expressions of p-AMPK/AMPK， p-SIRT1/SIRT1， PGC-1α， Bcl-2， Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ in rat kidney in the model group were lower than those in the normal group （P<0.05） while the expressions of Bax， Caspase-7 and p62 were higher （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， benazepril hydrochloride group and salvianolate groups had an up-regulation in the expressions of p-AMPK/AMPK， p-SIRT1/SIRT1， PGC-1α， Bcl-2， Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ in the kidney （P<0.05） while a down-regulation in the expressions of Bax， Caspase-7 and p62 （P<0.05）. ConclusionThe protective effect of salvianolate on the kidneys of MN rats may be related to the activation of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway， the up-regulation of autophagy and the reduction of apoptosis.

Study on the effect and mechanism of taxifolin on ameliorating cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α-mediated antioxidant pathway / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of taxifolin (TAX) on ameliorating cisplatin-induced renal oxidative damage.Methods:(1) Forty male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups: control group ( n=10), TAX group ( n=10), cisplatin group ( n=10) and cisplatin+TAX group ( n=10). The weight of mice in each group was measured. The level of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was analyzed. Kidney histopathological change in mice was analyzed by HE staining. The pro-inflammatory cytokines levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were measured by multifunctional microplate reader. The expression of inflammatory factors, antioxidant genes, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α ( PGC- 1) mRNA were measured by real-time PCR. Evaluation of mitochondrial function by measuring ATP level and mtDNA content. Determination of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylated AMPK protein expression by Western blotting. (2) Evaluate the effect of taxifolin on chemotherapy of cisplatin by establishing Lewis lung cancer transplantation tumor C57BL/6 mice model. Results:Compared with the control group, the weight of the mice in the TAX group was not significantly reduced ( P>0.05), and there was no obvious kidney damage ( P>0.05), indicating that oral TAX had good safety. Compared with the cisplatin group, TAX could significantly delay cisplatin-induced the weight loss of mice, reduce the levels of Scr and BUN, and alleviate the pathological changes of kidney tissue (all P<0.05). TAX could reduce the levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α and the expression of renal inflammatory factors IL- 6, TNF- α and IL- 1β mRNA induced by cisplatin in mice (all P<0.05). TAX could significantly reduce the levels of ROS and MDA, and increase the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury mice (all P<0.01). Meanwhile, TAX could up-regulate the mRNA expression of UCP2, SOD2, CAT antioxidant genes and PGC- 1α in the kidneys of mice with acute kidney injury induced by cisplatin, and increase the levels of ATP and mtDNA in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury mice (all P<0.01). Western blotting results showed that TAX significantly promoted the expression of phosphorylated AMPK protein in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury mice ( P<0.01). In addition, through the establishment of Lewis lung cancer transplantation tumor C57BL/6 mice model, it was found that TAX had no significant effect on the anti-tumor efficacy of cisplatin. Conclusions:TAX can ameliorate cisplatin-induced renal oxidative damage, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of AMPK/PGC-1α pathway.

Establishment of Drug-Resistant Cell Lines of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Correlation of Sirt1 and PGC-1α Expression Levels with Drug Resistance / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To construct cytarabine-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines, and explore the correlation between Sirt1, PGC-1α expression levels and drug resistance.@*METHODS@#Human acute promyelocytic leukemia Kasumi-1 cells were induced by the method of gradually increasing the concentration of Ara-C drug. The IC50 value of Kasumi-1 cells before and after drug addition was detected by CCK-8 method, so as to construct Ara-C resistant cell lines. The expression levels of Sirt1 and PGC-1α mRNA in Kasumi-1 drug-resistant cell lines and their parental cell lines were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and the expression levels of Sirt1 and PGC-1α protein in kasumi-1 drug-resistant cell lines and their parental cell lines were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#The constructed Kasumi-1 cell line had common morphological characteristics of drug-resistant cell lines under microscope, and the drug resistance index was greater than 5, indicating that Kasumi-1 drug-resistant cells had good drug resistance after the construction. The RT-qPCR and Western blot assays showed that the expression levels of Sirt1 and PGC-1α mRNA and protein in the drug-resistant cell lines were higher than those of the parental cell lines (P<0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#AML cell lines resistant to Ara-C can be successfully induced by the method of gradually increasing the concentration, and the co-high expression of Sirt1 and PGC-1α may mediate the drug resistance of AML cells.

Role of Nrf2 pathway in flutamide-induced mitochondrial biogenesis / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate the effect of flutamide on mitochondrial biogenesis and the regulating effect of anoxidative pathway Nrf2 on it. METHODS: Human hepatocyte HepG2 cells were treated with flutamide (0-50 μmol/L) for 24 h, then mtDNA copy number and protein expression of mitochondrial biogenesis were detected by RT-PCR and WB. The effects of ERK1/2 and the role of Nrf2 pathway in mitochondrial biogenesis were further observed by gene knockdown and protein activation/inhibition methods. RESULTS: Flutamide interfered mitochondrial biogenesis concentration-dependently, the mtDNA copy number, ERK1/2 and PGC-1α proteins increased with the dose. ERK1/2 inhibition and activation regulated flutamide-induced mtDNA copy number and PGC-1α expression, and inhibition of Nrf2 pathway also affected flutamide-induced mtDNA copy number and expression of PGC-1α, as well as ERK1/2 expression. CONCLUSION: Flutamide affects mitochondrial biogenesis, and the antioxidant pathway Nrf2 may be involved in the regulation of flutamine-induced mitochondrial biogenesis by regulating ERK1/2.

Mechanism of Zexie Decoction in improvement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on LKB1/AMPK/PGC-1α pathway / 中国中药杂志

The present study investigated the pharmaceutical effect and underlying mechanism of Zexie Decoction(ZXD) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) in vitro and in vivo via the LKB1/AMPK/PGC-1α pathway based on palmitic acid(PA)-induced lipid accumulation model and high-fat diet(HFD)-induced NAFLD model in mice. As revealed by the MTT assay, ZXD had no effect on HepG2 activity, but dose-dependently down-regulated alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the liver cell medium induced by PA, and decreased the plasma levels of ALT and AST, and total cholesterol(TC) and triglyceride(TG) levels in the liver. Nile red staining showed PA-induced intracellular lipid accumulation, significantly increased lipid accumulation of hepatocytes induced by PA, suggesting that the lipid accumulation model in vitro was properly induced. ZXD could effectively improve the lipid accumulation of hepatocytes induced by PA. Oil red O staining also demonstrated that ZXD improved the lipid accumulation in the liver of HFD mice. JC-1 staining for mitochondrial membrane potential indicated that ZXD effectively reversed the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential caused by hepatocyte injury induced by PA, activated PGC-1α, and up-regulated the expression of its target genes, such as ACADS, CPT-1α, CPT-1β, UCP-1, ACSL-1, and NRF-1. In addition, as revealed by the Western blot and immunohistochemistry, ZXD up-regulated the protein expression levels of LKB1, p-AMPK, p-ACC, and PGC-1α in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, ZXD can improve NAFLD and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the LKB1/AMPK/PGC-1α pathway.