Metallothionein protects rat hepatic nuclear nucleoside triphosphatase from hydroxyl radical-induced suppression

AIM:Metallothioneins (MTs) are cysteine-rich metal-binding proteins that exert cytoprotection during metal exposure and oxidative stress. The present study was designed to investigate whether MT can directly protect NTPase on nuclear envelope from damage induced by hydroxyl radical.METHODS:Isolated hepatic nuclei from rat liver were exposed to Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ with or without MT, and the NTPase activity on nuclei was assayed using ATP and GTP as substrate, respectively.RESULTS:Incubation of rat hepatic nuclei with the Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ (in μmol·L^-1/μmol·L^-1 : 0.1/0.5, 0.5/2.5, 1/5, 5/25) resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in nuclear NTPase activities (P＜0.01). Incubation of hepatic nuclei with different concentrations of MT (10^-9-10^-4mol·L^-1)and Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ (1 μmol·L^-1/5 μmol·L^-1) for 10 min, nuclear NTPase activities were increased in a MT concentration-dependent fashion as compared with that of incubation with Fe²⁺/H₂O₂(1 μmol·L^-1/5 μmol·L^-1) alone. When MT was at 10^-4 mol·L^-1, TNPase activities reversed to (102±10) nmol·mg^-1 protein·min^-1(for ATP as substrated) and (131±12) μmol·g^-1 protein·min^-1(for GTP as substrate), which had no significant defferences from that of the controls (112±8 and 142±10 μmol·g^-1 protein·min^-1, respectively) (P＞0.05). In addition, incubation of hepatic nuclei with only MT had no effect on nuclear NTPase activity. CONCLUSION:These data demonstrate that hydroxyl radical generated from Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ might attack nuclear NTPase. MT antagonistically reduces toxicity of Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ system to the NTPase.     

Salvianolic acid B reduces apoptosis of bone marrow stem cells induced by hydrogen peroxide

AIM: To investigate the effect of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on apoptosis of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) induced by hydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂). METHODS: BMSCs were incubated with Sal B at the concentration of 1, 10 or 100 μmol/L while treated with lethal concentration of H₂O₂ (500 μmol/L). The effect of Sal B at different concentrations on the viability of BMSCs was detected by MTT. Flow cytometry were used to determine the protective role of Sal B in apoptosis of BMSCs. The changes of chromatin distribution in BMSCs were observed by Hoechst 33342 staining. The expression of p-ERK1/2 was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Sal B protected the BMSCs against H₂O₂ as the cell viability was increased from (53.60±4.21)% to (85.33±9.08)% or (75.78±6.28)% in a dose-dependent manner. After exposed to H₂O₂, about 50%-65% BMSCs displayed apoptotic morphology. Treatment with Sal B at the concentrations of 10 and 100 μmol/L reduced the cytotoxic effect of H₂O₂ on BMSCs to about 32% and 47%, respectively. The results of flow cytometric analysis confirmed the cytoprotective effect of Sal B. This protective effect was concomitant with significant reduction of ROS generation. Moreover, H₂O₂ time-dependently induced a pronounced increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation,which was effectively inhibited by Sal B.CONCLUSION: Sal B protects BMSCs against H₂O₂-induced apoptosis. Sal B may exert its protective effect on BMSCs by triggering intracellular anti-apoptosis mechanism as well as reducing the oxidative stress.     

Erythropoietin inhibits eryptosis induced by reactive oxygen species

AIM: To observe the influence of erythropoietin (EPO) on eryptosis and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in erythrocytes under stimulation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂),and to explore its related mechanism. METHODS: The erythrocyte suspension (1%) was cultured in vitro and divided into 3 groups:control group (C group, the culture medium was PBS), H₂O₂ group (H group, the culture medium was PBS containing H₂O₂ at final concentration of 100 μmol/L) and EPO group (E group, the culture medium was PBS containing H₂O₂ at final concentration of 100 μmol/L and EPO at final concentration of 2×10⁴ U/L). The erythrocytes were collected at 24 h and 60 h. The eryptosis was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V staining. The production of ROS and intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) were also analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The eryptosis in C group was increased as the incubating time extended. The eryptosis in H group was higher than that in C group (P<0.01), while that in E group was lower than that in H group (P<0.01). Meanwhile, ROS production and[Ca²⁺]_i were higher in H group than those in C group (P<0.01), but those were lower in E group than those in H group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EPO inhibits eryptosis induced by H₂O₂ and its mechanism may be related to antioxidant effect and change of[Ca²⁺]_i.     

Involvement of 26S proteasome LMP2 subunit in development of tolerance against oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells

AIM: To observe the expression of 26S proteasome LMP2 subunit in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) under oxidative stress, and to evaluate its role in the development of tolerance against oxidative stress in VECs. METHODS: The cell model of H₂O₂ preconditioning-induced oxidative tolerance was established in VECs. The expression of LMP2 was detected by cellular immunofluorescent labeling and Western blotting. The LMP2 anti-sense and sense oligonucleotides were transfected into VECs by Lipofectamine^TM 2000. The damages of VECs were evaluated by detecting the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the culture medium. RESULTS: H₂O₂ (500 μmol/L for 3 h) induced oxidative stress in VECss in a dose- and the activity of time-dependent manner, characterized by the increase in the concentration of MDA and LDH in the culture medium. Pretreatment with H₂O₂ (10 μmol/L for 24 h) up-regulated the expression of LMP2. Meanwhile, the capacity of cellular tolerance against oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ was increased as the concentration of MDA and the activity of LDH in the culture medium significantly decreased. Compared with H₂O₂ group, up-regulation of LMP2 by IFN-γ pretreatment (20 μg/L for 48 h) increased the tolerance of VECs against H₂O₂ injury, and the MDA conentration and the activity of LDH in the culture medium also significantly decreased. Transfection with LMP2 antisense oligonucleotide partly inhibited the increased expression of LMP2 induced by IFN-γ in VECs and abolished the tolerance against H₂O₂. CONCLUSION: The 26S proteasome LMP2 subunit is associated with the development of the tolerance against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in VECs.     

USP14 regulates H2O2 induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cells

AIM:To evaluate the effect of inhibiting ubiquitin-specific protease 14(USPl4) activity on oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ of H9c2 cells.METHODS:The H9c2 cells were incubated with H₂O₂ at 25 μmol/L for 2 h to establish the oxidative stress injury model.The cells were divided into control group,H₂O₂ group,IU1 group (25 μmol/L or 50 μmol/L) and IU1+H₂O₂ group.The H9c2 cells activity was measured by MTS assay.The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell survival rate were analyzed by flow cytometry assay.The changes of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family related proteins were detected by Western blot.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the cell activity and the viability rate in H₂O₂ group were decreased (P<0.05),while the intracellular ROS,the protein levels of Bax/Bcl-2,P53,p-ERK1/2,p-JNK and p-P38 were increased (P<0.05).Compared with H₂O₂ group,the cell activity and the viability rate of the H9c2 cells in IU1+H₂O₂ group were increased (P<0.05),while the intracellular ROS,the protein levels of Bax/Bcl-2,P53,p-ERK1/2,p-JNK and p-P38 were decreased (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Inhibition of USPl4 activity reduces the oxidative stress injury of the H9c2 cells.The mechanism may be related to inhibition of the MAPK signaling and down-regulation of apoptosis related proteins.     

Identification of ATTM as a novel H2S donor and investigation of its protective effect on HaCaT skin cells

AIM: To investigate the ability of a metal complex ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATTM) to release H₂S and its cytoprotective effect on an oxidative injury model. METHODS: Released H₂S was absorbed in a reaction flask from ATTM dissolved in the cell medium. Staining with dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate or rhodamine 123 followed by photofluorography was conducted for the observation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) levels, respectively. Cell viability and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from the cells were measured with commercial kits. RESULTS: Similar to another H₂S donor GYY4137, ATTM had an ability to release H₂S in the cell medium in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of human skin HaCaT cells with ATTM at concentrations of 25~400 μmol/L didn't significantly alter cell viability. Exposure of the cells to ultraviolet rays or a ROS donor H₂O₂ increased the intracellular ROS levels. Treatment with 400 μmol/L H₂O₂ significantly reduced the viability of HaCaT cells (P<0.01). However, before the treatment with H₂O₂, pretreatment with ATTM at 100 and 200 μmol/L markedly prevented the H₂O₂-induced cell injury (P<0.01). In addition, the treatment with H₂O₂ triggered ΔΨ_m loss (P<0.01) and LDH release from the cells (P<0.01). Prior to suffering from H₂O₂ injury, the preconditioning with 200 μmol/L ATTM significantly improved ΔΨ_m levels (P<0.05) and attenuated LDH release from the cells (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: ATTM is capable of releasing H₂S and protecting human skin cells against oxidative injury.     

Protective effect of senegenin on retinal ganglion cells in oxidative stress induced injury

AIM: To evaluate the effect of senegenin (Sen) on H₂O₂-treated retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and to explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: RGCs were retrograde labeled by injection of fluorogold into the superior colliculi of SD rats on the postnatal day 3. On the postnatal days 6 to 8, the retinas were dissociated with papain and cultured. Primary RGCs cultured in vitro were treated with H₂O₂ and/or various doses of Sen. The viability of RGCs was evaluated by counting the fluorescence-labeled neurons under microscope. The morphological changes of the nuclei in the retinal neurons were observed by Hoechst 33258 staining. Western blotting was applied to determine the expression of cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome C and Bcl-2 in cultured retinal neurons. RESULTS: Compared with the control cells, Sen at doses of 10, 20 or 40 μmol/L had no toxicity to RGCs (P>0.05). However, Sen at doses of 80 and 160 μmol/L had significant toxicity to RGCs (P<0.01). Compared with H₂O₂-injured group, Sen at doses of 10, 20 and 40 μmol/L effectively protected against H₂O₂-induced injury in RGCs (P<0.05) with the best efficiency at 40 μmol/L. Hoechst 33258 staining showed that the neuronal apoptosis caused by H₂O₂ was reduced by Sen. The results of Western blotting showed an up-regulation of Bcl-2, and decreased cytochrome C and cleaved caspase-3 levels by Sen in H₂O₂-treated retinal neurons. CONCLUSION: Sen is able to protect RGCs from H₂O₂-induced injury by enhancing Bcl-2 expression and inhibiting cell apoptosis.     

Effects of schisandrin B on apoptosis of lens epithelial cells treated with H2O2

AIM: To investigate the effects of Schisandrin B (Sch B) on apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LEC) treated with H₂O₂. METHODS: Eyes in SDrats were excised and lenses were separated under operating microscope in sterilized condition. Lenses were divided randomly into four groups with different treatment: control group, hydrogen peroxide group (H₂O₂), pirenoxine sodium group (PS) and schisandrin Bgroup (Sch B). Lenses were incubated in CO₂ incubator for 24 h with 300 μmol·L^-1 H₂O₂ and with or without 0.5 mmol·L^-1 Sch B. LECaoptosis and apoptosis rate were measured by TUNELmethod. Ultrastructure changes and apoptosis bodies of LECwere observed via transmitted electron microscope. RESULTS: (1) Apoptosis rate in H₂O₂ group (92.0±2.6) was significantly higher than that in control group (3.5±1.8). Apoptosis rate in Sch Bgroup (13.8±3.27) was remarkably lower than that in H₂O₂ group and PSgroup. (2) Ultrastructure observation indicated that apoptosis cells occurred in most LEC in H₂O₂ group and the changes were severe presenting different stages. While a few apoptosis cells were observed in Sch Bgroup, the changes were slight and most of them were in early and middle stages. CONCLUSION: These data indicated that Sch Bsignificantly inhibited apoptosis of LECduring experimental oxidative injury, the effects were stronger than PS.     

Relaxation effect of isoliensinine on isolated mouse airway smooth muscle

AIM: To study the relaxation effect of isoliensinine on high K⁺-induced isolated mouse airway smooth muscle (ASM) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The muscle tension transducer was used to detect the effects of isoliensinine on high K⁺-induced precontraction and Ca²⁺ influx in ASM. The technique of patch-clamp and calcium imaging system were respectively used to examine the effects of isoliensinine on LVDCC currents and[Ca²⁺]_i of the ASM cells (ASMCs). RESULTS: Isoliensinine significantly relaxed precontracted ASM induced by high K⁺ in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximum relaxation ratio was(95.3±3.9)% by isoliensinine at 100 μmol/L. In addition, LVDCC currents were measured using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, which were abolished by isoliensinine. High K⁺-induced 340/380 nm fluorescence ratio of Fura-2 was 0.63±0.10 in ASMCs, while it decreased to 0.36±0.05 after the addition of isoliensinine (P<0.01). When isoliensinine was added at the peak point of[Ca²⁺]_i, the ratio rapidly decreased from 0.74±0.02 to 0.42±0.05 (P<0.01). Moreover, isoliensinine inhibited high K⁺-induced Ca²⁺ influx-mediated contraction of ASM. CONCLUSION: Isoliensinine inhibits LVDCC currents, terminates Ca²⁺ influx and reduces[Ca²⁺]_i, eventually resulting in relaxation of the ASM, indicating isoliensinine might be a potential bronchodilator.     

Effect of oxidative stress-induced autophagy on proliferation and apoptosis of MSCs

AIM: To investigate whether oxidative stress is able to induce autophagy in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and to explore the effects of autophagy on MSC proliferation and apoptosis under oxidative stress circumstance as well as the underlying mechanism for promoting the therapeutic effects of transplanted MSCs on treating diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction (DMED). METHODS: Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was applied to simulate the oxidative stress circumstance. The effects of H₂O₂ at concentration of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 μmol/L on the viability of MSCs were tested by the method of Trypan blue exclusion and MTT assay respectively . The methods of MTT assay, Western blot and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to explore the effects of H₂O₂ on MSC apoptosis and autophagy. RESULTS: The proliferation of MSCs was obviously inhibited by H₂O₂ in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01) and the 50% inhibiting concentration (IC₅₀) was (384.58±16.89) μmol/L. H₂O₂ induced apoptosis and autophay of MSCs. The proliferation rate of MSCs was suppressed by H₂O₂ significantly (P<0.05), with a further decline by blockade of autophagy (P<0.05) whereas increased by blockade of apoptosis (P<0.05). H₂O₂ induced MSCs apoptosis obviously (P<0.05), with an augment of apoptosis (P<0.05) by blockade of autophagy. Furthermore, the H₂O₂ increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1), Which were decreased by apoptosis blockade whereas were enhanced by blockade of autopahgy. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress plays a dual role in MSC survival, which induces MSC apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, blockade of autophagy intensifies MSC apoptosis. Therefore, it is a promising method to ameliorate the effects of stem-cell based therapy on DMED by enhancing protective autophagy to increase the survival rate of transplanted MSCs against oxidative stress circumstance caused by diabetes mellitus.     

Effects of tetrandrine and fructose-1, 6-diphosphate on the elevated intrasynaptosomal [Ca2+]i induced by excitatory amino acids

AIM: To study the effects of tetrandrine(Tet) and fructose-1, 6-diphosphate(FDP) on the elevated intrasynaptosomal [Ca²⁺]_i induced by excitatory amino acids(EAA). METHODS: A rapid method for preparing synaptosomes was used, and intrasynaptosomal free calcium([Ca²⁺]_i) was measured by using the fluorescent indicator quin-2. RESULTS: L-glutamate(Glu, 100 μmol/L), aspartate(Asp, 100 μmol·L^-1), N-methy1-D-aspartate(100 μmol/L) and Glu(50 μmol/L) plus Asp(50 μmol/L) all elevated intrasynaptosomal [Ca²⁺]_i in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with Tet(10, 30, 60 μmol/L), FDP(15, 30, 75, 150 μmol/L), MK-801(10, 20 μmol/L) and Tet(15, 30 μmol/L) plus FDP(15, 30 μmol/L) all attenuated the increase in intrasynaptosomal [Ca²⁺]_i induced by EAAs mentioned as above in a dose-dependent manner, and the effect of Tet plus FDP was most significant. CONCLUSION: Both Tet and FDP inhibited a rise in intrasynaptosomal [Ca²⁺]_i induced by EAAs, which may be one of mechanisms that Tet and FDP pretect cerebral tissues against ischemia injury.     

Effect of sinapine on H2O2-induced adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of sinapine, an effective monomer of Chinese medicine, on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).METHODS:The undifferentiated rat BMSCs were identified and screened by flow cytometry. The adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs was induced by H₂O₂, and the toxicity of sinapine on BMSCs was tested by CCK-8 assay. After the modeling method and the concentration range of sinapine were determined, the lipid droplets in the cells were detected by Oil Red O semi-quantitative assay, and the optimal drug concentration was selected. Finally, Oil Red O assay was observed 24 h after drug intervention, and the expression of adipogenic differentiation-related proteins, adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and glucose transporter 4 (Glut4), at mRNA and protein levels in the BMSCs was determined by qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS:Treatment with H₂O₂ at 200 μmol/L for 1 h induced BMSCs to differentiate into adipocytes. Below the concentration of 40 μmol/L, sinapine had no toxicity to BMSCs. The best inhibitory concentration of sinapine on adipogenic differentiation was at 15 μmol/L. The number of lipid droplets in sinapine (15 μmol/L) group was significantly lower than that in model group. In sinapine group, the expression of aP2, PPARγ and Glut4 at mRNA and protein levels was lower than that in model group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Sinapine inhibits H₂O₂-induced adipogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs. The mechanism may be related to the PPARγ/AMPK signaling pathway.     

Effects of piperine on abnormalities of inward rectifier potassium current and ultra rapid delayed rectifier potassium current induced by hydrogen peroxide in rabbit atrial myocytes

AIM: To study the protective effect of piperine on abnormalityies of inward rectifier potassium current (I_K1) and ultra rapid delayed rectifier potassium current (I_KUr) induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in single rabbit atrial myocytes. METHODS: The technique of whole-cell patch-clamp was used to study the effect of H₂O₂ at concentration of 50 μmol/L on I_K1 and I_KUr in single rabbit atrial myocytes. The protective effect of pretreatment with piperine (7 μmol/L) was also observed. RESULTS: The piperine at concentration of 7 μmol/L had no significant effect on I_K1 and I_KUr and their channel dynamics. In the presence of H₂O₂ at concentration of 50 μmol/L, the peak currents of I_K1 and I_KUr reduced significantly (P<0.05).The steady-state activation curve of I_KUr was shifted right, the steady-state inactivation curve of I_KUr was shifted left, and the recovery from inactivation of I_KUr was shifted downward. The I_KUr showed frequency-dependent characteristics. Piperine at concentration of 7 μmol/L significantly alleviated the inhibitory effect of H₂O₂ on I_K1 and I_KUr (P<0.01). In addition, piperine protected against the changes of I_KUr dynamics induced by H₂O₂. CONCLUSION: Piperine alleviates the abnormalities of I_K1 and I_KUr induced by oxidative stress in atrial myocytes.     

Effect of rapamycin on apoptosis of mouse astrocytes in vitro

AIM: To observe the effect of rapamycin on the apoptosis of mouse astrocytes in vitro.ME-THODS:The astrocytes from C57BL/6J newborn mouse pups were isolated and primarily cultured. The effect of rapamycin on the viability of astrocytes was assessed by MTT assay. The mean fluorescence intensity of SYTOX^® Green stain in the astrocytes was detected by fluorescence microplate reader in order to analyze the effects of rapamycin on the cell death induced by H₂O₂, ionomycin and/or deferorxamin. DiOC₆(3) staining was used to analyze the mitochondrial membrane potential of the astrocytes induced by H₂O₂. Flow cytometry analysis was used to determine the production of ROS in the astrocytes and mitochondria by staining with H₂DCFDA and MitoSOX^TM Red reagent, respectively.RESULTS: Rapamycin at concentration of 0.5 μmol/L protected the astrocytes against cell death induced by H₂O₂ or deferoxamine plus ionomycin. Rapamycin protected the mitochondrial membrane potential of astrocytes from the injury of H₂O₂. It also reduced the production of ROS in the astrocytes and decreased the level of ROS in the mitochondria.CONCLUSION: Rapamycin reduces the ROS overload in the mitochondria, keeps mitochondrial membrane potential safety and protects the astrocytes against apoptosis in vitro.     

The antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides of bcl- 2 oncogene enhances the apoptotic effect of As2O3 on NB4 leukemic cells

AIM: To study and explore whether the antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (ASODN) of bcl-2 oncogene would increase the apoptotic effect of As₂O₃ on NB4 leukemic cells. METHODS: The biological and morphological changes in NB4 cells from microculture with As₂O₃, bcl-2 ASODN or both were observed. The changes in DNA content and Bcl-2 protein of NB4 cells from microculture with As₂O₃, bcl-2 ASODN or both were determined by tissue chemistry and flowcytometry. RESULTS: There was much more apoptotic effect of As₂O₃ on NB4 cells while it combined with bcl- 2 ASODN (ASODN 10.0 μmol/L+ As₂O₃ 0.25 μmol/L) than alone(ASODN 10.0 μmol/L or As₂O₃ 0.25μmol/L),and so did inhibitory effect of Bcl-2 protein expression by flow cytometry. CONCLUSION:The bcl-2 ASODN can enhance the apoptotic effect of As₂O₃ on NB4 leukemic cells.     

Protective effect of ecdysterone on H9c2 cells against oxidative stress

AIM: To investigate the effect of ecdysterone (EDS) on H9c2 cardiomyocytes after oxidative stress. METHODS: H9c2 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group, high dose (2 μmol/L) of EDS group, middle dose (1.5 μmol/L) of EDS group, low dose (1 μmol/L) of EDS group, and H₂O₂ group. H9c2 cardiomyocytes in H₂O₂ group and high, middle and low doses of EDS groups were exposed to H₂O₂ for 6 h to establish the model of oxidative stress. The viability of the H9c2 cells was detected by CCK-8 assay. The apoptosis of H9c2 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of lactate dehydogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) in the culture medium, and the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the H9c2 cells were measured by colorimetry. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The protein levels of Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3 in the H9c2 cells were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Ecdysterone at the selected concentrations had no effect on the viability of H9c2 cells. Compared with control group, the levels of LDH, CK-MB, ROS and MDA, and the apoptotic rates of the H9c2 cells were significantly increased after treated with H₂O₂, but were decreased by EDS treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The levels of SOD and mitochondrial membrane potential of the H9c2 cells in H₂O₂ group were reduced significantly compared with control group, but high, middle and low doses of EDS treatments up-regulated the levels of SOD and mitochondrial membrane potential in H₂O₂-treated H9c2 cells. The protein levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in the H9c2 cells in H₂O₂ group showed significant elevation in comparison with control group, and the protein expression of Bcl-2 declined in H₂O₂ group compared with control group, but high, middle and low doses of ecdysterone treatments down-regulated the protein levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 in H₂O₂-treated H9c2 cells. CONCLUSION: Ecdysterone attenuates the effect of H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress on H9c2 cardiomyocytes. The mechanism may be involved in scavenging oxidative stress products, increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and improving mitochondrial function.     

Acetyl-L-carnitine attenuates H2O2-induced oxidative damage of PC12 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) on H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells and its possible mechanism. METHODS: A moderate oxidative damage PC12 cell model was induced by exposure of the PC12 cells to H₂O₂. ALC at different concentrations (100, 200 and 400 μmol/L) was applied to the PC12 cells cultured in vitro, and CCK8 assay was used to detect the cell viability. The cells were divided into control group, H₂O₂ group, and low-ALC, medium-ALC and high-ALC groups. The apoptosis of the cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein levels of Nrf2 and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by Western blot. The nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was observed by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: ALC at different concentrations (100, 200 and 400 μmol/L) significantly inhibited H₂O₂-induced PC12 cell apoptosis, and the medium concentration group had the best effect. Compared with H₂O₂ group, low, medium and high concentrations of ALC significantly increased the viability of the PC12 cells induced by H₂O₂, inhibit cell apoptosis (P<0.05), significantly down-regulated the protein level of cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.05), up-regulated the protein level of Nrf2 (P<0.05), and promoted the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. CONCLUSION: Acetyl-L-carnitine attenuates H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage of PC12 cells, inhibits the apoptosis and increases the viability, which is related to the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway.     

Effect of inhaled nitric oxide on adhesion molecule CD11b expression in lung neutrophils of meconium aspiration rabbits

AIM:To evaluate effects of inhaled nitric oxide(iNO) on adhesion molecule CD11b expression on lung neutrophils in experimental meconium aspiration syndrome(MAS) rabbits treated with conventional mechanical ventilation under room air or 100%O₂. METHODS:Animals were randomly allocated to 8 groups(n=48) of 6 each: two MAS model groups(under room air or 100%O₂ without iNO treatment), 6 treatment groups were treated with continuous NO inhalation at a dose of 0.2×10^-6mol/L, 0.33×10^-6mol/L or 0.67×10^-6mol/L respectively for 12 hours under room air or 100%O₂. Mean systemic arterial pressure(SAP) and methemoglobin (MeHb) were performed at basement time, 0, 2, 4, 12 hours. Expression of CD11b on neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) was detected with flow cytometry. RESULTS:SAP, MeHb at different time among different groups were within the normal scale. CD11b expression on the neutrophils in the BALF significantly decreased in groups of inhalation 0.33×10^-6 mol/L or 0.67×10^-6 mol/L NO, compared with the two MAS model groups. (x±s: under 21%O₂, 0.33×10^-6 mol/L NO, 121±20 υs 392±204; 0.67×10^-6 mol/L NO, 112±30 υs 392±204;under 100%O₂, 0.33×10^-6 mol/L NO, 113±24υs293±65; 0.67×10^-6 mol/L 102±114 υs293±65, P<0.05). 0.2×10^-6mol/L NO inhalation did no effect on CD11b expression. (x±s:21%O₂, 190±101 υs 392±204; 100%O₂, 222±85 υs 293±65; P>0.05). No statistic difference was observed between groups inhaled 0.33×10^-6 mol/L NO and 0.67×10^-6mol/L NO. CONCLUSION:0.33×10^-6 mol/L or 0.67×10^-6 mol/L NO inhalation down-regulated the CD11b expression on the neutrophils in BALF to reduce the sequestration of neutrophils in rabbit lung.