Garth Wentley , Russel J. Reiter , Yong-Xiao Wang , Gerald Maarman
{"title":"The effects of melatonin on differentiated C2C12 myotubes in the absence of pathology: An oxygen-sparing action and enhancement of pro-survival signalling pathways","authors":"Garth Wentley , Russel J. Reiter , Yong-Xiao Wang , Gerald Maarman","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104966","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104966","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Previous research has demonstrated that melatonin protects against muscle damage while also improving the performance of injured muscle. However, its impact on healthy skeletal muscle remains largely unexplored. We exposed differentiated C2C12 myotubes to two melatonin concentrations (10 nM or 50 nM). The 10 nM concentration did not affect any of the mitochondrial respiration parameters. Whereas 50 nM concentration reduced mitochondrial complex II-linked oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), electron transfer system (ETS) capacity, the contribution of complex II to ETS, and residual oxygen consumption (ROX). Neither concentration influenced the mitochondrial coupling control ratios, nor the coupling control efficiency ratios. Furthermore, neither concentration affected ATP production but reduced superoxide dismutase activity. The 50 nM increased catalase activity without affecting autophagy or citrate synthase activity. Moreover, 50 nM reduced activated JAK2 and STAT3 protein expression, while 10 nM reduced JAK2 without affecting STAT3. Th 50 nM increased activated AKT and ERK1/2 expression with no effect on p38 or PGC1-α expression. Our data suggests that melatonin (50 nM) triggers an oxygen-sparing effect on mitochondrial respiration, which is mediated via its antioxidant actions and its ability to enhance pro-survival pathways. Therefore, melatonin intake may have ergogenic effects on healthy muscles, in the absence of pathology, e.g., consumption before sporting events or physical exercise may aid in the reduction of oxidative stress often associated with such activities. However, this is an in vitro study, and therefore, the clinical relevance of the data should be considered with caution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"142 ","pages":"Article 104966"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143824350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yanbo Liu, Ying Zhou, Haoyue Zhang, Kaixuan Zhao, Dong Yang
{"title":"Gut-lung Axis mediates asthma pathogenesis: Roles of dietary patterns and their impact on the gut microbiota","authors":"Yanbo Liu, Ying Zhou, Haoyue Zhang, Kaixuan Zhao, Dong Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104964","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104964","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The gut-lung axis, a vital signaling network linking the gastrointestinal and pulmonary systems, regulates immune responses and the progression of respiratory diseases. Nutritional components can modulate the gut microbiome and regulate the synthesis of critical intestinal microbial metabolites, which are essential for maintaining immune homeostasis and supporting respiratory health. Conversely, poor dietary habits exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions through the modulation of systemic inflammation and immune responses. Dietary interventions, such as the Mediterranean diet, are reported to restore microbial balance and improve respiratory health by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory metabolites, potentiating immune responses, and preserving epithelial barrier integrity. In contrast, Western dietary patterns, which are characterized by high fat and low fiber intake, disrupt microbial diversity, resulting in increased levels of pro-inflammatory metabolites that aggravate airway inflammation and asthma severity. This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of gut microbes and their metabolites on asthma. Additionally, previous findings related to the gut-lung axis have been summarized, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies for asthma management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"142 ","pages":"Article 104964"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Expression of concern: \"Upregulation of immunomodulatory molecules by matrine treatment in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis\" [Experimental and Molecular Pathology 97 (2014) 470-476].","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104961","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104961","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"142 ","pages":"104961"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144247186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Modulation of IL-6 receptor/STAT3 downstream signaling in rheumatoid arthritis patients","authors":"Fabio Cacciapaglia , Simone Perniola , Stefano Stano , Vincenzo Venerito , Dorotea Natuzzi , Rita Bizzoca , Florenzo Iannone","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104951","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104951","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a relevant cytokine in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis, potentially activating Janus kinases (JAK)-1, −2, and tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), and thus, three signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1, −3 or − 5 pathways. This pilot study aims to explore differences in phosphorylated (p)STAT3 levels among patients with RA, those not classified as RA (nRA), and healthy donors (HD), providing some clues on the relative contribution of each JAK protein to the downstream of the IL-6-induced STAT3 pathway. Clinical data and blood samples from 80 subjects (41 RA, 14 nRA, and 25 HD) were collected. The activity of the JAK-STAT3 pathway was assessed by Western Blot and Real Time-PCR analysis for the quantification of STAT3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Furthermore, the impact of JAK-1, −2, and TYK2 inhibitors on pSTAT3 was assessed in vitro by FACS, with and without IL-6 stimulation in RA patients naïve to treatment with DMARD and steroids. The pSTAT3 (%) was significantly higher in PBMC from RA compared to nRA patients and HD. Furthermore, pSTAT3 (%) was significantly associated with inflammation and disease activity (ESR, CRP, and DAS28). The JAK-1 inhibitor was more effective in reducing pSTAT3 expression in CD14<sup>pos</sup> cells of RA patients, while the JAK-2 selective compound was more effective in CD4<sup>pos</sup> cells of RA patients. On the contrary, the TYK2 selective agent showed no significant effects. This study highlights the importance of the JAK/STAT3 pathway in RA. Some differences among various JAK proteins have been pointed out, with JAK1 and JAK2 standing as the most relevant mediators of the STAT3 pathway in this in-vitro model after IL-6R activation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"141 ","pages":"Article 104951"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142893270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mediterranean diet improves liver health but does not protect against azoxymethane-induced colon tumorigenesis compared to Western diet in A/J mice","authors":"Weimin Guo , Nicholas Crossland , Jimmy W. Crott","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104953","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104953","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Abundant evidence indicates that the Mediterranean (MED) diet pattern is beneficial for health, especially cardiovascular health. Epidemiological evidence indicates that the MED diet also affords protection against colorectal cancer (CRC). To date, preclinical models have only evaluated specific MED diet components and therefore, although supportive, fall short of confirming the chemoprotective capacity of this complex dietary pattern. We sought to address this gap.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A/J mice were randomized to receive Western (WRN) or MED diets differing in their fat, protein, and carbohydrate sources. Azoxymethane (AOM) was used to initiate colon tumorigenesis and mice were maintained for 19 weeks after the final dose.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>Unexpectedly high mortality was observed amongst male mice following the second AOM dose. At the end of the study hepatic Cyp2E1, an enzyme that metabolize AOM, was lower in males than females. Livers from MED diet mice were significantly lighter, had lower histologic Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) scores, and contained less triglycerides than WRN mice. Amongst females, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) was also lower in MED than WRN mice. Amongst male mice, those fed MED diet presented with significantly more colonic tumors than those on the WRN diet.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In this study male mice displayed elevated sensitivity to AOM-induced hepatotoxicity and mortality than females. In agreement with human and preclinical data, livers of MED-diet-fed mice were healthier than those fed WRN diets. We could not confirm the chemoprotective capacity of the MED diet. Additional studies are required to evaluate the purported anticancer effect of the MED diet.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"141 ","pages":"Article 104953"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143347669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Role of A1 adenosine receptor in cardiovascular diseases: Bridging molecular mechanisms with therapeutic opportunities","authors":"Warisara Parichatikanond , Ratchanee Duangrat , Narawat Nuamnaichati , Supachoke Mangmool","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104952","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104952","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Adenosine serves as a critical homeostatic regulator, exerting influence over physiological and pathological conditions in the cardiovascular system. During cellular stress, increased extracellular adenosine levels have been implicated in conferring cardioprotective effects through the activation of adenosine receptors with the A<sub>1</sub> adenosine receptor subtype showing the highest expression in the heart. A<sub>1</sub> adenosine receptor stimulation inhibits adenylyl cyclase activity via heterotrimeric G<sub>i</sub> proteins, leading to the activation of distinct downstream effectors involved in cardiovascular homeostasis. While the comprehensive characterization of the pharmacological functions and intracellular signaling pathways associated with the A<sub>1</sub> adenosine receptor subtype is still ongoing, this receptor is widely recognized as a crucial pharmacological target for the treatment of various states of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In this review, we focus on elucidating signal transduction of A<sub>1</sub> adenosine receptor, particularly G<sub>i</sub> protein-dependent and -independent pathways, and their relevance to cardiovascular protective effects as well as pathological consequences during cellular and tissue stresses in the cardiovascular system. Additionally, we provide comprehensive updates and detailed insights into a range of A<sub>1</sub> adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists, detailing their development and evaluation through preclinical and clinical studies with a specific focus on their potential for the management of CVDs, especially heart diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"141 ","pages":"Article 104952"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143064716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mei Zhang , Xue Kong , Chenlu Wu , Jiuhong Li , Hui Yang , Lingzhi Huang
{"title":"The role of lactate and lactylation in ischemic cardiomyopathy: Mechanisms and gene expression","authors":"Mei Zhang , Xue Kong , Chenlu Wu , Jiuhong Li , Hui Yang , Lingzhi Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104957","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104957","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is a significant global public health issue, with its pathophysiology encompassing atherosclerotic plaque formation, thrombosis, hypoperfusion, ischemic cell death, and left ventricular remodeling. Lactate is not only regarded as an energy metabolite but also acts as a signaling molecule that influences various physiological processes, regulating metabolism and muscle contraction. Lactylation, an emerging epigenetic modification, affects protein functionality and gene expression through the P300 enzyme. In ICM, lactate accumulation leads to pH imbalance and myocardial cell dysfunction, impacting cellular signaling. This paper will analyze the role of lactylation in ICM, focusing on coronary artery disease (ASCVD) and myocardial infarction (MI). It will also explore the differential expression and immunological characteristics of lactylation-related genes in normal and ICM tissues, providing potential targets for future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"141 ","pages":"Article 104957"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nan Yang , Xiao-ge Wei , Kaiying Li , Fei Wang , Fei Song , Wenjing Sun , Yan Wang , Zhenning Zhao , Jing Mu , Huisheng Ma
{"title":"Transcriptomic analysis of the HPT axis in a model of oligoasthenozoospermia induced by Adenine in rats","authors":"Nan Yang , Xiao-ge Wei , Kaiying Li , Fei Wang , Fei Song , Wenjing Sun , Yan Wang , Zhenning Zhao , Jing Mu , Huisheng Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104948","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104948","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Male infertility is most commonly caused by oligozoospermia, and its pathogenesis is still poorly understood at the molecular level. This study used RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology to identify candidate genes and regulatory pathways that regulate semen quality in the hypothalamic, pituitary, and testicular tissues of healthy rats and Adenine-induced oligozoospermia model rats. Semen quality testing and histological analysis of testicular tissues were performed on both groups of rats. We identified 627, 692, and 437 differentially expressed genes in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testes, respectively. Functional analysis indicates that “neuronal projections,” “positive regulation of hormone biosynthetic process,” and “neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways” are closely related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis hormone regulation and sperm production. Seven genes (<em>Pomc, Rxfp1, Tac1, Npy, Insl3, Hsd3b3, Lhcgr</em>) have been identified as key candidate genes responsible for regulating sperm quality within the HPT axis, potentially affecting rat reproductive function by influencing testicular development and testosterone secretion. These data provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms of reproductive performance in a rat model of oligoasthenozoospermia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"141 ","pages":"Article 104948"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142863861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ai Sato , Kiyoshi Takagi , Mio Yamaguchi-Tanaka , Jotaro Okushima , Yuto Yamazaki , Akihiro Ito , Takashi Suzuki
{"title":"Matrix metalloproteinase-3 is a potent prognostic factor associated with cell proliferation and migration in prostate cancer","authors":"Ai Sato , Kiyoshi Takagi , Mio Yamaguchi-Tanaka , Jotaro Okushima , Yuto Yamazaki , Akihiro Ito , Takashi Suzuki","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104954","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104954","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prostate cancer is a common malignancy in men around the world, and it is crucial to explore novel biomarkers to improve its treatment. Prostate cancer cells typically invade the surrounding stroma, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a crucial step in the progress of prostate cancer. Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) is an enzyme that degrades several ECM components and is implicated in human malignancies. However, the clinical and biological significance of MMP3 has not been well elucidated.</div><div>We therefore immunolocalized MMP3 in prostate cancer tissues (<em>n</em> = 117) and demonstrated that MMP3 immunoreactivity was correlated with aggressive phenotype of prostate cancer, including higher proliferation/invasion ability, and shorter disease-free survival. In addition, subsequent in vitro analysis revealed that overexpression of MMP3 significantly increased the proliferative and migratory abilities of PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cell lines, depending on conditioned media from WMPY-1 prostate stromal cells.</div><div>It was concluded that MMP3 might contribute to prostate cancer progression by modifying the ECM surrounding prostate cancer cells and could serve as a potent prognostic factor in prostate cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"141 ","pages":"Article 104954"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143377986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Irene A. Spiridon , Michel Vix , Didier Mutter , Barbara Seeliger
{"title":"Dynamic full-field optical coherence tomography for extemporaneous high-resolution imaging of adrenal glands","authors":"Irene A. Spiridon , Michel Vix , Didier Mutter , Barbara Seeliger","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104958","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104958","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>There is an interindividual variance in postoperative adrenocortical capacity, and the minimal functional remnant size is unknown. New imaging technologies may allow for improved intraoperative assessment of adrenal tissue morphology, cell activity, and surgery-related changes<em>.</em> The aim of this experimental study was to provide a pilot assessment of adrenal gland architecture with dynamic full-field optical coherence tomography (D-FF-OCT) in comparison to standard hematoxylin-eosin (HE) examination.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>D-FF-OCT was performed on freshly resected porcine adrenal glands to simultaneously assess both morphology and metabolic activity in real time, and for comparison with standard histopathology. Left and right adrenal glands were assessed from 8 pigs (1 M, 7 F, mean weight 43.9 ± 8.3 kg).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The evaluation with D-FF-OCT proved fast in terms of acquisition time, averaging 32 min/specimen. The technique required a relatively short learning curve and provided morphological details similar to standard microscopy. In the comparative analysis of both methods, D-FF-OCT scans allowed easy identification of normal adrenal morphology and facilitated differentiation of the structural components of the cortical and medullary areas based on architectural and vascular patterns. Furthermore, it was possible to distinguish more accurately between cell subpopulations based on their metabolic activity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>While HE examination remains the gold standard for morphological evaluation, time weighs heavy on this ancillary technique. In our study, we prove that D-FF-OCT is effective in achieving a comparable level of morphological details, with added metabolic activity of the cells, a combination which can prove useful in the real-time assessment of various diseases requiring adrenal surgery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"141 ","pages":"Article 104958"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143436986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}