Psoralidin inhibits LPS-induced iNOS expression via repressing Syk-mediated activation of PI3K-IKK-IκB signaling pathways.

Psoralidin has been reported to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, but the mechanisms of the action remain unclear. Thus, the impact of psoralidin on signaling pathways known to be implicated in NO synthesis was explored in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages by using RT-PCR and Western blotting.

Betulinic acid stimulates the differentiation and mineralization of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells: involvement of BMP/Runx2 and beta-catenin signals.

In the field of osteoporosis, there has been growing interest in anabolic agents that enhance bone formation. Here, we examined the effects of betulinic acid on cell proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Then, the impact of betulinic acid on signaling pathways known to be implicated in osteoblastogenesis was explored.

Mechanisms of apoptosis induction and cell cycle regulation in irradiated leukemia U937 cells and enhancement by arsenic trioxide.

Apoptosis is a common mode of cell death after exposure of tumor cells to radiation and/or chemotherapy. The factors that determine the rate of induction of apoptosis are generally related to the functioning of cell cycle checkpoints. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of several genes in cell cycle redistribution and induction of apoptosis in U937 cells after low and high doses of radiation.