Histology and histopathology Vol.40, nº5 (2025)

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Open Access
CRISPR-mediated WNK4 point mutation aggravates tumor progression and weakens chemotherapy sensitivity in gastric cancer
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Ying, Xiaojun; Ying, Zhen; Gao, Xiaobing; Wang, Yong; Lv, Xinting
Objective. Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignancy, the molecular targets of which have been increasingly explored in recent years. As a serine/threonine protein kinase, the role of WNK lysine deficient protein kinase 4 (WNK4) in GC was clarified in this study. Methods. Human GC lines AGS and MKN45 were stably transfected with a WNK4 mutant constructed by the CRISPR/Cas9 method and treated with cis-dichlorodiammine platinum (CDDP, 2 μg/mL) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 5 μg/mL) for 48h. Tumor-bearing mice were established with 5×106 mutant-type AGS cells, and injected with 40 mg/kg WP1066, the inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), for 21 days. Cell malignant potential and tumor growth were assessed. STAT3 activation was identified by western blot and immunohistochemistry. The interaction between WNK4 and STAT3 was determined using co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence co-localization. Results. WNK4 mutation promoted proliferation and invasion, and upregulated the p-STAT3/STAT3 value in GC cells with/without 5-FU and CDDP treatments, while inhibiting apoptosis of GC cells without drug treatment. In tumor-bearing mice, WNK4 mutation accelerated tumor growth, increased levels of p-STAT3, STAT3, and p-STAT3/STAT3, and strengthened the co-immunoprecipitation and co-localizing with STAT3; however, these effects were reversed by WP1066 treatment. Conclusion. Through activating STAT3, WNK4 mutation impacts both the natural and drug-treated growth of GC cells or tumors, suggesting a new avenue for preclinical research.
Open Access
Melatonin protects against sarcopenia in middle-aged mice
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Fang, Fei; Yu, Ping; Sun, Xiaoying; Shen, Zhixing; Zhang, Fan; Sun, Jianwei
Background. Sarcopenia is a common age-related disease. Melatonin (MEL) is an age-related endocrine hormone, which displays a crucial role in resisting oxidative stress during aging. Importantly, the antioxidant properties of MEL can be mediated by mitochondria. Objective. Therefore, we wondered whether MEL could mitigate oxidative stress caused by mitochondria in sarcopenia. Methods. The middle-aged mice were administered 5 mg/kg/d and 10 mg/kg/d of MEL for 2 months. Young mice were used as the control group. Results. After treatment with MEL, the grip strength of the fore/hind limbs, running time, and distance were elevated, and the weights of the gastrocnemius (GA), tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and soleus (SOL) were enhanced in middle-aged mice. Additionally, MEL was observed to alleviate histological damage and increase the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers in GA tissues of middle-aged mice. Furthermore, following MEL treatment, there was an increase in the percentage and size of normal mitochondria as well as mtDNA copy number but a reduction in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the GA tissues of middle-aged mice. At the molecular level, MEL repressed the levels of ATROGIN-1, muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MURF-1), and the ratio of p-P38/P38, but elevated the expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 (COX4), cystatin C (CYTC), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in the GA tissues of middle-aged mice. Importantly, 10 mg/kg MEL was more efficacious in the treatment of sarcopenia than 5 mg/kg MEL. Conclusion. MEL attenuates sarcopenia in middle-aged mice, and the mechanism may relate to mitochondria-induced oxidative stress and the PGC-1α/TFAM pathway
Open Access
G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK/Kir3) channels: Molecular, cellular, and subcellular diversity
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Martín Belmonte, Alejandro; Aguado, Carolina; Alfaro Ruíz, Rocio; Luján, Rafael
G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK/Kir3) channels are mainly expressed in excitable cells such as neurons and atrial myocytes, where they can respond to a wide variety of neurotransmitters. Four GIRK subunits have been found in mammals (GIRK1-4) and act as downstream targets for various Gαi/o-linked G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Activation of GIRK channels produces a postsynaptic efflux of potassium from the cell, responsible for hyper-polarization/inhibition of the neuron. A growing body of evidence suggests that dysregulation of GIRK signalling can lead to excessive or deficient neuronal excitability, which contributes to neurological diseases and disorders. Therefore, GIRK channels are proposed as new pharmacological targets. The function of GIRK channels in neurons is not only determined by their biophysical properties but also by their cellular and subcellular localization patterns and densities on the neuronal surface. GIRK channels can be located within several subcellular compartments, where they have many different functional implications. This subcellular localization changes dynamically along the neuronal surface in response to drug intake and following plasticity processes. Ongoing research is focusing on determining the proteins that form macromolecular complexes with GIRK channels and are responsible for fast and precise signalling under physiological conditions, and how their alteration is implicated in pathological conditions. In this review, the distinct regional, cellular, and subcellular distribution of GIRK channel subunits in the brain will be discussed in view of their possible functional and pathological implications.
Open Access
ABRACL upregulated by transcription factor CBX4 promotes proliferation and migration and inhibits the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Guo, Kai; Gao, Xiao
Background. Gastric cancer (GC) is a predominant health concern in many countries. Actin-binding Rho activating C-terminal-like (ABRACL) belongs to a new family of low molecular weight proteins and has been implicated in cancers. This study was implemented to elucidate the role and mechanism of ABRACL in GC. Methods. The mRNA and protein expression of ABRACL and CBX4 in human gastric epithelium cell line GES-1 and GC cell lines was assessed with RT-qPCR and western blot. The transfection efficacy of sh-ABRACL, oe-CBX4, and sh-CBX4 was examined with RT-qPCR and western blot. AGS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated using CCK-8, colony formation assay, wound healing, and Transwell assays, respectively. With western blot analysis, flow cytometry, and caspase-3 assay kits, the expressions of MMP2 and MMP9, cell apoptosis, and caspase-3 activity were estimated. Western blot was adopted to estimate the contents of apoptosis-related proteins. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were applied to verify the interaction between ABRACL and CBX4. Results. The expression of ABRACL and CBX4 was increased in GC tissues and cells. After interfering with ABRACL, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells were inhibited while apoptosis was promoted. We also discovered that CBX4 could bind to ABRACL and transcriptionally regulate ABRACL expression in AGS cells. Rescue experiments revealed that CBX4 overexpression partially reversed the regulatory effects of ABRACL silencing on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of GC cells. Conclusion. Collectively, ABRACL transcriptionally upregulated by CBX4 promoted the malignant progression of GC.
Open Access
Ameliorative effects of HGF-overexpressed exosomes derived from ADMSCs on oxidative stress in hepatic fibrosis
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Zhou, Hanyu; Wu, Yanyan; Xue, Junchao; Yu, Liushenyan
Background. Hepatic fibrosis, ultimately causing hepatic sclerosis, remains significant health concerns. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC)-derived exosomes (Exo) exhibit amelioration of liver injury. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) regulates hepatocyte growthn. However, its involvement during hepatic fibrosis remains unclear. Methods. Isolation of ADMSCs and Exo, transfection of HGF overexpression, and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by Angiotensin II (AngII) were conducted. Cells were randomized into HSC, AngII-HSC, ADMSCs-Exo, ADMSCsblank-Exo, and ADMSCsHGF-Exo, DPI, LY294002, and SB203580 groups. MTT for cell viability, cell migration, and flow cytometry for ROS were performed. BALB/c mice were treated with CCL4 for hepatic fibrosis models. The mice were randomized into Control, PBS, ADMSCs-Exo, ADMSCsblank-Exo, and ADMSCsHGF-Exo groups (n=6). HE, Sirius red, and Oil Red O staining, liver function indicators, and ELISA for oxidative stress were performed. ROS generation-related and PI3K/Akt/ P38MAPK-related factors were detected by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and western blot. Results. After identification of ADMSC-Exo and transfection, AngII increased cell viability, migration, Collagen I (CoLI), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), ROS, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), PI3K, p-Akt, p-P38MAPK, ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1), p47phox, and p22phox expression. However, ADMSCsHGF-Exo, DPI, LY294002, and SB203580 reversed the above effects. Moreover, ADMSCsHGF-Exo inhibited pathological damage, fibrosis, lipid accumulation, ALT, AST, TBIL, CoLI, α-SMA, NOX4, MDA, PI3K, P-Akt, and P-P38MAPK expression, and increased ALB, SOD, GPx, CAT, GSH, Mn-SOD, Na+-K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase levels in hepatic fibrosis mice. Conclusion. ADMSCsHGF-Exo attenuated hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress through activating the PI3K/Akt/P38MAPK pathway, providing valuable insights for potential treatment of liver fibrosis.
Open Access
Does old-to-young kidney transplantation rejuvenate old donor kidneys?
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Takahashi-Kobayashi, Mayumi; Kawanishi, Kunio; Usui, Joichi; Yamazaki, Satoshi; Seshan, Surya V; Yamagata, Kunihiro
Background. The number of older organ donors is increasing due to the aging population. Aged kidneys often face problems such as delayed graft function but previous murine experiments suggested the possibilities of rejuvenation, for example, in a parabiosis setting between old and young mice. To investigate kidney-graft rejuvenation, we compared an old-to-young (O-Y) patient transplantation group and a transplantation group with donors/recipients of approx. the same age (SA) with the renal senescence marker p16 in kidney biopsy samples at baseline and one year post-transplantation. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed our hospital's 32 cases of living-donor ABO-compatible transplants performed between 2013-2020. Both the baseline and one-year biopsy (n=9) or only the baseline biopsy (n=32) were analyzed. We divided the nine cases into an O-Y group (donors' median age 68 yrs, recipients 41, difference -27) and an SA group (donors' median age 53 yrs, recipients 51.5, difference -3.5). p16 was stained with the clones JC8 and E6H4 to determine the precise p16-positive rate. Results. The 32 baseline biopsies' p16-positive rate was weakly related to donor age, suggesting that the p16-positive rate can help evaluate kidney senescence. The (n=5) O-Y group's p16-positive rates were at baseline 0.08 and one year 0.12; the (n=4) SA group's rate was 0.03 at both baseline and one year. Conclusions. No kidney rejuvenation was observed, even when old donor kidneys went to young recipients.
Open Access
Mechanism of KMT2D-mediated epigenetic modification in IL-1β-induced nucleus pulposus cell degeneration
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Liu, Hongjiang; Liu, Haiquan; Meng, Zuyu; Zhang, Wensheng
Background. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) is characterized by structural destruction accompanied by accelerated signs of aging. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of lysine methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D) in the proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in IVDD. Methods. Mouse-derived NPCs were cultured and induced with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) to establish cell models. KMT2D expression was detected by western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). KMT2D expression was interfered with, and the contents of IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the expression of miR-133a-5p and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 2 (PFKFB2) were measured. The enrichment of KMT2D and Histone 3 Lysine 4 monomethylation/dimethylation (H3K4me1/2) on the miR-133a-5p promoter was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and qPCR. The binding of miR-133a-5p and PFKFB2 was analyzed by a dual-luciferase assay. Results. IL-1β treatment promoted KMT2D expression in NPCs. KMT2D knockdown reduced inflammation and apoptosis and promoted the proliferation of IL-1β-induced NPCs. Mechanistically, KMT2D upregulated miR-133a-5p expression by increasing the level of H3K4me2 at the miR-133a-5p promoter, thereby promoting the binding between miR-133a-5p and PFKFB2 and downregulating the transcription of PFKFB2. miR-133a-5p overexpression or PFKFB2 knockdown alleviated the protective effect of KMT2D knockdown on IL-1β-induced NPCs. Conclusion. KMT2D promoted miR-133a-5p expression through H3K4me2 methylation, thereby promoting the binding of miR-133a-5p to PFKFB2, reducing the mRNA level of PFKFB2, promoting inflammation and apoptosis of IL-1β-induced NPCs, and inhibiting NPC proliferation.
Open Access
Progress on three-dimensional visualizing skin architecture with multiple immunofluorescence staining and tissue-clearing approaches
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Wang, Yuqing; Bai, Wanzhu; Wang, Xiaoyu
The skin forms the external covering of the body and is its largest organ, comprising many different cell types. Although the diversity of these cells has been widely studied with various histological methods, our understanding of skin architecture is mainly established on thin tissue sections, which restricted the information available to two dimensions. The development of innovative techniques to induce optical transparency (“clearing”) in biological tissues has enabled researchers to visualize the three-dimensional reconstruction of intact organs and thick tissue sections at a cellular resolution. With the aid of tissue-clearing treatment, the labeled cutaneous nerve fibers and blood vessels can be followed for a longer distance on the thicker skin section or the whole mount skin under a fluorescence microscopy or a confocal microscopy. It is beneficial for demonstrating the morphological characteristics of nerve fibers and blood vessels themselves, as well as their spatial interconnection. In this review, we provide a brief summary of the literature on the use of tissue optical clearing methods and describe our experience of multiple fluorescent staining and tissue clearing approaches on thicker skin sections and whole-mount skin in our laboratory. Given the existing conventional methods, we expected to provide a more effective approach to comprehensively study skin architecture.
Open Access
NRIP1 is a downstream target of YY1 in promoting OGD/R-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury and mitochondrial dysfunction
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Zhang, Wanliu; Lu, Jingqian; Gao, Yan; Song, Qianhong; Luo, Shihua; Li, Yi
Background and objective. From a clinical standpoint, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) has always been an enormous challenge for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Molecular targeting therapy may help overcome this challenge. The present work aimed to elucidate the possible involvement of Yin-Yang 1 (YY1)/nuclear receptor-interacting protein 1 (NRIP1) and discover the molecular mechanism of MIRI. Methods. Herein, a cardiomyocyte ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R) model was established via oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were conducted to measure the levels of YY1 and NRIP1 at the RNA and protein levels, respectively. H9c2 cell viability and apoptosis were assayed using the Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, and western blotting. In addition, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed as markers of oxidative stress. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential, which was measured via JC-1 staining, ATP content, Complex I activity, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening rate were analyzed to evaluate mitochondrial activity. Moreover, luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays experimentally validated the predicted affinity of YY1 with the NRIP1 promoter according to the HumanTFDB online tool. Results. YY1/NRIP1 were both highly expressed in OGD/R-injured H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Downregulation of NRIP1 improved cell viability, whereas it inhibited cell apoptosis and oxidative stress, and suppressed mitochondrial dysfunction in OGD/R-injured H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Importantly, it was verified that YY1 could bind to the NRIP1 promoter to positively regulate NRIP1 expression. The protective effects of NRIP1 knockdown against cardiomyocyte damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in OGD/R-injured H9c2 cardiomyocytes were partly abolished through overexpression of YY1. Conclusion. NRIP1 emerged as a downstream target of YY1 in promoting OGD/R-induced H9c2 cardio-myocyte injury and mitochondrial dysfunction, providing novel ideas for targeted treatments to alleviate MIRI.
Open Access
Molecular and immunohistochemical markers in appendiceal mucinous neoplasms: A systematic review and comparative analysis with ovarian mucinous neoplasms and colorectal adenocarcinoma
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Elsayed, Basel; Elshoeibi, Amgad Mohamed; Elhadary, Mohamed; Al Jubouri, Abdullah M.; Al Qahtani, Noof; Vranic, Semir; Al Saad, Rafify
Introduction. Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMNs) represent a rare and diagnostically challenging group of tumors. This systematic review aims to summarize the reported molecular and immunohistochemical markers (IHC) associated with AMNs and compare them with ovarian mucinous neoplasms (OMNs) and colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). Methods. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE/PMC, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify studies looking at IHC and molecular markers in AMNs. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were utilized to compare the marker expression across different tumor types. Results. We identified 27 articles reporting several potential biomarkers for distinguishing between different subtypes of AMNs. Mutations in KRAS, GNAS, and RNF43 emerged as notable biomarkers, with KRAS mutations being the most prevalent across all subtypes. Additionally, p53 IHC overexpression was associated with higher tumor grades. When comparing AMNs with OMNs, we observed a higher prevalence of CK20, CDX2, SATB2, and MUC2 IHC expression, as well as KRAS and GNAS mutations, in AMNs. Conversely, CK7 and PAX8 IHC expression were more prevalent in OMNs. Comparing AMNs with CRCs, we found a higher prevalence of TOPO1 and PTEN IHC expression, as well as KRAS and GNAS mutations, in AMNs. Conversely, nuclear β-catenin IHC expression, as well as TP53, APC, and PIK3CA mutations, were more prevalent in CRCs. Conclusion. This systematic review identified possible markers for distinguishing AMNs and differentiating between AMNs, OMNs, or CRCs.
Open Access
The effectiveness of edible bird's nest in lowering VEGF, CD31, and PDGFR-β levels in diabetic retinopathy in rats with type 1 diabetes
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Komolkriengkrai, Manaras; Matsathit, Udomlak; Khimmaktong, Wipapan
Aims. Diabetic eye disease, known as diabetic retinopathy (DR), is one of the problems that can arise from having high blood sugar for an extended period. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the edible bird’s nest (EBN) on retinal angiogenesis in diabetic rats. Methods. The 50 rats were separated into five different groups, each containing 10 rats: control, diabetes (DM), bird's nest-fed diabetes (75 mg/kg Body weight; BW), (EBN 75), (150 mg/kg BW) (EBN 150), and glyburide (GR) for an eight-week study. H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining were utilized to investigate the retinal tissue and vascular changes. The immunofluorescence study was used to detect angiogenic protein expression. The vascular corrosion cast/SEM method was also used to evaluate capillary plexus formation within the retinal layer. Results. From histological studies, DM rats have thinning of the retinal layer. Remarkably, the retinal vessels displayed dilations resembling ruptured blood vessels. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (30.51±2.62), cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) (28.18±0.22), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-β) (141.67±0.97) were increased. EBN 75 exhibited some small improvements in their blood vessels and eye tissue. At a dose of 150 mg/kg BW, EBN proved to be more effective. There was a significant decrease in VEGF and CD31 expression compared with the diabetic group (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). Conclusions. These studies have demonstrated that EBN can lower the growth levels of VEGF, CD31, and PDGFR-β, which results in a decrease in angiogenesis and a recovery from a variety of diabetic retinopathy-related diseases
Open Access
Evaluation of morphology, apoptosis, and cell proliferation of the uterus in postmenopausal women
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Ratajczak, Weronika; Łazowska, Malwina; Laszczyńska, Maria; Rył, Aleksandra; Lubkowska, Anna; Zimny, Małgorzta; Kram, Andrzej; Sipak, Olimpia
Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology (atrophy and fibrosis), apopto-sis, and cell proliferation in the uterine wall. The research material came from postmenopausal women who had undergone hysterectomy due to uterine myomas or prolapse of the reproductive organ and were not taking menopausal hormone therapy (MTH). Material and Methods. The collected material was divided into three groups. Group I (n=18) con-sisted of uterine sections taken 1 to 5 years after the last menstruation, Group II (n=17) 6 to 10 years after the last menstruation, and Group III (n=15) over 11 years after the last menstruation. To assess morphology and fibrosis, the uterine sections were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and to Mallory's staining. In addition, we performed a histochemical examination to identify apopto-sis in endometrial and myometrial cells using the TUNEL method. An immunohistochemical analysis of endometrial and myometrial cells was also performed to detect the location of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Results. Differences in apoptosis were only found in the myometrium between Group I and Group III, and were strongest in Group I myometrial cells, and weakest in Group III. Neither the endome-trium nor the myometrium showed statistically significant differences in the overall percentage of PCNA(+) cells between groups. Conclusion. Morphological changes in the endometrial and myometrial layers of postmenopausal uteri increased with time since the last menstruation.
Open Access
Experimental murine models of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: A review
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Saito, Tetsuichi; Minagawa, Tomonori; Yoshimura, Naoki; Luo, Yi; Akiyama, Yoshiyuki
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic enigmatic disease of the urinary bladder characterized by persistent bladder/pelvic pain in conjunction with lower urinary tract symptoms. IC/BPS is categorized as either Hunner-type IC (HIC) or BPS based on the presence/absence of the Hunner lesion, a reddish mucosal lesion in the bladder. HIC and BPS present with similar symptoms, however, the etiologies are completely different. Recent evidence suggests that HIC is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the urinary bladder. In contrast, BPS, other forms of HIC lacking Hunner lesions, is a minimally inflamed condition comprising various clinical phenotypes. Based on this evidence, basic research into IC/BPS has shifted to target each subtype of IC/BPS. Today, experimental murine models of autoimmune cystitis are used for HIC research, whereas models related to neurophysiological and psychosocial dysfunctions have been developed for BPS research. This emerging concept of a subtype-tailored approach may contribute to a better understanding of the full picture of IC/BPS, thereby improving current clinical management strategies and the development of novel therapies.
Open Access
Tetrahydropalmatine promotes macrophage autophagy by inhibiting the AMPK/mTOR pathway to attenuate atherosclerosis
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Wang, Hui; Ding, Ke; He, Jiaqi; Wang, Jiahong
Background. Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic progressive arterial disease that is associated with macrophage autophagy and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) can activate AMPK-dependent autophagy. We aim to study the mechanism of macrophage autophagy mediated by THP in the treatment of AS via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Methods. High-fat diet apolipoprotein E-deficient mice and ox-LDL-induced RAW264.7 cells were used to mimic the AS model, then THP was administered. Cell viability was detected by MTT. Pathological aorta lesions were detected using Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson, and oil red staining. Lipid metabolism indices and inflammatory factors were measured using ELISA. A transmission electron microscope was used to observe autophagosomes. Autophagy and AMPK/mTOR pathway protein expression was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. The AMPK inhibitor 9-β-d-Arabinofuranosyl Adenine (Ara-A) was used to validate the effect of THP. The mRNA expression of Beclin-1 and MCP-1 was detected by q-PCR. Results. THP administration regulated lipid metabolism by lowering total cholesterol, triacy-lglycerol, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein levels, and suppressed aortic damage. THP suppressed aortic damage and regulated lipid metabolism by altering serum lipid levels. THP reduced inflammation and macrophage CD68 expression. Twenty μg/mL THP reduced cell viability. THP decreased cholesterol uptake and increased efflux, promoting autophagy. THP increased autophagosome number, LC3B expression, and autophagy markers p-AMPK/AMPK and LC3-II/LC3-I. THP also decreased p-mTOR/mTOR and P62. THP increased Beclin-1 mRNA expression and decreased MCP-1 mRNA expression. Ara-A reversed THP's effects. Conclusion. THP promotes macrophage autophagy by inhibiting the AMPK/mTOR pathway to attenuate AS.
Open Access
Periostin acts as an oncogene to promote laryngeal cancer progression by activating decorin
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Wu, Chao; Yang, Bo; Chu, Jiusheng
Laryngeal carcinoma (LC) is the second most common malignancy of the head and neck worldwide, with increasing incidence every year. However, the mechanism of its development is not completely clear. Periostin (POSTN) has been reported to be involved in various aspects of tumorigenesis. To determine the influence of POSTN on LC tumorigenesis, we first examined the expression of POSTN in tissues from patients with LC through immunohistochemistry, western blot, and qRT-PCR. Besides, we demonstrated that POSTN promoted LC cell migration, invasion, and proliferation in vitro by CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays, and tumor growth in vivo by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the interaction between POSTN and decorin (DCN) was further verified by bioinformatics analysis and immunoprecipitation (IP), finding that POSTN promoted the malignant progression of LC by targeting DCN. Our findings support the idea that the level of POSTN expression and accumulation in tumors correlated with the malignancy degree of LC, suggesting that POSTN may play a potential role in improving laryngeal cancer treatment strategies

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