Article
Immunology
Guoqiang Fan, Yanfei Li, Yaxin Liu, Xiaoyi Suo, Yimin Jia, Xiaojing Yang
Summary: In this study, it was demonstrated for the first time that gondoic acid (GA) inhibits inflammation in liver Kupffer cells (KCs). GA was found to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and block specific signaling pathways to alleviate inflammatory responses.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jiaqin Wu, Yuna Qian, Cheng Chen, Fan Feng, Lianhong Pan, Li Yang, Chunli Wang
Summary: This study demonstrated that Hesperetin (HPT) has chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects on chondrocytes through the AMPK signaling pathway, inhibiting TNF-alpha-induced cartilage degradation and promoting chondrocyte proliferation. RNA sequencing identified potential molecular targets, with 549 differentially expressed genes, and highlighted the importance of the AMPK pathway in mediating HPT's protective effects. Overall, HPT shows promise as a natural drug for osteoarthritis treatment.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sang Yeol Lee
Summary: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play crucial roles in cancer metastasis and chronic inflammatory diseases, while ginsenosides have therapeutic potentials. Ginsenosides exhibit anti-metastatic and anti-inflammatory activities by suppressing MMPs through regulation of various signaling pathways.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonios N. Gargalionis, Kostas A. Papavassiliou, Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
Summary: STAT3 plays a critical role in the development of colorectal cancer by enhancing tumor cell proliferation and growth through inflammatory mechanisms. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of STAT3 in tumor immunity are not fully understood, and STAT3 inhibitors have not yet been widely used in clinical practice.
Article
Ophthalmology
Alireza Badiei, William A. Beltran, Gustavo D. Aguirre
Summary: This study compared the expression levels of genes and proteins involved in retinal degeneration in normal dogs and canine models of inherited retinal degeneration. The results showed increased levels of H2S and NO in affected retinas, making cells vulnerable to oxidative damage and apoptosis.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Guoqiang Li, Lei Duan, Fengbiao Yang, Liang Yang, Yajun Deng, Yue Yu, Yanlong Xu, Yinian Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrates the protective effect of curcumin on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its molecular mechanisms involving the p38/MAPK signaling pathway. Curcumin ameliorates secondary brain injury and inflammation associated with TBI, indicating its potential as a therapeutic approach for TBI-related inflammation.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yiyi Chen, Yujie Dong, Jie Yan, Lan Wang, Shirley Yu, Kangwei Jiao, Francois Paquet-Durand
Summary: This study systematically mapped the transcriptional changes that occur in the degenerating mouse retina at the single cell level using single-cell RNA-sequencing. The results highlight the relevance of Ca2+-signaling and metabolic pathways to hereditary photoreceptor degeneration, and suggest that metabolic changes in rd1 mutation may be regulated through the MAPK pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ting-Ting Yao, Yan Zhang, Rong-Ling He, Xin Lv, Yi-Jun He, Meng -Yu Li, Yuan-Yuan Han, Ling-Zhi Long, Guo-Liang Jiang, Xiao-Yun Cheng, Gao-Yun Hu, Qian-Bin Li, Li-Jian Tao, Jie Meng
Summary: Mefunidone effectively protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway and activating the Nrf2 pathway, thereby alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Juncai He, Yan Fu, Lingling Ge, Jiaman Dai, Yajie Fang, Yijian Li, Xianliang Gu, Zui Tao, Ting Zou, Minghui Li, Yong Liu, Haiwei Xu, Zheng Qin Yin
Summary: This study investigated the activation of microglia and its contribution to photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The results showed that disease-associated microglia activation can suppress the degeneration of rods and cones, reducing secondary damage caused by the accumulation of dead cells and infiltrated neutrophils.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Hang Yu, Xi Huang, Cong Xie, Jingrong Song, Yaolong Zhou, Hanlin Shi, Mengmeng Chen, Yueren Wu, Zhenhui Ruan, Lingling Deng, Xiaohong Deng, Yubao Lv, Qingli Luo, Jingcheng Dong
Summary: Persistent chronic inflammation and airway remodeling are important pathological features of chronic asthma. Apigenin (API), a natural compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has shown potential in treating chronic asthma, but its specific role is not well understood.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhansong Tian, Fanchun Zeng, Chunrong Zhao, Shiwu Dong
Summary: Post-trauma osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a common joint disease characterized by cartilage degeneration, with inflammation playing a crucial role. Regulation of inflammatory cells differentiation could be a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating the condition.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mirja Koch, Constanze Scheel, Hongwei Ma, Fan Yang, Michael Stadlmeier, Andrea F. Glueck, Elisa Murenu, Franziska R. Traube, Thomas Carell, Martin Biel, Xi-Qin Ding, Stylianos Michalakis
Summary: Mutations in the CNGA3 gene lead to total colour blindness, and in a mouse model of achromatopsia, the cGMP-dependent protein kinase 2 (Prkg2) was found to be crucial in the degeneration of cones. Inhibiting Prkg2 could slow down degeneration and preserve cone numbers, possibly through modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sumit Siddharth, Panjamurthy Kuppusamy, Qitong Wu, Arumugam Nagalingam, Neeraj K. Saxena, Dipali Sharma
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with increasing incidence and mortality rates, and there is a lack of effective therapeutic options for advanced HCC. This study found that the combination of low-dose sorafenib and non-toxic dose of metformin can effectively inhibit the growth and migration potential of HCC cells, enhance the efficacy of sorafenib, and inhibit the MAPK/ERK/Stat3 signaling pathway. The results of in vivo studies also supported these findings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tapan Behl, Tarapati Rana, Ghallab H. Alotaibi, Md Shamsuzzaman, Maaz Naqvi, Aayush Sehgal, Sukhbir Singh, Neelam Sharma, Yosif Almoshari, Ahmed A. H. Abdellatif, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal, Saurabh Bhatia, Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Simona Bungau
Summary: Depression is characterized by increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Natural polyphenols play a vital role in regulating cell signaling pathways related to oxidative stress and inflammation, demonstrating their potential in preventing and treating depressive disorder. Understanding the mechanism of polyphenols in cell signaling pathways is essential for developing novel compounds for depression treatment.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anh Thu Ha, Jae Youl Cho, Daewon Kim
Summary: This study found that MLK3 plays a key role in regulating AP-1-mediated inflammatory responses in macrophages and can serve as a target molecule for treating AP-1-mediated inflammatory diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fotian Xie, Yuanming Zhong, Dongmei Wang, Kwok Fai So, Jia Xiao, Yi Lv
Summary: This study found that metformin can protect against lipid formation in ALD by activating the LKB1/AMPK/ACC axis. This research is important for understanding the lipid metabolism mechanisms in ALD and developing therapeutic strategies for ALD.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Boli Chen, Fuxiang Li, Bin Jia, Kwok-Fai So, Ji-An Wei, Yuchu Liu, Yibo Qu, Libing Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the impact of inactivating Celsr3 in the brainstem, revealing a reduction in rubrospinal and corticospinal axons in Celsr3 cKO animals. The mutant mice exhibited increased branching of dopaminergic fibers and decreased spinal motoneurons, neuromuscular junctions, and electromyographic signal amplitude. They also showed impaired motor coordination and response to heavy mechanical stimulation.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bailing Chen, Laijian Wang, Xuejun Li, Zhe Shi, Juan Duan, Ji-an Wei, Cunzheng Li, Chaoqin Pang, Diyang Wang, Kejiao Zhang, Hao Chen, Wanying Na, Li Zhang, Kwok-Fai So, Libing Zhou, Bin Jiang, Ti-Fei Yuan, Yibo Qu
Summary: Celsr2 plays a critical role in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and social memory. Deficiency of Celsr2 leads to impaired social memory and decreased neural activity.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yichun Huang, Yinghui Zheng, Fengmei Yang, Yicheng Feng, Kunyao Xu, Jun Wu, Shuang Qu, Zhexiong Yu, Fu Fan, Lu Huang, Meng Qin, Zhanlong He, Kaili Nie, Kwok-Fai So
Summary: In this study, the therapeutic effect of LbGP on acute colitis and its mechanism in regulating the gut microbiota were evaluated. The results showed that LbGP treatment significantly alleviated acute colitis and improved the gut microbiome. It was found that harmful bacteria were inhibited and probiotics were increased by LbGP treatment. The study emphasizes the dynamic process of gut microbiota with the progression of colitis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhaodi Che, Yali Song, Chengfang Xu, Wei Li, Zhiyong Dong, Cunchuan Wang, Yixing Ren, Kwok-Fai So, George L. Tipoe, Fei Wang, Jia Xiao
Summary: Chronic alcohol consumption causes liver steatosis, cell death, and inflammation. Melatonin (MLT) has been found to alleviate alcoholic liver disease (ALD)-induced injury, and its direct regulating targets in hepatocytes are the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the downstream BRG1-TERT axis. MLT can effectively and safely protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage. It may serve as a complementary agent for individuals with alcoholism.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lingtai Yu, Mengfan Liu, Fuxiang Li, Qianghua Wang, Meizhi Wang, Kwok-Fai So, Yibo Qu, Libing Zhou
Summary: Celsr2 knockout improves the survival and axon regeneration of injured motoneurons by alleviating inhibitory synaptic stripping.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Ming Yang, Kwok-Fai So, Wai-Ching Lam, Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Runhua Wang, Yuanyuan Cai, Weicong Lu, Ruoxi Zhang, Robin Shao, Suk-Yu Yau, Brendon Stubbs, Roger S. McIntyre, Kuan-Pin Su, Guiyun Xu, Liangwen Qi, Kwok-Fai So, Kangguang Lin
Summary: This 3-month randomized psychoeducation-controlled trial examined the effects of exercise on gut microbiota in young adolescents with subthreshold depression. The exercise intervention group showed an increase in the relative abundance of certain genera and species of gut bacteria compared to the psychoeducation-controlled group. These changes were associated with improvements in depressive symptoms and enrichment of defense and signal transduction mechanisms.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Lan Yan, Mei Wang, Fengzhen Yang, Yajie Wang, Siqi Wang, Kwok-Fai So, Li Zhang
Summary: Aerobic exercise relieves anxiety disorders by modulating neurogenesis and neural activity. The molecular mechanism of exercise-mediated anxiolysis is not fully understood. In a chronic restrain stress model in adolescent mice, 14-day treadmill exercise maintained normal neural activity and axonal myelination in the medial prefrontal cortex, preventing anxiety-like behaviors. Further investigation revealed activation of the mTOR pathway within the prefrontal cortex, mediated by exercise-induced brain RNA methylation inhibiting the expression of FMRP. Overall, treadmill exercise modulates the FMRP-mTOR pathway to maintain cortical neural activity and axonal myelination, improving stress resilience.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Ling-Ping Cen, Kevin K. Park, Kowk-Fai So
Summary: Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are crucial for transmitting visual information to the brain, and their loss or damage can result in partial or total vision loss. Accurate diagnosis is essential for timely treatment and prevention of irreversible RGC loss. Promoting RGC axon regeneration is vital for restoring vision, but several factors inhibit this process. Understanding the mechanisms of RGC survival and regeneration, as well as exploring potential therapies, is important for treating optic neuropathies.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Runwei Li, Shuang Qu, Meng Qin, Lu Huang, Yichun Huang, Yi Du, Zhexiong Yu, Fu Fan, Jing Sun, Qiushuang Li, Kwok-Fai So
Summary: Influenza, caused by a respiratory virus, has a significant global impact on human health. Influenza A viruses, in particular, are highly pathogenic and have caused multiple pandemics. An effective treatment strategy for viral pneumonia caused by influenza infection should focus on reducing direct damage from the virus and relieving excessive inflammation. Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp), derived from the fruit of Lycium barbarum, has strong pro-immune activity and potential antiviral effects. This study evaluated the antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of LbGp and its therapeutic effect on H1N1-induced viral pneumonia.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuchu Liu, Ji-an Wei, Zhihua Luo, Jing Cui, Yifan Luo, Sarah Oi Kwan Mak, Siqi Wang, Fengwei Zhang, Yan Yang, Kwok-Fai So, Lingling Shi, Li Zhang, Billy Kwok Chong Chow
Summary: Salt homeostasis is regulated by neural circuits and peripheral endocrine factors. The colon, a primary site for electrolyte absorption, might play a role in modulating sodium intake. This study discovered that the gastrointestinal hormone secretin, released from colon endocrine cells during sodium deficiency, is crucial for inducing salt appetite. Circulating secretin activates specific receptors in the nucleus of the solitary tracts, which in turn activates the downstream para-ventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, resulting in increased sodium intake. These findings reveal a previously unknown gut-brain pathway for the timely regulation of sodium homeostasis.
Article
Biology
Zhihua Luo, Junlin Chen, Yelin Dai, Kwok-Fai So, Li Zhang
Summary: Aerobic exercise effectively improves mental disorders by promoting adult neurogenesis. This study reveals that chronic restraint stress leads to overexcitation of the mPFC-BLA pathway, and 14-day treadmill exercise reverses these abnormalities. Chemogenetic studies demonstrate that the mPFC-BLA circuit is necessary for preventing anxiety-like behaviors in stressed mice. These findings suggest a neural circuitry mechanism by which exercise enhances resilience against environmental stress.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao Liu, Fei Hao, Peng Hao, Jingxue Zhang, Liqiang Wang, Si-Wei You, Ningli Wang, Zhaoyang Yang, Kwok-Fai So, Xiaoguang Li
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Xiao-Yue Chang, Kai Chen, Tong Cheng, Pui To Lai, Li Zhang, Kwok-Fai So, Edward S. Yang
Summary: This study used two-photon in vivo calcium recording to investigate the neural mechanisms of acupuncture. The results show that acupuncture stimulation activates both neurons and astrocytes in the somatosensory cortex, suggesting the involvement of both in acupuncture treatment.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pei-Yang Gao, Ya-Nan Ou, Yi-Ming Huang, Zhi-Bo Wang, Yan Fu, Ya-Hui Ma, Qiong-Yao Li, Li-Yun Ma, Rui-Ping Cui, Yin-Chu Mi, Lan Tan, Jin-Tai Yu
Summary: Liver function may play a role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that as AD progressed, certain liver function markers increased while others decreased. The relationship between liver function and CSF AD biomarkers indicates a potential mediation effect on cognition.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2024)