scholarly journals Shentong Zhuyu Decoction Inhibits Inflammatory Response, Migration, and Invasion and Promotes Apoptosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes via the MAPK p38/PPARγ/CTGF Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ying Han ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Meng Jin ◽  
Lin Jia ◽  
Cuihuan Yan ◽  
...  

Introduction. The current study is aimed at exploring the effect of Shentong Zhuyu Decoction on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) and its underlying molecular mechanism. Materials and Methods. The type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was established. Subsequently, the RA-FLS were isolated from the CIA rat model and identified by immunohistochemistry. The viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of RA-FLS were detected by the cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay, and transwell invasion assay, respectively. The levels of MAPK p38, PPARγ, CTGF, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, IL-1β, MMP-3, CDK4, and cyclin D1 were determined by qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Results. After treatment with Shentong Zhuyu Decoction medicated serum, the OD570 value, migrative and invasive abilities, and the secretion of IL-1β, MMP-3 were remarkably decreased in RA-FLS, while the apoptosis rate was increased. Further, results showed that Shentong Zhuyu Decoction inhibited the transition from the G1 phase to S phase. Additionally, Shentong Zhuyu Decoction significantly inhibited the expression of Bcl-2, CDK4, cyclin D1, MAPK p-p38, and CTGF, whereas elevated the levels of Bax, caspase-3, and PPARγ. Importantly, the effects of Shentong Zhuyu Decoction were consistent with the trends of MAPK P38 inhibitor (SB203580) and PPARγ agonist (GW1929). Conclusions. Shentong Zhuyu Decoction inhibited viability, inflammatory response, migration, invasion, and transition from the G1 phase to S phase and promoted apoptosis of RA-FLS via the MAPK p38/PPARγ/CTGF pathway.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Liu ◽  
Qing Zhang ◽  
Ruo-Lan Li ◽  
Shu-Jun Wei ◽  
Yong-Xiang Gao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with the aberrant activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). The extract of Cinnamomi ramulus has been reported to exert alleviates pain, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of Cinnamomi ramulus on RA and explore the underlying mechanisms. Material/methods: TNF-α induced human synoviocyte MH7A cells was performed to evaluate the anti-proliferative and anti-migration effect of Cinnamomi ramulus. The anti-proliferative effect of Cinnamomi ramulus was determined by CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay. Apoptosis was measured by AnnexinV FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry. Cell cycle was evaluated by flow cytometry. The expressions of mitochondrial apoptosis and cell cycle-related molecules, including Bcl-2, Bax, C-Caspase-3, CDC2 and Cycylin B1 were determined by Western blotting. Furthermore, the migration and invasion abilities of MH7A cells were determined using scratch wound healing assay and transwell assay. mRNA expressions of (MMP)-1, -2, & -3, P53, P21 and Cyclin D were determined using qRT-PCR analysis. For qualitative analysis on its chemical components, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with Q-Exactive MS (QE-MS) was established for rapid separation and structural identification of the constituents in Cinnamomi ramulus. The further computationally study on the relationships between the 9 compounds and the potential target proteins of RA were carried out with molecular docking strategy. Results: Our data demonstrate that Cinnamomi ramulus inhibited proliferation of MH7A cells, induced cell apoptosis, blocked the cell cycle in the G2/M phase and regulated the protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, C-Caspase-3, CDCD2 and Cyclin B1. Moreover, Cinnamomi ramulus was proven to significantly inhabited migration and invasion of MH7A cells through inhibition of levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -2, & -3.Cinnamomi ramulus reduced mRNA levels of CDK4 whereas increased the expression of P53, P21 and CyclinD, implying its regulation effects on apoptosis and cell cycle distribution in MH7A cells. The chromatographic profiling of the extract by UPLC-QE-MS/MS analysis showed 9 compounds are the main components. And the molecular docking strategy results showed that the compounds in Cinnamomi ramulus have good affinity with protein crystal, and benzyl cinnamate may be the main active component of Cinnamomi ramulus to induce cell apoptosis and cycle resistance. Conclusions: Cinnamomi ramulus exhibits anti-proliferative and anti-migration effects on MH7A rheumatoid arthritis-derived fibroblast-like synoviocytes through induction of apoptosis & cell arrest and suppression of matrix metalloproteinase.


2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 1499-1509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun-Jeong Kwon ◽  
Eun-Jung Park ◽  
Sungwook Choi ◽  
Sang-Rim Kim ◽  
Moonjae Cho ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Qu ◽  
Ling Jiang ◽  
Guanhua Hou

Abstract Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development. The purpose of this study is to explore the function and mechanism of circRNA fragile mental retardation 2 (circ-AFF2) in the processes of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAFLSs). Methods Circ-AFF2, microRNA (miR)-650, and 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNP) levels were determined in synovial tissues of RA and RAFLSs by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blotting. Cell proliferation, inflammatory response, apoptosis, caspase3 activity, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, Transwell, and Western blotting analyses. Dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and pull-down assays were performed to assess the binding relationship. Results Circ-AFF2 expression level was enhanced in synovial tissues of RA and RAFLSs. Circ-AFF2 overexpression facilitated cell proliferation, inflammatory response, migration, invasion, and EMT and repressed apoptosis in RAFLSs. Circ-AFF2 downregulation played an opposite role. Circ-AFF2 targeted miR-650, and miR-650 downregulation reversed the effect of circ-AFF2 interference on RAFLS processes. CNP was targeted by miR-650, and circ-AFF2 increased CNP expression by regulating miR-650. MiR-650 overexpression constrained cell proliferation, inflammatory response, migration, invasion, and EMT and contributed to apoptosis by decreasing CNP in RAFLSs. Conclusion Circ-AFF2 promoted proliferation, inflammatory response, migration, and invasion of RAFLSs by modulating the miR-650/CNP axis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihuan Luo ◽  
Shaojian Chen ◽  
Xiaguang Chen

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease, and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are key effector cells in RA development. Mounting evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the occurrence and development of RA. However, the precise mechanism of circRNA mitogen-activated protein kinase (circMAPK9) in the cell processes of FLSs has not been reported. Methods The expression levels of circMAPK9, microRNA-140-3p (miR-140-3p), and protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A (PPM1A) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot assay. Cell proliferation was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell apoptosis and cycle distribution were assessed by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were tested by transwell assay. All the proteins were inspected by western blot assay. Inflammatory response was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The interaction between miR-140-3p and circMAPK9 or PPM1A was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results CircMAPK9 and PPM1A were upregulated and miR-140-3p was downregulated in RA patients and FLSs from RA patients (RA-FLSs). CircMAPK9 silence suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, inflammatory response, and promoted apoptosis in RA-FLSs. MiR-140-3p was a target of circMAPK9, and miR-140-3p downregulation attenuated the effects of circMAPK9 knockdown on cell progression and inflammatory response in RA-FLSs. PPM1A was targeted by miR-140-3p, and circMAPK9 could regulate PPM1A expression by sponging miR-140-3p. Furthermore, miR-140-3p could impede cell biological behaviors in RA-FLSs via targeting PPM1A. Conclusion CircMAPK9 knockdown might inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion, inflammatory response, and facilitate apoptosis in RA-FLSs via regulating miR-140-3p/PPM1A axis, offering a new mechanism for the comprehension of RA development and a new insight into the potential application of circMAPK9 in RA treatment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoqing Li ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Fanru Meng ◽  
Zhongbin Xia ◽  
Xia Wu ◽  
...  

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune joint disease characteristic of elevated proliferation and infiltration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Here, we aimed to explore the mechanisms of the Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA)-induced apoptosis of FLS from patients with RA (termed RAFLS). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and Annexin V staining revealed that RAFLS viability decreased and apoptosis increased after Tan IIA treatment. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) GAS5 expression was significantly decreased in the synovial tissues and RAFLS, while Tan IIA treatment resulted in an up-regulation of GAS5. Consistently, knockdown of GAS5 using siRNA inhibited RAFLS apoptosis. Mechanistically, GAS5 knockdown down-regulated the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 in the RAFLS cells and activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway. These data indicate that Tan IIA promotes RAFLS apoptosis by up-regulating lncRNA GAS5, with enhanced expression of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-9 and inhibited PI3K/AKT signaling.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 734-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shou-di He ◽  
Ning Tan ◽  
Chen-xia Sun ◽  
Kang-han Liao ◽  
Hui-jun Zhu ◽  
...  

Background: Melittin, the major medicinal component of honeybee venom, exerts antiinflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic effects in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is an inflammatory autoimmune joint disease that leads to irreversible joint destruction and functional loss. Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes (FLS) are dominant, special mesenchymal cells characterized by the structure of the synovial intima, playing a crucial role in both the initiation and progression of RA. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the effects of melittin on the viability and apoptosis of FLS isolated from patients with RA. Methods: Cell viability was determined using CCK-8 assays; apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-3, caspase-9, BAX, and Bcl-2) were also determined. To explore whether melittin alters inflammatory processes in RA-FLS, IL-1β levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, we performed GFP-LC3 punctate fluorescence dot assays and western blotting (for LC3, ATG5, p62, and Beclin 1) to assess autophagy in RA-FLS. Results: Our results show that melittin can significantly impair viability, promote apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibit IL-1β secretion in RA-FLS. Conclusion: Melittin may be useful in preventing damage to the joints during accidental local stimulation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beibei Zu ◽  
Lin Liu ◽  
Jingya Wang ◽  
Meirong Li ◽  
Junxia Yang

Abstract Background Synovial fibroblasts (SFs) with the abnormal expressions of miRNAs are the key regulator in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Low-expressed miR-140-3p was found in RA tissues. Therefore, we attempted to investigate the effect of miR-140-3p on SFs of RA. Methods RA and normal synovial fibrous tissue were gathered. The targets of miR-140-3p were found by bioinformatics and luciferase analysis. Correlation between the expressions of miR-140-3p with sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. After transfection, cell viability and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry. The expressions of miR-140-3p, SIRT3, Ki67, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by RT-qPCR or western blot. Results Low expression of miR-140-3p and high expression of SIRT3 were found in RA synovial fibrous tissues. SIRT3 was a target of miR-140-3p. SIRT3 expression was negatively correlated to the expression of miR-140-3p. MiR-140-3p mimic inhibited the MH7A cell viability and the expressions of SIRT3, Ki67, and Bcl-2 and promoted the cell apoptosis and the expressions of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3; miR-140-3p inhibitor showed an opposite effect to miR-140-3p mimic on MH7A cells. SIRT3 overexpression not only promoted the cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis of MH7A cells but also reversed the effect of miR-140-3p mimic had on MH7A cells. Conclusions The results in this study revealed that miR-140-3p could inhibit cell viability and promote apoptosis of SFs in RA through targeting SIRT3.


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 1125-1136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuqi Yan ◽  
Dechao Kong ◽  
Dong Ge ◽  
Yanming Zhang ◽  
Xishan Zhang ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic inflammatory disease characterised by prominent synoviocyte hyperplasia and a potential imbalance between the growth and death of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Mitomycin C (MMC) has previously been demonstrated to inhibit fibroblast proliferation and to induce fibroblast apoptosis. However, the effects of MMC on the proliferation and apoptosis of human RA FLS and the potential mechanisms underlying its effects remain unknown. Methods: Cell viability was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Apoptotic cell death was analysed via Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labelling. The production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed via flow cytometry, and the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were visualized based on JC-1 staining via fluorescence microscopy. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was determined via Western blot. Results: Treatment with MMC significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in RA FLS. Furthermore, MMC exposure was found to stimulate the production of ROS and to disrupt the ΔΨm compared to the control treatment. Moreover, MMC increased the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and the subsequent cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that MMC inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in RA FLS, and the mechanism underlying this MMC-induced apoptosis may involve a mitochondrial signalling pathway.


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