Protective role of PI3-kinase/Akt/eNOS signaling in mechanical stress through inhibition of p38 mitogenactivated protein kinase in mouse lung

Aim:

To test the hypothesis that PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling has a protective role in a murine model of ventilation associated lung injury (VALI) through down-regulation of p38 MAPK signaling.

Methods:

Male C57BL/J6 (wild-type, WT) or eNOS knockout mice (eNOS^−/−) were exposed to mechanical ventilation (MV) with low (LV_T, 7 mL/kg) and high tidal volume (HV_T, 20 mL/kg) for 0−4 h. A subset of WT mice was administered the specific inhibitors of PI3K (100 nmol/L Wortmannin [Wort], ip) or of p38 MAPK (SB203580, 2 mg/kg, ip) 1 h before MV. Cultured type II alveolar epithelial cells C10 were exposed to 18% cyclic stretch for 2 h with or without 20 nmol/L Wort pretreatment. At the end of the experiment, the capillary leakage in vivo was assessed by extravasation of Evans blue dye (EBD), wet/dry weight ratio and lung lavage protein concentration. The lung tissue and cell lysate were also collected for protein and histological review.

Results:

MV decreased PI3K/Akt phosphorylation and eNOS expression but increased phospho-p38 MAPK expression along with a lung leakage of EBD. Inhibitions of phospho-Akt by Wort worsen the lung edema, whereas inhibition of p38 MAPK kinase restored activation of Akt together with alleviated capillary leakage. eNOS^−/− mice showed an exacerbated lung edema and injury. The stretched C10 cells demonstrated that Wort diminished the activation of Akt, but potentiated phosphorylation of MAPK p38.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that PI-3K/Akt/eNOS pathway has significant protective effects in VALI by preventing capillary leakage, and that there is a cross-talk between PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK pathways in vascular barrier dysfunction resulting from VALI.     

PI3K/Akt信号通路与肝纤维化

PI3K/Akt信号通路为细胞内重要信号传导通路之一,在促进细胞增殖、抑制凋亡的过程中发挥重要作用。PI3K/Akt信号通路与肝纤维化的发生、发展密切相关。通过干预PI3K/Akt信号通路,研究肝纤维化的发病机制和药物治疗是有意义的途径。该文就PI3K/Akt信号通路的构成、转导途径及其在肝纤维化中的作用作一综述。     

Activation of liver X receptor enhances the proliferation and migration of endothelial progenitor cells and promotes vascular repair through PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway activation

Vascular endothelial injury is a major cause of many cardiovascular diseases. The proliferation and migration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a pivotal role in endothelial regeneration and repair after vascular injury. Recently, liver X receptor (LXR) activation has been suggested as a potential target for novel therapeutic interventions in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of LXR activation on endothelial regeneration and repair, as well as EPC function, have not been investigated. In the present study, we demonstrate that LXRs, including LXRα and LXRβ, are expressed and functional in rat bone marrow-derived EPCs. Treatment with an LXR agonist, TO901317 (TO) or GW3965 (GW), significantly increased the proliferation and migration of EPCs, as well as Akt and eNOS phosphorylation in EPCs. Moreover, LXR agonist treatment enhanced the expression and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor in EPCs. LXR agonists accelerated re-endothelialization in injured mouse carotid arteries in vivo. These data confirm that LXR activation may improve EPC function and endothelial regeneration and repair after vascular injury by activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. We conclude that LXRs may be attractive targets for drug development in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases associated with vascular injury.     

Intermedin alleviates the inflammatory response and stabilizes the endothelial barrier in LPS-induced ARDS through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway

Inflammatory storms and endothelial barrier dysfunction are the central pathophysiological features of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Intermedin (IMD), a member of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) family, has been reported to alleviate inflammation and protect endothelial cell (EC) integrity. However, the effects of IMD on ARDS have not been clearly elucidated. In the present study, clinical ARDS data were used to explore the relationship between serum IMD levels and disease severity and prognosis, and we then established a model to predict the possibility of hospital survival. Mouse models of ARDS and LPS-challenged endothelial cells were used to analyze the protective effect and underlying mechanism of IMD. We found that in patients with ARDS, increased serum IMD levels were associated with reduced disease severity and increased rates of hospital survival. IMD alleviated the LPS-induced inflammatory response by decreasing proinflammatory cytokines, NF-κB p65 expression and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. In addition, IMD stabilized the endothelial barrier by repairing adherens junctions (AJs), cytoskeleton and capillary leakage. IMD exerted protective effects against ARDS on pulmonary endothelial cells, at least partly, through PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling, while IMD’s anti-inflammation effect was mediated through an eNOS-independent mechanism. Our study may provide new therapeutic insight for ARDS treatment.     

Red wine polyphenols induce EDHF-mediated relaxations in porcine coronary arteries through the redox-sensitive activation of the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway

Red wine polyphenolic compounds (RWPCs) are potent inducers of endothelium-dependent relaxations of coronary arteries, which involve both nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). The EDHF-mediated relaxation to RWPCs is critically dependent on the formation of reactive oxygen species by a flavin-dependent enzyme. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of redox-sensitive protein kinases including p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and PI3-kinase/Akt in RWPCs-induced EDHF-mediated relaxation. Porcine coronary artery rings were suspended in organ chambers for measurement of changes in isometric tension. Confluent cultures of porcine coronary artery endothelial cells were used to determine the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and Akt by Western blot analysis. All experiments were performed in the presence of indomethacin and Nomega-nitro-L-arginine. RWPCs caused pronounced endothelium-dependent relaxations, which were significantly reduced by wortmannin and LY294002, two inhibitors of PI3-kinase, and not affected by PD98059 (an inhibitor of ERK1/2 kinase kinase) and SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38 MAPK). In contrast, wortmannin did not affect relaxations to bradykinin or levcromakalim. RWPCs elicited within minutes a sustained and concentration-dependent phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and Akt in endothelial cells. The phosphorylation of Akt in response to RWPCs was abolished by wortmannin and LY294002, and by the membrane-permeant analogue of superoxide dismutase Mn(III)tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin. The present findings demonstrate that RWPCs cause EDHF-mediated relaxations of coronary arteries; these responses are critically dependent on the redox-sensitive activation of the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway in endothelial cells.     

Hypoxia-induced iNOS expression in microglia is regulated by the PI3-kinase/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha

Exposure to hypoxia induced microglia activation and animal studies have shown that neuronal cell death is correlated with microglial activation following cerebral ischemia. Thus, it is likely that toxic inflammatory mediators produced by activated microglia under hypoxic conditions may exacerbate neuronal injury following cerebral ischemia. The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is primarily involved in the sensing and adapting of cells to changes in the O(2) level, which is regulated by many physiological functions. However, the role of HIF-1 in microglia activation under hypoxia has not yet been defined. In the current work, we investigate the signaling pathways of HIF-1alpha involved in the regulation of hypoxia-induced overexpression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in microglia. Exposure of primary rat microglial cultures as well as established microglial cell line BV-2 to hypoxia induced the expression of iNOS, indicating that hypoxia could lead to the inflammatory activation of microglia. iNOS induction was accompanied with NO production. Moreover, the molecular analysis of these events indicated that iNOS expression was regulated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase)/AKT/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha). Thus, during cerebral ischemia, hypoxia may not only directly damage neurons, but also promote neuronal injury indirectly via microglia activation. In this study, we demonstrated that hypoxia induced iNOS expression by regulation of HIF-1alpha in microglia.     

PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路与结直肠恶性肿瘤

结直肠癌(colorectal cancer,CRC)是世界大多数地区最常见的恶性肿瘤之一。它的发展是一个多步骤过程,以改变正常细胞的分子信号为启动点,促进细胞发展,最终产生一种表型改变的恶性转化细胞。已有报道指出磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶/蛋白激酶B/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白[phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/the mammalian target of Rapamycin(mTOR),PI3K/Akt/mTOR]信号通路与结直肠恶性肿瘤产生有紧密的联系。也有报道证明约60%~70%的结直肠癌患者存在Akt信号的活化及PTEN的表达受损,进而说明PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路抑制药可以作为恶性肿瘤治疗的潜在靶点。近年来,PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路受到越来越多的关注,在不同的实验模型中利用针对这条通路的天然及合成药物来降低恶性肿瘤负荷。将近年来PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路在结直肠恶性肿瘤中的研究做一综述,并就今后结直肠恶性肿瘤中该通路可能的研究方向进行展望。     

甲状腺腺瘤与PI3K/Akt信号转导途径的关系

目的 探讨甲状腺腺瘤疾病与磷脂酰肌醇3激酶／蛋白激酶B（P13K／Akt）信号转导途径之间的关系。方法 外科手术中获取19例单发结节型甲状腺腺瘤组织及瘤旁组织,采用RT-PCR技术及免疫组化方法检测腺瘤及瘤旁组织中P13K、ARt的表达。结果 （1）甲状腺腺瘤组织中P13K、ARt基因的mRNA表达水平均显著高于瘤旁组织（P〈0．01）;（2）免疫组化P13K、ARt染色均分布于细胞胞浆中,腺瘤组织中P13K、ARt的平均积分光度值均显著高于瘤旁组织（P〈0．01）。结论 P13K／Akt信号转导途径功能异常可能参与甲状腺腺瘤增殖的病理生理机制。     

Oleic acid enhances vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway.

Nonesterified fatty acids are acutely liberated during lipolysis and are chronically elevated in pathological conditions such as insulin resistance, hypertension, and obesity, which are known risk factors for atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of oleic acid (OA), an 18-carbon cis-monosaturated fatty acid on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Incubation of a rat VSMC (A10 cells) with OA (50 microM) resulted in an increase of cells entering the S phase of the cell cycle. In consistent with the effects on cell cycle distribution, OA stimulated VSMC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The mitogenic effect of OA was significantly reduced by pretreatment of LY294002 (5 microM) or wortmannin (1 microM), potent, and specific inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). OA also induced activation of Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) in a time-dependent manner. OA-induced activation of Akt/PKB was inhibited by either LY294002 or wortmannin. Taken together, these experiments show that the enhanced phosphorylation of Akt/PKB by OA is dependent on PI3K and suggest that this signaling event may be important for the regulation of OA-induced VSMC proliferation.     

SMND-309 promotes neuron survival through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/CREB-signalling pathway

Context In clinical practice, the promotion of neuron survival is necessary to recover neurological functions after the onset of stroke.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the post-ischaemic neuroprotective effect of SMND-309, a novel metabolite of salvianolic acid, on differentiated SH-SY5Y cells.

Materials and methods SH-SY5Y cells were differentiated by pre-treating with 5?μM all-trans-retinoic acid for 6 d. The differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) for 2?h and reperfusion (R) for 24?h to induce OGD/R injury. After OGD injury, differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were treated with or without SMND-309 (5, 10, 20?μM) for another 24?h. Cell viability was detected through Cell counting kit-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay. Apoptosis was evaluated through flow cytometry, caspase-3 activity assay. Changes in protein levels were assessed through Western blot.

Results SMND-309 ameliorated the degree of injury in the differentiated SH-SY5Y cells by increasing cell viabilities (5?μM, 65.4%?±?4.1%; 10?μM, 69.8%?±?3.7%; 20?μM, 75.3%?±?5.1%) and by reducing LDH activity (20?μM, 2.5 fold) upon OGD/R stimulation. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining results suggested that apoptotic rate of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells decreased from 43.8% induced by OGD/R injury to 19.2% when the cells were treated with 20?μM SMND-309. SMND-309 significantly increased the Bcl-2 level of the injured differentiated SH-SY5Y cells but decreased the caspase-3 activity of these cells by 1.6-fold. In contrast, SMND-309 did not affect the Bax level of these cells. SMND-309 evidently increased the protein expression of BDNF when Akt and CREB were activated. This function was antagonized by the addition of LY294002.

Conclusion SMND-309 can prevent neuronal cell death in vitro. This process may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt/CREB-signalling pathway.     

PI3K/Akt信号通路活化在曲妥珠单抗耐药机制意义的研究

目的探讨磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶/丝苏氨酸蛋白激酶(PI3K/Akt)信号转导通路激活是曲妥珠单抗耐药的重要靶点之一,为乳腺癌曲妥珠单抗耐药的靶向治疗提供理论基础。方法对人乳腺癌细胞株BT474连续处理建立了耐曲妥珠单抗的耐药亚株BT-HerR,FISH法对耐药细胞株BT-HerR做Her-2表型分析,MTT法检测曲妥珠单抗对BT474和BT-HerR细胞的体外增殖抑制情况,流式细胞仪检测曲妥珠单抗干预后细胞的凋亡变化,PI3K/Akt抑制剂LY294002干预细胞后Western blot检测p-Akt表达。结果耐药细胞株BT-HerR Her-2基因表达为强阳性;曲妥珠单抗干预细胞72 h后,细胞的体外增殖受到抑制且随着浓度的升高而增强;经曲妥珠单抗处理后比较BT474与BT-HerR细胞凋亡率,差异具有显著性(P<0.01);曲妥珠单抗仅能抑制BT474的Akt蛋白磷酸化,LY294002则能同时抑制BT474的BT-HerR Akt蛋白磷酸化。结论曲妥珠单抗耐药细胞Akt蛋白磷酸化活化,PI3K/Akt抑制剂LY294002能明显抑制曲妥珠单抗耐药细胞Akt蛋白磷酸化,PI3K/Akt信号转导通路与曲妥珠单抗耐药存在明确相关性。     

Ellagic acid protects endothelial cells from oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis by modulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway

Endothelial apoptosis is a driving force in atherosclerosis development. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) promotes inflammatory and thrombotic processes and is highly atherogenic, as it stimulates macrophage cholesterol accumulation and foam cell formation. Previous studies have shown that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (PI3K/Akt/eNOS/NO) pathway is involved in oxLDL-induced endothelial apoptosis. Ellagic acid, a natural polyphenol found in berries and nuts, has in recent years been the subject of intense research within the fields of cancer and inflammation. However, its protective effects against oxLDL-induced injury in vascular endothelial cells have not been clarified. In the present study, we investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of ellagic acid in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to oxLDL and explored the possible mechanisms. Our results showed that pretreatment with ellagic acid (5-20 μM) significantly attenuated oxLDL-induced cytotoxicity, apoptotic features, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the anti-apoptotic effect of ellagic acid was partially inhibited by a PI3K inhibitor (wortmannin) and a specific eNOS inhibitor (cavtratin) but not by an ERK inhibitor (PD98059). In exploring the underlying mechanisms of ellagic acid action, we found that oxLDL decreased Akt and eNOS phosphorylation, which in turn activated NF-κB and downstream pro-apoptotic signaling events including calcium accumulation, destabilization of mitochondrial permeability, and disruption of the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Those alterations induced by oxLDL, however, were attenuated by pretreatment with ellagic acid. The inhibition of oxLDL-induced endothelial apoptosis by ellagic acid is due at least in part to its anti-oxidant activity and its ability to modulate the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.     

蛇床子素通过PI3K/Akt通路诱导外阴鳞癌SW962细胞凋亡

目的探讨蛇床子素(osthole或osthol)能否通过PI3K/Akt通路诱导细胞凋亡,抑制细胞增殖。方法体外培养外阴鳞癌SW962细胞,加入不同浓度蛇床子素,MTT法检测细胞存活情况,DAPI染色观察细胞形态学变化;流式细胞术检测SW962细胞凋亡情况; Western blot检测Bcl-2、Bax、cleaved caspase-3、PI3K和p-Akt蛋白表达,及蛇床子素和IGF-1共作用下PI3K/Akt通路蛋白的变化。结果 MTT结果显示,蛇床子素呈浓度依赖性地抑制SW962细胞增殖;DAPI染色和流式细胞术结果显示,蛇床子素呈浓度依赖性诱导细胞凋亡。Western blot结果显示,蛇床子素能上调Bax和cleaved caspase-3蛋白表达,下调PI3K、p-Akt和Bcl-2蛋白表达。IGF-1诱导PI3K、p-Akt和Bcl-2蛋白表达增加,蛇床子素逆转IGF-1作用,3种蛋白表达下调。结论蛇床子素通过抑制PI3K/Akt通路,诱导外阴鳞癌SW962细胞凋亡,抑制细胞增殖。     

PI3K/Akt信号通路在肿瘤发展和治疗中的作用

目前发现有多条信号网络通路参与调控肿瘤生成、增殖、凋亡等分子机制,PI3K/Akt是其中比较重要的一条信号传导途径,该通路与肿瘤的发生发展密切相关。该文就PI3K/Akt信号通路的结构组成与调控肿瘤机制进行阐述,并介绍了其在临床中的应用与前景。     

Puerarin protects rat kidney from lead-induced apoptosis by modulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway

Puerarin (PU), a natural flavonoid, has been reported to have many benefits and medicinal properties. However, its protective effects against lead (Pb) induced injury in kidney have not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of puerarin on renal oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats exposed to Pb. Wistar rats were exposed to lead acetate in the drinking water (500 mg Pb/l) with or without puerarin co-administration (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg PU/kg intragastrically once daily) for 75 days. Our data showed that puerarin significantly prevented Pb-induced nephrotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, indicated by both diagnostic indicators of kidney damage (serum urea, uric acid and creatinine) and histopathological analysis. Moreover, Pb-induced profound elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress, as evidenced by increasing of lipid peroxidation level and depleting of intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) level in kidney, were suppressed by treatment with puerarin. Furthermore, TUNEL assay showed that Pb-induced apoptosis in rat kidney was significantly inhibited by puerarin. In exploring the underlying mechanisms of puerarin action, we found that activities of caspase-3 were markedly inhibited by the treatment of puerarin in the kidney of Pb-treated rats. Puerarin increased phosphorylated Akt, phosphorylated eNOS and NO levels in kidney, which in turn inactivated pro-apoptotic signaling events including inhibition of mitochondria cytochrome c release and restoration of the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in kidney of Pb-treated rats. In conclusion, these results suggested that the inhibition of Pb-induced apoptosis by puerarin is due at least in part to its antioxidant activity and its ability to modulate the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.     

Furazolidone induces apoptosis through activating reactive oxygen species-dependent mitochondrial signaling pathway and suppressing PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HepG2 cells

Furazolidone (FZD), a synthetic nitrofuran with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities, has been shown to be genotoxic and potentially carcinogenic in several types of cells. However, the proper molecular mechanisms of FZD toxicity remain unclear. This study was aimed to explore the effect of FZD on apoptosis in HepG2 cells and uncover signaling pathway underlying the cytotoxicity of FZD. The results showed that FZD induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner characterized by nuclei morphology changes, cell membrane phosphatidylserine translocation, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and a cascade activation of caspase-9 and -3. FZD could enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, up-regulate Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and subsequently cause cytochrome c release. Both ROS scavenger (N-acetyl cysteine, NAC) and caspase inhibitors suppressed FZD-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, NAC attenuated FZD-induced ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Meanwhile, FZD treatment inhibited both the activation and expression of Akt, and PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 promoted FZD-induced apoptosis. On the contrary, PI3K/Akt activator insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) attenuated lethality of FZD in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, it is first demonstrated that FZD-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells might be mediated through ROS-dependent mitochondrial signaling pathway and involves PI3K/Akt signaling.     

Andrographolide suppresses endothelial cell apoptosis via activation of phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase/Akt pathway

Andrographolide (Andro), an active component isolated from the Chinese official herbal Andrographis paniculata, which has been reported to prevent oxygen radical production and thus prevent inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways by which Andro protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from growth factor (GF) deprivation-induced apoptosis. Results demonstrated that HUVECs undergo apoptosis after 18 hr of GF deprivation but that this cell death was suppressed by the addition of Andro in a concentration-dependent manner (1-100 microM). Andro suppresses the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis by inhibiting release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm and dissipation of mitochondrial potential (Deltapsi(m)), as a consequence, prevented caspase-3 and -9 activation. Treatment of endothelial cells with Andro-induced activation of the protein kinase Akt, an anti-apoptotic signal, and phosphorylation of BAD, a down-stream target of Akt. Suppression of Akt activity by wortmannin, by LY-294002 and by using a dominant negative Akt mutant abolished the anti-apoptotic effect of Andro. In contrast, the ERK1/2 activities were not affected by Andro. The ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059 failed to antagonize the protective effect of Andro. In conclusion, Andro exerts its anti-apoptotic potential via activation of the Akt-BAD pathway in HUVECs and thus may represent a candidate of therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis.     

Arctigenin promotes bone formation involving PI3K/Akt/PPARγ signaling pathway

This study investigated the mechanisms through which arctigenin promotes osteogenesis. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from ovariectomized (OVX) rats were differentiated into osteoblasts, and osteogenesis was evaluated via Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) measurements in cultured BMSCs. The levels of phosphorylated AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (p‐Akt), and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression were quantified by Western blot analysis. The levels of urine calcium (U‐Ca), urine phosphorus (U‐P), serum ALP, and bone mineral density (BMD) of OVX rats were assessed in vivo. The results showed that treatment with arctigenin in rat BMSCs enhanced mineralization, increased ALP activity, increased the expression of Akt and p‐Akt, and decreased PPARγ expression, consistent with its ability to promote osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, arctigenin prevented OVX‐induced osteoporosis in rats by increasing BMD and ALP activity and inhibiting the loss of Ca and P. In contrast, treatment with LY294002, a selective inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), produced the opposite phenotype. These data suggest that the protective effects of arctigenin on BMSCs and OVX rat models result from the induction of osteogenesis involving the PI3K/Akt/PPARγ axis.