Mohadese Namjoo, Hossein Ghafoori, S. Mohsen Asghari,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (1-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) inhibition results in an increase in apoptosis. It has been demonstrated that NF-κB subunit p65 phosphorylation at the IκB kinase phosphorylation site serine 536 (Ser536) is essential for the NF-κB nuclear translocation and activation. Therefore, NF-κB can be downregulated by suppressing its phosphorylation. The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) suppression could result in apoptosis induction. Therefore, targeting these pathways via VEGFR-2 inhibitors might have therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. It has been indicated that an antagonist peptide of VEGF, referred to as VGB3, could neutralize and recognize VEGFR2 in the tumoral and endothelial cells. This study aimed to induce apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cells through the inhibition of these signaling pathways.
Methods: Effects of different concentrations of VGB3 (1-200 ng/ml) were evaluated on the viability of HUVEC cells using MTT assay. In addition, downstream signaling pathways in HUVE cells were evaluated through quantitative assessment of protein expression via western blotting.
Results: The results demonstrated that VGB3 treatment inhibited the growth of HUVEC cells. Moreover, Bcl-2 was decreased in the cells treated with the VGB3 compared to the control. Furthermore, VGB3 significantly enhanced the cleaved-caspase7 levels, which is an indicator of apoptosis progression. Altogether, VGB3 enhanced apoptosis in HUVEC cells.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that the peptide might be a potential candidate for antitumor therapy via inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.
Hadi Yarahmadi , Mehdi Mogharnasi , Roya Askari , Akram Arzani ,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ten weeks of combined training on the gene expression of nuclear factor-κB and sirtuin 1 in fast and slow twitch muscles of aged male rats.
Methods: Sixteen rats, each 24 months old, were randomly divided into two groups: combined training and control (Eight rats per group). Combined exercises were performed four sessions per week, including two days of endurance and two days of resistance. The exercises took place in a container measuring 50x50x100 cm, filled with water maintained at 30±1°C. On the first day, the animals swam for five minutes in water at a height equal to 100% of their body length, without weights. On the second and third days, the rats swam for 10 minutes with the water height equal to 120% of their body length. On the fourth and fifth days, they swam for 15 minutes with the water height at 140% of their body length, which remained constant during the study period. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with SPSS version 22 software, with the significance level at P≤0.05.
Results: After ten weeks of combined training, a significant difference was observed in the gene expression of nuclear factor-κB and sirtuin 1 between the training and control groups (P=0.001 for both).
Conclusion: According to the results of this research, performing combined exercises in water with appropriate intensity and duration can regulate inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways, thereby strengthening muscles and reducing muscle wasting and atrophy in the elderly.
