Change of serum CXC chemokine ligand 16 in gout patients and its clinical significance

AIM: To explore the relationship between the changes of serum CXC chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) and the loss of kidney functions in chronic gout patients and its clinical significance. METHODS: Twenty gout patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), 22 gout patients without CKD and 22 CKD subjects were recruited into the present study, while 20 normal age-and sex-matched subjects were assigned into the control group. Serum level of CXCL16 and other relevant clinical and biochemical parameters in all subjects were obtained upon standard clinical examinations. Ceatinine clearance rate (CCR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated based on the clinical parameters. To analyze the clinical data, student's unpaired t-test was used for the comparison between 2 groups. One-way ANOVA assay and multiple stepwise regression were used for multiple groups.RESULTS: Serum level of CXCL16 was significantly increased in gout subjects compared with the healthy control and CKD subjects (P<0.05). Serum level of CXCL16 in gout patients with CKD was significantly higher than that in gout patients without CKD (P<0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of CXCL16 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of gout patients was significantly higher than that in healthy subjects. Multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that serum CXCL16 was independently associated with 24 h urine protein, CCR and C-reactive protein (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum CXCL16 level in gout patients is associated with the change of renal functions. Elucidating the pathophysiologcial mechanism of CXCL16 in gout patients requires further study.     

Soluble expression of a CXCL10-loop3-EGF fusion protein and its anti-tumor activity

AIM: To evaluate the implication of CXCL10-loop3-EGF fusion protein for the activities of targeting tumor and anti-angiopoiesis. METHODS: RT-PCR was preformed to amplify CXCL10 coding sequence from PBMC activated by IFN-γ. CXCL10-loop3-EGF fusion gene, which was conducted by Over-Lap Extention PCR, was hinged up with plasmid pTG19-T, transfected to E. coli DH5α and processed positive colony selection. After ligated with plasmid pET32a(+), recombinant CXCL10-loop3-EGF fusion gene was then transfected to E. coli Origami B (DE3) and induced to express its coding fusion protein his-CXCL10-loop3-EGF. The recombinant fusion protein CXCL10-loop3 -EGF was purified by His-bind affinity chromatograph, enterokinase cleavage, ultrafiltration and dislysis. The transwell chemotatic test and HUVEC angiopoiesis inhibition test were performed to determine the anti-tumor responses and anti-angiopoiesis activity of CXCL10-loop3-EGF fusion protein. RESULTS: CXCL10-loop3-EGF fusion protein was successfully constructed and confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis and Western blotting. Significant PBMC chematatic activity and HUVEC anti-angiopoiesis activity were observed. CONCLUSION: CXCL10-loop3-EGF fusion protein, which has perfect anti-tumor activity, is successfully constructed.     

Expression of CXC chemokine receptor 7 in atherosclerotic ApoE-deficient mice and therapeutic impact by atorvastatin

AIM: To evaluate the expression level of CXC chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7) in atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and the effects of atorvastatin on it. METHODS: ApoE^-/- male mice (8-week-old) were used and were randomly divided into 3 groups following 1-week normal rodent diet: normal diet control (NDC) group, HFD group and HFD+statins (HFD+Sat) group. HE staining and oil red O staining were used to observe the atherosclerotic lesion burdens in the aortas. The expression of CXCR7 on the aortas was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The expression of Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the aorta was determined by Western blot.RESULTS: Few lesions were found in the aortas in NDC group. Apparent atherosclerotic plaque burdens were seen in HFD group and HFD+Sat group, while the atherosclerotic plaque burdens in HFD+Sat group were notably reduced compared with HFD group. The protein levels of CXCR7, eNOS and Akt in aorta in HFD group and HFD+Sat group were significantly decreased compared with NDC group, while those in HFD+Sat group were increased compared with HFD group. The protein level of p-eNOS in the aorta and the concentration of NO in the plasma in HFD group were decreased compared with NDC group and HFD+Sat group. CONCLUSION: In ApoE^-/- mice, HFD increases the lipid level and promotes the development of atherosclerosis by downregulating the expression of CXCR7, Akt and eNOS. Atorvastatin reverses the above effect of hypercholesterolemia on the expression of CXCR7, Akt and eNOS, thus playing the role in treating atherosclerosis.     

Angiotensin Ⅱ stimulates TNF-α and NO production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in heart failure patients

AIM: To examine the change of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO) in patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) and the effect of angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), valsartan on TNF-α and NO production in culture peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), to assess the relationship between the renin-angiotensin system and cytokines. METHODS: Venous blood of both healthy volunteers (n=12) and patients with CHF (n=16) were collected. Serum TNF-α and NO were examined. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from both the control and the patients groups and cultured with AngⅡ at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 μmol/L, respectively. AngⅡ at concentration of 0.1 μmol/L combined with 0.1 μmol/L of valsartan was also used. After 24 h incubation, the contents of TNF-α and NO in the culture supernatants were measured. RESULTS: Serum TNF-α and NO production in CHF group were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.01). The higher the heart failure degree, the higher the levels of TNF-α and NO (P<0.01), and no significant among different etiologies of CHF (P＞0.05) were observed. AngⅡ stimulated TNF-α and NO release from PBMC of patients with CHF and normal person, which was inhibited by valsartan. CONCLUSIONS: AngⅡ obviously increases TNF-α and NO production from PBMC, which indicates there is relationship between the renin-angiotensin system and TNF-α, NO. The fact that valsartan inhibits TNF-α production may be one of the mechanisms in treating CHF.     

Resveratrol modulates SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling to inhibit hypoxia-ischemia-induced apoptosis of neurons from the brain of newborn rats

AIM:To investigate the effect of resveratrol (RSV) on apoptosis and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) pathway in hypoxia-ischemia-induced neurons from the brain of newborn rats and its mechanism. METHODS:The cortex neurons from the brain of newborn rats were given oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) treatment to mimic neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The cortex neurons were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group, HIE model group, HIE+RSV-low (10 μmol/L) group, and HIE+RSV-high (50 μmol/L) group. After OGD treatment for 2 h, the neurons were cultured with indicated dose of RSV for 24 h. The apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to determine the levels of apoptosis-related proteins, SDF-1 and CXCR4. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4. Additionally, to explore the effects of RSV on cell apoptosis and apoptosis-related proteins after the suppression of SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling, a CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100, and RSV were used to co-treat OGD-injured neurons for 24 h. RESULTS:RSV alleviated OGD-induced neuronal apoptosis, down-regulated cleaved caspase-3 and cytochrome C levels, and up-regulated the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. Compared with the control group, OGD treatment increased the expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4 (P<0.05). Compared with the HIE model group, RSV further up-regulated the expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4 (P<0.05). AMD3100 reversed the effects of RSV on OGD-induced cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION:RSV suppresses hypoxia-ischemia-induced apoptosis of neurons from the brain of newborn rats via up-regulating SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway.     

Expression and clinical significance of chemokine receptor CXCR6 in primary colorectal cancer

AIM: To investigate the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR6 in primary colorectal cancer and determine the association between CXCR6 expression and synchronous liver metastasis/prognosis. METHODS: The colorectal cancer tissues from 143 patients were collected from August 2004 to December 2008 in the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University. Twenty-night cases of the adjacent normal colorectal tissues were enrolled as controls. The expression of CXCR6 was detected by immunohistochemistry and the mean intergrated absorbance ( mIA ) was calculated by Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software. The relationship between CXCR6 expression and synchronous liver metastasis/prognosis was analyzed. RESULTS: The CXCR6 staining was mainly positive in colorectal cancer tissues but not in adjacent normal colorectal tissues. The mIA of CXCR6 in colorectal cancer was 1.54±0.04 (range: 0.41~2.84), and was 1.63±0.05 and 1.41±0.08 (P<0.05) in the cases with (n=83) or without (n=60) synchronous liver metastasis, respectively. According to the mean mIA of CXCR6 (1.54), the cases was divided into high CXCR6 group (mIA≥1.54) and low CXCR6 group ( mIA <1.54). The overall survival rate in high CXCR6 group was significantly lower than that in low CXCR6 group (P<0.05). In multivariate Cox regression models, age (P<0.05), lymph node metastasis (P<0.05) and synchronous liver metastasis (P<0.01) but not CXCR6 were identified as independent risk factors for poor outcome. In subgroup analysis, high CXCR6 expression was associated with poorer survival in the patients with stage I~III colorectal cancer (P<0.01) but not those with synchronous liver metastasis (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: CXCR6 in primary colorectal cancer tissues is associated with liver metastasis. It may become a potential target for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastasis.     

Chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand SDF-1 in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis

AIM: To determine the role of chemokine and its receptors in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: Gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in 13 AS patients and 7 healthy volunteers were determined by cDNA microarray with 588 targeting gene filter. Differentiated expressed CXCR4 and its only ligand SDF-1 were confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and FACS analysis using PBMC, synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMC) and synoviocytes. RESULTS: The gene expression profile of AS patients was significantly different from those of healthy volunteers. Higher expression of CXCR4 in monocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes from PBMC in AS patients were found with statistical significance (P＜0.05) compared to those of healthy volunteers. The expression of SDF-1 was increased in PBMC, SFMC, synovial fibroblasts and lining layer cells of synovial membrane. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of CXCR4 was significantly increased in PBMC in AS patients. Its ligand SDF-1 was also found highly expressed in synovial fibroblast cell line and synovial membrane cells of AS patients, indicating that CXCR4 and SDF-1 may play a potential key role in the development and perpetuation of joint inflammation in AS patients.     

The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis repairs hypoxia-ischemia brain damage via-regulating oriented differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

AIM:To explore the effect of stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)axis on the neural differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells(rMSCs) and recovery from hypoxia-ischemia brain damage(HIBD). METHODS:The rMSCs were isolated from the rat bone marrow, and expanded in vitro. The mRNA and protein levels of CXCR4 in rMSCs treated with SDF-1α(10 μg/L) and hypoxia for 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h were detected by RT-PCR, Western blotting and flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein levels of SDF-1α in the hippocampus of the rats with hypoxia-ischemia for 1 d, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d, 14 d and 21 d were also detected by the same methods. The protein levels of neuron-specific enolase(NSE) and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP), as well as the positive rate of neural-induced rMSCs pretreated with AMD3100(a CXCR4 antagonist) at dose of 5 mg/L were determined by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS:Compared with the normal controls, both mRNA and protein levels of CXCR4 increased in rMSCs exposed to hypoxia for 6 h and 12 h, and the results were also confirmed by flow cytometry. As expected, the mRNA level of SDF-1α in the hippocampus of HIBD rats was higher than that in normal control rats(P<0.01). Moreover, the mRNA expression of CXCR4 was extremely up-regulated in rMSCs treated with SDF-1α at concentration of 10 μg/L, and the results were also confirmed by Western blotting and flow cytometry analysis(P<0.01). The protein levels and positive cell numbers of NSE and GFAP were extremely decreased in rMSCs pretreated with AMD3100 at concentration of 5 mg/L. CONCLUSION:Compared with normal rats, SDF-1α level in the hippocampus of the rats with hypoxia-ischemia is increased. Hypoxia and micro-dose of SDF-1α induce the expression of CXCR4 in rMSCs, while CXCR4 antagonist reduces the neural differentiation of rMSCs, suggesting that SDF-1/CXCR4 axis may be deeply involved in the neural differentiation of rMSCs during the process of repairing HIBD.     

Correlation between progression of atherosclerosis accelerated by emotional stimulation and imbalance of SDF-1/CXCR4 in mice

AIM To observe effects of emotional stimulation on expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1（SDF-1） and CXC chemokine receptor 4 （CXCR4） in plasma, platelets, aortas, hippocampus and bone marrow of apolipoprotein E gene knockout （ApoE^-/-） mice, and to reveal the possible mechanism of the aggravated atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability by emotional stimulation. METHODS Thirty 8-week-old male ApoE^-/- mice were randomly divided into normal control group, high fat group, and emotional stimulation group. Ten 8-week-old inbred C57BL/6J mice served as blank control group. After 12 weeks of intervention, the serum levels of SDF-1 and CXCR4 were investigated by ELISA. The protein levels of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in platelets, aortas, hippocampus and bone marrow were determined by Western blot. The pathological damage of aortas was observed by oil red O staining. RESULTS Compared with blank control group, normal control group and high fat group, the mice subjected to emotional stimulation showed more serious atherosclerosis in aortas detected by oil red O staining, and increased levels of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in the plasma and aortas were also observed （P<0.05）. The results of Western blot showed that the protein levels of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in platelets, aortas and hippocampus were increased in the mice subjected emotional stimulation, but the expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in the bone marrow was decreased （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION Imbalance of SDF-1/CXCR4 may be the key target by which emotional stimulation accelerates the progression of atherosclerosis.     

Effects of erythropoietin on expression of SDF-1 and its receptor in peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells from rats with chronic renal failure

AIM:To investigate the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on the expression of homing factors in peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). METHODS:The CRF model was established by a two-stage 5/6 nephrectomy procedure in rats. Experimental rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group, CRF model group and EPO treatment group. From the third week after the second stage of 5/6 nephrectomy procedure, rats in EPO treatment group received subcutaneous injection of human recombinant EPO at 50 U/kg every time and three times a week for 6 weeks, and then all the rats were sacrificed. EPCs were isolated from rat peripheral blood and primarily cultured. The mobilization, angiogenesis and functional activity of EPCs in vitro were detected. The mRNA and protein expression of EPO, EPO receptor (EPOR), stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in EPCs was also detected by the methods of real-time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS:Compared with CRF model group, the expression of EPO and EPOR in EPCs in EPO treatment group was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). Moreover, the expression of SDF-1 and its receptor CXCR4 in EPCs was also up-regulated by administration of EPO (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EPO can mobilize EPCs from CRF rat peripheral blood, which may be associated with the increased expression of SDF-1 and its receptor CXCR4.     

Effect of new Qing Yi Tang decoction on expression of inhibitor kappa B-alpha in pancreas and liver tissues of rats with acute pancreatitis

AIM:To investigate the expression of inhibitor kappa B alpha (IκBα) in pancreas and liver tissues of rats with experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) and to explore the therapeutic mechanism of Chinese medicine new Qing Yi Tang (QYT) on AP. METHODS:70 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:normal control group (n=10), AP+QYT group (n=30), and AP+normal saline (NS) group (n=30). AP model was induced by retrograded injection of 4% sodium deoxycholate into the pancreatic duct. QYT or NS was infused to the rats respectively by a gastric catheter repeatedly every five hours after AP induction. At 1 h, 4 h, 10 h after operation, rats were sacrificed, and the pancreas and liver were moved out individually. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to detect IκBα mRNA expression in the liver. Western blotting was applied to detect IκBα protein expression in the liver and pancreas. IκBα proteins including phosphorylated form (IκBα-p) and non-phosphorylated form (IκBα-n) were tested. Serum level of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) was detected by ELISA. The pathological changes of pancreas and lung tissues stained with HE were observed under light microscope. RESULTS:Compared with the normal control group, expression of IκBα mRNA in liver was higher in AP rats in the observation period (P<0.01, or P<0.05). QYT treated group had lower expression of IκBα mRNA as compared with AP+NS group (P<0.05). Expression of IκBα protein (including IκBα-p and IκBα-n) in liver and pancreas were also higher in AP group as compared with that in control group (P<0.05). IκBα-p displayed an increased tendency during the observation period in AP+ NS group. However, QYT treatment induced a decrease in IκBα-p protein expression and an increase in IκBα-n expression. The serum LTC4 level in AP group was increased in a time-dependent manner, and QYT attenuated the increased LTC4 level in certain degree (P<0.05). The pathological changes in pancreas and lung tissues of AP rats, such as edema, hemorrhage, and inflammatory cell infiltration were lightly attenuated by QYT. CONCLUSION:QYT alleviated the inflammatory reaction of AP by inhibiting IκBα-p expression and then reducing the inflammatory mediators.     

Procaine regulates CXCR7 and affects AKT/STAT3 signaling pathway to inhibit viability,migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells

AIM To investigate the effects of procaine (PCA) and CXC chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7) on the viability, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells and its potential mechanism. METHODS Human bladder cancer RT4 cells were treated with PCA at different concentrations， and were divided into PBS group (without PCA treatment), PCA group (treated with 4 mmol/L PCA), siRNA negative control (si-Con) group (transfected with si-Con), CX?CR7 siRNA (si-CXCR7) group (transfected with si-CXCR7), PCA+pcDNA group (treated with 4 mmol/L PCA and transfected with pcDNA) and PCA+pcDNA-CXCR7 group (treated with 4 mmol/L PCA and transfected with pcDNA-CX?CR7). The siRNA and pcDNA were transfected into the RT4 cells by liposome method. The mRNA expression of CX?CR7 in the RT4 cells was detected by RT-qPCR. The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The invasion and migration abilities of the cells were detected by Transwell assays. The protein levels of CXCR7, AKT, STAT3, p-AKT and p-STAT3 were determined by Western blot . RESULTS Compared with PBS group, the viability, migration ability and invasion ability of the RT4 cells treated with PCA at different concentrations were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of CXCR7 at mRNA and protein levels in PCA group was also significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with si-Con group, the expression of CXCR7 at mRNA and protein levels in si-CXCR7 group was significantly decreased, and the viability, migration ability and invasion ability of the cells were also significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with PCA+pcDNA group, the expression of CXCR7 at mRNA and protein levels in PCA+pcDNA-CXCR7 group was significantly increased, and the viability, migration ability and invasion ability of the cells were also significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with PBS group, the protein levels of p-AKT and p-STAT3 in PCA group were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Compared with PCA+pcDNA group, the protein levels of p-AKT and p-STAT3 in PCA+pcDNA-CX?CR7 group were significantly increased (P<0.05). No significant difference in the protein levels of AKT and STAT3 among the groups was observed. CONCLUSION Treatment with PCA inhibits the viability, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells by inhibiting the expression of CXCR7. Over-expression of CXCR7 reverses this effect of PCA. Its mechanism may be related to AKT/STAT3 signaling pathway.     

Expression of chemokine CXCL17 and its clinical relevance in gastric carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the expression and distribution of chemokine CXCL17 in gastric cancer and its clinical significance.METHODS: The CXCL17 expression was detected by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. The correlation between the CXCL17 expression and clinicopathological features was statistically analyzed and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the prognosis.RESULTS: A lower expression levels of CXCL17 were observed in the tumor tissues compared with the paired normal tissues (P < 0.05). Down-regulation of CXCL17 was associated with the degree of tumor differentiation and the size of tumor at primary site (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that increased CXCL17 in the tumor tissues was associated with longer survival time.CONCLUSION: The result might illustrate that CXCL17 acts as a key factor in the prognosis of gastric cancer and is closely associated with the progression of gastric cancer.     

Biological characteristics of uNK and pNK cells in pregnancy

AIM: To study the biological characteristics of uterine natural killer cells (uNK cells) and peripheral natural killer cells (pNK cells) in early gestation and their difference on physiological functions. METHODS: MTT assay was used to detect cytotoxicity and proliferation of the uNK and pNK cells. RT-PCR technique was applied to examine the altered gene expression of the chemotaxis, angiopoiesis and other biological activity in uNK and pNK cells. RESULTS: Compared with pNK group, uNK cells showed a higher cytotoxicity against K562 and a lower proliferation activity. The expression of some chemokine receptor genes and angiogenic growth factor genes in uNK cells and pNK cells were detected, such as CCR1, CCR5, CCR7, CXCR2, CXCR4 and CX3CR1 expressed by uNK cell and high contents of CXCR4 and CX3CR1 mRNA were found. The ligand genes of the chemokine receptor were expressed by decidual tissue or trophoblast tissue in early pregnancy. PIGF and AngⅡ mRNA were only found in uNK cells. CONCLUSION: Compared with pNK cells, uNK cells have peculiarities of the behaviour that might contribute to uterine unique microenvironment during pregnancy.     

Reversing effect of naringin on cisplatin resistance in human lung cancer A549/DDP cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of naringin (NRG) on cisplatin (DDP) resistance in human lung cancer A549/DDP cells and its possible mechanism. METHODS: A549/DDP cells were cultured in vitro and treated with NRG and/or DDP at different concentrations for 24 h, and then the cell viability were measured by CCK-8 assay. The combination index (CI) of NRG and DDP were analyzed by Chou-Talalay method. The apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot was performed to detect the protein levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), p-Akt, CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax.RESULTS: The protein levels of P-gp, MRP1, p-Akt and CXCR4 in the A549/DDP cells were higher than those in the A549 cells (P<0.05). The cell viability was remarkably reduced in a dose-dependent manner when A549/DDP cells were exposed to NRG and/or DDP (P<0.05), and the IC₅₀ values of NRG and DDP were 36.92 μmol/L and 129.77 μmol/L, respectively. When the inhibition rate exceeded 15%, NRG in combination with DDP produced a synergistic effect (CI<1). Combination treatment with NRG and DDP significantly induced apoptosis (P<0.05), up-regulated the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and down-regulated the protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05). Meanwhile, NRG remarkably down-regulated the protein levels of P-gp, MRP1, p-Akt and CXCR4 in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: NRG may enhance the sensibility of A549/DDP cells to DDP most likely via up-regulating the protein level of Bax and down-regulating the protein levels of Bcl-2, P-gp, MRP1, p-Akt and CXCR4.     

Role of CXCR4 in changes of protein C system in ulcerative colitis mice

AIM: To explore the role of chemokine receptor CXCR4 in the pathogenesis of protein C system (PCS) in ulcerative colitis (UC).METHODS: In vivo, the mice were divided into control group and UC group. The macroscopic score, microscopic score and ulcer index were assessed. The mRNA levels and activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) both in colonic tissue and plasma were determined. The expression and location of CXCR4, β-arrestin, p-JNK, endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) and thrombomodulin (TM) were detected. The activity of protein C (PC) and protein S (PS) was measured in each group. In vitro, mouse colonic microvascular endothelial cells were isolated, cultured and identified. Both CXCR4-overexpressing and CXCR4-silencing colonic mucosa microvascular endothelial cells were constructed. The effects of SDF-1α on the protein levels of EPCR, TM, β-arrestin and p-JNK, and on the activity of PC, PS and activated protein C (APC) were observed.RESULTS: Compared with control group, UC mice showed increased gross score, histopathological score and ulcer index (P<0.05). The mRNA levels and activity of MPO, COX-2, SDF-1α and MCP-1 in colon and plasma were increased (P<0.01). The protein levels of CXCR4, β-arrestin and p-JNK were up-regulated, EPCR expression was down-regulated in colon, and the activity of PC and PS in plasma was decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CXCR4 overexpression further aggravated SDF-1α-induced PCS inhibition in colonic mucosa microvascular endothelial cells, and further up-regulated the protein levels of β-arrestin and p-JNK (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: PCS is inhibited in UC. CXCR4 is involved in the regulation of PCS inhibition by mediating chemokines and acting on colonic mucosa microvascular endothelial cells through β-arrestin-JNK pathway.     

Crocin promotes mobilization of EPCs and re-endothelialization of damaged blood vessels in mice with carotid artery injury

AIM: To study the effect of crocin on the mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the peripheral blood of the mice with carotid arterial injury and its mechanism.METHODS: The carotid artery injury model of the C57BL/6 mice was established by the method of wire injury. The animals were divided into sham operation group, saline-treated model group, and low dose, medium dose and high dose (10, 50 and 100 μmol·kg^-1·L^-1, respectively) of crocin treatment groups. The mobilization of the EPCs in peripheral blood of the mice with carotid artery injury was detected by flow cytometry at 3 d. The changes of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the peripheral blood of the mice with carotid artery injury were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 7 d. The vascular re-endothelialization and intimal hyperplasia of the mice with carotid artery injury were detected by Evans blue and hematoxylin-eosin staining. At the same time, real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of vascular repair factor-related receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor receotor-2 (VEGFR-2), CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4), basic fibroblast growth factor receptor (bFGFR) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in the injured segments of carotid arteries.RESULTS: Compared with sham group, the EPCs mobilization and the content of vascular repair factors VEGF, SDF-1, bFGF, EGF and MMP-9 in peripheral blood were increased in model group (P<0.05). The area of vascular endothelium was decreased, while the area of intimal hyperplasia and the ratio of intimal to medial membrane area were increased significantly (P<0.05). The expression levels of VEGFR-2, CXCR4, bFGFR and EGFR were also increased in the injured segments of carotid arteries (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the EPCs mobilization and the content of vascular repair factors VEGF, SDF-1, bFGF, EGF and MMP-9 in peripheral blood were significantly increased in different concentrations of crocin-treated mice with carotid artery injury (P<0.05). The area of vascular endothelium was gradually increased, while the area of intimal hyperplasia and the ratio of intimal to medial membrane area were gradually decreased (P<0.05). The expression levels of VEGFR-2, CXCR4, bFGFR and EGFR were also gradually increased in the injured segments of cartid arteries (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Crocin promotes the mobilization of EPCs and the re-endothelialization of damaged blood vessels in the mice with carotid artery injury, thus repairing the injured vasculature.     

Role of canonical transient receptor potential and inflammation in left ventricular fibrosis induced by high salt in Wistar rats

AIM:To explore the role of transient receptor potential channels subfamily C (TRPCs) and inflammation in left ventricular fibrosis induced by high salt and the effect of telmisartan. METHODS:Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal control (C) group (n=13), high salt (8%) model group (HS, n=24) and high salt+telmisartan (T) group (n=12). Tail-cuff artery pressure was determined every 2 weeks. The interstitial collagen deposition and inflammation were observed by Masson and HE staining, respectively. The expression of TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC6, calcineurin (CaN), nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were determined by real-time PCR or Western blotting. RESULTS:Masson staining showed that left ventricle in HS group exhibited severer myocardial interstitial fibrosis compared with C group. TRPC, CaN and NF-κB assays showed that high-salt diet increased the protein expression of TRPC1, TRPC3 and TRPC6, and activated CaN and NF-κB as compared with C group. The results of HE staining, real-time PCR and Western blotting showed that high salt-treated Wistar rats had enhanced cardiac infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as increased cardiac levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TGF-β1, IL-1β, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and MCP-1) as compared with C group. After treated with telmisartan, left ventricular mass index and collagen volume fraction became much lower, and the levels of TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC6, CaN, NF-κB p65, TGF-β1, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 were significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Inflammation is exacerbated in left ventricular fibrosis induced by high salt. The mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of TRPCs, CaN and NF-κB at mRNA and protein levels. Telmisartan inhibits the expression of TRPCs and NF-κB, and ameliorates the inflammatory responses in left ventricular fibrosis.