Abstract The lectin from Canavalia ensiformis (Concanavalin‐A, ConA), one of the most abundant lectins known, enables one to mimic biological lectin/carbohydrate interactions that regulate extracellular matrix protein recognition. As such, ConA is known to induce membrane type‐1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP) which expression is increased in brain cancer. Given that MT1‐MMP correlated to high expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 in gliomas with increasing histological grade, we specifically assessed the early proinflammatory cellular signaling processes triggered by ConA in the regulation of COX‐2. We found that treatment with ConA or direct overexpression of a recombinant MT1‐MMP resulted in the induction of COX‐2 expression. This increase in COX‐2 was correlated with a concomitant decrease in phosphorylated AKT suggestive of cell death induction, and was independent of MT1‐MMP’s catalytic function. ConA‐ and MT1‐MMP‐mediated intracellular signaling of COX‐2 was also confirmed in wild‐type and in Nuclear Factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) p65 −/− mutant mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF), but was abrogated in NF‐κB1 (p50) −/− and in I kappaB kinase (IKK) γ −/− mutant MEF cells. Collectively, our results highlight an IKK/NF‐κB‐dependent pathway linking MT1‐MMP‐mediated intracellular signaling to the induction of COX‐2. That signaling pathway could account for the inflammatory balance responsible for the therapy resistance phenotype of glioblastoma cells, and prompts for the design of new therapeutic strategies that target cell surface carbohydrate structures and MT1‐MMP‐mediated signaling. Concise summary Concanavalin‐A (ConA) mimics biological lectin/carbohydrate interactions that regulate the proinflammatory phenotype of cancer cells through yet undefined signaling. Here we highlight an IKK/NF‐κB‐dependent pathway linking MT1‐MMP‐mediated intracellular signaling to the induction of cyclooxygenase‐2, and that could be responsible for the therapy resistance phenotype of glioblastoma cells.
To explore the effect of Jianpi Tongluo Jiedu Recipe (JTJR) on protein expression levels of COX-2, NF-kappaBp65, Bcl-2, and Bax, mRNA expression levels of COX-2 and Bcl-2, and the apoptotic index (Al) in gastric mucosa of patients with precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PL-GC).Totally 65 PLGC patients were recruited and treated by JTJR (modified by syndrome typing), one dose per day for six successive months. Protein expression levels of COX-2, NF-KBp65, Bcl-2, and Bax were detected in 65 patients using immunohistochemical (IHC) assay before and after treatment. mRNA expression levels of COX-2 and Bcl-2 were detected in 54 patients using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Meanwhile, changes of Al was detected in 65 patients using TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence method.After treatment with JTJR, positive protein expression levels of COX-2, NF-KBp65, and Bcl-2 were obviously decreased in the gastric mucosa of PLGC patients (P <0.01), but Bax positive protein expression was found to be higher (P < 0.05). At the same time mRNA expression levels of COX-2 and Bcl-2 were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); Al also increased after treatment (P < 0.05).JTJR could promote apoptosis possibly via NF-kappaBp65/COX-2, COX-2/Bcl-2, and NF-kappaBp65/Bcl-2 signaling pathways, thereby affecting PLGC patients.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degradation. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the initiation and development of OA. This study aimed to explore the potential role and mechanism of circRNA protein kinase C eta (circ-PRKCH) in OA.A total of 30 cartilage specimens were collected from OA patients or normal subjects. Human chondrocytes (CHON-001) were stimulated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to establish an in vitro OA model. The expression levels of circ-PRKCH, microRNA-502-5p (miR-502-5p) and circ-PRKCH or A disintegrin and metalloproteases metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 5 (ADAMTS5) in cartilage specimens and IL-1β-treated chondrocytes were detected by quantitative real-time PCR or Western blot, and their correlation in OA cartilage specimens was analysed by Spearman's correlation coefficient. The targeted relationship between miR-502-5p and circ-PRKCH or ADAMTS5 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU), flow cytometry, wound healing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays were applied to evaluate cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and inflammatory response in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. Exosomes were identified by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Western blot.Circ-PRKCH and ADAMTS5 expression levels were up-regulated, while miR-502-5p expression was down-regulated in OA cartilage tissues and IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. Depletion of circ-PRKCH relieved IL-1β-treated chondrocyte cell phenotypic changes by promoting cell proliferation and migration, as well as inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory response. Mechanically, circ-PRKCH acted as a sponge for miR-502-5p to regulate ADAMTS5 expression, thereby contributing to IL-1β-treated chondrocyte cell phenotypic changes. Moreover, exosomes derived from IL-1β-treated chondrocytes could transfer circ-PRKCH across cells.Circ-PRKCH contributed to IL-1β-treated cell phenotypic changes in chondrocytes via modulating miR-502-5p/ADAMTS5 pathway, which might provide a promising biomarker for OA treatment.
To explore how cytohesin-1 (CYTH-1) small interfering RNA (siRNA) influences the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR)-associated signal transduction in prostate cancer, we transfected human prostate cancer PC-3 cell lines with liposome-encapsulatedCYTH-1 siRNA in serum-free medium and exposed the cells to 100 nM IGF-1. The mRNA and protein levels of the signal molecules involved in the IGFR signaling pathways were determined by real-time PCR and detected by Western blotting. The relative mRNA levels of CYTH-1, c-Myc, cyclinD1 and IGF-1R (CYTH-1 siRNA group vs scrambled siRNA group) were 0.26 vs 0.97, 0.34 vs 1.06, 0.10 vs 0.95, and 0.27 vs 0.41 (P < 0.05 for all), respectively. The relative protein levels of CYTH-1, pIGF-1R, pIRS1, pAkt1, pErk1, c-Myc, and cyclinD1 (CYTH-1 siRNA group vsscrambled siRNA group) were 0.10 vs 1.00 (30 min), 0.10 vs 0.98 (30 min), 0.04 vs 0.50 (30 min), 0.10 vs 1.00 (30 min), 0.10 vs 1.00 (30 min), 0.13 vs 0.85 (5 h), and 0.08 vs 0.80 (7 h), respectively. The tyrosine kinase activity of IGF-1R was associated with CYTH-1. The proliferative activity of PC-3 cells transfected with CYTH-1 siRNA was significantly lower than that of cells transfected with scrambled siRNA at 48 h (40.5 vs87.6%, P < 0.05) and at 72 h (34.5 vs 93.5%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the interference of siRNA with cytohesin-1 leads to reduced IGFR signaling in prostate cancer; therefore, CYTH-1 might serve as a new molecular target for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complicated autoimmune disease. The clinical applications of etanercept (EN), a TNF-α inhibitor, can efficiently halt the development of RA. EN is mainly administrated by subcutaneous injection, which may cause low compliance, side effects, and infection risk. In this study, a hyaluronic acid crosslinked microneedle system (MN) was constructed as the transdermal alternative to deliver EN. We describe the formulation, fabrication, characterization, and transdermal insertion study of MN. In vitro bioactivity of EN was conducted and analyzed by dynamic light scattering and circular dichroism spectrum. In vivo evaluation of MN was studied on adjuvant-induced arthritis mice. The MN possessed sufficient mechanical strength, good biocompatibility, little influence on the bioactivity of EN, and high anti-inflammatory efficacy. This work represents a successful example of delivering macromolecule therapeutic treatment by MN for RA treatment. The transdermal delivery of EN by MN offers a new treatment option for RA patients.
At present, the highway construction of China is in the stage of rapid development. A variety of asphalt mixtures have been applied to a certain extent in the highway construction. However, the water stability of asphalt pavement is also a serious problem to the highway. This research studies the water stability of a new kind of asphalt mixture—Superpave by changing the water content in different condition. The following conclusion can be found in this paper. In the normal saturated condition, the maximum water content of Superpave asphalt mixture is 0.35%.And in the vacuum saturated condition, the maximum water content of Superpave asphalt mixture is 1.78%.The water of Superpave asphalt mixture takes nine days to drain completely in the normal saturated condition. But in the vacuum saturated condition, the time is more than two months. In different water content conditions, the splitting tensile strength of Superpave asphalt mixture is 0%> 100%> 25%> 75%> 50%.
In this study, we can measure the permeability of Marshall specimens by modified osmotic pressure meter, which is improved by osmotic pressure meter. We get different voidage Marshall specimens and rutting plates by changing compaction times and rolling times. Modified osmotic pressure meter measures the permeability of Marshall specimens. Pavement ooze water meter measures the permeability of rutting plates. The results showed that: Because of the internal air, side sealing and different formula, the permeability coefficient measured by Pavement ooze water meter is not accurate. Modified osmotic pressure meter eliminates many adverse effects when we measure the permeability of asphalt mixture. So the correlation of voidage and permeability coefficient is better.
At present, AC, a major gradation type of asphalt mixture, is widely used in highway construction in China. Due to internal large porosity, the water of road surface draining quickly, OGFC pavement is also widely used. However, water is easier flow into OGFC asphalt pavement than ordinary asphalt pavement. So the water stability of OGFC asphalt pavement is particular important. We get the following conclusion by the test of residual water and water stability based on the two gradations asphalt mixture of AC and OGFC. Residual water stays in AC asphalt mixture for about one week.While the residual water stays in OGFC asphalt mixture for more than three months. When the residual water is 50% in AC, the water stability is the worst. When the residual water is 75% in OGFC, the water stability is the worst.
To explore how cytohesin-1 (CYTH-1) small interfering RNA (siRNA) influences the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR)-associated signal transduction in prostate cancer, we transfected human prostate cancer PC-3 cell lines with liposome-encapsulated CYTH-1 siRNA in serum-free medium and exposed the cells to 100 nM IGF-1. The mRNA and protein levels of the signal molecules involved in the IGFR signaling pathways were determined by real-time PCR and detected by Western blotting. The relative mRNA levels of CYTH-1, c-Myc, cyclinD1 and IGF-1R (CYTH-1 siRNA group vs scrambled siRNA group) were 0.26 vs 0.97, 0.34 vs 1.06, 0.10 vs 0.95, and 0.27 vs 0.41 (P < 0.05 for all), respectively. The relative protein levels of CYTH-1, pIGF-1R, pIRS1, pAkt1, pErk1, c-Myc, and cyclinD1 (CYTH-1 siRNA group vs scrambled siRNA group) were 0.10 vs 1.00 (30 min), 0.10 vs 0.98 (30 min), 0.04 vs 0.50 (30 min), 0.10 vs 1.00 (30 min), 0.10 vs 1.00 (30 min), 0.13 vs 0.85 (5 h), and 0.08 vs 0.80 (7 h), respectively. The tyrosine kinase activity of IGF-1R was associated with CYTH-1. The proliferative activity of PC-3 cells transfected with CYTH-1 siRNA was significantly lower than that of cells transfected with scrambled siRNA at 48 h (40.5 vs 87.6%, P < 0.05) and at 72 h (34.5 vs 93.5%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the interference of siRNA with cytohesin-1 leads to reduced IGFR signaling in prostate cancer; therefore, CYTH-1 might serve as a new molecular target for the treatment of prostate cancer.