Study of establishment of K562/HHT cell line and reversal of multidrug resistance by antiprogestin drug mifepristone

AIM: To study the mechanism of multidrug resistance (MDR) of leukemia cells induced by homoharringtonine (HHT) and the reversal effect of mifepristone on MDR.METHODS: Human leukemia cell line K562 was induced into MDR cell line by intermittent administration of high dose of HHT.MTT assay was used to detect the sensitivity of these MDR cells to all sorts of chemotherapeutic agents with or without mifepristone.The cytotoxicity of mifepristone was also observed.RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of MDR1 gene and glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) gene.Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of P-glucoprotein and the accumulative value of intracellular daunorubicin (DNR) in these MDR cells with or without mifepristone.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2,Bax and caspase-3 in these MDR cells with or without mifepristone.RESULTS: MDR cell line K562/HHT was acquired after induced by HHT for 2 months.This MDR cell line possessed the ability of 462.6 fold resistance to HHT and cross-resistance to adriamycin,vincristine and etoposide.The expression of MDR1 gene,GCS gene,P-glucoprotein and Bcl-2/Bax ratio in K562/HHT cells were significantly higher than those in K562 cells (P<0.05).The caspase-3 expression and the accumulative value of intracellular DNR in K562/HHT cells were significantly lower than those in K562 cells (P<0.05).10 μmol/L mifepristone reversed the resistance of K562/HHT cells to HHT,adriamycin,vincristine and etoposide at different levels.The Bcl-2/Bax ratio,caspase-3 expression and accumulative value of intracellular DNR in K562/HHT cells treated with RU486 were significantly different compared with K562/HHT cells without RU486 treatment (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Leukemia cell line K562 can be induced into MDR cell line K562/HHT by HHT.P-glucoprotein,GCS,Bcl-2/Bax ratio and caspase-3 may play an important role in K562/HHT cells.Mifepristone can reverse MDR in K562/HHT cells by decreasing the accumulative value of intracellular drug and regulating the expression of Bcl-2,Bax and caspase-3.     

Glucosylceramide synthase upregulates apoptosis-related gene bcl-2 expression via MEK/ERK signaling pathway in leukemia multidrug-resis-tant cell line

AIM: To investigate whether glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) regulates apoptosis-related gene bcl-2 expression via MEK/ERK signaling pathway, thus enhancing drug resistance of K562/A02 human leukemia multidrug resistant cell line. METHODS: siRNA targeting GCS was transfected into K562/A02 cells. Bcl-2, p-ERK and total ERK expression at mRNA and protein levels after GCS knockdown were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting. After exposed to MEK-ERK pathway inhibitor U0126, the expression of Bcl-2 at mRNA and protein levels also was analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The viability of the cells was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. RESULTS: The expression of GCS and Bcl-2, as well as MEK/ERK signaling were significantly inhibited in K562/A02 cells by GCS siRNA transfection compared with negative control group. Inactivation of MEK/ERK signaling due to U0126 treatment decreased Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels in a concentration-dependent manner, and sensitized K562/A02 cells to adriamycin. CONCLUSION: GCS may affect the expression of apoptosis-related gene bcl-2 by MEK/ERK signaling pathway, thus regulating multidrug resistance of human leukemia K562/A02 cells.     

Reverse effects of saikoside on multidrug resistance of human leukemic cell line K562/ADM in vitro

AIM: To study the reverse effects of saikoside (SS) on the multidrug resistance (MDR) of human leukemic cell line K562/ADM and to investigate the related mechanism. METHODS: K562 cells and K562/ADM cells in the culture were treated with SS at the concentrations of 1~100 mg/L. The inhibitory rate of the cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Non-cytotoxic dose of SS was determined. K562/ADM cells were treated with SS at non-cytotoxic doses of 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/L with different concentrations of adriamycin (ADM,0.05~100 mg/L). The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) and the reversal index in all groups were determined. The cell morphology was observed after treated with SS+ADM. The effects of SS on ADM accumulation in K562/ADM cells, the cell cycle profile and apoptosis were examined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The inhibitory rates were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner when the cells were treated with different doses of SS (1~100 mg/L). The available reversal concentration of SS was 5.0 mg/L and the reversal index was 21.5 folds for K562/ADM cells. After treated with SS+ADM, the number of tumor cells was decreased and apoptotic cells were increased in a dose-response relationship. ADM accumulation in K562/ADM cells treated with SS was significantly higher than that in control cells (P<0.05). SS may significantly enhanced the apoptosis of K562/ADM cells treated with ADM (P<0.05). K562/ADM cells treated with SS were blocked in the stage of G₀/G₁. CONCLUSION: SS has effect on proliferation inhibition and MDR reversal in K562/ADM cell line. The reversal mechanisms of SS may be due to increasing the accumulation of chemo therapeutics in the cell, inducing the cell apoptosis and arresting the cells in G₀/G₁ phase.     

Bcl-2 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide increases the sensitivity of HL60 and K562 cells to daunorubicin

AIM:To investigate whether the bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide increases the sensitivity of HL60 and K562 cell lines to daunorubicin.METHODS:IC50 for HL60 and K562 was determined with MTT method, the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein were assayed by immunofluorescence using fluoresce isothiocyanate labeling. In addition, apoptosis was detected by morphological observation and flow cytometric analysis of DNA fragmentation.RESULTS:It was found that the two oligonucleotides directed against the coding region and the translation initiation of bcl-2 mRNA, combined respectively with daunorubicin, inhibited expression of bcl-2 protein, increased apoptosis in HL60 and K562 cells, and decreased IC50 of daunorubicin significantly (P＜0.05). Compared to the antisense oligonucleotide directed against the translation initiation of bcl-2 mRNA, the antisense oligonucleotide directed against the coding region showed stronger effects in the aspects of increasing the sensitivity of HL60 cells to daunorubicin (P＜0.05).CONCLUSIONS:These two antisense sequences in the translation initiation and the coding region of bcl-2 mRNA increased the sensitivity of HL60 and K562 cell lines to daunorubicin in a sequence-specific manner.     

Inhibition of NF-κB activation by pvrrolidine dithiocarbamate increases sensitivity of HL-60 cells to cytotoxic drugs

AIM: To explore whether inhibition of NF-κB by antioxidant pvrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) sensitizes leukemia cells to cytotoxic drugs and its mechanism. METHODS: The indirect immunofluorescence method and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were used to measure the activation of NF-κB. The apoptotic cells were evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM) and the in vitro growth inhibitory effect was performed using a MTT assay. RESULTS: EMSA showed that NF-κB was activated by daunorubicin (DNR), VP-16 and then was inhibited by PDTC in a dose-dependent manner. NF-κB activation was further verified because of subunit RelA of NF-κB locating in the nuclei. FCM analysis showed that apoptotic index of HL-60 cells was up to (8.97±0.81)%, (16.01±1.06)%, (22.96±1.33)% from (5.34±0.62)%, (10.16±0.42)%, (17.32±1.15)% after exposure of HL-60 cells to 2.5-10 mg/L VP-16 combined with PDTC. VP-16 added with PDTC produced greater growth inhibitory effect to HL-60 cells than did VP-16 or DNR only (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Reactive oxygen intermediates play an important role in inducible NF-κB activation. The inhibition of NF-κB by antioxidant PDTC sensitizes HL-60 cells to cytotoxic drugs.     

Establishment of arsenic trioxide-resistant K562/AS2 cell line and the mechanism of multidrug resistance

AIM:To establish a arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃ )-resistant leukemic cell line to explore the mechanism of resistance to As₂O₃, and the relationship between the resistant cell line and the multidrug resistance was also investigated. METHODS:The arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃ )-resistant leukemic cell line was established by exposing the cells to the increasing concentration of As₂O₃. MTT assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity. Cell cycle was detected by PI assay. Flow Cytometry was used to detect the P-glycoprotein on the surface of the cells, the intracellular concentration of DNR, and the immuetype of the cells. RESULTS:The cell doublings time and the cell cycle of the arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃ )-resistant leukemic cell line, K562/AS2, is similar to that of K562. The relative resistant fold of K562/AS2 to As₂O₃, DNR, VP16 and Ara-C was 7.4, 2.9, 3.8 and 1.1, respectively. The relative resistant fold of multidrug resistant cell line, K562/ A02, to As₂O₃, DNR, VP16 and Ara-C was 0.8、94、2.5 and 0.9, respectively. The fluorescence of the P-glycoprotein on the surface or of the DNR inside the cells detected was not significantly different between the K562 and the K562/AS2 cell lines. CONCLUSIONS:A cell line, K562/AS2, resistant to clinical achieving level (2 μmol/L) of As₂O₃ has been established. The relative resistant fold of K562/ AS2 to As₂O₃ is about 7.4 fold to the parent K562 line sensitive to As₂O₃. Partial resistance of K562/AS2 to DNR and VP16 is observed , the mechanism of which is unrelated to the P-gp, the expression product of multidrug resistance gene 1 (mdr1).     

Apoptotic mechanism of neuron-like cells differentiated from adult rat mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of apoptosis during the process of adult rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiating into neuron-like cells in vitro. METHODS: The MSCs were isolated primarily from adult rats bone marrow by density gradient and then expanded in medium as undifferentiated cells for 3-5 generations. The MSCs were divided into three groups at random. The control group was induced with β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME). Meanwhile, the U0126 group was given β-ME and U0126 (10 μmol/L) added at the beginning of induction. The PMA groups were treated with β-ME and different concentrations of PMA since pre-induction. The effects of U0126 and PMA on the activity of neuron-like cells were observed by MTT. The effects of U0126 and PMA on the expression of neuron specific marker nestin and expression of apoptosis-related protein caspase, Bcl-2, Bax in neuron-like cells were detected by using immunocytochemistry method. TUNEL technique was used to detect apoptosis index. RESULTS: Compared to control group, neuron viability, nestin and Bcl-2 increased and neuron apoptosis decreased in U0126 group (P<0.05). The activity of neuron-like cells, the expression of nestin and Bcl-2 in experiment group treated with 300 nmol/L PMA decreased (P<0.05), while Bax protein expression and apoptosis index increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both MAPK and PKC signal pathways may be involved in the differentiation of MSCs into neuron-like cells as well as the apoptotic process in differentiated neuron-like cells.     

Role of Daxx in inhibiting megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells

AIM: To examine the effects of death domain-associated protein (Daxx) overexpression on the viability and megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells. METHODS: Daxx overexpression in the K562 cells was established. The expression of Daxx was detected by fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot after transfection. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell viability after overexpression of Daxx. The expression of CD41 and CD61 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induced K562 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The protein levels of Daxx and p-ERK were determined by Western blot. Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)-reducing test was used to assess leukemia cell differentiation in Daxx-overexpressing K562 cells and control cells. The expression of CD41 and CD61 induced by PMA in Daxx-overexpressing K562 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein levels of Daxx and p-ERK were also examined by Western blot. RESULTS: The stable overexpression of Daxx in the K562 cells was established. The viability was reduced in Daxx-overexpressing K562 cells. The expression of CD41 and CD61 was significantly increased after PMA induction in the K562 cells (P < 0.01). The protein expression of Daxx was reduced, but the protein level of p-ERK was increased. The expression of CD41 and CD61 was reduced after PMA induction in Daxx-overexpressing K562 cells (P < 0.01). The protein level of p-ERK was also reduced. CONCLUSION: Daxx overexpression inhibits the growth, megakaryocytic differentiation and production of p-ERK in the K562 cells.     

Targeted inhibition of microRNA-21 with antisense oligonucleotide and their effects on human leukemic K562 cells

AIM: To explore the inhibitory effect of anti-miRNA-21 oligonucleotide (AMO-miRNA-21) on human leukemic K562 cells. METHODS: K562 cells were transfected with AMO-miRNA-21, which was complementary to the miRNA-21 in a sequence-specific manner. Viability of K562 cells was measured by MTT assay and the optimal concentration for transfection was determined. The inhibitory effect of AMO on the K562 cell growth was examined by trypan blue dye exclusion assay at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after transfection. Giemsas staining was used to detect morphologic changes of the transfected cells. The cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression were assayed by flow cytometry. Expression of microRNA-21 in the cells was measured by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The growth of cells treated with AMO-miRNA-21 was obviously inhibited compared with that in control groups (P<0.05). Very low cytotoxic and high inhibitory effects of AMO-miRNA-21 were found at concentration of 0.6 μmol/L. The inhibitory effect lasted for 72 h. Apoptotic cells were increased in AMO group and typical morphologic changes were conformed by Giemsas staining. One visible hypodiploid peak was detected in the histogram. However, the cell cycle progression was not inhibited evidently. The expression of microRNA-21 in the transfected cells was down-regulated significantly. CONCLUSION: Targeted inhibition of microRNA-21 with antisense oligonucleotide effectively suppresses leukemic K562 cells growth by inducing apoptosis. miRNA-21 might be a potential target for leukemia therapy.     

Genistein inhibits proliferation of human oral cancer TCA8113 cells through suppression of VEGF expression

AIM: To investigate the effect of genistein on the proliferation of human oral cancer TCA8113 cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS: The cell proliferation was examined by MTT assay, cell counting and colony formation assay. Western blotting was employed to examine the protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) and p-ERK. RESULTS: Genistein significantly inhibited the proliferation of TCA8113 cells in a concentration-dependent fashion. Moreover, genistein dose-dependently decreased the protein levels of VEGF, ERK and p-ERK. The expression of VEGF was also blunted by U0126, a specific inhibitor of ERK. U0126 and axitinib, a VEGF receptor antagonist, both significantly inhibited the proliferation of TCA8113 cells. CONCLUSION: Genistein inhibits the proliferation of TCA8113 cells, which may be related to its inhibitory effect on ERK expression and activation, thus subsequently decreasing the expression of VEGF.     

Effect of NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbonate on the proliferation and apoptosis in K562 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a specific inhibitor of NF-κB on the proliferation and apoptosis of K562 cells and to explore the anti-tumor mechanism of PDTC.METHODS: Trans AMTM NF-κB p65 kit was used to detect the activity of p65 in K562 cells treated by PDTC. The effect of PDTC on the proliferation of K562 cells was measured by WST-1 method. DNA damage was detected by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). The procaspase-3 and activated protein level of caspase-3 were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS: The activity of p65 in K562 cells was inhibited after treated by PDTC (P<0.01). Simultaneously the cell proliferation was significantly inhibited in a dose-and time-dependent manner (P<0.01). The degree of DNA damage in K562 cells treated with PDTC at concentrations of 25 μmol/L, 50 μmol/L or 100 μmol/L was more severe than that in control. The rates of comet cells in the PDTC-treated groups (43.50％, 84.00％, 95.63％) were significantly higher than those in control (9.75％, P<0.01), and it was also dose-dependent. The expression of procaspase-3 and activated caspase-3 protein were detected in the cytoplasm of the K562 cells treated by PDTC by Western blotting.CONCLUSION: NF-κB plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis in K562 cells. PDTC inhibits NF-κB activity and elevates the expression of caspase-3, which is related to increase in cell apoptosis.     

Rapamycin enhances chemosensitivity of endometrial cancer cells to adria-mycin

AIM: To explore the therapeutic effect of adriamycin combined with rapamycin on endometrial cancer cells. METHODS: Two endometrial carcinoma cell lines with different PTEN gene states were chosen: HEC-1A (wild type) and Ishikawa (mutant type). Before adriamycin administration, the cells were pretreated with low concentration of rapamycin for 24 h. The cell viability and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of adriamycin at 24 h were determined by MTT assay. Multiple drug effect/combination index (CI) was used to evaluate the interaction between adriamycin and rapamycin. Apoptotic rate was measured by flow cytometry. The effects of the drugs on phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and apoptosis protein caspase-3 were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Both adriamycin and rapamycin showed obvious growth inhibitory effects on the 2 endometrial cancer cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent manner. After pretreated with rapamycin, IC₅₀ of adriamycin decreased sharply. In Ishikawa cells, it decreased from (21.3±3.8) μmol/L to(11.9±1.2) μmol/L,P<0.05. In HEC-1A cells, it decreased from (14.3±2.8) μmol/L to (8.2±0.9) μmol/L,P<0.05. Combination index value of the 2 drugs was more than 1.15 in the 2 endometrial cancer cell lines, indicating synergistic effects. The combination therapy of adriamycin with rapamycin increased apoptotic rates in the 2 cell lines, and induced the down-regulation of phosphorylated Akt and over-expression of caspase-3 as compared with single drug treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Adriamycin combined with rapamycin significantly enhances the chemosensitivity of endometrial cancer cells and reduces drug resistance, which will become a new trend for treating endometrial cancer.     

Knockdown of RALA by siRNA inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in human leukemic K562 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of siRNA-induced knockdown of v-ral simian leukemia viral oncogene homolog A(RALA) on proliferation and apoptosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia(CML) K562 cells. METHODS: The chemically synthesized siRNA targeting to RALA gene was transfected into K562 cells using Lipofectamine^TM 2000. The proliferation and viability of K562 cells were detected by MTT assay and trypan blue dye exclusion. The expression levels of RALA mRNA and protein were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting,respectively. The cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry by double staining with annexin V and propidium iodide, and the apoptotic morphological changes were detected by Hoechst 33258 staining. RESULTS: RALA siRNA significantly down-regulated RALA mRNA and protein expression in K562 cells(P<0.05). The proliferation of K562 cells in RALA siRNA group was inhibited compared with control group(P<0.05). The apoptotic rate was much higher in RALA siRNA group than that in negative control group(P<0.05). The apoptotic morphological changes were observed in the nuclei of K562 cells transfected with RALA siRNA. CONCLUSION: The siRNA-mediated knockdown of RALA results in inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in K562 cells, indicating that RALA might be used as a potential therapeutic target in chronic myelogenous leukemia.     

Effect of decitabine on resistance of K562/A02 cells to adriamycin

AIM: To investigate the effect of decitabine (DAC) on the resistance of human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line K562/A02 to adriamycin (ADR), and to explore the possible mechanism. METHODS: The K562/A02 cell line and its parental cell line K562 were treated with different concentrations of ADR or DAC alone, or in combination. The cytotoxic effects of these 2 agents were determined by CCK-8 assay. The degree of DNA methylation was evaluated by Sequenom MassARRAY system and colorimetric method. The cell cycle distribution and the apoptotic rate were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: K562/A02 cells were more significantly resistant to ADR than K562 cells.The half maximal inhibitory concentration of ADR for 24 h of the K562/A02 cells was about 50 times higher than that of the K562 cells. To DAC, in the concentration range of 0.5~8 μmol/L, K562/A02 cells were more sensitive than K562 cells. As compared with the same concentrations (4.31 μmol/L and 17.24 μmol/L) of ADR alone, the combination with 1 μmol/L DAC significantly improved the sensitivity of K562/A02 cells to ADR. Both DAC and ADR affected the cell cycle progression and apoptotic rate of K562/A02 cells. DAC (1 μmol/L) treatment mainly showed S phase arrest and increased early apoptotic rate for 24 h, and G₂/M phase arrest and increased late apoptosis and necrosis for 48 h in a time-related manner. ADR treatment showed G₂/M phase arrest and increased late apoptosis and necrosis in a concentration-dependent manner. In combination with 1 μmol/L DAC, the effect of ADR on the cell cycle distribution was further enhanced, showing more obvious G₂/M phase arrest, but no significant difference of the apoptotic rate was observed. The degree of methylation in the genome had no significant difference between the 2 cells, and it before and after DAC treatment had no significant change. CONCLUSION: DAC enhances the sensitivity of K562/A02 cells to ADR, showing drug resistance-reversing potential. The mechanism may be related to regulating cell cycle progression and promoting apoptosis and necrosis of K562/A02 cells.     

Urotensin Ⅱinduces pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation and up-regulates Egr-1 expression through ERK1/2 pathway in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of urotensinⅡ (UⅡ) on the proliferation of cultured rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and to explore whether mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) involved in the regulation of the PASMCs proliferation stimulated by UⅡ. METHODS: The rat PASMCs were isolated and cultured in vitrowith explant culture technique. The proliferation of cultured PASMCs stimulated by different doses of UⅡwas detected by BrdU incorporation. The mRNA expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK), p38 MAPK and Egr-1 in cultured PASMCs treated with UⅡ, UⅡ-specific antagonist urantide, and ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 was detected by real-time PCR. The protein levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), p-SAPK, p-p38 and Egr-1 in cultured PASMCs were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: UⅡ at concentrations of 1 μmol/L, 0.1 μmol/L and 0.01 μmol/L increased the proliferation of cultured PASMCs in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01 or P<0.05), with the maximal effect at a concentration of 1 μmol/L. However, urantide inhibited the promotion effect of UⅡ on PASMC proliferation (P<0.05). UⅡ up-regulated the mRNA expression of ERK1/2, SAPK and Egr-1 (P<0.01 or P<0.05), but not the p38 MAPK. However, the up-regulatory effect of UⅡ on ERK1/2 and Egr-1 expression was inhibited by PD98059 and/or urantide (P<0.01 or P<0.05). UⅡ also increased the protein levels of p-ERK1/2, p-SAPK and Egr-1 (P<0.01 or P<0.05), but the promotion effect was also inhibited by PD98059 and/or urantide (P<0.01 or P<0.05).CONCLUSION: UⅡ increases the proliferation of PASMCs, and U Ⅱand Egr-1 participates in UⅡ-mediated proliferation of cultured PASMCs through activation of ERK1/2 signal pathway.     

Effect of miR-24 on chemotherapy sensitivity in lung cancer A549 cells

AIM: To study the effect of microRNA (miR)-24 on chemotherapy sensitivity and its possible mechanisms in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. METHODS: The expression of miR-24 in the A549 cells and A549/DDP cells was determined by real-time PCR. Transfection of miR-24 inhibitor was used to down-regulate the miR-24 level in the A549/DDP cells. The viability and apoptosis rate were measured by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The protein levels of Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, cytochrome C (Cyt C), phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (p-ERK) and P53 were detected by Western blot. Luciferase reporter assay was used to predict and identify the target genes of miR-24. RESULTS: The expression of miR-24 was significantly higher in the A549/DDP cells than that in the A549 cells (P<0.05). miR-24 inhibitor induced cell apoptosis and increased the sensitivity of the A549/DDP cells to cisplatin. Furthermore, miR-24 inhibitor down-regulated the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, while up-regulated the protein levels of P53, p-ERK, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3 and Cyt C. Incubation with U0126, a specific ERK inhibitor, partly reversed the viability of miR-24 inhibitor transfected A549/DDP cells. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that p53 was a potential target gene of miR-24. Co-teansfection of miR-24 inhibitor and P53 siRNA in A549/DDP cells partially reversed the effect of miR-24 inhibitor on cell viabiltiy. CONCLUSION: Down-regulation of miR-24 increases the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin. The mechanism may be related to directly targeting p53 gene and over-activation of ERK/P53 signaling pathway, thus promoting apoptosis via mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.     

黑暗中脱水对‘ 金太阳’ 杏离体叶片PSI和PSII功能的影响

以6年生'金太阳'杏(Prunus armeniaca L. 'Jin Taiyang')叶片为试材,通过同时测定叶绿素荧光快速诱导动力学曲线和对820 nm光的吸收曲线,分析了黑暗脱水条件下,杏叶片光系统Ⅱ(PSⅡ)和光系统Ⅰ(PSⅠ)功能的变化及相互影响.结果表明,叶片在黑暗中脱水能对光合结构造成严重伤害.黑暗脱水对PSⅡ供体侧的影响不明显.在相对含水量(RWC)降到59%时,快速叶绿素荧光诱导动力学曲线和820 nm光吸收曲线的形状已有非常明显的变化,但对PSⅡ最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)和反映PSⅠ活性的△I/Io的影响较小.这说明RWC大于59%时,PSⅡ供应电子的能力和PSⅠ接受电子的能力可以保持相互匹配,即PSⅡ和PSⅠ的活性之间是协调的.RWC低于59%时,PSⅠ与PSⅡ之间的上述协调关系被打破,△I/Io的下降早而且大于Fv/Fm的变化,表明叶片脱水对PSⅠ的伤害比PSⅡ严重.与Fv/Fm相比,以吸收光能为基础的光合性能指数(PIABS)可以较全面地反映两个光系统间光合电子传递的变化.     

Effects of marrow stromal cell-mediated microenvironment on human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of marrow stromal cell line HS-5 on human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells in the tumor microenvironment. METHODS: The effects of HS-5 cell-conditioned medium (HS-5-CM) on the viability and migration ability of A549 cells were detected by MTT assay and wound-healing assay. After treatment with HS-5-CM, the expression of CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) at mRNA level in the A549 cells was examined by qPCR. The protein levels of p-ERK and ERK in the A549 cells treated with MAPK/ERK pathway inhibitor U0126 were observed by Western blot, the migration ability of the A549 cells was measured by wound-healing assay, and the protein expression of CX3CR1 was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: HS-5-CM promoted the viability and migration ability of the A549 cells (P<0.01). The expression of CX3CR1 at mRNA level in the A549 cells was increased after treatment with HS-5-CM. MAPK/ERK inhibitor U0126 inhibited the activation of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway (P<0.01), and reduced the migration ability (P<0.01) and the expression of CX3CR1 (P<0.05) in the A549 cells. CONCLUSION: HS-5-CM significantly promotes the A549 cell viability and migration ability. Activation of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and the expression of CX3CR1 may play a important role in this process.     

Salinomycin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of Gleevec-resistant chronic myeloid leukemic cell line K562/Glv

AIM: To study the effect of salinomycin on inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of Gleevec-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia cell line K562/Glv. METHODS: The inhibitory effect of salinomycin on the growth of K562/Glv cells was detected by CCK-8 assay in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to observe apoptosis, mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨ_m), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the concentration of intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) in K562/Glv cells. The activity of caspase-3, -8 and -9 was measured by the method of colorimetry. The levels of cytochrome C, Bcl-2, Bax, β-catenin and phosphorylated low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (p-LRP6) were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Salinomycin inhibited the growth of K562/Glv cells in a dose-dependent manner. Salinomycin at concentration of 0.2 μmol/L inhibited the growth of the cells with the inhibitory rate of (36.70±2.31)%. The cell apoptotic rate was (19.66±2.23)%. Salinomycin at concentration of 0.2 μmol/L decreased the level of ΔΨ_m, and increased the levels of ROS, cytochrome C and[Ca²⁺]_i in the cells. Salinomycin also increased the activity of caspase-3, -8 and -9 in the cells, reduced the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, and attenuated the levels of β-catenin and p-LRP6. CONCLUSION: Salinomycin induces the apoptosis of Gleevec-resistant myeloid leukemia cell line K562/Glv via Bcl-2/Bax and mitochondria-dependent pathways, and inhibits the cell growth through Wnt signal pathway.