Effect of 17β-estradiol on macrophage

AIM: To analyze the Effect 17β-estradiol on activated macrophages and possibility of being a target of screening drugs for endometriosis. METHODS: Using scanning electron microscope, the surface of macrophages was observed. Nitric oxide (NO) in supernatant was determined by Griess's reagent. TNF-α was measured by MTT via L929 cells. Using Fluo-3/AM,[Ca²⁺]i was measured by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM).RESULTS:(1)Increased size,extension of more microvilli,expression of retraction fibers and elaboration of membrane ruffles were detected in 17β-estradiol treated macrophages.(2)17β-estradiol induced NO release from peritoneal macrophages.(3)The more TNF-αwas made by macrophages under the induction of 1β7-estradiol.(4)In-tracellular Ca₂₊ elevated 39.8%in peritoneal macrophages after 17β-estradiol(100 nmol/L)treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Macrophages were activated by 17β-estradiol at a certain concentration. Activated macrophages by 17β-estradiol may participate in endometriosis and may be a target of screening drugs for endometriosis.     

Icariin attenuates high glucose-induced insulin resistance in C2C12 myotubes

AIM: To observe the potential effects of icariin on high glucose-induced insulin resistance in C2C12 myotubes and to investigate its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The insulin resistance model was induced by high glucose (25 mmol/L) in the C2C12 myotubes. The effects of icariin on Akt phosphorylation at T308, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) membrane translocation, and glucose uptake were investigated in high glucose-treated C2C12 myotubes. The protein levels of phosphorylated proteins were determined by Western blot. The glucose uptake was measured by colorimetric method. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown the expression of p38 MAPK. RESULTS: Icariin significantly increased insulin-stimulated Akt T308 phosphorylation in C2C12 myotubes treated with high glucose. Treatment with icariin at 25, 50 and 75 μmol/L for 24 h increased Akt T308 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Treatment with icariin at 50 μmol/L for 12, 24 and 36 h increased Akt T308 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, treatment with icariin at 50 μmol/L for 24 h significantly enhanced the expression of GLUT4 on plasma membrane (P<0.01) and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake (P<0.01). Treatment with icariin recovered high glucose-reduced p38 MAPK phosphorylation (P<0.01). Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of p38 MAPK abolished the protective impacts of icariin on insulin-stimulated Akt T308 phosphorylation (P<0.01), GLUT4 plasma membrane translocation (P<0.01), and 2-DG uptake under high glucose condition (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Icariin attenuates high glucose-induced insulin resistance in C2C12 myotubes by activating p38 MAPK.     

Role of caveolin-1 on down-regulation of LPS-induced monocyte chemotactic protein 1 by 17β-estradiol in vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To elucidate the effect of caveolin-1 on the down-regulation of LPS-induced monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) by 17β-estradiol (E₂) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).METHODS: The primary-cultured VSMCs were exposed to E₂ at concentrations of 10^-9-10^-6 mol/L. LPS-induced MCP-1 production was assayed by ELISA. The protein expression of caveolin-1 was determined by Western blotting and was silenced by β-methyl cyclodextrin(β-MCD) or caveolin-1 specific siRNA. RESULTS: LPS significantly enhanced MCP-1 production. E₂ at concentrations of 10^-9-10^-6 mol/L inhibited LPS-induced MCP-1 production. The use of caveolin-1 inhibitor β-MCD or silencing the protein expression of caveolin-1 by specific siRNA largely impaired LPS-enhanced MCP-1 production, while E₂ markedly inhibited caveolin-1 expression. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of LPS-induced MCP-1 production by E₂ is related to the suppression of caveolin-1.     

Sca-1+ cells from mouse fetal liver can differentiate into neurons in vitro

AIM: To study whether Sca-1⁺ cells from fetal liver can be induced to differentiate into neuronal cells in vitro. METHODS:Sca-1⁺cells from 14 5-days-old murine fetal liver were isolated with a magnetic cell sorting kit, and were cultured in Dulbecco s modif ied Eagle s medium(DMEM)/F12 supplemented with 10%fetal bovine serum(FBS), and passaged at a rat io of 1 3 when cells reached more than 80%confluence.The 5 passage cells were induced by 10^-3mol/Lβ-mercaptoethanol(β-ME)and 5×10^-7 mol/L all-trans-retinoic acid(RA)for 24 hours, and then incubated in serum-free medium for 5 hours to 5 days.The characteristics of treated cel s were assayed by immunocytochemistry staining analysis at 5 hours, or 5 days.RESULTS: Cells treated with β-ME and RA exhibited neuronal phenotype and expressed neuron-specific protein such as neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN), neuronfilament-M, and neuron-specific tubulin-1 (TuJ-1) but not tau, MAP-2, or the astrocyte-specific marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).CONCLUSION: Sca-1⁺ cells from fetal liver, of which most are regarded as hematopoietic stem cells, could differentiate into early immature neuronal cells in vitro. These findings suggest that Sca-1⁺ cells from fetal liver may be an alternative source in cell therapy and gene therapy of neural dysfunction.     

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.     

Effects of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β on apoptosis of human airway smooth muscle cellsin vitro

AIM:To clarify if interferon-γ(IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)can induce apoptosis of human airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in vitro.METHODS:Human ASMCs were isolated and cultured in DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Passage 4-6 cell was used in the experiment. IFN-γ,TNF-α and IL-1β, were used separately or together in the treatment of human ASMCs. The effects of IFN-γ,TNF-α and IL-1β on the growth of the cells was detected by MTT method at the hour 0,24,48 and 72. Light microscopy and electron microscopy were used to examine the morphological change. DNA fragmentation was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. SP immunohistological staing method was performed to detect the change of expressions of p 53, bcl- 2 and bax gene. The apoptosis cell percentage were detected by in situ end labeling technique (TUNEL)of fragmental DNA. RESULTS:(1)IFN-γ or IFN-γ together with TNF-α and IL-1β decreased the number of viable cells in a time dependent manner. (2) Light and electron microscopic examination showed cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, nuclear contraction, chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation in human ASMCs. (3) Agarose gel electrophoresis showed a characteristic"ladder"of DNA bands representing integer multiples of the internucleosomal fragments (about 180-200 bp) in cytokine cotreated human ASMCs. (4)The expression of p 53 and bax gene in cytokine cotreated group was significantly higher than in control group, but the expression of bcl-2 gene was lower than in control group. (5)Stimultaneous treatment with IFN-γ(4×10⁵ U/L),TNF-α(4×10⁵ U/L)and /or IL-1β (10×10⁴ U/L) induced apoptosis of human ASMCs. Apoptotic index of human ASMCs in cytokine co-treated group was significantly higher than in control group (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:Stimultaneous treatment with IFN-γ,TNF-α and /or IL-1β induced apoptosis of human ASMCs. These immune cytokines may play an important role in airway remodeling of asthma and of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.     

Breast cancer stem cells cultured without insulin and effect of estrogen induction

AIM:To determine whether suspension culture medium without insulin can be used to feed breast cancer tumorsphere, or not. METHODS:MCF7 cells were used to build tumorsphere. The morphological changes, CD44+ CD24- expression, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) expression and multiple division ability were measured to identify the breast cancer stem cells and to detect the function of 17β-estradiol (E2β) in tumorsphere of MCF7 cells. RESULTS:The tumorshere, each containing 30 to 60 cells, was obtained by the method of insulin-removal suspension culture. These cells were cytokeratin 18 and CD10 proteins positive, and the number of CD44+ CD24- cells and ALDH1 protein expression were significantly higher than the adherent cultured cells (P<0.05). Using 10-10 mol/L E2β to treat the tumorshere for 7 d, the tumor cell number and volume were significantly increased. Using 10-10 mol/L E2β to treat the tumorshere for 24 h, the CD44+ CD24-cells and ALDH1 protein expression were significantly higher than those in non-treatment group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Suspension culture medium without insulin can be used to feed breast cancer tumorsphere. These tumorsphere could be used as a model to determine the function of E2β in breast cancer stem cell research.     

17β-estradiol protects cortical neurons from propofol-induced apoptosis by activating PI3K-Akt signaling pathway

AIM: To investigate the protective effects and the mechanisms of 17β-estradiol on the propofol-induced neuroapoptosis in primary cultured cortical neurons. METHODS: The neurons were cultured for 7 d and treated with different concentrations of propofol and/or 17β-estradiol, respectively. The neuron viability, neuroapoptosis and the protein level of p-Akt was determined by MTT assay, Hoechst 33258 staining and Western blot 12 h after different treatments, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with vehicle-control group, propfol inhibited neuron viability in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compared with propofol treatment group, 17β-estradiol increased the neuron viability in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), and IGF increased the neuron viability greatly (P<0.01). Compared with vehicle-control group, the number of apoptotic neurons which was significantly decreased by treatment of 17β-estradiol was markedly increased by propofol (P<0.01). Compared with the 17β-estradiol+propofol group, LY294002 increased the number of apoptotic neurons (P<0.01). Compared with vehicle-control group, propfol decreased the protein level of p-Akt in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compared with propofol treatment group, 17β-estradiol increased the protein level of p-Akt in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compared with 17β-estradiol+propofol group, LY294002 significantly decreased the protein level of p-Akt (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: 17β-estradiol exerts the neuroprotective effects against propofol-induced neuroapoptosis by activating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.     

The cytotoxicity of nitric oxide induced by inflammatory cytokine in combination with LPS in endothelial cells

AIM: To explore the mechanism underlying inducible nitric oxide (NO) caused injury of endothelial cells during inflammation. METHODS:The activity of iso-enzymes of NO synthase (NOS), NO level and iNOS expression were examined using NADPH method, Griess reaction and RT-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) content were also measured. RESULTS:Co-administration of cytokines (TNF-α 5×10⁵ U/L, IL-1β 2×10⁵ U/L, INF-γ 2×10⁵ U/L) and LPS (10 mg/L) caused an obvious increase in NOS activity, NO levels (about two-fold) and a significant injury of the cells. At the same time, a significant increase in iNOS mRNA was also detected. Wheareas, treatment of the cells separately with cytokines or LPS for 24 h had no significant effect on NOS activity and NO level in cell lysates, however, it caused a significant increase in LDH release and MDA content. Also, the effect of cytokines and LPS on cell viability was concentration-and time-dependent. L-NMMA, a inhibitor of NOS, can suppress inducible NO production and protect cells against NO induced injury. CONCLUSION:Co-administration of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and INF-γ) and LPS significant activated iNOS and NO production which, in turn, induced oxidative reaction in endothelial cells.     

Bio-effects of salusins on isolated rat heart and neonatal cardiomyocytes

AIM: To investigate the bio-effects of salusins on rat heart and cardiomyocytes. METHODS: The cardiac function was determined by multipurpose polygraph in isolated rat heart treated with various concentrations of salusin-α or salusin-β.[⁴⁵Ca²⁺] and[³H]-Leu incorporation were determined in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes with β-liquid scintillation counter. RESULTS: 10^-12-10^-7mol/L salusin-α and salusin-β had no effects on isolated rat cardiac function. However, salusin-α and salusin-β stimulated uptake and[³H]-Leu incorporation. The [⁴⁵Ca²⁺] uptake induced by salusins were inhibited by nicardipine, and were synergistically increased by endothelin-1. The[³H]-Leu incorporation induced by salusin-α and salusin-β was inhibited by nicardipine, FK506 (a special inhibitor of carcineulin), PD₉₈₀₅₉ (inhibitor of MAPK) and chelerthine (inhibitor of PKC). The effects of salusin-β[⁴⁵Ca²⁺] on uptake was stronger than those of salusin-α. But there were no statistical difference in[³H]-Leu incorporation between salusin-α and salusin-β. CONCLUSIONS: Salusin-α and salusin-β did not affect directly cardiac function in rat hearts. But salusins improved calcium uptake and protein synthesize in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Those effects of salusins were related with calcium channel, carcinuelin, MAPK and PKC signal pathways. Salusins may be the regulatory factors for myocardium growth and hypertrophy.     

Screening of tissue factor targeting peptides alternately from phage display peptide library

AIM: To screen tissue factor (TF) targeting peptides by establishment of a new and effective phage display method to acquire the peptides specifically bound to the transmembrane receptor. METHODS: Five rounds of panning were alternately conducted by targeting TF and HT-29 cell line which showed the detectable TF expression (screen for targeting receptor and cell alternately with phage display, STRCA). The 30 phage clones were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). DNA sequencing was performed for the phage clones. The affinity of synthetic peptides was verified with competitive inhibition ELISA. The repeated experiment was conducted to verify the reliability of the results. RESULTS: The phages were effectively enriched after 5 rounds of panning with the improvement of the recovery rate from (2.25×10^-4)% to (1.32×10^-2)%. In 30 individual phages, ELISA positive rate was 76.7%, and the repetition of A, B, C and D peptides showed 23.3% (7/30), 23.3% (7/30), 26.7% (8/30) and 10.0% (3/30),respectively. E peptide constructively consisted of A and B. The five synthetic peptides were verified by ELISA, and the IC₅₀ of each peptide showed 3.25 nmol/L, 6.72 mol/L, 3.24×10³ mol/L, 2.08×10² mol/L and 45.77 mol/L,respectively. The positive phages were selected again in the second experiment to compare the results of the first experiment and the repeatability was 33.3%. CONCLUSION: STRCA can select TF targeting peptides with high affinity, which has the potential to become a therapeutic screening of transmembrane receptor-binding peptides.     

Trichostatin A promotes mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells

AIM：To investigate whether trichostatin A (TSA), a new revulsant,can induce mouse mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells and to explore the appropriate concentration of TSA. METHODS：The mesenchymal stem cell line from C57BL/6 mice was cultured in vitro and divided into 5 groups before treated with different concentrations of TSA, (group A: DMSO; group B~E: treated with 25 nmol/L, 50 nmol/L, 100 nmol/L and 200 nmol/L of TSA, respectively). After exposed to different cultured media for 10 d during the 2 stages, the cells were detected by the following methods: the insulin-secreting cells in each group were identified by dithizone staining and the results were calculated with immunohistochemical half quantitative analysis. The insulin secreted by insulin-secreting cells in each group was identified by immunofluorescence, and the mean fluorescence intensity of insulin was compared. The content of insulin in each group was quantified by ELISA. The appropriate concentration of TSA was determined according to the above results. RESULTS：TSA treatment for 10 d promoted the mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells which produced insulin. The immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence imaging analysis of insulin-secreting cells showed that the insulin staining positive area, positive ratio, total density of insulin expression and mean fluorescence intensity of insulin in group B were significantly higher than those in the other TSA-treated groups. When the concentrations of TSA gradually increased, the content of insulin reduced accordingly. The content of insulin in group B was significantly higher than that in the other TSA-treated groups. CONCLUSION：TSA treatment for 10 d promotes bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from C57BL/6 mice to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells and the appropriate concentration of TSA is 25 nmol/L.     

AngⅡ/AT1R pathway leads to down-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation

AIM:To investigate the mechanism of angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ)/angiotensinⅡ type 1 receptor (AT₁R) pathway activating protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) which leads to down-regulation endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation level in mesenteric arteries of rats. METHODS:The mesenteric arteries of adult male SD rats (weighing 160~180 g; n=90) were isolated under aseptic conditions. Firstly, to determine the effect of angiotensinⅡ down-regulated eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation level, the mesenteric arteries were randomly divided into normal control (control) group and AngⅡ group. The mesenteric arteries in AngⅡ group were incubated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L, 1×10^-6 mol/L and 1×10^-5 mol/L for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h, respectively. Secondly, to investigate the molecular mechanism by which angiotensinⅡ activated PP2A leading to down-regulation eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation level, the mesenteric arteries were randomly divided into control group, AngⅡ group and candesartan (CAN; a specific AT₁R blocker)+AngⅡ group. The mesenteric arteries were pretreated with 1×10^-5 mol/L CAN for 1 h, then incubated with 1×10^-7 mol/L AngⅡ for 12 h in CAN+AngⅡ group. The protein levels of eNOS, p-eNOS (Ser1177), PP2Ac, p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor 2 (I₂^PP2A) in the arteries were determined by Western blot. The activity of PP2A in the arteries was detected by PP2A activity kit. RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the protein level of p-eNOS (Ser1177) in the mesenteric arteries was decreased after incubated with AngⅡ for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h (P<0.05). The decreasing tendency of p-eNOS (Ser1177) showed concentration-dependently, especially in 12 h and 24 h groups. The expression of eNOS protein showed no significant difference in each group. Compared with the control group, the mesenteric arteries of the rats were incubated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L for 12 h in vitro, the protein levels of p-eNOS (Ser1177) were down-regulated (P<0.05); pretreatment with CAN significantly increased the protein level of p-eNOS (Ser1177) (P<0.05); the protein levels of eNOS showed no significant difference in each group. Compared with the control group, the protein levels of p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and I₂^PP2A were decreased after the mesenteric arteries were treated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L for 12 h (P<0.05). Candesartan pretreatment restored the protein levels of p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and I₂^PP2A (P<0.05), however the expression of PP2Ac protein showed no significant difference in each group. Compared with the control group, the activity of PP2A was increased in the mesenteric arteries incubated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L for 12 h (P<0.05). Candesarten pretreatment inhibited the activity of PP2A significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:AngⅡ increases PP2A activity via AT₁R pathway, thus leading to down-regulation eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation level in mesenteric arteries. The molecular mechanism of PP2A activation may be associated with decreasing the protein levels of p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and I₂^PP2A.     

Antagonistic effects of cyproheptadine and anisodamine on [Ca2+]i elevation induced by TNFα in endothelial cell strains

AIM: To study the effects of cyproheptadine (Cyp) and anisodamine (Ani) on the changes of intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) in single endothelial cells, and to explore the mechanisms of TNFα mediated shock and antishock actions of Cyp and Ani. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cell strains (ECV304) were seed in 35 mm tissue culture dish with 2 mL DMEM culture medium. The cultured cells were loaded by Fluo-3/AM. The spatial distribution and the dynamic changes of [Ca²⁺]_i in single endothelial cell was determined by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). RESULTS: [Ca²⁺]_i in single endothelial cell after stimulation of TNFα rapidly increased in a dose-dependent manner and approached the peak value within 60 seconds, afterwards, decreased and kept above the basal level. The confocal scanning image showed that [Ca²⁺]_i elevation was more obvious in nuclear than in cytoplasma, and decreased slowly. Cyp (3×10^-5, 6×10^-5 mol/L) and Ani (2×10^-5, 4×10^-5 mol·L^-1) markedly inhibited TNFα (1.2×10^-9 mol·L^-1)-induced [Ca²⁺]_i elevation. CONCLUSIONS: TNFα markedly induces elevation of [Ca²⁺]_i in single endothelial cell, it may be an important mechanism of TNFα-induced shock and tissue injury. Cyp and Ani obviously suppress TNFα-induced [Ca²⁺]_i elevation, which probably is one of the mechanisms of their antishock effects.     

Effects of insulin on cardiac fibroblast proliferation and cardiac myocyte hypertrophy

AIM:To study the effect of insulin on proliferation and hypertrophy of cardiac myocytes and its role in the induction of cardiac hypertrophy. METHODS:1. The neonatal rat cardiac myocytes and cardiac fibroblasts were cultured respectively and identified with light microscopy, electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. 2. Cell proliferation was measured with cell number, metabolic activity and DNA synthesis (with WST-1, BrdU enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) and the percentage of S+G₂+M in cell cycle (by flow cytometry ). 3.Cell hypertrophy was evaluated by cell protein content (Coomassie Briliant Blue's method). RESULTS:1. The cultured cells showed the characteristic of cardiac myocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, respectively. 2. After being treated with insulin, the cell number, absorbance of BrdU incorporation and WST-1 cleavage products and the percentage of S+G₂+M of cardiac fibroblasts increased significantly (P＜0.01 orP＜0.05), while the above parameters of cardiac myocytes remained unchanged (P＞0.05). 3. Protein content of cardiac myocytes increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner (P＜0.01 orP＜0.05) in insulin treated groups (10^-10 mol/L-10^-7 mol/L). CONCLUSION:Insulin promoted cardiac fibroblast proliferation and increased myocytes protein content(induced myocyte hypertrophy)in vitroand may play an important role in pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophyin vivo.     

Role of 17β-estradiol in regulation of MIF expression in endometrial stromal cells of endometriosis

AIM: To investigate the effects of 17β-estradiol on the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in cultured endometrial stromal cells from endometriosis. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the endometrial stromal cells. The expression of MIF at mRNA and protein levels was assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Elevated expression of MIF at mRNA and protein levels was observed in the cultured endometrial stromal cells treated with 17β-estradiol. In endometrial stromal cells from the women with endometriosis, the level of MIF up-regulation by 17β-estradiol was significantly higher than that in the cells from the women without endometriosis. CONCLUSION: Endometrial stromal cells from endometriosis are more sensitive to 17β-estradiol, which up-regulates the expression of MIF and contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of endometriosis.     

High glucose induces H9c2 cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through Ca2+-CaN-NFAT3 signaling pathway

AIM: To study the morphological changes of cardiac H9c2 cells during the developmental process of fetal rat. METHODS: Embryonic rat heart-derived H9c2 cells were maintained in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. The H9c2 cells were plated at a density of 6000 cells/cm and divided into 5 groups: H9c2 cells were treated with 5 mmol/L glucose, 25 mmol/L glucose, 50 mmol/L glucose, Norvasc (25 nmol/L)+25 mmol/L glucose, or Norvasc (25 nmol/L)+50 mmol/L glucose for 48 h. The morphology of H9c2 cells was observed. The cell surface area was measured by Image-Pro Plus 6.1 software. Fluorescence spectrophotometry was used to detect the concentration of intracellular calcium ion ([Ca²⁺]_i)in the cardiomyocytes. The concentration of CaN in the cell was measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression of CaNAβ, NFAT3 and β-MHC in the cells was detected by real-time PCR. The protein levels of CaNAβ, NFAT3 and β-MHC in cultural H9c2 cells were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The mean area of the cells, the mean fluorescence value of [Ca²⁺]_i and the concentration of CaN in 25 mmol/L glucose group were higher than those in 5 mmol/L glucose group, and those were lower than those in 50 mmol/L glucose group. After treated with Norvasc, those results decreased significantly. The expression of CaNAβ, NFAT3 and β-MHC at mRNA and protein levels in 25 mmol/L glucose group was higher than those in 5 mmol/L glucose group, but was lower than those in 50 mmol/L glucose group. The expression of CaNAβ, NFAT3 and β-MHC at mRNA and protein levels decreased significantly in Norvasc treatment group. CONCLUSION: Ca²⁺-CaN-NFAT3 signaling pathway is perhaps involved in high glucose-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.     

Yangxue qingnao-containing serum inhibits rat vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by lysophosphatidic acid

AIM: To observe the effects of Yangxue qingnao-containing serum on rat vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation induced by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). METHODS: The [³H]-TdR incorporation and mitogen-activated protein kinasc (MAPK) activity were measured in cultured VSMC. End product of lipid peroxidation-MDA levels were also detected. RESULTS: 1×10^－9,1×10^－8 and 1×10^－7 mol/L LPA enhanced the cultured VSMC [³H]-TdR incorporation, increased MAPK activity and MDA content in a concentration-dependent manner. 5％, 10％ and 15％ Yangxue qingnao-containing serum concentration-dependently inhibited the increase in VSMC [³H]-TdR incorporation, MAPK activity and MDA content induced by LPA. CONCLUSIONS: LPA has a stimulating effect on VSMC proliferation. The LPA-induced intracellular signal transduction may be related to MAPK activity. Yangxue-qingnao can efficiently inhibit LPA -induced VSMC proliferation,MAPK activity and lipid peroxidation.     

Effects of angiotensin II-induced hypertension chemotherapy on the activity of interleukin-1β converting enzyme in transplanted intracerebral rat gliomas

AIM: To investigate the activity of interleukin-1β converting enzyme in transplanted intracerebral rat gliomas under angiotensin II-induced hypertension chemotherapy. METHODS: The brain tumor model was produced in Wistar rats by stereotaxic inoculation of C6 glioma cells (1×10¹² /L). Tumor-bearing rats were treated with carmustine, teniposide and lisplatin (chemotherapy) during angiotensin II-induced hypertension. Then, the survival time of tumor-bearing rats, tumor blood flow, the concentration of drug, volume of gliomas and the activity of interleukin-1β converting enzyme in glioma were examined.RESULTS: The survival time of tumor-bearing rats was significantly longer in chemotherapy with angiotensin II-induced hypertension group than that of chemotherapy alone. In addition, regional tumor blood flow, the concentration of chemotherapeutic drug and the activity of interleukin -1β converting enzyme in transplanted rat gliomas were increased, while the volume of gliomas was decreased in hypertention chemotherapy group compared with chemotherapy alone. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy with angiotensin II-induced hypertension has a enhancing effect on chemotherapy for improving the drug delivery to tumor tissue by a increased tumor blood flow and enhancing activity of interleukin -1β converting enzyme.