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Background: Follicle development takes place under the control of hormonal and environmental stimuli. It suggested that to improve in vitro fertilisation outcomes in poor responders increasing gonadotropin doses be used. Excessive gonadotropin leads to atresia and impairs follicular development, but the molecular mechanisms of follicular atresia remain largely unknown. Recently, it was suggested that autophagy may be an alternative mechanism involved in follicle depletion. Aims: In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of autophagic markers such as light chain (LC) 3B and voltage dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2) in follicular atresia using the high dose gonadotropin stimulation. Settings and Design: The female 24 BALB/c mice were employed in the present study under the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals guidelines with ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. These mice were categorised into four groups, with six rats in each as control and test animals. Materials and Methods: Group 1 (control): no action will be taken. Group 2 (sham): only saline will be applied. Group 3: low-dose gonadotropin Pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) + human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) will be applied. Group 4: high-dose gonadotropin + HCG will be applied. The animals were sacrificed 48 h after the last injection. For all group samples, both protein and mRNAs of the LC3B and VDAC2 were examined by immunohistochemical and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction techniques. Statistical Analysis Used: All variables were analysed using GraphPad Prism 8. Kruskal–Wallis t-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare immunohistochemical results; in addition to this, parametric one-way ANOVA test and Shapiro–Wilk test were applied for quantitative polymerase chain reaction statistics. Results: An increased number of atretic follicles were observed in the high-dose gonadotropin + HCG group. LC3B immunoreactivity of the atretic secondary follicles in the high-dose group is higher than in other groups. The expression of VDAC2 protein in the secondary and Graafian follicles and also VDAC2 mRNA in the ovary were more highly expressed in the control and sham groups. The decrease in VDAC2 mRNA level and immunohistochemical expression was remarkable in the low-dose and high-dose follicle-stimulating hormone groups compared to the control and sham groups. Conclusion: In this study, the increased LC3B and decreased VDAC2 expression, which are autophagy markers, were observed in both the gonadotropins groups, so we suggested that high doses of gonadotropins may cause ovarian atresia.

Background: Follicle development takes place under the control of hormonal and environmental stimuli. It suggested that to improve in vitro fertilisation outcomes in poor responders increasing gonadotropin doses be used. Excessive gonadotropin leads to atresia and impairs follicular development, but the molecular mechanisms of follicular atresia remain largely unknown. Recently, it was suggested that autophagy may be an alternative mechanism involved in follicle depletion. Aims: In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of autophagic markers such as light chain (LC) 3B and voltage dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2) in follicular atresia using the high dose gonadotropin stimulation. Settings and Design: The female 24 BALB/c mice were employed in the present study under the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals guidelines with ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. These mice were categorised into four groups, with six rats in each as control and test animals. Materials and Methods: Group 1 (control): no action will be taken. Group 2 (sham): only saline will be applied. Group 3: low-dose gonadotropin Pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) + human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) will be applied. Group 4: high-dose gonadotropin + HCG will be applied. The animals were sacrificed 48 h after the last injection. For all group samples, both protein and mRNAs of the LC3B and VDAC2 were examined by immunohistochemical and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction techniques. Statistical Analysis Used: All variables were analysed using GraphPad Prism 8. Kruskal--Wallis t-test and Mann--Whitney U test were used to compare immunohistochemical results; in addition to this, parametric one-way ANOVA test and Shapiro--Wilk test were applied for quantitative polymerase chain reaction statistics. Results: An increased number of atretic follicles were observed in the high-dose gonadotropin + HCG group. LC3B immunoreactivity of the atretic secondary follicles in the high-dose group is higher than in other groups. The expression of VDAC2 protein in the secondary and Graafian follicles and also VDAC2 mRNA in the ovary were more highly expressed in the control and sham groups. The decrease in VDAC2 mRNA level and immunohistochemical expression was remarkable in the low-dose and high-dose follicle-stimulating hormone groups compared to the control and sham groups. Conclusion: In this study, the increased LC3B and decreased VDAC2 expression, which are autophagy markers, were observed in both the gonadotropins groups, so we suggested that high doses of gonadotropins may cause ovarian atresia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ginkgolide B (GKB) is a major active component of the extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves, and it has been used as an anti-cancer agent. However, it is unknown whether GKB has the therapeutic effects on lung cancer. Here, we studied the effects of GKB on lung cancer cells. Methods The effects of GKB on lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion were analyzed by cell counting kit (CCK-8) and cell invasion assays, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to confirm the expression of autophagy-associated proteins in GKB-treated cells. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to analyze the level of light chain 3B (LC3B). Results Treatment with GKB time-dependently inhibited the proliferation and decreased the invasive capacity of A549 and H1975 cells. GKB induced apoptosis of these cells, but there was no significant effect on apoptosis compared to the control treatment. GKB-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and GKB-induced cell death were due to autophagy rather than apoptosis. GKB-induced autophagy of lung cancer cells was dependent on beclin-1, and autophagy-induced inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome contributed to the anti-tumor effect of GKB. Conclusions GKB-mediated autophagy of lung cancer cells is beclin-1-dependent and results in inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Therefore, GKB might be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of lung cancer.

Background: Ginkgolide B (GKB) is a major active component of the extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves, and it has been used as an anti-cancer agent. However, it is unknown whether GKB has the therapeutic effects on lung cancer. Here, we studied the effects of GKB on lung cancer cells. Methods: The effects of GKB on lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion were analyzed by cell counting kit (CCK-8) and cell invasion assays, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to confirm the expression of autophagy-associated proteins in GKB-treated cells. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to analyze the level of light chain 3B (LC3B). Results: Treatment with GKB time-dependently inhibited the proliferation and decreased the invasive capacity of A549 and H1975 cells. GKB induced apoptosis of these cells, but there was no significant effect on apoptosis compared to the control treatment. GKB-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and GKB-induced cell death were due to autophagy rather than apoptosis. GKB-induced autophagy of lung cancer cells was dependent on beclin-1, and autophagy-induced inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome contributed to the anti-tumor effect of GKB. Conclusions: GKB-mediated autophagy of lung cancer cells is beclin-1-dependent and results in inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Therefore, GKB might be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylprednisolone markedly reduces autophagy and apoptosis after secondary spinal cord injury. Here, we investigated whether pretreatment of cells with methylprednisolone would protect neuron-like cells from subsequent oxidative damage via suppression of autophagy and apoptosis. Cultured N2a cells were pretreated with 10 µM methylprednisolone for 30 minutes, then exposed to 100 µM H 2 O 2 for 24 hours. Inverted phase contrast microscope images, MTT assay, flow cytometry and western blot results showed that, compared to cells exposed to 100 µM H 2 O 2 alone, cells pretreated with methylprednisolone had a significantly lower percentage of apoptotic cells, maintained a healthy morphology, and showed downregulation of autophagic protein light chain 3B and Beclin-1 protein expression. These findings indicate that methylprednisolone exerted neuroprotective effects against oxidative damage by suppressing autophagy and apoptosis.

Atorvastatin, a lipid-lowering medication, provides neuroprotective effects, although the precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. Our previous studies confirmed activated autophagy following spinal cord injury, which was conducive to recovery of neurological functions. We hypothesized that atorvastatin could also activate autophagy after spinal cord injury, and subsequently improve recovery of neurological functions. A rat model of spinal cord injury was established based on the Allen method. Atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected at 1 and 2 days after spinal cord injury. At 7 days post-injury, western blot assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining results showed increased Beclin-1 and light chain 3B gene and protein expressions in the spinal cord injury + atorvastatin group. Additionally, caspase-9 and caspase-3 expression was decreased, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells was reduced. Compared with the spinal cord injury + saline group, Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores significantly increased in the spinal cord injury + atorvastatin group at 14-42 days post-injury. These findings suggest that atorvastatin activated autophagy after spinal cord injury, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted recovery of neurological function.

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression deficiency and autophagy in tumor stromal fibroblasts (hereafter fibroblasts) are involved in tumor proliferation and progression, particularly in breast and prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to detect the expression of fibroblastic Cav-1 and LC3B, markers of autophagy, in gastric cancer (GC) and to analyze their clinical significances. Furthermore, because Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated GC (EBVaGC) is a unique subtype of GC; we compared the differential expression of fibroblastic Cav-1 and LC3B in EBVaGC and non-EBVaGC. Quantum dots (QDs)-based immunofluorescence histochemistry was used to examine the expression of fibroblastic Cav-1 and LC3B in 118 cases of GC with adequate stroma. QDs-based double immunofluorescence labeling was performed to detect the coexpression of Cav-1 and LC3B proteins. EBV-encoded small RNA was detected by QDs-based fluorescence in situ hybridization to identify EBVaGC. Multivariate analysis indicated that low fibroblastic Cav-1 level was an independent prognosticator (p = 0.029) that predicted poorer survival of GC patients. Positive fibroblastic LC3B was correlated with lower invasion (p = 0.032) and was positively associated with Cav-1 expression (r = 0.432, p < 0.001). EBV infection did not affect fibroblastic Cav-1 and LC3B expression. In conclusion, positive fibroblastic LC3B correlates with lower invasion, and low expression of fibroblastic Cav-1 is a novel predictor of poor GC prognosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and fatal lung disease, and fibroblasts derived from patients with IPF are resistant to type I collagen matrix-induced cell death. The alteration of the PTEN-Akt axis permits IPF fibroblasts to maintain a pathological phenotype on collagen by suppressing autophagy. However, the precise underlying mechanism by which the Akt downstream molecule suppresses autophagic activity remains elusive. FoxO3a is a direct target of Akt and is implicated with the transcriptional activation of autophagy. Therefore, we investigated whether reduced FoxO3a expression causes abnormally low autophagy in IPF fibroblasts on collagen. We found that FoxO3a mRNA and protein levels are low in IPF fibroblasts, which subsequently suppresses the autophagosomal marker LC3B expression on collagen matrix. In contrast, the majority of control fibroblasts showed an increase in FoxO3a and LC3B expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. The luciferase assay confirmed that FoxO3a binds to the promoter region of LC3B and transcriptionally activates LC3B. The overexpression of wild-type FoxO3a increased LC3B mRNA and protein expression in IPF fibroblasts, whereas the dominant negative FoxO3a decreased the LC3B level in control fibroblasts. The inhibition of autophagic activity sensitized control fibroblasts to collagen matrix-induced cell death. In contrast, enhanced viability was found when autophagic function was inhibited in IPF fibroblasts. Our study showed that aberrantly low FoxO3a expression participates in reducing autophagic activity via transcriptional suppression of LC3B in IPF fibroblasts on collagen. This suggests that low autophagic activity by the alteration of FoxO3a may contribute to IPF progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated Beclin-1, light chain ( LC)3B, and p62 expression in 6-hydroxydopamine (6- OHDA)-induced parkinsonian rats after β-asarone and levodopa ( l-dopa) co-administration. Unilateral 6- OHDA injection into the medial forebrain bundle was used to create the models, except in sham-operated rats. Rats were divided into eight groups: sham-operated group; 6- OHDA model group; madopar group (75 mg/kg, per os (p.o.)); l-dopa group (60 mg/kg, p.o.); β-asarone group (15 mg/kg, p.o.); β-asarone + l-dopa co-administered group (15 mg/kg + 60 mg/kg, p.o.); 3-methyladenine group (500 nmol, intraperitoneal injection); and rapamycin group (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection). Then, Beclin-1, LC3B, and p62 expression in the mesencephalon were detected. The mesencephalon was also observed by transmission electron microscope. The results showed that Beclin-1 and LC3B expression decreased and that p62 expression increased significantly in the madopar, l-dopa, β-asarone, and co-administered groups when compared with the 6- OHDA model. Beclin-1 and LC3B expression in the β-asarone and co-administered groups were less than in the madopar or l-dopa groups, whereas p62 expression in the β-asarone and co-administered groups was higher than in the madopar or l-dopa groups. In addition, a significant decrease in autophagosome was exhibited in the β-asarone and co-administered groups when compared with the 6- OHDA group. Our findings indicate that Beclin-1 and LC3B expression decreased, whereas p62 expression increased after co-administration treatment. In sum, all data suggest that the co-administration of β-asarone and l-dopa may contribute to the treatment of 6- OHDA-induced damage in rats by inhibiting autophagy activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection by an oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV), in particular HPV16 and 18, is a high risk factor for developing cervical cancer; however, viral infection alone is not sufficient for cancer progression. Autophagy is hypothesized to be an important process during carcinogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between autophagy and high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection in human cervical squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and to analyze the clinical significance of this association. Quantum dot (QD)-based immunofluorescence histochemistry was used to detect the expression of autophagy markers, Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) proteins, in 104 cases of cervical cancer (including 80 SCCs and 24 adenocarcinomas) and 20 normal cervical tissues. hrHPV (HPV16/18) infection was detected by QDs based fluorescence in situ hybridization in cervical cancers. The results revealed that the expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3B were significantly lower in cervical cancer cells when compared with those of normal cervical squamous epithelial cells, and were found to negatively correlate with hrHPV infection. The expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3B were not associated with age, tumor grade, tumor stage, tumor node metastasis stage or lymph node metastasis. However, a positive correlation was identified between Beclin-1 and LC3B protein expression. In addition, the absence of autophagy in combination with hrHPV infection may accelerate the progression of cervical SCC. In conclusion, decreased expression of Beclin-1 and LC3B may be important in cervical carcinogenesis. The hrHPV-host cell interaction may inhibit autophagy, which may aid virus duplication and infection, as well as cervical cancer development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression deficiency and autophagy in tumor stromal fibroblasts (hereafter fibroblasts) are involved in tumor proliferation and progression, particularly in breast and prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to detect the expression of fibroblastic Cav-1 and LC3B, markers of autophagy, in gastric cancer (GC) and to analyze their clinical significances. Furthermore, because Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated GC (EBVaGC) is a unique subtype of GC; we compared the differential expression of fibroblastic Cav-1 and LC3B in EBVaGC and non-EBVaGC. Quantum dots (QDs)-based immunofluorescence histochemistry was used to examine the expression of fibroblastic Cav-1 and LC3B in 118 cases of GC with adequate stroma. QDs-based double immunofluorescence labeling was performed to detect the coexpression of Cav-1 and LC3B proteins. EBV-encoded small RNA was detected by QDs-based fluorescence in situ hybridization to identify EBVaGC. Multivariate analysis indicated that low fibroblastic Cav-1 level was an independent prognosticator (p = 0.029) that predicted poorer survival of GC patients. Positive fibroblastic LC3B was correlated with lower invasion (p = 0.032) and was positively associated with Cav-1 expression (r = 0.432, p < 0.001). EBV infection did not affect fibroblastic Cav-1 and LC3B expression. In conclusion, positive fibroblastic LC3B correlates with lower invasion, and low expression of fibroblastic Cav-1 is a novel predictor of poor GC prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atorvastatin, a lipid-lowering medication, provides neuroprotective effects, although the precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. Our previous studies confirmed activated autophagy following spinal cord injury, which was conducive to recovery of neurological functions. We hypothesized that atorvastatin could also activate autophagy after spinal cord injury, and subsequently improve recovery of neurological functions. A rat model of spinal cord injury was established based on the Allen method. Atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected at 1 and 2 days after spinal cord injury. At 7 days post-injury, western blot assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining results showed increased Beclin-1 and light chain 3B gene and protein expressions in the spinal cord injury + atorvastatin group. Additionally, caspase-9 and caspase-3 expression was decreased, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells was reduced. Compared with the spinal cord injury + saline group, Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores significantly increased in the spinal cord injury + atorvastatin group at 14-42 days post-injury. These findings suggest that atorvastatin activated autophagy after spinal cord injury, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted recovery of neurological function.

Methylprednisolone markedly reduces autophagy and apoptosis after secondary spinal cord injury. Here, we investigated whether pretreatment of cells with methylprednisolone would protect neuron-like cells from subsequent oxidative damage via suppression of autophagy and apoptosis. Cultured N2a cells were pretreated with 10 µM methylprednisolone for 30 minutes, then exposed to 100 µM H2O2 for 24 hours. Inverted phase contrast microscope images, MTT assay, flow cytometry and western blot results showed that, compared to cells exposed to 100 µM H2O2 alone, cells pretreated with methylprednisolone had a significantly lower percentage of apoptotic cells, maintained a healthy morphology, and showed downregulation of autophagic protein light chain 3B and Beclin-1 protein expression. These findings indicate that methylprednisolone exerted neuroprotective effects against oxidative damage by suppressing autophagy and apoptosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and fatal lung disease, and fibroblasts derived from patients with IPF are resistant to type I collagen matrix-induced cell death. The alteration of the PTEN-Akt axis permits IPF fibroblasts to maintain a pathological phenotype on collagen by suppressing autophagy. However, the precise underlying mechanism by which the Akt downstream molecule suppresses autophagic activity remains elusive. FoxO3a is a direct target of Akt and is implicated with the transcriptional activation of autophagy. Therefore, we investigated whether reduced FoxO3a expression causes abnormally low autophagy in IPF fibroblasts on collagen. We found that FoxO3a mRNA and protein levels are low in IPF fibroblasts, which subsequently suppresses the autophagosomal marker LC3B expression on collagen matrix. In contrast, the majority of control fibroblasts showed an increase in FoxO3a and LC3B expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. The luciferase assay confirmed that FoxO3a binds to the promoter region of LC3B and transcriptionally activates LC3B. The overexpression of wild-type FoxO3a increased LC3B mRNA and protein expression in IPF fibroblasts, whereas the dominant negative FoxO3a decreased the LC3B level in control fibroblasts. The inhibition of autophagic activity sensitized control fibroblasts to collagen matrix-induced cell death. In contrast, enhanced viability was found when autophagic function was inhibited in IPF fibroblasts. Our study showed that aberrantly low FoxO3a expression participates in reducing autophagic activity via transcriptional suppression of LC3B in IPF fibroblasts on collagen. This suggests that low autophagic activity by the alteration of FoxO3a may contribute to IPF progression., (Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.)

Infection by an oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV), in particular HPV16 and 18, is a high risk factor for developing cervical cancer; however, viral infection alone is not sufficient for cancer progression. Autophagy is hypothesized to be an important process during carcinogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between autophagy and high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection in human cervical squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and to analyze the clinical significance of this association. Quantum dot (QD)-based immunofluorescence histochemistry was used to detect the expression of autophagy markers, Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) proteins, in 104 cases of cervical cancer (including 80 SCCs and 24 adenocarcinomas) and 20 normal cervical tissues. hrHPV (HPV16/18) infection was detected by QDs based fluorescence in situ hybridization in cervical cancers. The results revealed that the expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3B were significantly lower in cervical cancer cells when compared with those of normal cervical squamous epithelial cells, and were found to negatively correlate with hrHPV infection. The expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3B were not associated with age, tumor grade, tumor stage, tumor node metastasis stage or lymph node metastasis. However, a positive correlation was identified between Beclin-1 and LC3B protein expression. In addition, the absence of autophagy in combination with hrHPV infection may accelerate the progression of cervical SCC. In conclusion, decreased expression of Beclin-1 and LC3B may be important in cervical carcinogenesis. The hrHPV-host cell interaction may inhibit autophagy, which may aid virus duplication and infection, as well as cervical cancer development.

Colorectal cancer is a major contributor of cancer-related mortality. The mammalian target or rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is frequently hyper-activated in colorectal cancers, promoting cancer progression and chemo-resistance. In the current study, we investigated the anti-colorectal cancer effect of a novel mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2 dual inhibitor: AZD-2014. In cultured colorectal cancer cell lines, AZD-2014 significantly inhibited cancer cell growth without inducing significant cell apoptosis. AZD-2014 blocked activation of both mTORC1 (S6K and S6 phosphorylation) and mTORC2 (Akt Ser 473 phosphorylation), and activated autophagy in colorectal cancer cells. Meanwhile, autophagy inhibition by 3-methyaldenine (3-MA) and hydroxychloroquine, as well as by siRNA knocking down of Beclin-1 or ATG-7, inhibited AZD-2014-induced cytotoxicity, while the apoptosis inhibitor had no rescue effect. In vivo, AZD-2014 oral administration significantly inhibited the growth of HT-29 cell xenograft in SCID mice, and the mice survival was dramatically improved. At the same time, in xenografted tumors administrated with AZD-2014, the activation of mTORC1 and mTORC2 were largely inhibited, and autophagic markers were significantly increased. Thus, AZD-2014 inhibits colorectal cancer cell growth both in vivo and in vitro. Our results suggest that AZD-2014 may be further investigated for colorectal cancer therapy in clinical trials., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Elevated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) causes osteoblast dysfunction and apoptosis, serving as an important contributor to the development of osteonecrosis. Here we aimed to understand the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the process. We observed a high level of AMPK activation in surgery isolated patients' osteonecrosis tissues. In cultured osteoblastoma MG63 cells, H2O2 stimulation induced significant AMPK activation, oxidative stress, cell death and apoptosis. Inhibition of AMPK by its inhibitor (compound C) or by shRNA-mediated knockdown dramatically enhanced H2O2-induced MG63 cell apoptosis, while over-expression of AMPK in HEK-293 cells alleviated H2O2-induced cell damage. These results confirmed that H2O2-activated AMPK is pro-cell survival. We observed that H2O2 induced protective autophagy in MG63 cells, and AMPK-dependent Ulk1 activation and mTORC1 (mTOR complex 1) inactivation might involve autophagy activation. Further, AMPK activation inhibited H2O2-induced oxidative stress, probably through inhibiting NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) depletion, since more NADPH depletion and oxidative stress were induced by H2O2 in AMPK deficient MG63 cells. Finally, we observed a significant AMPK activation in H2O2-treated primary cultured and transformed (MC3T3-E1) osteoblasts, and AMPK inhibitor compound C enhanced death by H2O2 in these cells. Based on these results, we concluded that H2O2-induced AMPK activation is pro-survival and anti-apoptosis in osteoblasts. Autophagy induction and NADPH maintenance are involved in AMPK-mediated pro-survival effects. AMPK might represent a novel molecular target for osteonecrosis treatment., (© 2013.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic activity of isoquinoline alkaloid berberine against cisplatin (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Berberine was administered at daily doses of 1, 2 and 3 mg/kg by gavage for two successive days, 48 h after intraperitoneal CP injection (13 mg/kg). Mice were sacrificed 24 h after the last dose of berberine. Histopathological changes and the increase in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) induced by CP were significantly ameliorated by berberine in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, oxidative/nitrosative stress, evidenced by the increase in renal 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), cytochrome P450 E1 (CYP2E1) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) expression, was significantly reduced. The expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was markedly suppressed by berberine, indicating the inhibition of inflammatory response. Treatment of CP-intoxicated animals with berberine also significantly reduced the expression of p53, active caspase-3 as well as autophagy marker light chain 3B (LC3B) in the kidneys. The results of the current study showed the nephroprotective activity of berberine against CP-induced renal injury, which could be attributed to the inhibition of oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, autophagy and apoptosis., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)