Grx1 抑制高糖诱导的H9c2细胞中Caspase-8/3和JNK /c-Jun凋亡通路的激活

谷氧还蛋白1（glutaredoxin 1,Grx1）作为一种重要的抗氧化剂,通过响应多种重要蛋白质的活动和功能调节细胞的关键过程．了解Grx1功能,对寻求糖尿病和心肌病等,以凋亡失调和氧化还原稳态改变为发病机制的疾病的新颖治疗策略至关重要．为研究Grx1对高糖诱导的大鼠心肌细胞凋亡的抑制作用及相关信号机制,本研究以高糖诱导大鼠心肌细胞H9c2建立高糖损伤模型,采用免疫印迹实验检测caspase-3、8、9蛋白活性片段的表达和凋亡信号蛋白JNK/c-Jun的磷酸化水平．结果显示,与正常对照组相比,高糖组caspase家族中,剪切的caspase-3、caspase-8、caspase-9相对含量均显著增多,JNK和c-Jun蛋白的磷酸化水平均显著上调. 但给予外源性Grx1保护后,剪切的caspase-3和caspase-8相对含量均显著降低,JNK和c-Jun蛋白的磷酸化水平均显著下调．上述结果表明,高糖通过介导caspase-8/3和caspase-9/3凋亡通路,并激活凋亡相关信号通路JNK/c-Jun诱导H9c2心肌细胞凋亡．给予外源性Grx1保护后,可通过抑制caspase-8/3凋亡通路和JNK /c-Jun信号通路的激活,拮抗高糖诱导的心肌细胞凋亡．     

谷氧还蛋白1调节高糖诱导的心肌细胞自噬

谷氧还蛋白1（Grx1）在体内具有广泛的抗氧化、抗凋亡作用,与氧化应激损伤导致的糖尿病和心肌病等多种疾病的发病机制密切相关. 研究表明,糖尿病心血管病与自噬调节异常密切相关,但糖尿病心血管病变时自噬水平如何调节才能够保护受损的心肌还尚未定论.为研究自噬在高糖诱导心肌细胞凋亡中的作用及其与Grx1的关系,以明确Grx1对高糖诱导的心肌细胞凋亡的抑制作用及相关机制,本研究以高糖诱导大鼠心肌细胞H9c2建立高糖损伤模型,采用氧化还原蛋白免疫印迹法检测蛋白质的氧化水平.免疫印迹检测活性caspase 3蛋白和自噬蛋白Beclin1和LC3以及抗凋亡蛋白Bcl 2的表达水平.研究发现,高糖可诱导蛋白质的氧化水平增加,而Grx1可拮抗高糖诱导的H9c2细胞中蛋白质的氧化.并且含血清的高糖（25和50 mmol/L）作用H9c2心肌细胞后,自噬蛋白Beclin 1表达水平在6～48 h显著上调.同时发现,活性caspase 3水平也呈时间依赖性表达上调,caspase 3和自噬蛋白表达水平的同趋势增加,说明升高的自噬水平与心肌细胞凋亡的调节有关.Grx1保护组的自噬蛋白及活性caspase 3表达水平均显著下调,Grx1抑制剂镉组可拮抗Grx1调节的自噬蛋白和凋亡蛋白水平,说明Grx 1通过抑制自噬及caspase 3水平抑制高糖诱导的心肌细胞凋亡.以上研究结果提示,通过提高Grx1/GSH抗氧化系统功能,调节氧化还原稳态,可以有效减少高糖诱导的心肌损伤,保护糖尿病心脏功能.     

线粒体乙醛脱氢酶2(ALDH2)通过AMPK/FOXO3a通路改善高糖导致的心肌细胞凋亡

目的:观察乙醛脱氢酶2(ALDH2)对高糖诱导的H9C2心肌细胞存活及凋亡的影响,并探讨腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶(AMPK)/FOXO3a信号通路在高糖导致的心肌细胞凋亡中的调控作用。方法:以30 mmol/L葡萄糖诱导培养H9C2心肌细胞48 h,经ALDH2激动剂Alda-1及AMPK抑制剂Compound C干预后,用MTT法检测细胞的存活情况,TUNEL试剂盒检测细胞凋亡情况,Western blot检测ALDH2、磷酸化AMPK和FOXO3a蛋白的表达水平。结果:与对照组相比,高浓度葡萄糖培养H9C2心肌细胞后,细胞的存活率显著降低、凋亡指数明显升高,磷酸化AMPK的表达水平明显上调,ALDH2和磷酸化FOXO3a的蛋白表达显著降低(P0.05)。ALDH2的激动剂Alda-1处理可显著提高高糖诱导的H9C2心肌细胞的存活率、降低其凋亡率,减少磷酸化AMPK的蛋白表达,增加ALDH2的表达和FOXO3a蛋白的磷酸化;而进一步采用AMPK的抑制剂Compound C处理,可显著抑制Alda-1对高糖诱导的H9C2心肌细胞的这些影响。结论:ALDH2的激动剂Alda-1对高糖诱导的心肌细胞凋亡具有保护作用,可能与其激活AMPK,进而抑制心肌细胞FOXO3a的活性有关。     

髓样分化蛋白2基因沉默对高糖诱导的大鼠心肌细胞增殖抑制、凋亡及炎症反应的影响*

目的:研究髓样分化蛋白2(MD2)基因沉默对高糖(HG)诱导的大鼠心肌细胞增殖抑制、凋亡及炎症反应的影响及其机制。方法:体外大鼠心肌细胞系H9C2细胞随机分为4组(n=3):LG组、HG组、HG + NC组、HG + si-MD2组,分别转染MD2基因小干扰RNA(si-MD2)或阴性对照24 h后进行低糖或高糖处理48 h。RT-qPCR检测MD2及细胞内炎症细胞因子TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6的表达水平,MTS法、流式细胞术检测细胞增殖能力、细胞周期和细胞凋亡率,Western blot法检测细胞内相关蛋白的表达水平及磷酸化水平。结果:转染si-MD2后,H9C2细胞中MD2的表达水平明显下降(P＜0.01)。与低糖(LG)组比较,高糖处理后的H9C2细胞中TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6的mRNA水平显著升高,细胞增殖能力下降并发生G1期阻滞,细胞凋亡率和Cleaved Caspase-3蛋白水平升高(P＜ 0.01)。而MD2基因沉默可拮抗高糖对H9C2细胞增殖、细胞周期、凋亡及细胞中TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6 mRNA水平的影响(P＜0.05)。Western blot测定结果表明高糖处理后的H9C2细胞中细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK1/2)、P38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(P38 MAPK)和C-Jun氨基末端激酶(JNK)蛋白的磷酸化水平明显升高,而MD2基因沉默可抑制高糖诱导下的ERK1/2、P38 MAPK和JNK蛋白激活(P＜0.01)。结论:MD2基因沉默可能通过抑制ERK、P38 MAPK和JNK信号通路的激活来减少高糖诱导的大鼠心肌细胞炎症细胞因子表达,减少心肌细胞凋亡,促进细胞增殖。     

HeLa细胞中LRP16影响电离辐射诱导的NF-κB核转位

前期研究显示抑制LRP16的表达可以明显增加肿瘤细胞对辐射诱导凋亡的敏感性,但具体机制尚不清楚．大量研究表明,NF-κB信号通路在肿瘤产生辐射抵抗中起着重要的作用. 为研究LRP16影响肿瘤细胞对辐射敏感性的可能机制,首先通过免疫 荧光技术检测电离辐射刺激后不同时间点NF-κB的核转位情况;然后分别过表达和抑制LRP16的表达,采用Western印迹方法检测NF-κB在核蛋白与浆蛋白中的表达情况、 IκB-α总体蛋白水平及磷酸化水平．结果发现,电离辐射后1 h,可见NF-κB明显入核;过表达LRP16可以促进NF-κB入核、提高IκB-α的磷酸化水平、促进IκB-α 的降解;反之,抑制LRP16的表达可以抑制NF-κB入核、降低IκB-α的磷酸化水平、 阻碍IκB-α的降解．上述研究结果表明,在HeLa细胞中LRP16可以影响电离辐射诱导的NF-κB核转位,该研究为LRP16参与肿瘤细胞产生辐射抵抗现象提供一种可能的机制．     

高糖腹透液通过神经酰胺经JNK/SAPK通路介导腹膜间皮细胞凋亡

目的观察葡萄糖腹膜透析液(peritoneal dialysis solution,PDS)对人腹膜间皮细胞(peritoneal mesothelium cells,PMCs)凋亡的影响,探讨神经酰胺在高糖PDS诱导的PMCs凋亡中的作用机制。方法 PMCs分别在正常对照、1.5%PDS、4.25%PDS条件下培养,以4.25%甘露醇作为高渗对照。高压液相串联质谱法(LC/MS/MS)检测细胞内神经酰胺的变化,TUNEL检测细胞凋亡,Western blot检测p-JNK、p-c-Jun、Bax、Bcl-2蛋白水平。结果 PDS呈浓度、时间依赖性上调PMCs细胞内神经酰胺,正常对照组、高渗对照组细胞内神经酰胺无明显变化;相比1.5%PDS组,4.25%PDS可诱导PMCs细胞凋亡,促进JNK及其下游c-Jun磷酸化,而酸性鞘磷脂酶抑制剂地昔帕明可显著抑制高糖PDS的此类作用;JNK阻断剂SP600125可明显抑制高糖PDS诱导的JNK和c-Jun活化、进而抑制Bax的上调和Bcl-2的下调。结论细胞内神经酰胺增加可能经JNK/SAPK通路参与高糖PDS诱导的PMCs凋亡。     

高糖促进成年大鼠心脏成纤维细胞periostin表达及其信号转导机制

心肌纤维化是糖尿病心肌病时心室舒缩功能障碍的主要机制之一。心脏成纤维细胞分泌的一种细胞外基质蛋白periostin与心肌纤维化及间质重塑密切相关。本研究旨在观察高糖对心脏成纤维细胞periostin表达的影响及其相关信号转导机制。在离体培养的成年大鼠心脏成纤维细胞,采用低糖(5.5mmol/L)和高糖(25mmol/L)干预,RT-PCR检测periostinmRNA表达,免疫印迹法检测periostin蛋白表达,荧光法检测细胞内活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)含量。结果显示,高糖刺激12h可使periostin mRNA表达增加117.26%,刺激24h可使其蛋白表达上调93.12%,高糖刺激30min可显著促进心脏成纤维细胞内ROS的产生,蛋白激酶C(protein kinase C,PKC)抑制剂白屈菜红碱可减少高糖诱导的ROS生成增加。高糖诱导的periostin蛋白表达增加可被白屈菜红碱或ROS清除剂N-乙酰-L-半胱氨酸(N-acetylcysteine,NAC)所抑制。高糖刺激30和60min可显著增加磷酸化c-Jun氨基末端激酶(c-jun N-terminal protein kinase,JNK)的含量,应用白屈菜红碱或NAC可抑制高糖诱导的磷酸化JNK含量增加。JNK抑制剂SP600125预孵育明显抑制了高糖诱导的periostin蛋白表达增加。上述结果提示,高糖刺激可促进periostin的mRNA和蛋白表达,激活PKC/ROS/JNK通路介导高糖诱导的periostin表达增加。     

抑制LRP16基因的表达显著下调TNF-α介导的NF-κB转录活性

LRP16是1个雌激素(E2)通过其受体α(ERα)诱导表达的靶基因.研究表 明,LRP16可以作为多种核受体（包括AR、ERα）的转录共激活因子.采用荧光素酶报 告检测显示,抑制LRP16基因表达显著削弱了TNF-α(10 ng/mL)介导的NF-κB转录活性;采用免疫荧光和Western印迹法研究抑制LRP16对NF-κB/p65亚基核转位的影响,结果显示,抑制LRP16表达并不能参与影响p65亚基核转位．上述结果提示,LRP16可能以核激活因子角色参与了NF-κB介导的信号途径．RT-PCR实验检测抑制LRP16基因表达对TNF-α诱导NF-κB靶基因调控作用,检测的靶基因包括IκB、A20、IL-8、 FLIP、XIAP.结果表明,在这些靶基因中只有XIAP、cIAP2产生了明显的下调趋势. 因此,LRP16是NF-κB的1个共激活因子,通过调控NF-κB与靶基因的结合能力,从而增强了NF-κB的转录活性.     

流感病毒感染巨噬细胞对缺氧诱导因子-1α诱导炎症反应通路的机制研究

为探索缺氧诱导因子(hypoxia inducible factor,HIF)-1α诱导甲型流感病毒毒株感染小鼠巨噬细胞引起炎症反应的具体机制,本研究以甲型H1N1流感病毒(简称H1N1)株A/PR/8感染小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7后,在显微镜下观察其在感染后的表型变化,分别在不同时间段收集样本,通过聚合酶链反应(polymerase chain reaction,PCR)检测HIF-1α、干扰素(interferon,IFN)-γ、白细胞介素(interleukin,IL)-6、肿瘤坏死因子(tumor necrosis factor,TNF)-α和M蛋白(M protein,MBP)mRNA的变化,通过蛋白质印迹法(Western blot, WB)检测HIF-1α、核转录因子-κB(nuclear factor-κB,NF-κB)、促分裂原活化的蛋白激酶(mitogenactivated protein kinase,MAPK)、蛋白激酶B(protein kinase B,Akt)以及M蛋白的变化。随后,加入抑制剂2-MeOE-2(10 nmol/L)进行抑制试验,采用PCR和WB检测HIF-1α表达被抑制后上述炎症因子mRNA表达水平及炎症蛋白通路的变化。结果显示,H1N1PR8感染小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7后,H1N1PR8复制率在24 h达到峰值,HIF-1α mRNA在感染6 h后开始升高,12 h迅速上升,24 h达到峰值。IFN-γ、IL-6、TNF-α mRNA变化趋势基本与HIF-1α一致,但在感染12 h并未进入快速上升期。HIF-1α蛋白在感染后6 h表达明显增多,24 h达到峰值,与mRNA变化水平基本一致。NF-κB通路蛋白在感染12 h后明显增多,48 h开始减少。加入抑制剂2-MeOE-2后,培养感染细胞24 h,抑制剂组IL-6、TNF-α mRNA水平较对照组显著下降(P<0.05),抑制剂组NF-κB通路蛋白较对照组表达下降。本研究结果表明,小鼠巨噬细胞被H1N1感染后,HIF-1α可能通过激活NF-κB通路促进IL-6、TNF-α等炎症因子的分泌参与炎症反应。     

Tumor necrosis factor alpha promotes the proliferation of human nucleus pulposus cells via nuclear factor-κB,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

Although tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is known to play a critical role in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, the effect of TNF-α on nucleus pulposus (NP) cells has not yet been elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of TNF-α on proliferation of human NP cells. NP cells were treated with different concentrations of TNF-α. Cell proliferation was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) analysis and Ki67 immunofluorescence staining, and expression of cyclin B1 was studied by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry and cell apoptosis was analyzed using an Annexin V–fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) & propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis detection kit. To identify the mechanism by which TNF-α induced proliferation of NP cells, selective inhibitors of major signaling pathways were used and Western blotting was carried out. Treatment with TNF-α increased cell viability (as determined by CCK-8 analysis) and expression of cyclin B1 and the number of Ki67-positive and S-phase NP cells, indicating enhancement of proliferation. Consistent with this, NP cell apoptosis was suppressed by TNF-α treatment. Moreover, inhibition of NF-κB, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) blocked TNF-α-stimulated proliferation of NP cells. In conclusion, the current findings suggest that the effect of TNF-α on IVD degeneration involves promotion of the proliferation of human NP cells via the NF-κB, JNK, and p38 MAPK pathways.     

NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide anion-induced apoptosis is mediated via the JNK-dependent activation of NF-κB in cardiomyocytes exposed to high glucose

Hyperglycemia-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction. However, the mechanism by which high glucose causes cardiomyocyte apoptosis is not clear. In this study, we investigated the signaling pathways involved in NADPH oxidase-derived ROS-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes under hyperglycemic conditions. H9c2 cells were treated with 5.5 or 33 mM glucose for 36 h. We found that 33 mM glucose resulted in a time-dependent increase in ROS generation as well as a time-dependent increase in protein expression of p22(phox), p47(phox), gp91(phox), phosphorylated IκB, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, as well as the nuclear translocation of NF-kB. Treatment with apocynin or diphenylene iodonium (DPI), NADPH oxidase inhibitors, resulted in reduced expression of p22(phox), p47(phox), gp91(phox), phosphorylated IκB, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. In addition, treatment with JNK and NF-kB siRNAs blocked the activity of caspase-3. Furthermore, treatment with JNK, but not p38, siRNA inhibited the glucose-induced activation of NF-κB. Similar results were obtained in neonatal cardiomyocytes exposed to high glucose concentrations. Therefore, we propose that NADPH oxidase-derived ROS-induced apoptosis is mediated via the JNK-dependent activation of NF-κB in cardiomyocytes exposed to high glucose.     

Mechanical Stretch Induces Apoptosis Regulator TRB3 in Cultured Cardiomyocytes and Volume-Overloaded Heart

The expression of TRB3 (tribbles 3), an apoptosis regulated gene, increases during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. How mechanical stress affects the regulation of TRB3 in cardiomyocytes during apoptosis is not fully understood. An in vivo model of aorta-caval shunt in adult rats demonstrated the increased TRB3 protein expression in the myocardium. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonist etanercept reversed the TRB3 protein expression and cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by AV shunt. An in vitro model of cyclic stretch in neonatal rats was also used to investigate TRB3 expression. We hypothesized that cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by cyclic stretch is TRB3 dependent. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes grown on a flexible membrane base were stretched by vacuum to 20% of maximum elongation, at 60 cycles/min. Cyclic stretch significantly increased TRB3 protein and mRNA expression. Addition of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125, TNF-α antibody and etanercept 30 min before stretch reversed the induction of TRB3 protein induced by stretch. Cyclic stretch induced the DNA-binding activity of growth arrest and DNA damaged inducible gene-153 (GADD153) by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. SP600125, JNK siRNA, TNF-α antibody and etanercept abolished the binding activity induced by stretch. TRB3 promoter activity was enhanced by stretch and TRB3-mut plasmid, SP600125, TNF-α antibody and etanercept attenuated TRB3 promoter activity induced by stretch. Exogenous administration of TNF-α recombinant protein to the non-stretched cardiomyocytes increased TRB3 protein expression similar to that seen after stretch. Cyclic stretch induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis is inhibited by TRB3 siRNA and etanercept. The stretch-induced TRB3 is mediated by TNF-α、JNK and GADD153 pathway. These results indicate that TRB3 plays an important role in stretch-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.     

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Progesterone in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated BV-2 Microglia

Female sex is associated with improved outcome in experimental brain injury models, such as traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, and intracerebral hemorrhage. This implies female gonadal steroids may be neuroprotective. A mechanism for this may involve modulation of post-injury neuroinflammation. As the resident immunomodulatory cells in central nervous system, microglia are activated during acute brain injury and produce inflammatory mediators which contribute to secondary injury including proinflammatory cytokines, and nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), mediated by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), respectively. We hypothesized that female gonadal steroids reduce microglia mediated neuroinflammation. In this study, the progesterone’s effects on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), iNOS, and COX-2 expression were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Further, investigation included nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. LPS (30 ng/ml) upregulated TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 protein expression in BV-2 cells. Progesterone pretreatment attenuated LPS-stimulated TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 expression in a dose-dependent fashion. Progesterone suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation by decreasing inhibitory κBα and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and p65 nuclear translocation. Progesterone decreased LPS-mediated phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular regulated kinase MAPKs. These progesterone effects were inhibited by its antagonist mifepristone. In conclusion, progesterone exhibits pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia by down-regulating proinflammatory mediators corresponding to suppression of NF-κB and MAPK activation. This suggests progesterone may be used as a potential neurotherapeutic to treat inflammatory components of acute brain injury.     

IL-1β Promotes Corneal Epithelial Cell Migration by Increasing MMP-9 Expression through NF-κB- and AP-1-Dependent Pathways

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) plays a critical mediator in the pathogenesis of eye diseases. The implication of IL-1β in inflammatory responses has been shown to be mediated through up-regulation of inflammatory genes, including matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). However, the detailed mechanisms of IL-1β-induced MMP-9 expression in Statens Seruminstitut Rabbit Corneal Cells (SIRCs) are largely unclear. Here, we demonstrated that in SIRCs, IL-1β induced MMP-9 promoter activity and mRNA expression associated with an increase in the secretion of pro-MMP-9. IL-1β-induced pro-MMP-9 expression and MMP-9 mRNA levels were attenuated by pretreatment with the inhibitor of MEK1/2 (U0126), JNK1/2 (SP600125), NF-κB (Bay11-7082), or AP-1 (Tanshinone IIA) and transfection with siRNA of p42 or JNK2. Moreover, IL-1β markedly stimulated p42/p44 MAPK and JNK1/2 phosphorylation in SIRCs. In addition, IL-1β also enhanced p42/p44 MAPK translocation from the cytosol into the nucleus. On the other hand, IL-1β induced c-Jun and c-Fos mRNA expression, c-Jun phosphorylation, and AP-1 promoter activity. NF-κB translocation, IκBα degradation, and NF-κB promoter activity were also enhanced by IL-1β. Pretreatment with U0126 or SP600125 inhibited IL-1β-induced AP-1 and NF-κB promoter activity, but not NF-κB translocation from the cytosol into the nucleus. Finally, we established that IL-1β could stimulate SIRCs migration via p42/p44 MAPK-, JNK1/2-, AP-1-, and NF-κB-dependent MMP-9 induction. These results suggested that NF-κB and AP-1 activated by JNK1/2 and p42/p44 MAPK cascade are involved in IL-1β-induced MMP-9 expression in SIRCs.     

Inhibition of JNK by cellular stress- and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced AKT2 through activation of the NF kappa B pathway in human epithelial Cells

Previous studies have demonstrated that AKT1 and AKT3 are activated by heat shock and oxidative stress via both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent and -independent pathways. However, the activation and role of AKT2 in the stress response have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we show that AKT2 in epithelial cells is activated by UV-C irradiation, heat shock, and hyperosmolarity as well as by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) through a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent pathway. The activation of AKT2 inhibits UV- and TNF alpha-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 activities that have been shown to be required for stress- and TNF alpha-induced programmed cell death. Moreover, AKT2 interacts with and phosphorylates I kappa B kinase alpha. The phosphorylation of I kappa B kinase alpha and activation of NF kappa B mediates AKT2 inhibition of JNK but not p38. Furthermore, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor or dominant negative AKT2 significantly enhances UV- and TNF alpha-induced apoptosis, whereas expression of constitutively active AKT2 inhibits programmed cell death in response to UV and TNFalpha -induced apoptosis by inhibition of stress kinases and provide the first evidence that AKT inhibits stress kinase JNK through activation of the NF kappa B pathway.     

Erythropoietin Inhibits Gluconeogenesis and Inflammation in the Liver and Improves Glucose Intolerance in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Erythropoietin (EPO) has multiple biological functions, including the modulation of glucose metabolism. However, the mechanisms underlying the action of EPO are still obscure. This study is aimed at investigating the potential mechanisms by which EPO improves glucose tolerance in an animal model of type 2 diabetes. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and then treated with EPO (HFD-EPO) or vehicle saline (HFD-Con) for two week. The levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and glucose tolerance were measured and the relative levels of insulin-related phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, insulin receptor (IR) and IR substrate 1 (IRS1) phosphorylation were determined. The levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose-6- phosphatase (G6Pase), toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 expression and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPK activation in the liver were examined. EPO treatment significantly reduced the body weights and the levels of fasting blood glucose and serum insulin and improved the HFD-induced glucose intolerance in mice. EPO treatment significantly enhanced the levels of Akt, but not IR and IRS1, phosphorylation, accompanied by inhibiting the PEPCK and G6Pase expression in the liver. Furthermore, EPO treatment mitigated the HFD-induced inflammatory TNF-α and IL-6 production, TLR4 expression, NF-κB and JNK, but not ERK and p38 MAPK, phosphorylation in the liver. Therefore, our data indicated that EPO treatment improved glucose intolerance by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and inflammation in the livers of HFD-fed mice.