Sulf-2: an extracellular modulator of cell signaling and a cancer target candidate

Importance of the field: Sulf-1 and Sulf-2 are sulfatases that edit the sulfation status of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) on the outside of cells and regulate a number of critical signaling pathways. The Sulfs are dysregulated in many cancers with Sulf-2 in particular implicated as a driver of carcinogenesis in NSCLC, pancreatic cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Areas covered in this review: This review describes the novel activity of the Sulfs in altering the sulfation pattern of HSPG chains on the outside of cells. Thereby, the Sulfs can change the binding of growth factors to these chains and can either promote (e.g., Wnt) or inhibit (e.g., fibroblast growth factor-2) signaling. The review focuses on the widespread upregulation of both Sulfs in cancers and summarizes the evidence that Sulf-2 promotes the transformed behavior of several types of cancer cells in vitro as well as their tumorigenicity in vivo.

What the reader will gain: Sulf-2 is a bonafide candidate as a cancer-causing agent in NSCLC and other cancers in which it is upregulated.

Take home message: Sulf-2 is an extracellular enzyme and as such would be an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC and other cancers.     

乌头碱调节 C-C基序趋化因子配体 2/C-C基序趋化因子受体 2信号通路对膀胱癌细胞抗肿瘤活性及其作用机制研究

目的探讨乌头碱调节 C-C基序趋化因子配体 2(CCL2)/C-C基序趋化因子受体 2(CCR2)信号通路对膀胱癌细胞抗肿瘤活性及其作用机制研究。方法研究起止时间为 2021年 12月至 2022年 10月。采用细胞计数试剂盒( CCK-8)法检测 2.5、5.0、10.0、20.0、30.0 μmol/L乌头碱处理后的人膀胱癌 5637细胞存活率,筛选出合适的乌头碱作用浓度。将 5637细胞分为对照组、乌头碱低剂量( 10 μmol/L)组、乌头碱高剂量( 20 μmol/L)组、乌头碱高剂量(20 μmol/L)+空载组、乌头碱高剂量( 20 μmol/L) +CCL2过表达组,分组处理后,采用 CCK-8法、 5-乙炔基 -2''-脱氧尿苷( Edu)染色法及 Hoechst 33258染色分别检测各组 5637细胞存活率、增殖率、凋亡率;采用 Transwell实验及划痕实验分别检测各组 5637细胞侵袭数、迁移率;采用免疫荧光染色检测各组 5637细胞凋亡相关蛋白 BCL2相关 X蛋白( Bax)和 B淋巴细胞瘤 -2(Bcl-2)表达比值( Bax/Bcl-2);采用免疫印迹法检测各组 5637细胞 CCL2/CCR2信号通路相关蛋白及上皮间质转化标志蛋白［神经钙黏素( N-cadherin)、锌指 E盒结合同源盒 1(ZEB1)、紧密连接蛋白 1(ZO-1)、上皮钙黏素( E-cadherin)］表达。结果与对照组相比,乌头碱低剂量组、乌头碱高剂量组、乌头碱高剂量 +空载组细胞 CCL2(0.69±0.09、0.20±0.03、0.19±0.04比 1.21±0.13)CCR2(0.78±0.12、0.26±0.06、0.27±0.07比 1.33±0.20)、 Ncadherin(0.65±0.06、0.12±0.02、0.11±0.03比 1.24±0.12)与 ZEB1蛋白存活率、增殖率、侵袭数、迁移率均降低( P<0.05), Bax/Bcl-2、细胞 ZO-1与 E-cadherin蛋白表达均升高( P<0.05);乌头碱高剂量组、乌头碱高剂量 +空载组细胞 CCL2、CCR2、N-cad? herin与 ZEB1蛋白表达、存活率、增殖率、侵袭数、迁移率相比乌头碱低剂量组进一步降低( P<0.05)Bax/Bcl-2、细胞 ZO-1与 Ecadherin蛋白表达进一步升高( P<0.05)。与乌头碱高剂量组相比,乌头碱高剂量 +CCL2过表达组CCL2、CCR2、N-cadherin与 ZEB1蛋白表达、存活率、增殖率、侵袭数、迁移率升高( P<0.05)Bax/Bcl-2、细胞 ZO-1与 E-cadherin蛋白表达降低( P<0.05)。结论乌头碱可通过 CCL2/CCR2信号通路而抑制膀胱癌细胞存增殖及侵袭和迁移,促使其凋亡。     

The epidermal growth factor receptor in malignant gliomas: pathogenesis and therapeutic implications

Activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has emerged as an important therapeutic target for a variety of solid tumors, particularly malignant gliomas. Mutation or amplification of EGFR is commonly observed in malignant gliomas and these modifications are associated with increased cell proliferation and radiation resistance. Small-molecule kinase inhibitors targeting the intracellular kinase domain of the EGFR and monoclonal antibodies against the extracellular domain of the EGFR have demonstrated in vitro efficacy and have spawned clinical trials incorporating EGFR inhibition into the management of malignant gliomas, for example, combining EGFR inhibitors with radiation therapy. This early clinical experience indicates that EGFR inhibitors are well tolerated; however, it remains unclear how best to integrate EGFR inhibition into the management of malignant gliomas. As signaling pathways become better defined, patients may be treated with EGFR inhibitors based on the molecular features of their tumors and treatment efficacy may be improved by combining EGFR inhibition with other small kinase inhibitors and radiation therapy.     

MicroRNA and receptor mediated signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets in heart failure

Introduction: Cardiac remodelling is a complex pathogenetic pathway involving genome expression, molecular, cellular, and interstitial changes that cause changes in size, shape and function of the heart after cardiac injury.

Areas covered: We will review recent advances in understanding the role of several receptor-mediated signaling pathways and micro-RNAs, in addition to their potential as candidate target pathways in the pathogenesis of heart failure. The myocyte is the main target cell involved in the remodelling process via ischemia, cell necrosis and apoptosis (by means of various receptor pathways), and other mechanisms mediated by micro-RNAs. We will analyze the role of some receptor mediated signaling pathways such as natriuretic peptides, mediators of glycogen synthase kinase 3 and ERK1/2 pathways, beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes and relaxin receptor signaling mechanisms, TNF/TNF receptor family and TWEAK/Fn14 axis, and some micro-RNAs as candidate target pathways in pathogenesis of heart failure. These mediators of receptor-mediated pathways and micro-RNA are the most addressed targets of emerging therapies in modern heart failure treatment strategies.

Expert opinion: Future treatment strategies should address mediators involved in multiple steps within heart failure pathogenetic pathways.     

Understanding and targeting cancer stem cells: therapeutic implications and challenges

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as rare cell populations in many cancers, including leukemia and solid tumors. Accumulating evidence has suggested that CSCs are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into various types of cancer cells. Aberrant regulation of gene expression and some signaling pathways has been observed in CSCs compared to other tumor cells. CSCs are thought to be responsible for cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance. The CSC hypothesis has recently attracted much attention due to the potential for discovery and development of CSC-related therapies and the identification of key molecules involved in controlling the unique properties of CSC populations. Over the past several years, a tremendous amount of effort has been invested in the development of new drugs, such as nanomedicines, that can take advantage of the “Achilles'' heel” of CSCs by targeting cell-surface molecular markers or various signaling pathways. Novel compounds and therapeutic strategies that selectively target CSCs have been identified, some of which have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. In this article, we review new findings related to the investigation of the CSC hypothesis, and discuss the crucial pathways involved in regulating the development of CSC populations and the advances in studies of drug resistance. In addition, we review new CSC-targeted therapeutic strategies aiming to eradicate malignancies.     

Androgenetic alopecia: combing the hair follicle signaling pathways for new therapeutic targets and more effective treatment options

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In the past 30 years, only two drugs have received FDA approval for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia reflecting a lack of success in unraveling novel targets for pharmacological intervention. However, as our knowledge of hair biology improves, new signaling pathways and organogenesis processes are being uncovered which have the potential to yield more effective therapeutic modalities.

Areas covered: This review focuses on potential targets for drug development to treat hair loss. The physiological processes underlying the promise of regenerative medicine to recreate new functional hair follicles in bald scalp are also examined.

Expert opinion: The discovery of promising new targets may soon enable treatment options that modulate the hair cycle to preserve or extend the growth phase of the hair follicle. These new targets could also be leveraged to stimulate progenitor cells and morphogenic pathways to reactivate miniaturized follicles in bald scalp or to harness the potential of wound healing and embryogenic development as an emerging paradigm to generate new hair follicles in barren skin.     

KSR as a therapeutic target for Ras-dependent cancers

Introduction: Targeting downstream effectors required for oncogenic Ras signaling is a potential alternative or complement to the development of more direct approaches targeting Ras in the treatment of Ras-dependent cancers.

Areas covered: Here we review literature pertaining to the molecular scaffold Kinase Suppressor of Ras (KSR) and its role in promoting signals critical to tumor maintenance. We summarize the phenotypes in knockout models, describe the role of KSR in cancer, and outline the structure and function of the KSR1 and KSR2 proteins. We then focus on the most recent literature that describes the crystal structure of the kinase domain of KSR2 in complex with MEK1, KSR-RAF dimerization particularly in response to RAF inhibition, and novel attempts to target KSR proteins directly.

Expert opinion: KSR is a downstream effector of Ras-mediated tumorigenesis that is dispensable for normal growth and development, making it a desirable target for the development of novel therapeutics with a high therapeutic index. Recent advances have revealed that KSR can be functionally inhibited using a small molecule that stabilizes KSR in an inactive conformation. The efficacy and potential for this novel approach to be used clinically in the treatment of Ras-driven cancers is still being investigated.     

SIRT1蛋白与mTOR信号通路作为糖尿病及糖尿病并发症治疗靶点的研究进展

糖尿病是全球最普遍的非传染性疾病之一，并且发病率逐年增加，糖尿病及其并发症已经成为全球关注的公共卫生问题，亟需新的、更有效的治疗药物。特殊的生存环境导致了海洋生物独特的代谢途径，因此从海洋环境中寻找新颖的抗糖尿病药物潜力巨大。糖尿病的发病机制非常复杂，其中SIRT1蛋白以及mTOR信号通路在糖尿病的发病机制中发挥了非常重要的作用。本文主要总结了SIRT1蛋白以及mTOR信号通路对糖尿病的调控作用，以期为抗糖尿病海洋药物的筛选提供新的靶点，加快我国“蓝色药库”的开发     

Inhibition of mTOR kinase as a therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia in adults, remains a therapeutic challenge. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway is one of the key aberrant intracellular axes involved in AML.

Areas covered: mTOR plays a critical role in sensing and responding to environmental determinants such as nutrient availability, stress, and growth factor concentrations; and in modulating key cellular functions such as proliferation, metabolism, and survival. Although abnormalities of mTOR signaling are strongly associated with neoplastic leukemic proliferation, the role of pharmacologic inhibitors of mTOR in the treatment of AML has not been established.

Expert opinion: Inhibition of mTOR signaling has in general modest growth-inhibitory effects in preclinical AML models and clinical trials. Yet, combination of allosteric mTOR inhibitors with standard chemotherapy or targeted agents has a greater anti-leukemia efficacy. In turn, dual mTORC1/2 inhibitors, and dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors show greater activity in pre-clinical AML models. Further, understanding the role of mTOR signaling in stemness of leukemias is important because AML stem cells may become chemoresistant by displaying aberrant signaling molecules, modifying epigenetic mechanisms, and altering the components of the bone marrow microenvironment.     

栀子苷介导GLP-1R/Akt信号通路改善大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤和神经元凋亡的研究

目的 观察栀子苷对脑缺血再灌注损伤（CIRI）模型大鼠的神经保护作用及对胰高血糖素样肽-1受体（GLP-1R）/蛋白激酶B（Akt）信号通路的影响。方法 50只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组,模型组,栀子苷低、高剂量组及尼莫地平片组,每组10只。采用线栓法制备CIRI大鼠模型,缺血2 h再灌注24 h后,栀子苷低、高剂量组大鼠分别ig给予10、40 mg·kg^-1的栀子苷,尼莫地平片组大鼠ig给予8.1 mg·kg^-1尼莫地平,假手术组和模型组大鼠ig等体积生理盐水,每天1次,连续7 d。造模后及给药结束后,分别对各组大鼠进行神经功能缺损评分;给药结束后,采用酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）检测血清中肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）及白细胞介素-6（IL-6）水平,苏木素-伊红（HE）染色检测脑组织病理学变化,尼氏染色检测神经元与尼氏小体变化,免疫组化染色检测脑组织B淋巴细胞瘤-2（Bcl-2）和Bcl-2关联X蛋白（Bax）表达,蛋白质印迹法（Western blotting）检测脑组织细胞色素C（Cyt-C）、半胱氨酸蛋白酶-3（Caspase-3）、半胱氨酸蛋白酶-9（Caspase-9）、胰高血糖素样肽-1受体（GLP-1R）及磷酸化蛋白激酶B（p-Akt）蛋白表达水平。结果 与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠神经功能缺损评分显著升高（P＜0.05）,血清中TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平显著升高（P＜0.05）;皮质细胞间质疏松、增宽,有大量神经元细胞质萎缩和细胞核损伤;脑神经元皱缩,尼氏小体变小,数目明显减少。大鼠脑组织Bcl-2表达显著降低（P＜0.05）,Bax表达显著升高（P＜0.05）;脑组织中Cyt-C、Caspase-3、Caspase-9蛋白表达水平显著升高（P＜0.05）,GLP-1R和p-Akt蛋白表达水平显著降低（P＜0.05）。与模型组比较,栀子苷高剂量组和尼莫地平片组大鼠神经功能缺损评分均显著降低（P＜0.05）,血清中TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平显著降低（P＜0.05）,皮质细胞较为整齐,神经元细胞和尼氏小体损伤减小,Bcl-2表达显著升高（P＜0.05）,Bax表达显著降低（P＜0.05）,同时,Cyt-C、Caspase-3及Caspase-9蛋白表达水平显著下降（P＜0.05）,GLP-1R和p-Akt蛋白表达水平显著升高（P＜0.05）。结论 栀子苷能够改善大鼠CIRI,减少神经元凋亡,其作用机制可能与激活GLP-1R/Akt信号通路有关。     

注射用丹参多酚酸对MCAO/R大鼠Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1信号通路的影响

目的 采用大鼠大脑中动脉栓塞/再灌注（MCAO/R）模型考察注射用丹参多酚酸（SAFI）对脑缺血再灌注大鼠核因子E2相关因子2（Nrf2）/Kelch样ECH相关蛋白（Keap1）/血红素氧合酶-1（HO-1）信号通路的影响。方法 线栓法构建大鼠MCAO/R模型,于术后24 h进行神经功能评分,将造模成功的大鼠随机分为模型组、丁苯酞（5 mL·kg^-1）组和SAFI低、中、高剂量（5.76、11.51、23.02 mg·kg^-1）组,尾iv给药,连续14 d。考察给药后各组大鼠神经功能缺损评分;ELISA法检测血清超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）、脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）水平;TTC染色法检测脑梗死体积;HE染色观察脑组织病理变化;Western blotting法检测Nrf2、Keap1、HO-1蛋白表达。结果 与模型组比较,SAFI中、高剂量组和丁苯酞组大鼠的神经功能缺损评分显著降低（P＜0.05、0.01） ;SAFI各剂量组和丁苯酞组脑梗死体积显著减少（P＜0.01、0.001）,血清BDNF、SOD水平均显著升高（P＜0.05、0.01、0.001）,MDA水平显著降低（P＜0.05、0.01）,脑组织病理变化明显减轻,水肿减轻; SAFI高、中剂量组及丁苯酞组Keap1、Nrf2、HO-1蛋白表达显著升高（P＜0.05、0.01、0.001）,SAFI低剂量组Keap1、HO-1蛋白表达显著升高（P＜0.01、0.001）。结论 SAFI可以减轻大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤,可能是通过促进Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1信号通路,抑制氧化损伤实现的。     

Stem cell signaling as a target for novel drug discovery: recent progress in the WNT and Hedgehog pathways

One of the most exciting fields in biomedical research over the past few years is stem cell biology, and therapeutic application of stem cells to replace the diseased or damaged tissues is also an active area in development. Although stem cell therapy has a number of technical challenges and regulatory hurdles to overcome, the use of stem cells as tools in drug discovery supported by mature technologies and established regulatory paths is expected to generate more immediate returns. In particular, the targeting of stem cell signaling pathways is opening up a new avenue for drug discovery. Aberrations in these pathways result in various diseases, including cancer, fibrosis and degenerative diseases. A number of drug targets in stem cell signaling pathways have been identified. Among them, WNT and Hedgehog are two most important signaling pathways, which are the focus of this review. A hedgehog pathway inhibitor, vismodegib (Erivedge), has recently been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of skin cancer, while several drug candidates for the WNT pathway are entering clinical trials. We have discovered that the stem cell signaling pathways respond to traditional Chinese medicines. Substances isolated from herbal medicine may act specifically on components of stem cell signaling pathways with high affinities. As many of these events can be explained through molecular interactions, these phenomena suggest that discovery of stem cell-targeting drugs from natural products may prove to be highly successful.     

人参皂苷Rg1对大鼠阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征引起的肺损伤及Nrf2/HO-1信号通路的影响

目的 探究人参皂苷Rg1对大鼠阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)引起的肺损伤及Nrf2/HO-1信号通路的影响及机制.方法 60只SD大鼠分为对照组(control组)、慢性间歇性缺氧组(CIH组)、人参皂苷Rg1低剂量组(CIH+GRg1-L)和人参皂苷Rg1高剂量组(CIH+GRg1-H),每组15只.使...     

Glabridin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in oral cancer cells through the JNK1/2 signaling pathway

Glabridin, a flavonoid extracted from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), possesses various biological properties, including anticancer activities. However, the effect of glabridin on oral cancer cell apoptosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms has not been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that glabridin treatment significantly inhibits cell proliferation in human oral cancer SCC‐9 and SAS cell lines. Flow cytometric assays demonstrated that glabridin induced several features of apoptosis, such as sub‐G1 phase cell increase and phosphatidylserine externalization. Furthermore, glabridin induced apoptosis dose‐dependently in SCC‐9 cells through caspase‐3, −8, and −9 activation and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage. Moreover, glabridin increased the phosphorylation of the extracellular signal–regulated kinase, p38, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathways in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, the inhibition of the JNK1/2 inhibitor significantly reversed the glabridin‐induced activation of the caspase pathway. In conclusion, our findings suggest that glabridin induces oral cancer cell apoptosis through the JNK1/2 pathway and is a potential therapeutic agent for oral cancer.     

疏肝健脾解毒方对乳腺癌癌前病变防治作用机制研究

目的 通过动物实验研究疏肝健脾解毒方对乳腺癌癌前病变的作用机制。方法 取SD大鼠,分为6组（每组10只）：空白组、乳腺癌癌前病变模型组、疏肝健脾解毒方低剂量组、疏肝健脾解毒方中剂量组、疏肝健脾解毒方高剂量组、他莫昔芬组。采用二甲基苯蒽（DMBA）造模法对乳腺癌癌前病变大鼠模型造模。采用HE染色观察各组乳腺组织病理变化,流式细胞仪检测CD4+、CD8+含量;ELISA检测IL-2、IL-4、IL-6、IL-10、IL-12、E2、P含量。Western blot检测ER、PI3K、p-Akt及mTOR的蛋白表达。结果HE染色显示大鼠乳腺组织发生改变,提示造模成功。与空白组比较,模型组外周血中CD4+含量降低,CD8+含量升高,差异有统计学意义（P ＜0.01）,与模型组相比,中药低、中、高剂量组和他莫昔芬组CD4+含量增加,CD8+含量下降,差异均有统计学意义（P ＜0.01）。与空白组比较,模型组IL-2、IL-4、IL-10浓度显著降低（P ＜0.01）,IL-12、IL-6显著升高（P ＜0.01）;与模型组比较,中药低、中、高剂量组和他莫昔芬组IL-2、IL-4、IL-10浓度均显著升高（P ＜0.01）,IL-12、IL-6显著下降（P ＜0.01）。与空白组比较,模型组E2和P含量显著升高（P ＜0.01）,与模型组比较,中药低、中、高剂量组和他莫昔芬组E2和P含量均显著降低（P ＜0.01）。Western blot检测ER、PI3K、p-Akt及mTOR的表达,与空白组比较,模型组显著升高（P ＜0.01）,与模型组比较,中药低、中、高剂量组、他莫昔芬组均有显著下降（P ＜0.01）。结论 疏肝健脾解毒方可能是通过使ER的表达下降,从而抑制PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路的表达,同时影响机体免疫应答来逆转大鼠乳腺癌变进程的。     

Targeting the TCR signaling checkpoint: a therapeutic strategy to reactivate memory T cells in the tumor microenvironment

Background: One of the major conundrums in cancer immunotherapy is why human tumors are not rejected, and progress despite the presence of inflammatory leukocytes in the tumor microenvironment. While studies addressing the mechanisms responsible for the failure of immunocompetent cells to control tumor progression have shed considerable light upon this issue, not enough is known about the mechanisms contributing to the regulation of tumor-associated T cells in the microenvironment of human tumors. Objective: A persistent and robust response is likely to be required for the complete eradication of tumors. Such a durable immune response will require the development and persistence of functional tumor-reactive memory T cells. Methods: Various studies have investigated the mechanisms of suppression in the tumor microenvironment. However, very few studies have investigated the hyporesponsiveness of tumor-associated T cells at the molecular level. This review focuses on the hyporesponsiveness of tumor-associated T cells and how this relates to the T cell receptor signaling cascade. Results/conclusions: We postulate that this hyporesponsiveness results from a normal regulatory mechanism or TCR signaling checkpoint that is initiated by the persistence of antigen. If the TCR checkpoint is defined, it will be possible to design therapeutic strategies that reverse the TCR arrest. Essentially, this will reactivate the T cells in situ, leading to the killing and lysis of tumors locally, the release of tumor antigens and the generation of a systemic antitumor immunity.     

紫草素对慢性鼻窦炎小鼠鼻黏膜组织炎症反应及SIRT1/Nrf2信号通路的影响

目的 研究紫草素对慢性鼻窦炎小鼠鼻黏膜组织炎症反应及沉默信息调控因子1(SIRT1)/核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)信号通路的影响。方法 选取80只小鼠建立慢性鼻窦炎模型后随机分为模型组,紫草素12.5、50.0 mg/kg组,克拉霉素组,每组20只。另取正常饲养的20只小鼠设为假手术组。各组小鼠分别ig给予相应药物,1次/d,共14 d。采用苏木素–伊红（HE）染色观察小鼠鼻黏膜组织病理形态学;Masson染色观察小鼠鼻黏膜组织胶原沉积情况;ELISA法检测小鼠血清中炎性因子水平;Western blotting实验检测小鼠鼻黏膜组织中SIRT1/Nrf2信号通路相关蛋白表达。结果 与模型组比较,紫草素12.5、50.0 mg/kg组小鼠鼻窦黏膜慢性炎症表现和蓝色胶原沉积明显改善;血清中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-32(IL-32)、γ干扰素（IFN-γ）水平显著降低;鼻黏膜组织中SIRT1、Nrf2、血红素氧合酶-1(HO-1)、NADPH醌氧化还原酶1(NQO-1)蛋白表达水平显著升高（P<0.05）。且紫草素50.0 mg/kg组小鼠上述指标均显著优于紫...     

Non-cell-autonomous signaling by Shh in tumors: challenges and opportunities for therapeutic targets

Importance of the field: The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is required during many developmental events; in adults the Hedgehog pathway is involved in the maintenance of several stem cell niches. It is therefore not surprising that aberrantly regulated Hh pathway activity can cause birth defects in the developing organism, as well as neoplastic disease later in life.

Areas covered in this review: As a consequence of the involvement in pathogenesis, the Hh pathway components are subject to an intense scrutiny as potential targets for therapeutic agents. We aim to provide an overview of the biology of the Hh proteins and the cellular response, in conjunction with potential therapeutic interventions.

What the reader will gain: Specifically, we focus on the recently discovered non-cell-autonomous Shh signaling used by tumors and the implications of this for the design of treatment strategies. This should provide the reader with up-to-date knowledge on the role of the Hh pathway in tumor progression and the options to treat these malignancies.

Take home message: An important concept that we advocate in this review is the need to recognize the need to target both the stromal and the tumor compartment in malignancies that rely on paracrine Shh signaling.     

Notoginsenoside R1 attenuates cardiac dysfunction in endotoxemic mice: an insight into oestrogen receptor activation and PI3K/Akt signalling

Background and Purpose

Notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1), a novel phytoestrogen isolated from Panax notoginseng, is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties. However, its cardioprotective properties and underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we have assessed the contribution of the anti-inflammatory effects of NG-R1 to the amelioration of septic cardiac dysfunction and inflammation in mice.

Experimental Approach

We assessed cardiac function in mice by echocardiography. We studied the protein or mRNA levels of some inflammatory factors, apoptotic factors and oestrogen receptors (ERs) in heart tissues upon stimulation with bacterial LPS, NG-R1 or some pharmacological inhibitors.

Key Results

Six hours after LPS administration (10 mg·kg⁻¹, i.p.) cardiac function was decreased, an effect attenuated by NG-R1 pretreatment (25 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹, i.p.). NG-R1 also improved the imbalance between iNOS and eNOS, prevented activation of NF-κB and the subsequent myocardial inflammatory and apoptotic responses in endotoxemic mice. The effects of NG-R1 were closely associated with activation of the oestrogen receptor ERα and of PI3K/PKB (Akt) signalling, as characterized by NG-R1-induced preservation in ERα, phospho-Akt, phospho-GSK3β and I-κBα, and of cardiac function that was partially blocked by selective inhibitors of ERα or PI3K. However, NG-R1 had no effect on LPS-activated TLR-4.

Conclusions and Implications

NG-R1 is a promising compound for protecting the heart from septic shock, possibly via the activation of ERα and PI3K/Akt signalling. This mechanism produces blockade of NF-κB activation and attenuation of the pro-inflammatory state and apoptotic stress in the myocardium.