BackgroundTemozolomide (TMZ) resistance is the main obstacle faced by glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment. Muscone, one of the primary active pharmacological ingredients of Shexiang (Moschus), can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and is being investigated as an antineoplastic medication. However, muscone treatment for GBM has received little research, and its possible mechanisms are still unclear.PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the effect and the potential molecular mechanism of muscone on TMZ-resistant GBM cells.MethodsThe differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TMZ-resistant GBM cells and TMZ-sensitive GBM cells were screened using GEO2R. By progressively raising the TMZ concentration, a relatively stable TMZ-resistant human GBM cell line was established. The drug-resistance traits of U251-TR cells were assessed via the CCK-8 assay and Western Blot analysis of MGMT and TOP2A expression. Cell viability, cell proliferation, cell migration ability, and drug synergism were detected by the CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, and drug interaction relationship test, respectively. Anoikis was quantified by Calcein-AM/EthD-1 staining, MTT assay, and flow cytometry. Measurements of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed using cell cycle staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI labeling, JC-1 assay, and ROS assay, respectively. DNA damage was measured by TUNEL assay, alkaline comet assay, and γ-H2AX foci assay. GEPIA was used to investigate the link between the anoikis marker (FAK)/drug resistance gene and critical proteins in the EGFR/Integrin β1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking was used to anticipate the probable targets of muscone. The intracellular co-localization and expression of EGFR and FAK were shown using immunofluorescence. The U251-TR cell line stably overexpressing EGFR was constructed using lentiviral transduction to assess the involvement of EGFR-related signaling in anoikis resistance. Western Blot was employed to detect the expression of migration-related proteins, cyclins, anoikis-related proteins, DNA damage/repair-related proteins, and associated pathway proteins.ResultsDEGs analysis identified 97 deregulated chemotherapy-resistant genes and 3779 upregulated genes in TMZ-resistant GBM cells. Subsequent experiments verified TMZ resistance and the hyper-expression of DNA repair-related genes (TOP2A and MGMT) in continuously low-dose TMZ-induced U251-TR cells. Muscone exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of U251-TR cell migration and proliferation, and its co-administration with TMZ showed the potential for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. By downregulating FAK, muscone reduced anoikis resistance in anchorage-independent U251-TR cells. It also caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase by upregulating p21 and downregulating CDK1, CDK2, and Cyclin E1. Muscone-induced anoikis was accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, ROS production, an increase in the BAX/Bcl-2 ratio, as well as elevated levels of Cytochrome c (Cyt c), cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3. These findings indicated that muscone might trigger mitochondrial-dependent anoikis via ROS generation. Moreover, significant DNA damage, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), the formation of γ-H2AX foci, and a reduction in TOP2A expression are also associated with muscone-induced anoikis. Overexpression of EGFR in U251-TR cells boosted the expression of Integrin β1, FAK, β-Catenin, and TOP2A, whereas muscone suppressed the expression levels of EGFR, Integrin β1, β-Catenin, FAK, and TOP2A. Muscone may influence the expression of the key DNA repair enzyme, TOP2A, by suppressing the EGFR/Integrin β1/FAK pathway.ConclusionWe first demonstrated that muscone suppressed TOP2A expression through the EGFR/Integrin β1/FAK pathway, hence restoring anoikis sensitivity in TMZ-resistant GBM cells. These data suggest that muscone may be a promising co-therapeutic agent for enhancing GBM treatment, particularly in cases of TMZ-resistant GBM with elevated TOP2A expression.

Objectives Although elevated levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the role of NETs in RA and the relationship between NETs and macrophages in the pathogenesis of RA requires further research. Here, we sought to determine the role of NETs in RA pathogenesis and reveal the potential mechanism.Methods Neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-DNA were measured in human serum and synovium. NETs inhibitor GSK484 was used to examine whether NETs involved with RA progression. We stimulated macrophages with NETs and detected internalisation-related proteins to investigate whether NETs entry into macrophages and induced inflammatory cytokines secretion through internalisation. To reveal mechanisms mediating NETs-induced inflammation aggravation, we silenced GTPases involved in internalisation and inflammatory pathways in vivo and in vitro and detected downstream inflammatory pathways.Results Serum and synovium from patients with RA showed a significant increase in NE and MPO, which positively correlated to disease activity. Inhibiting NETs formation alleviated the collagen-induced arthritis severity. In vitro, NETs are internalised by macrophages and located in early endosomes. Rab 5a was identified as the key mediator of the NETs internalisation and inflammatory cytokines secretion. Rab 5a knockout mice exhibited arthritis alleviation. Moreover, we found that NE contained in NETs activated the Rab5a-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signal pathway and promoted the inflammatory cytokines secretion in macrophages.Conclusions This study demonstrated that NETs-induced macrophages inflammation to aggravate RA in Rab 5a dependent manner. Mechanically, Rab5a mediated internalisation of NETs by macrophages and NE contained in NETs promoted macrophages inflammatory cytokines secretion through NF-κB-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signal pathway. Therapeutic targeting Rab 5a or NE might extend novel strategies to minimise inflammation in RA.

Objective the new inflammation biomarkers has been enrolled to predict risk of several chronic diseases. However, research on biomarkers related to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) wasn’t deep. We aimed to identify the inflammation index most closely associated with NAFLD, explore its trajectory in relation to NAFLD events Methods Firstly, through 29123 domestic and 6331 international cross-sectional samples, we utilized random forest analysis to screen out the most potent inflammatory factors associated with NAFLD prevalence. Secondly, through 8524 domestic cohort samples, we utilized Group-based Trajectory Modeling (GBTM) to identify the key inflammatory factor (changes) trajectories. Furtherly, we utilized random survival forest analysis to rank the importance of key inflammatory factor-related trajectories and baseline. And then, we utilized the Cox proportional hazard model to assess the MHR-related trajectory's risk of NAFLD incidence. Finally, we conducted subgroup analysis and interaction analysis. Results The prevalence of NAFLD in domestic and international cross-sectional data was 30% and 20% respectively. Random (survival) forest analysis revealed that MHR is the most significant contributor among the five inflammatory factors to the prevalence of NAFLD, and the MHR trajectory is the most prominent indicator among the three MHR-related factors in terms of its contribution to the incidence of NAFLD, in the Chinese cohort. The incidence of new-onset NAFLD gradually increased with the elevation of MHR trajectory (P < 0.05). MHR trajectory had an additive interaction with BMI on the incidence of NAFLD. Conclusion A higher MHR trajectory was significantly associated with an increased risk of NAFLD incidence, suggesting that monitoring MHR trajectory over time may aid in identifying pre-NAFLD and NAFLD, particularly in overweight and obese men.

Background: Surgical resection combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy remains a common clinical treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, the therapeutic outcomes have not been satisfying due to drug resistance and other factors. Quercetin, a phytoingredient capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, has shown effectiveness in the treatment of various solid tumors. Nevertheless, the potential of quercetin in GBM treatment has not been adequately explored. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of quercetin on MGMT(+)GBM cells. Methods: The potential targets and mechanisms of quercetin in glioma treatment were predicted based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The effects of quercetin on cell inhibition rate, cell migration ability, cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), Mitochondrial superoxide formation and apoptosis were measured by the CCK8 assay, wound healing assay, PI/RNase staining, JC-1 assay, DCFH-DA assay, MitoSOX staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, respectively. The methylation status of the MGMT promoter was assessed through methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR). DNA damage was quantified by alkaline/neutral comet assay and TUNEL assay. The intracellular localization and expression of NF-kappa B and MGMT were revealed by immunofluorescence. The expression of migration-related proteins, matrix metalloproteinases, apoptosis-related proteins, cyclins, DNA damage/repair enzymes and related pathway proteins was detected by Western blot. Results: Network pharmacology identified 96 targets and potential molecular mechanisms of quercetin in glioma treatment. Subsequent experiments confirmed the synergistic effect of quercetin in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) on T98G cells. Quercetin significantly suppressed the growth and migration of human GBM T98G cells, induced apoptosis, and arrested cells in the S-phase cell cycle. The collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS generation, enhanced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and strengthened cleaved-Caspase 9 and cleaved-Caspase 3 suggested the involvement of ROS-mediated mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in the process of quercetin-induced apoptosis. In addition, quercetin-induced apoptosis was accompanied by intense DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), gamma H2AX foci formation, methylation of MGMT promoter, increased cleaved-PARP, and reduced MGMT expression. Quercetin may influence the expression of the key DNA repair enzyme, MGMT, by dual suppression of the Wnt3a/beta-Catenin and the Akt/NF-kappa B signaling pathways, thereby promoting apoptosis. Inhibition of Wnt3a and Akt using specific inhibitors hindered MGMT expression. Conclusion: Our study provides the first evidence that quercetin may induce apoptosis in MGMT(+)GBM cells via dual inhibition of the Wnt3a/beta-Catenin pathway and the Akt/NF-kappa B signaling pathway. These findings suggest that quercetin could be a novel agent for improving GBM treatment, especially in TMZ-resistant GBM with high MGMT expression.

Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) has been considered a master regulator of bone remodeling. As precursors of osteoclasts (OCs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were previously shown to participate in the process of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the role of DKK-1 and MDSCs in RA is not yet fully understood. We investigated the relevance between the level of DKK-1 and the expression of MDSCs in different tissues and joint destruction in RA patients and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse models. Furthermore, the CIA mice were administered recombinant DKK-1 protein. The arthritis scores, bone destruction, and the percentage of MDSCs in the peripheral blood and spleen were monitored. In vitro , the differentiation of MDSCs into OCs was intervened with recombinant protein and inhibitor of DKK-1. The number of OCs differentiated and the protein expression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were explored. The level of DKK-1 positively correlates with the frequency of MDSCs and bone erosion in RA patients and CIA mice. Strikingly, recombinant DKK-1 intervention significantly exacerbated arthritis scores and bone destruction, increasing the percentage of MDSCs in the peripheral blood and spleen in CIA mice. In vitro experiments showed that recombinant DKK-1 promoted the differentiation of MDSCs into OCs, reducing the expression of β-catenin and TCF4 and increasing the expression of CyclinD1. In contrast, the DKK-1 inhibitor had the opposite effect. Our findings highlight that DKK-1 promoted MDSCs expansion in RA and enhanced the differentiation of MDSCs into OCs via targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, aggravating the bone destruction in RA.

IntroductionThe role of natural killer (NK) cells in rheumatoid arthritis remains controversial. We aimed to assess the role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and MethodsThe percentage of NK cells in the peripheral blood, spleen, lymph nodes and inflamed paws from collagen-induced arthritis mice were examined through the disease progression. Correlation between the proportion of NK cells and subsets with arthritis score, histopathological changes, and bone destruction were evaluated. Adoptive cell transfer was performed to determine the effect of NKp46(+)NK cells on arthritis development, and the role of receptor NKp46 was explored with NKp46 knockout mice. ResultsThe percentage of NK cells in peripheral blood decreased at the late stage of the disease and negatively correlated with arthritis score. NK cells increased in the inflamed paws during arthritis development and were positively associated with arthritis score, histopathological change, and bone destruction. Adoptive transfer of NKp46(+)NK cells before disease onset resulted in increased NK cells infiltration in the joints, higher incidence of arthritis, more severe clinical symptoms, and more pronounced joint inflammation and bone damage. NKp46 deficiency had no significant influence on the incidence and severity of arthritis in collagen-induced arthritis mice. ConclusionsNK cell infiltration in the joints positively correlates with arthritis progression, inflammation, and bone destruction. The pathogenic role of NK cells in rheumatoid arthritis may be independent of the receptor NKp46.

Background Gouty arthritis (GA) is a common inflammatory disease with pain caused by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals into joints and surrounding tissues. Resveratrol (Res), derived from grapes and peanuts and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Reynoutria japonica for GA, acts against oxidation and inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Res on GA. Methods Arthritis rat models, MSU-induced peritonitis mouse models, and inflammatory models of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) were used in this study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), JC-1, histopathological, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, Western blot methods were applied to observe the effects of resveratrol on NLRP3 inflammasomes and mitophagy. Results Res significantly improves the gait score and synovitis of rats with GA and inhibits the peritoneal inflammation induced by MSU. Res inhibits the MSU-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes by reducing the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and Caspase-1 and the pyroptosis of macrophages. In addition, Res raises the level of mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibits the expression of P62 and Pink1, enhances the expressions of LC3B-II, Parkin, and TOMM20, and promotes mitophagy, while mitophagy inhibitors reverse the inhibitory effect of Res on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. Conclusion Res significantly improves GA, and the underlying mechanism might be inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes by triggering the Pink1/Parkin pathway to promote mitophagy.

ObjectiveZaocys type II collagen is an active collagen extracted from Zaocys that has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in China for over 1000 years. However, the mechanism still remains unknown. Therefore, we set out to investigate the inhibitory effect and possible mechanism of action of zaocys type II collagen on collagen-induced arthritis.MethodsCollagen-induced arthritis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by immunisation with type II collagen. After immunisation, the mice were treated with Zaocys type II collagen. Clinical and histological scores were assessed and the cytokine levels in the serum and lymphocytes supernatant from the spleen and mesenteric lymph node were determined by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. The T-helper 17 cell and regulatory-T cell frequencies were analysed by flow cytometry and the expression of interest markers was examined by direct immuno-fluorescence.ResultsThe arthritis score and severity of histological inflammation and cartilage destruction were dose-dependently reduced after treatment. The analysis results indicated that Zaocys type II collagen significantly increased the proportion of regulatory-T cells and lowered the T-helper 17 cells, it also increased the number of regulatory-T cells and conversely decreased the T-helper 17 cells in synovial tissue compared with the model group. Treatment also caused a higher level of transforming growth factor-beta and alpha decreased production of interleukin -17A.ConclusionThe oral administration of Zaocys type II collagen potently suppressed the severity of collagen-induced arthritis by repairing the imbalance between regulatory-T cells and T-helper 17 cells, suggesting that it might be a promising candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the inhibitory effects of taxol (PTX) on angiogenesis in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. Collagen II (C II) and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) were used in C57BL/6 (H-2b) mice to generate the CIA model. Random grouping was performed in the normal control group, CIA model group, PTX 1.5 mg/kg group, PTX 1.0 mg/kg group, and PTX 0.5 mg/kg group. Arthritis index scores, tissue pathology scores, and synovium microvessel density (MVD) analysis were performed. Immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-α (HIF-1α). The correlation between MVD and pathological scores and between MVD and the expression of VEGF as well as HIF-1α in the synovium were also evaluated. After PTX treatment, the three intervention group arthritis index scores were reduced when compared with the CIA group. The total histological scores in the three PTX treatment groups were lower than those in the CIA group. Similarly, PTX significantly alleviated the scores for synovitis, pannus formation, and bone destruction. Compared with the CIA group, the MVD of the three intervention groups decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of VEGF and HIF-1α in synovial tissues and serum also significantly decreased after PTX treatment. Further analysis showed that MVD and pathological scores and MVD and expression of VEGF as well as HIF-1α in the synovium were positively correlated. PTX may alleviate CIA by suppressing angiogenesis, providing new insights into the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). VEGF and HIF-1α may be targets for PTX suppression of microvessel formation.

OBJECTIVE:To analyze the homology of Zaocys type 1I collagen ( ZC II ) with the C II collagen from other species, and to investigate the effect of ZC II on arthritis in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).METHODS:ZC II was purified with restriction pepsin digestion. Then SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and UV spectrophotometry were used to identify the protein,the homology of the ZC II peptide was analyzed with Mass Spectrometry. The model of CIA mice were induced by subcutaneous injection of Chicken C II into male C57BL/6 mice from the base of the tails. After immunization,ZC II [H,M,L:40,20 and 10 μg/(kgd) ]was administered orally to mice from day 21 to 28 accordingly. The severity of the arthritis in each limb was evaluated using a macroscopic scoring system, and his- topathological change of joint was observed by light microscope with HE staining.RESULTS:The molecular weight of ZC II protein deter- mined by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis was between 110 kD and 140 kD, and UV absorption peak appeared at around 230 nm in wave- length. The peptide mass fingerprinting(PMF) of the purified protein by Mass Spectrometry analysis showed that it had at least 4 peptides matched with other species,and the protein score was greater than 95%. Compared with normal group,the CIA model group had significantly higher scores for arthritis and histopathological changes (P <0. 05). Meanwhile,the same scores for the ZC II peptide-treated mice with CIA were significantly lower than the mice from CIA model group(P <0. 05).CONCLUSION:Results of Mass Spectrometry analysis demonstrate that ZC II has high homology with the C II from other species. Oral administration of ZC II can suppress arthritis in mice with CIA and ameliorate the histopathological changes of the joint.

目的:制作和比较佐剂性关节炎大鼠模型及胶原性关节炎大鼠模型,选择外观及病理变化更明显的模型来观察昆明山海棠制剂对其的干预作用.方法:构建AA和CIA大鼠模型,采用肿胀度评分法观察造模前后大鼠关节变化情况,造模后28 d分离关节滑膜、切片HE染色,观察滑膜炎症,ELISA方法检测血清中细胞因子(IL-1β、TNF-α、TGF-β)水平;观察昆明山海棠对大鼠关节肿胀度、血清细胞因子(IL-1β、TNF-α、TGF-β)及关节滑膜组织炎症的影响.结果:从造模后16 d开始AA组和CIA组的关节肿胀度升高(P＜0.01);AA组在出现肿胀的时间及程度上与CIA组比较有显著差异(P＜0.01);造模后28 d,两个模型组血清中IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高,TGF-β水平下降(P＜0.01),同时,两个模型组间也存在显著差异(P＜0.05);造模后,AA组滑膜组织有大量炎性细胞浸润、纤维素样渗出及出现丰富的血管翳;经过昆明山海棠的干预,高、中剂量组关节肿胀得到明显改善(P＜0.01);昆明山海棠高、中剂量能抑制血清中IL-1β、TNF-α水平及提高TGF-β水平(P＜0.01).结论:AA大鼠模型与CIA模型比较出模时间更早,症状更明显;昆明山海棠能改善AA大鼠关节肿胀度,抑制血清中细胞因子的水平,对AA大鼠有明显的治疗作用.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of the type II collagen (C II) protein from Zaocys on cytokines production by synoviocytes in rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA).METHODS:Type II collagen protein was abstracted and purificated from Zaocys. Adjuvant arthritis (AA) was induced by a single intradermal injection of 0.1 mL of complete Freund's adjuvant into the left hind paw. Synoviocytes' supernatants were harvested and synoviocytes-Peyer's Patches (PP) cells coculture system were developed. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) activity was measured by L929 cytotoxicity bioassay and Interleukin (IL)-1beta activity was measured by MTT dye reduction. The synoviocytes' supernatants cytokines' levels were detected by ELISA.RESULTS:Each concentration of C II from Zaocys had no effect on IL-1beta and TNF-alpha production by synoviocytes in vitro. Middle concentration of C II suppressed the activity of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha production by synoviocytes-PP cells coculture system (P < 0.05). Treating with low and high dose of C II suppressed the activity of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta producing by synoviocyte (P < 0.05), significantly suppressed in the group of AA rats treated with middle dose of C II (P < 0.01). Treating with middle and high dose of C II decreased the level of synoviocytes' supernatants TNF-alpha (P < 0.05), the level of synoviocytes' supernatants IL-1beta decreased in all treating groups (P < 0.05). Treating with middle dose of C II increased the level of serum TGF-beta (P < 0.05). Middle concentration of C II suppressed the activity of IL-1 and TNF production by synoviocytes-PP cells coculture system (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:C II from Zaocys has no direct effect on the activity of IL-1beta and TNF production by synoviocytes in vitro. Oral administration of type II collagen protein from Zaocys can effectively suppressed the activity and level of the cytokines production by synoviocytes in rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA).

Objective To evaluated bone metabolism,radiology and OPG / RANKL serum levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with Gu Ling tang and rh TNFR:Fc. Methods Fifty two AS patients were randomly divided into 2 groups:the therapy group (26 cases) treated with Gu Ling tang and rh TNFR:Fc,the control group (26 cases) treated with rh TNFR:Fc only. Serum samples from the patients were obtained at baseline and 24 weeks after treatment. Disease activity indexes and serum levels of Osteocalcin(OC),C-terminal telopeptides (CTX),receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL),and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were measured before and after treatment respectively. And the X-ray images of patient's pelvis were graded based on BASRI before and after treatment. Results After 24 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy indexes were significantly improved in patients of both groups(P0.05),and no significant difference was found in the indexes between the two groups. Bone metabolism:Serum levels of OC were significantly increased(P0.05),while serum levels of CTX were significantly decreased(P0.05) in the two groups after 24 weeks. Between two groups,serum levels of OC and CTX were significantly(P0.05)after 24 weeks of treatment. BASRI:Improvement of BASRI-SIJ and BASRI-h were not significant(P 0.05) after 24 weeks and improvement in two groups. Between two groups,changes of BASRI-SIJ and BASRI-h were not significant(P 0.05). Serum levels of OPG and RANKL:Serum levels of OPG were significantly elevated (P 0.05) and serum levels of RANKL were significantly decreased after treatment at week 24 (P0.05),in two groups. Between two groups,serum levels of RANKL/OPG were significantly(P0.05)after 24 weeks of treatment. Conclusion Gu Ling tang with rh TNFR:Fc may be effective for reducing disease activity and improving bone metabolism. It is indicated that Gu Ling tang may interrupt the osteoclasia and radiological improvement through adjusting OPG system in patients with AS.