Dynorphin activation of kappa opioid receptor protects against epilepsy and seizure-induced brain injury via PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Dynorphins act as endogenous anticonvulsants via activation of kappa opioid receptor (KOR). However, the mechanism underlying the anticonvulsant role remains elusive. This study aims to investigate whether the potential protection of KOR activation by dynorphin against epilepsy was associated with the regulation of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Here, a pilocarpine-induced rat model of epilepsy and Mg²⁺-free-induced epileptiform hippocampal neurons were established. Decreased prodynorphin (PDYN) expression, suppressed PI3K/Akt pathway, and activated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were observed in rat epileptiform hippocampal tissues and in vitro neurons. Furthermore, dynorphin activation of KOR alleviated in vitro seizure-like neuron injury via activation of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Further in vivo investigation revealed that PDYN overexpression by intra-hippocampus injection of PDYN-overexpressing lentiviruses decreased hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats. The protection of PDYN in vivo was associated with the activation of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. In conclusion, dynorphin activation of KOR protects against epilepsy and seizure-induced brain injury, which is associated with activation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.     

Arbutin attenuates LPS-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway

BackgroundArbutin (Ar) has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effects of Ar on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) are not clear.PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effects of Ar on LPS-induced AKI in rats.MethodsThe possible data regarding the effects of Ar on AKI were collected by network pharmacology research. Histological changes in the kidney and the levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and kidney injury molecule 1 were measured to assess the effects of Ar on renal function in LPS-induced AKI. The levels of inflammatory were detected by live small-animal imaging, cytometric bead array and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis of primary kidney cells were detected by flow cytometry. The oxidative stress-related markers were detected by the cuvette assay. The TLR4/NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 levels and apoptosis were detected by Western blot analysis. The effects of GDC-0068 (GDC, Akt inhibitor) on Ar interposed on LPS-induced NRK-52e cell apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry.ResultsThe data collected by network pharmacology suggested that Ar might inhibit AKI by exerting an anti-inflammatory effect and regulating the Akt signaling pathway. The experimental results showed that Ar markedly improved renal function, and attenuated inflammation and cell apoptosis via regulating PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway following LPS challenge in vivo, which blocked by GDC effectively in vitro.ConclusionIn a word, this study demonstrated that Ar attenuated LPS-induced AKI by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway.     

Nrf2 Negatively Regulates Melanogenesis by Modulating PI3K/Akt Signaling

Nrf2 plays a role in protection of cells against oxidative stress and xenobiotic damage by regulating cytoprotective genes. In this study, we investigated the effect of Nrf2 on melanogenesis in normal human melanocytes (NHMCs). When NHMCs were transduced with a recombinant adenovirus expressing Nrf2, melanin synthesis was significantly decreased. Consistent with this result, overexpression of Nrf2 decreased the expression of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1. The inhibitory effect of Nrf2 was reversed by overexpression of Keap1, an intracellular regulator of Nrf2. Interestingly, Nrf2 overexpression resulted in marked activation of PI3K/Akt signaling. Conversely, inhibition of PI3K activity by treatment with wortmannin reversed the depigmentary effects of Nrf2. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that Nrf2 negatively regulates melanogenesis by modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.     

Novel aminobenzyl-acetamidine derivative modulate the differential regulation of NOSs in LPS induced inflammatory response: Role of PI3K/Akt pathway

Background

Previous reports suggest that NO may contribute to the pathophysiology of septic shock. Recently, we have synthesized and characterized a series of benzyl- and dibenzyl derivative of N-(3-aminobenzyl)acetamidine, a potent and selective inhibitor of iNOS, in vitro assay. We evaluated the molecular mechanisms by which these compounds are involved in the regulation of NOSs expression.

Methods

H9c2 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of acetamidine-derivative. The NOSs mRNA and protein, and activation of signaling pathways (Akt and NF-κB) were assayed.

Results

The induction of endotoxic shock in H9c2 with LPS caused an increase of inducible NOS and a down-regulation of constitutive NOS. The molecular mechanism involved in the modulation of NOSs expression in H9c2 cells upon LPS stimulation resulted in the modification of the redox state responsible for NF-kB nuclear translocation via NIK -IKKα/β-IkBα, simultaneously to the inactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. The compounds acted as an anti-inflammatory modulator.

Conclusion

These results suggest that LPS regulates the opposite NOS expression in H9c2 cells by modifying the redox state of these cells responsible for the NF-kB nuclear translocation via NIK–IKKα/β‐IkBα, simultaneous to the inactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. The new molecule acts as an anti-inflammatory modulator in LPS-induced inflammation in H9c2 cells by the restoration of eNOS and nNOS expressions, mechanistically involving the PI3K/Akt pathway.

General significance

This study delineates the underlying mechanisms of opposite NOSs expression in H9c2 cells stimulated with LPS.     

Peroxynitrite induces HO-1 expression via PI3K/Akt-dependent activation of NF-E2-related factor 2 in PC12 cells

Peroxynitrite is a strong oxidant produced by rapid interaction between superoxide anion and nitric oxide radicals and induces oxidative stress and cell death. Treatment of PC12 cells with 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a generator of peroxynitrite, induced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an antioxidant cytoprotective enzyme. Inhibition of the HO activity by zinc protoporphyrin IX or knockdown of HO-1 gene expression with siRNA exacerbated the SIN-1-induced apoptosis. After SIN-1 treatment, there was a time-related increase in nuclear localization and subsequent binding of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to the antioxidant-responsive element (ARE). Transfection of PC12 cells with dominant-negative Nrf2 abolished the SIN-1-induced increase in Nrf2-ARE binding and subsequent upregulation of HO-1 expression, leading to enhanced cell death. Upon exposure of PC12 cells to SIN-1, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity was increased in a time-dependent manner. Pretreatment of cells with LY294002, a pharmacologic inhibitor of PI3K or transfection with the kinase-dead mutant Akt abrogated the SIN-1-induced Nrf2 activation and HO-1 expression. Taken together, these results suggest that peroxynitrite activates Nrf2 via PI3K/Akt signaling and enhances Nrf2-ARE binding, which leads to upregulation of HO-1 expression. The SIN-1-induced HO-1 upregulation may confer the adaptive survival response against nitrosative stress.     

Regulation of Ang2 release by PTEN/PI3‐kinase/Akt in lung microvascular endothelial cells

Angiopoietin‐2 (Ang2) is a Tie‐2 ligand that destabilizes vascular structures, allowing for neovascularization or vessel regression depending on local vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) concentrations. Although various stimuli have been shown to affect Ang2 expression, information on the underlying mechanisms involved in Ang2 production in endothelial cells (EC) is just beginning to emerge. In the present study, we have used adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer and pharmacological inhibitors to examine the role of the PTEN/PI3‐K/Akt pathway on Ang2 release. Inhibition of PI3‐kinase with wortmannin led to a stimulation of basal Ang2 release in EC, while overexpression of an active form of Akt reduced Ang2. In addition, adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer of the phosphatase PTEN stimulated Ang2 release. Incubation of the cells with Ang1, an agent that activates the PI3‐K/Akt pathway in EC, reduced Ang2 release. This effect of Ang1 could be prevented by wortmannin and LY‐294002 pretreatment. Similarly, in VEGF‐treated EC the increase in Ang2 production observed was greater in the presence of a PI3‐K inhibitor. Our observations that PTEN acts as a positive modulator of Ang2 release, while activation of the PI3‐K/Akt pathway downregulates Ang2, reveal an additional mechanism through which the PTEN/PI3‐K/Akt pathway could affect the angiogenic process. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 239, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

α-Lipoic acid alleviates ferroptosis in the MPP+-induced PC12 cells via activating the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a typical neurodegenerative disease. α-Lipoic acid (α-LA) can reduce the incidence of neuropathy. The present study explored the role and mechanism of α-LA in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺)-induced cell model of PD. The PD model was induced via treating PC12 cells with MPP⁺ at different concentrations. MPP⁺ and α-LA effects on PC12 cells were assessed from cell viability and ferroptosis. Cell viability was detected using the cell counting kit-8 assay. Malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), iron, reactive xygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) concentrations, and ferroptosis-related protein SLC7A11 and GPx4 expressions were used for ferroptosis evaluation. p-PI3K, p-Akt, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein levels were detected. The PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway inhibitors were applied to verify the role of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway in α-LA protection against MPP⁺-induced decreased cell viability and ferroptosis. MPP⁺-reduced cell viability and induced ferroptosis as presented by increased MDA, 4-HNE, iron, and ROS concentrations, and reduced levels of GSH and ferroptosis marker proteins (SLC7A11 and GPx4). α-LA attenuated MPP⁺-induced cell viability decline and ferroptosis. The PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway was activated after α-LA treatment. Inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway weakened the protection of α-LA against MPP⁺ treatment. We highlighted that α-LA alleviated MPP⁺-induced cell viability decrease and ferroptosis in PC12 cells via activating the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway.     

PI3K/Akt 通路在电针预处理诱导脑缺血耐受中的机制研究

目的:通过观察电针预处理对磷脂酰肌醇3激酶/蛋白质丝氨酸苏氨酸激酶(PI3K/Akt)通路的变化以及该通路抑制剂对电针预处理的脑保护的影响,探讨电针预处理诱导脑缺血耐受的可能机制。方法:线栓法单侧阻断大脑中动脉120min,再灌注24h制备大鼠大脑局灶性缺血再灌注(I/R)模型;Western Blot检测Akt磷酸化水平的变化;侧脑室注射PI3K/Akt通路抑制剂LY294002;神经行为学评分(Garcia标准)及TTC染色检测脑梗死体积比评价脑损伤程度。结果:电针预处理使大鼠神经行为学评分增高,脑梗死体积比降低(P<0.05);可上调Akt磷酸化水平,I/R2h达高峰(P<0.05)。侧脑室注射PI3K/Akt抑制剂LY294002,拮抗电针预处理的脑保护作用(P<0.05)。结论:电针预处理增加Ak(tSer473)磷酸化水平,在缺血再灌注早期上调PI3K/Akt通路可能是诱导大鼠脑缺血耐受的产生的主要机制。     

Caveolin-induced activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway increases arsenite cytotoxicity

The inhibitory effect of caveolin on the cellular response to growth factor stimulation is well established. Given the significant overlap in signaling pathways involved in regulating cell proliferation and stress responsiveness, we hypothesized that caveolin would also affect a cell's ability to respond to environmental stress. Here we investigated the ability of caveolin-1 to modulate the cellular response to sodium arsenite and thereby alter survival of the human cell lines 293 and HeLa. Cells stably transfected with caveolin-1 were found to be much more sensitive to the toxic effects of sodium arsenite than either untransfected parental cells or parental cells transfected with an empty vector. Unexpectedly, the caveolin-overexpressing cells also exhibited a significant activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, which additional studies suggested was likely due to decreased neutral sphingomyelinase activity and ceramide synthesis. In contrast to its extensively documented antiapoptotic influence, the elevated activity of Akt appears to be important in sensitizing caveolin-expressing cells to arsenite-induced toxicity, as both pretreatment of cells with the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin and overexpression of a dominant-negative Akt mutant markedly improved the survival of arsenite-treated cells. This death-promoting influence of the PI3K/Akt pathway in caveolin-overexpressing cells appeared not to be unique to sodium arsenite, as wortmannin pretreatment also resulted in increased survival in the presence of H(2)O(2). In summary, our results indicate that caveolin-induced upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which appears to be a death signal in the presence of arsenite and H(2)O(2), sensitizes cells to environmental stress.     

Preconditioning by sesquiterpene lactone enhances H2O2-induced Nrf2/ARE activation

The Nrf2/ARE pathway plays a pivotal role in chemoprevention and neuroprotection. Here, we report that sesquiterpene lactones extracted from Calea urticifolia and feverfew increased enhancer activity of the ARE. ARE activation was dependent on the number of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups each compound bears and calealactone A (CL-A) harboring 3 of those was the most potent ARE inducer. At subtoxic doses, CL-A induced expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene, one of ARE target genes, through activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway involving transient ROS generation and activation of PI3-K/Akt and MAPK pathways. Interestingly, H₂O₂-induced ARE activation and HO-1 induction were potentiated by pretreatment with CL-A at lower concentrations, at which Nrf2/ARE activation by the compound was minimal. These results suggest a possibility that preconditioning by sesquiterpene lactone may enhance activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway and induction of phase II detoxification/antioxidant enzymes upon oxidative stress, thereby resulting in increased resistance to oxidative damage.     

Penehyclidine Hydrochloride Pretreatment Ameliorates Rhabdomyolysis-Induced AKI by Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway and Allevi-ating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Rats

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most severe complications of rhabdomyolysis (RM). The underlying mechanisms and potential preventions need to be investigated. Penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) was reported to ameliorate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, but the effect of PHC on RM-reduced AKI is unknown. In this study, we established a rat model of RM-induced AKI using an intramuscular glycerol injection in the hind limbs. Rats were pretreated with PHC before the glycerol injection, and the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitor ZnPP was introduced to evaluate the effect of HO-1 on RM-induced AKI. PHC pretreatment ameliorated the pathological renal injury and renal dysfunction, and decreased the renal apoptosis rate in RM-induced AKI. PHC significantly up-regulated HO-1 expression, increased HO-1 enzymatic activity and decreased the accumulation of myoglobin in renal tissues. This effect was partly inhibited by ZnPP. PHC pretreatment also effectively up-regulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and down-regulated glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and caspase-12 at both the gene and protein levels. These results suggest that the protective effects of PHC pretreatment on RM-induced AKI occur at least in part through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in rat renal tissues.     

Quercetin Attenuates Inflammatory Responses in BV-2 Microglial Cells: Role of MAPKs on the Nrf2 Pathway and Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1

A large group of flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables have been suggested to elicit health benefits due mainly to their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies with immune cells have demonstrated inhibition of these inflammatory responses through down-regulation of the pro-inflammatory pathway involving NF-κB and up-regulation of the anti-oxidative pathway involving Nrf2. In the present study, the murine BV-2 microglial cells were used to compare anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin and cyanidin, two flavonoids differing by their alpha, beta keto carbonyl group. Quercetin was 10 folds more potent than cyanidin in inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production as well as stimulation of Nrf2-induced heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression. In addition, quercetin demonstrated enhanced ability to stimulate HO-1 protein expression when cells were treated with LPS. In an attempt to unveil mechanism(s) for quercetin to enhance Nrf2/HO-1 activity under endotoxic stress, results pointed to an increase in phospho-p38MAPK expression upon addition of quercetin to LPS. In addition, pharmacological inhibitors for phospho-p38MAPK and MEK1/2 for ERK1/2 further showed that these MAPKs target different sites of the Nrf2 pathway that regulates HO-1 expression. However, inhibition of LPS-induced NO by quercetin was not fully reversed by TinPPIX, a specific inhibitor for HO-1 activity. Taken together, results suggest an important role of quercetin to regulate inflammatory responses in microglial cells and its ability to upregulate HO-1 against endotoxic stress through involvement of MAPKs.