程序性细胞死亡因子10抑制Ⅰ型干扰素表达并促进FMDV复制

旨在探究宿主蛋白程序性细胞死亡因子10（programmed cell death factor 10，PDCD10）通过抑制Ⅰ型干扰素表达进而促进口蹄疫病毒（foot-and-mouth disease virus，FMDV）的复制。首先，本研究验证了过表达和沉默PDCD10对FMDV复制的影响，接着利用双荧光素酶报告系统探究PDCD10对Ⅰ型干扰素信号通路活化的影响，最后，利用实时荧光定量PCR探究PDCD10对Ⅰ型干扰素通路下游刺激基因（IFN-stimulated genes，ISGs）转录的影响。结果表明，过表达PDCD10显著促进FMDV的复制，沉默PDCD10显著抑制FMDV的复制。与对照相比，过表达PDCD10后感染仙台病毒（Sendai virus，SeV）的细胞培养液上清液显著促进FMDV复制，进一步，PDCD10显著抑制SeV诱导的IFN-β启动子以及NF-κB的激活且呈剂量依赖性，并且PDCD10负调控Ⅰ型干扰素通路信号分子转录，最后还发现PDCD10负调控Ⅰ型干扰素下游ISGs转录。本研究结果为深入探究PDCD10在抗病毒天然免疫中的作用积累了资料。     

Shikonin inhibits neuronal apoptosis induced by OGD through targeting PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

AIM: To explore the effect of shikonin on rat primary cortical neurons in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced injury model.METHODS: The neurons were pretreated with shikonin at different concentrations (0.02, 0.2, 2 and 20 μmol/L) followed by treatment with OGD. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay and fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide (FDA/PI) double staining were used to detect neuronal viability and apoptosis, and then the optimal concentration of shikonin was determined. LY294002 (PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor, 1 μmol/L) was added before the addition of shikonin, and the protein level of p-Akt (Ser473) in the neurons was determined by Wes-tern blot. LDH release assay and FDA/PI double staining were also used to detect neuronal viability and apoptosis.RESULTS: A certain concentration (0.2~20 μmol/L) of shikonin increased the viability of impaired neurons (P<0.05) and the protein level of p-Akt (Ser473) in the neurons (P<0.05). The effect of shikonin on neuronal p-Akt (Ser473) levels and the cell death were blocked by LY294002 (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: A certain concentration of shikonin reduces OGD-induced apoptosis of rat primary cortical neurons by activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.     

Study on the Hepatoprotective Effect of Oxalis coriniculata L. and Related Mechanism by Regulating Oxidative Stress and TLR-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

[Objectives]This study aimed to explore the protective effect of Oxalis coriniculata L.on rats with acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)and ...     

Salvianolate attenuates oxidative stress injury of human endothelial EA.hy926 cells induced by hydrogen peroxide

AIM: To investigate the effect of salvianolate on oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in human endothelial EA.hy926 cells.METHODS: EA.hy926 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into the following groups:control group, damage group, and anti-damage groups (salvianolate+damage groups). The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The migration ability of the EA.hy926 cells was detected by Transwell assay. The content of nitric oxide (NO) in the culture supernatant of the EA.hy926 cells was examined. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by ELISA. The apoptosis,mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular superoxide anion content of the EA.hy926 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein levels of caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, NF-κB and p53 were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with damage group, the viability of EA.hy926 cells pretreated with salvianolate at different concentrations was significantly increased (P<0.05). The apoptotic rate was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Savianolate enhanced the migration ability of the cells. The levels of VEGF, NO and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were increased (P<0.05), and the intracellular ROS level was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The protein levels of NF-κB, p53, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were significantly decreased, and the protein level of Bcl-2 was markedly increased(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Savianolate reduces the damage of EA.hy926 cells by hydrogen peroxide exposure, and its mechanism may be related to the blocking of NF-κB signaling pathway.     

Role of PERK pathway in morphine-induced myocardial protection of H9c2 cells

AIM: To explore whether morphine protects oxidative stress-damaged myocardial cells by inhibiting the PERK pathway to reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress and prevent mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening. METHODS: Rat myocardial H9c2 cells were cultured to establish an oxidative stress model, and then randomly divided into control group, H₂O₂ group, H₂O₂+morphine group, H₂O₂+morphine+PERK pathway inhibitor GSK2656157 group, morphine group and GSK2656157 group. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the effects of morphine on expression of glucose-regulated protein (GRP) 78 and GRP94 induced by oxidative stress. The protein levels of PERK signaling pathway-related molecules were determined by Western blot. Confocal microscopy was used to observe the effects of morphine on mPTP opening and endoplasmic reticulum induced by oxidative stress. Cellular toxicity was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit and cell viability was measured by MTT assay. RESULTS: Compared with control group, GRP78 and GRP94 proteins in H₂O₂ group were strongly expressed, and the brown-yellow particles were significantly increased, but morphine significantly inhibited this process. Compared with control group, the phosphorylation of PERK was significantly reduced with GSK2656157 treatment at different concentrations, among which 2 μmol/L had the most significant effect (P < 0.05). Oxidative stress significantly increased the protein levels of GRP78, GRP94, p-PERK and CHOP, but significantly decreased p-GSK-3β level. These changes were inhibited by morphine, and the effects of morphine were further enhanced by GSK2656157 (P < 0.05). Compared with control group, oxidative stress significantly reduced the fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial TMRE and ER-Tracker Red. Morphine significantly inhibited this effect even when mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced, mPTP was open, and endoplasmic reticulum was damaged, while GSK2656157 further enhanced the effect of morphine (P < 0.05). Compared with control group, H₂O₂ significantly increased cellular toxicity and decreased the cell viability. Morphine inhibited this effect and GSK2656157 significantly enhanced the effect of morphine (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Morphine protects cardiac H9c2 cells under oxidative condition by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress through PERK pathway and preventing the mPTP opening via GSK-3β inactivation.     

ROCK promotes high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhi-biting PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

AIMTo investigate whether Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) is involved in high glucose-induced apoptosis of primary cardiomyocytes by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. METHODSPrimary Wistar rat cardiomyocytes were cultured and identified by α-sarcomeric actin (α-SCA) immunohistochemistry. Cardiomyocytes were treated with 5.5, 33 and 40 mmol/L glucose for 48 h. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and the mRNA expression of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in the cardiomyocytes was detected by RT-qPCR. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptosis of the cardiomyocytes. The protein levels of ROCK1, ROCK2, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, PI3K, Akt and p-Akt were determined by Western blot. In order to confirm the regulatory effect of ROCKs on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, the cells were divided into control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (33 mmol/L glucose) and high glucose+Y27632 (ROCK inhibitor) group. Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of ROCK1, ROCK2, PI3K, Akt and p-Akt. RESULTSAfter 48 h of high glucose exposure, the values of relative cell viability in 33 and 40 mmol/L glucose groups were (79.71±2.43)% and (68.41±7.49)%, respectively, both of which were significantly decreased compared with normal control group (P<0.05). After 48 h of high glucose exposure, the relative mRNA levels of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in 33 and 40 mmol/L glucose groups were significantly increased compared with normal control group (P<0.05). Compared with normal control group, the apoptotic rate in 33 and 40 mmol/L glucose groups was increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with normal control group, the protein expression of ROCK1, ROCK2 and cleaved caspase-3 in 33 and 40 mmol/L glucose groups was increased (P<0.05), while the protein expression of Bcl-2 was decreased (P<0.05). No significant difference in the protein levels of PI3K and Akt among the 3 groups was observed, while the protein level of p-Akt in 33 and 40 mmol/L glucose groups was decreased compared with normal control group (P<0.05). Compared with high glucose group, the expression of ROCK1 and ROCK2 was decreased in high glucose+Y27632 group. No significant difference in the protein levels of PI3K and Akt among the 3 groups was observed. Compared with normal control group, the protein level of p-Akt in high glucose group was decreased, and the protein level of p-Akt in high glucose+Y27632 group was increased significantly compared with high glucose group. CONCLUSION Under high glucose environment, ROCK may reduce the level of p-Akt by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway， thus promoting the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes.     

Role of IP3R in LH-EGFR-induced mouse oocyte meiotic resumption

AIM: To explore the effect of inositol 1, 4, 5-trisposphate receptor (IP₃R) in luteinizing hormone-epidermal growth factor receptor (LH-EGFR)-induced oocyte meiotic resumption. METHODS: Models of mouse cumulus-oocyte complexs (COCs) culture and follicle culture in vitro were generated to study the effects of 2-aminoethyl diphenyl borate (2-APB) and heparin (IP₃R specific inhibitors) on LH/EGF-induced oocyte meiotic resumption and EGF-induced cumulus cell expansion. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of cumulus expansion-related factors. The changes of the intracellular calcium level were monitored using Fluo 3-AM, and the cGMP level was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The inhibitors of IP₃R, 2-APB and heparin, dramatically reversed EGF-induced oocyte maturation (P<0.05) and decreased cGMP levels in COCs (P<0.05). In addition, 2-APB and heparin reversed EGF-induced cumulus expansion, and significantly inhibited EGF-induced cumulus expansion-related factor expression (P<0.05). The activation of IP₃R increased intracellular calcium level, and the study found that 2-APB and heparin dramatically reversed EGF-induced elevation of calcium level in cumulus cells (P<0.05). Follicular culture in vitro showed that 2-APB and heparin significantly reversed the LH-induced oocyte maturation (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: LH-EGFR signaling pathway increases calcium level in cumulus cells through IP₃R, resulting in meiotic resumption.     

Molecular mechanisms of Belinostat inhibiting viability of osteosarcoma cells

AIM: To observe the effect of histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) Belinostat on the viability of osteosarcoma cells and to study the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Osteosarcoma cell lines SAOS-2 and U2OS were incubated with Belinostat at different concentrations in vitro. The viability of the cells was measured by MTT assay. The activity of caspase-3/-7 and the DNA fragmentation were detected by fluorescence probe and ELISA, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the levels of histone acetylation, expression of PTEN, caspase-3, Bcl-xL and Akt, and phosphorylation of glycogen synthetase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and Akt. Finally, the cells were incubated with Belinostat and doxorubicin at different concentrations, and then the combination index (CI) was calculated by MTT. RESULTS: Belinostat at 0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5 μmol/L inhibited the viability of U2OS cells and SAOS-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, induced DNA fragmentation, enhanced caspase-3/-7 activity, and promoted the activation of caspase-3. At the same time, in the SAOS-2 cells, the expression of Bcl-xL was reduced, and the acetylation of histones H3 and H4 was increased. The results of Western blot showed that phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK-3β in U2OS cells and SAOS-2 cells were decreased significantly after treatment with Belinostat (P<0.05). MTT results showed that combination of Belinostat and doxorubicin further reduced the viability of U2OS and SAOS-2 cells (CI<1). CONCLUSION: Belinostat inhibits the viability of osteosarcoma cells treated with doxorubicin, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Akt signaling pathway.     

Seaweed polysaccharide mitigates intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli through NF-κB pathway suppression in porcine intestinal epithelial cells

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanism of seaweed polysaccharide (SWP) on intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction induced by E. coli in an IPEC-J2 model. A preliminary study was done to screen optimum SWP concentrations by cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and proliferation evaluation. The regular study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of SWP against E. coli challenge via the analysis of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), tight junction proteins, NF-κB signalling pathway, proinflammatory cytokines and the E. coli adhesion and invasion. Our results show that 4 h E. coli challenge down-regulated tight junction proteins expression, decreased TEER, activated NF-κB signalling pathway and increased proinflammatory response, which indicates that the E. coli infection model was well-established. Pre-treatment with 240 μg/ml SWP for 24 h alleviated the 4 h E. coli -induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction, as evidenced by the up-regulated expression of Occludin, Claudin-1 and ZO-1 at both mRNA and protein level and the increased TEER of IPEC-J2 cells. Pre-incubation with 240 μg/ml SWP for 24 h inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signalling pathway by 4 h E. coli challenge, including the decreased mRNA expression of TLR-4, MyD88, IκBα, p-65, as well as the reduced ratio of protein expression of p-p65/p65. Also, pre-treatment with 240 μg/ml SWP for 24 h decreased proinflammatory response (IL-6 and TNF-α) induced by 4 h E. coli challenge and decreased the E. coli adhesion and invasion. In conclusion, SWP mitigated intestinal barrier dysfunction caused by E. coli through NF-κB pathway in IPEC-J2 cells and 240 μg/ml SWP exhibited better effect. Our results also provide a fundamental basis for SWP in reducing post-weaning diarrhoea of weaned piglets, especially under E. coli -infected or in-feed antibiotic-free conditions.     

Ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae attenuates mouse acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride via modulation of NF-κB pathway

AIM:To investigate the protective effect of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae on acute liver injury, and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS:Acute liver injury in mice was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 25% carbon tetrachloride (olive oil solubilization). The effective parts of ethanol extract from Cortex Albizziae against acute liver injury were screened. The pathological changes of the liver tissues were examined by pathological sections with HE staining. The activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) of the liver tissues were detected, the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were mea-sured by ELISA, and the protein expression levels of NF-κB p65, Bcl-2 and Bax in the liver cells of the mice in each group were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with model group, the serum levels of AST and ALT in low-dose n-butanol phase of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae (AB-L, 4 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) group and high-dose n-butanol phase of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae (AB-H, 8 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) group were significantly decreased. The necrosis extent and degree of the hepatocytes and infiltration of inflammatory cells were significantly lower than that in model group. Compared with model group, the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in AB-H group and AB-L group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The protein level of NF-κB p65 in the nuclei of mouse liver cells in AB-H group and AB-L group were also decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the protein expression of Bax was decreased, the protein expression of Bcl-2 was increased, and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was increased in AB-L group and AB-H group. CONCLUSION:The n-butanol phase of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae may protect the liver by reducing the activation of NF-κB p65, inhibiting the excessive release of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and decreasing hepatocyte apoptosis via regulating Bcl-2 and Bax expression.