Jiedu-Quyu-Ziyin Fang (JQZF) inhibits the proliferation and activation of B cells in MRL/lpr mice via modulating the AKT/mTOR/c-Myc signaling pathway

To reveal the potential mechanisms of JQZF inhibiting B cell proliferation and activation in MRL/lpr mice. Materials and

JQZF may affect the proliferation and activation of B cells by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR/c-Myc signaling pathway.

MRL/lpr mice were treated with low-dose, high-dose JQZF and normal saline for 6 weeks. The effect of JQZF on disease improvement in MRL/lpr mice was studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), histopathological staining, serum biochemical parameters and urinary protein levels. The changes of B lymphocyte subsets in the spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry. The contents of ATP and PA in B lymphocytes from the spleens of mice were determined by ATP content assay kit and PA assay kit. Raji cells (a B lymphocyte line) were selected as the cell model in vitro. The effects of JQZF on the proliferation and apoptosis of B cells were detected by flow cytometry and CCK8. The effect of JQZF on the AKT/mTOR/c-Myc signaling pathway in B cells were detected via western blot.

JQZF, especially at high dose, significantly improved the disease development of MRL/lpr mice. Flow cytometry results showed that JQZF affected the proliferation and activation of B cells. In addition, JQZF inhibited the production of ATP and PA in B lymphocytes. In vitro cell experiments further confirmed that JQZF can inhibit Raji proliferation and promote cell apoptosis through AKT/mTOR/c-Myc signaling pathway.