Upregulatory effect of isopsoralen on expression of estrogen receptor in human lens epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of isopsoralen(ISR) on the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). METHODS: HLECs were cultured and sub-cultured in vitro. The cultured HLECs pretreated with E₂ or ISR were exposed to H₂O₂ at the concentration of 300 μmol/L. The expression of ERα and ERβ in HLECs was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expression of ERα and ERβ in H₂O₂ group was obviously decreased as compared to control group (P<0.01). The expression of ERα and ERβ in the cells treated with E₂ and with ISR at the concentration of 10^-5 mol/L, 10^-6 mol/L or 10^-7 mol/L plus H₂O₂ was obviously increased as compared to the cells treated with H₂O₂ only (P<0.01). A concentration-dependent effect of ISR was observed. CONCLUSION: H₂O₂ decreases the expression of ERα and ERβ in HLECs.E₂ and ISR increase the expression of ERα and ERβ in HLECs treated with H₂O₂ in a concentration-dependent manner, which may account for their antioxidative effect.     

Toll-like receptor 4 expression on mast cells in human gingival tissues with chronic periodontitis

AIM: To observe the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on mast cells in human gingival tissues with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: A total of 68 volunteers, including 23 cases of mild chronic periodontitis, 25 cases of severe chronic periodontitis and 20 healthy controls, were involved in this study, and their gingival specimens were taken and fixed in 4% neutral formalin. The histological changes of gingival tissues were observed by HE staining. The expression of TLR4 in gingival tissues was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and TLR4 expression on mast cells was detected by immunofluorescence double staining. RESULTS: The expression of TLR4 in gingival tissues and on mast cells in chronic periodontitis groups was significantly higher than that in normal control group (P<005), and that in severe chronic periodontitis group was significantly higher than that in mild chronic periodontitis group (P<005). CONCLUSION: The expression of TLR4 in gingival tissues and on mast cells is increased with the severity of chronic periodontitis, suggesting that TLR4, especially TLR4 on mast cells, may play an important role in human chronic periodontitis.     

Effect of sodium ferulate on expression of BCl-2 and bax in rat lens epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of sodium ferulate on expression of apoptosis-related genes, BCl-2 and bax, in rat lens epithelial cells (LEC) injured by oxidation.METHODS: Eyes of SD rats were divided randomly into four groups: control group, hydrogen peroxide group (H₂O₂), pirenoxine sodium group (PS) and sodium ferulate group (SF). Eyes were excised and lenses were separated under operating microscope and sterilized condition. Lenses were incubated in CO₂ incubator for 24 h with 300μmol·L^-1H₂O₂ and with or rithout 5 mmol·L^-1SF. The expression of BCl-2 and Bax protein of LEC were measured and compared by tearing the LEC anterior capsule via immunohistochemical analysis.RESULTS: (1) There were BCl-2 and Bax expression in normal lenses of SD rates, BCl-2 expression was stronger than Bax. (2) BCl-2 expression decreased and Bax expression increased markedly (P<0.01),BCl-2/Bax reduced in H₂O₂ group. (3) There were up regulation of BCl-2 expression and down-regulation down of Bax expression, and BCl-2/Bax increased in SF group compared with H₂O₂ group (P<0.01). (4) The above changes were similar between PS group and SF group, but much stronger in SF group than that in PS group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: These results show that SF regulates expression of apoptosis-related genes, BCl-2 and bax, which may be the molecular mechanism of LEC apoptosis inhibition by SF.     

Role of Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 in Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin induced injury of renal tubule epithelial cells

[ABSTRACT] AIM: To explore the effect of Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 in Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin（BCG）induced human proximal renal tubule epithelial cells（HK-2）injury. METHODS: HK-2 cells were stimulated by BCG, the expression of TLR2 ,TLR4,Chemokine(C-X-C motif) ligand 1(CXCL1), Transforming growth factor beta 1( TGF-β1) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. TLR2 monoclonal Antibodies and TLR4 inhibitor was treated with HK-2 cells 1h before BCG stimulating, The expression of CXCL1 and TGF-β1 was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. RESULTS：BCG can induce the increased expression of TLR2,TLR4,CXCL1 and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells. Additionally , CXCL1 and TGF-β1 expression was inhibited partly by TLR2 monoclonal Antibodies and TLR4 inhibitor respectively. CONCULUSION: BCG is able to increase TLR2,TLR4,CXCL1 and TGF-β1 production in HK-2 cells.Our results indicate that TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathway plays important role in tubule epithelial cells injury induced by BCG.     

The expression of CD14 in rat Kupffer cells

AIM: To explore the expression of CD14 in rat Kupffer cells (KCs). METHODS: In rat KCs induced by LPS or the mediators from KCs induced by LPS, the changes of CD14 expression were measured by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.The expressions of TNFα mRNA、IL-6 mRNA or the concentrations of TNFα、IL-6 were estimated by in situ hybridization and radioimmunoassay, respectively. RESULTS: LPS increased the expression of CD14 in KCs in a dose-dependent fashion (LPS, 1 μg/L-10 mg/L) and in a time-dependent fashion(0.5 h-24 h, peaked at 3-6 hours). While the expression of CD14 in KCs stimulated by the active mediators from KCs which had been exposed to LPS 1 hour were obviously increased. CONCLUSIONS: There was a close relationship between LPS or the active mediators from KCs induced by LPS and the expressions of CD14. It is implied that the increase in CD14 expression may be induced by LPS and the cytokines produced by KCs, it also reveals that there is a auto-regulated loop in CD14 expression.     

Effect of simvastatin on expression of Toll-like receptor 2 in mouse cytomegalovirus pneumonia

AIM: To investigate the effects of simvastatin on the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in lung tissues of mice with mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) pneumonia and to explore the possible mechanism. METHODS: Male BALB/c mice (6~8 weeks old, n=40) were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control (NC) group, MCMV infection group, simvastatin group 1 (SMV1 group), simvastatin group 2 (SMV2 group), and simvastatin group 3 (SMV3 group). The mice in SMV1, SMV2 and SMV3 groups were gavaged with simvastatin (50 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 for 7 d) 7 d before, on the same day of and 3 d after intraperitoneal injection of MCMV, while the mice in normal control group and MCMV infection group were gavaged with the same volume of normal saline. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissues in mice. Total tissue protein was extracted from the lung homogenates to detect the expression of TLR-2 by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. Real-time PCR was used to analyse the content of MCMV DNA. The levels of IFN-γ and MCP-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Compared with NC group, the pathological changes of the lung tissues of the mice in MCMV group showed alveolar interstitial edema, alveolar wall widening and a large number of inflammatory cells. The expression of TLR-2 in the lung tissues of the mice in model group was increased significantly. The content of MCMV DNA was increased, and the expression of IFN-γ and MCP-1 was also increased significantly. Compared with the mice in MCMV group, the pathological changes of the lung tissues of simvastatin groups showed that the inflammatory cells were decreased. The expression of TLR-2 was down-regulated. The content of MCMV DNA was decreased, and the levels of IFN-γ and MCP-1 were also decreased significantly. At the same time, the expression of TLR-2 and the content of MCMV DNA in SMV1 group were less than those in SMV2 and SMV3 groups (P<0.05), and no statistically significant difference between SMV2 and SMV3 groups was observed. CONCLUSION: Simvastatin down-regulates the TLR-2 signaling pathway, and reduces the expression of TLR-2 and replication of MCMV DNA, thus attenuating the pathological damage of the lung tissue. Early intervention with simvastatin plays an important role in preventing the infection of MCMV and reducing the inflammation.     

Unfractionated heparin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of interleukin-8 in human endothelial cells through Toll-like receptor 4 signaling

AIM:To determine the effect of unfractionated heparin(UFH) on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced expression of interleukin-8(IL-8) and the role of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) signaling. METHODS:Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells(HPMECs) were either exposed to LPS alone(10 mg/L) or in combination with 100 U/L or 10³ U/L UFH. UFH was added to the cells 15 min prior to stimulation with LPS. Those samples not receiving LPS or UFH received an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline. The concentrations of IL-8 in the cell culture supernatants were detected by ELISA at 2, 6 and 12 h. The mRNA expression of IL-8, CD14 and TLR4 in HPMECs was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction at 2, 6 and 12 h. RESULTS:Compared with normal control group, the mRNA expression of IL-8 in LPS group was increased, and reached the peak at 6 h. The protein level of IL-8 reached the peak at 12 h. The mRNA expression of TLR4 in LPS group reached the peak at 6 h. They were down-regulated in UFH group. The mRNA expression of CD14 was not detected. CONCLUSION:The expression of IL-8 is obviously increased in LPS-treated HPMECs. UFH might exert its therapeutic effect through TLR4 signaling.     

Effect of IL-4, CD40L on RANTES production in murine renal tubular epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of IL-4, CD40L on RANTES production in murine renal tubular epithelial cells (TEC). METHODS: TEC were obtained from mouse, expression of RANTES and CD40 on TEC were measured. RESULTS: (1) Activation of TEC with IL-4 resulted in significant increase in CD40 expression (P＜0.01).(2) A little RANTES was detectable in supernatants without stimulation. TEC stimulated with either cytokine IL-4 or CD40mAb resulted in strong induction of RANTES production up to 43.61±13.73 or 73.77±4.28(ng/L), respectively. The differences of RANTES between two stimulation groups and that in medium were statistically significant (P<0.01). TEC stimulated with IL-4 and CD40mAb produced more RANTES than that in medium (P<0.01), which was higher than that with single stimulation (P<0.01). (3) TEC stimulated with IL-4 or CD40 activation or combined stimulation of IL-4 and CD40mAb resulted in increase in levels of RANTE mRNA, which were higher than that in medium. CONCLUSION: Co-stimulation of TEC by IL-4 and CD40mAb up-regulated the RANTES production, suggesting the RANTES may participate in the inflammation of TEC.     

Changes of global gene expression in lens epithelial cells of human age-related cataract

AIM:To identify the differences of gene expression between human age-related cataract and clear lenses. METHODS:The RNA were extracted from human age related cataract and clear lens epithelial cells, labeled with cy3/cy5 as probes, then were hybridized to cDNA chip containing 8 064 genes. The differential expressions of the genes were screened. Furthermore, a primary classification of these genes function was given. The expression levels of the identified genes were further evaluated by real time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS:286 genes expression were observed to increase and 438 genes expression were observed to decrease in cataractous lens epithelial cells as compared with normal lens. According to functional analysis, the changed genes in cataract lens are associated with lens structural components, cytoskeleton, cell cycle, apoptosis and stress responses. CONCLUSION:These data suggest that there are differences in gene expression between cataract and clear human lens epithelial cells. The majority of genes changed in cataract exhibited decreased expression. Processes associated with the down-regulated genes may reflect the inability of the lens to maintain its homeostasis and transparency.     

Effect of Toll-like receptor 4 signal transduction on airway inflammation in infant asthmatic rat

AIM: To study the change and regulatory mechanism of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on eosinophil (EOS) apoptosis. METHODS: Twenty-seven SD rats were randomly divided into control group (A), asthma group (B) and dexamethasone group (D). Asthmatic model rats were sensitized and repeatedly exposed to aerosolized ovalbumin. Pulmonary tissues were observed under light microscope (LM). The inflammatory cells in BALF were counted. The levels of IL-10 in serum were measured by ELISA. Expressions of TLR4 mRNA were tested by hybridization. The apoptotic EOS was detected by TUNEL.RESULTS: (1) LM showed that inflammatory cells infiltrated around the bronchus, airway mucous plug in group B, obviously lightened in group D. (2) Inflammatory cells count in BALF: the total cellular score, EOS absolute count and EOS% in group B were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared to group B, a significant decrease in group D was observed (P<0.01). (3) The level of IL-10 in group B was significantly higher than that in group A and in group D (P<0.01). (4) No significant difference (P>0.05) of TLR4 mRNA expression was observed between group A and group B. However, that in group D were significantly increased (P< 0.01). (5) Percentages of apoptotic EOS in group B were significantly lower than those in group A (P<0.01), those in group D were significantly increased (P<0.01). A significant correlation between TLR4 mRNA and apoptotic EOS (r=0.612, P<0.01) was observed. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone can increase IL-10 secretion, induce EOS apoptosis, which may correlate with TLR4 signal transduction.     

Inhibitory effect of cholecystokinin octapeptide on expression of CD14 on rat pulmonary interstitial macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide in vitro

AIM:To study the effect of cholecystokinin octapeptide(CCK-8) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated pulmonary interstitial macrophage(IM)in vitro.METHODS:Pulmonary IM were isolated and cultured in the presence of LPS, CCK-8, proglumide(the antagonist of CCK receptors) and vehicle alone or together. The expression of mCD14 protein was assayed by flow cytometry, and sCD14 in the supernatant was analyzed semi-quantitatively by Western blot, and TNF-α in the supernatant was detected with ELISA.RESULTS:CCK-8, at concentrations from 10^-7mol/L to 10^-6mol/L inhibited significantly the expression of mCD14, the release of sCD14 and TNF-α to the supernatant up-regulated by LPS(1mg/L). The effect of CCK-8 was inhibited by proglumide. CONCLUSION:CCK-8 modulated negatively several functions of LPS-stimulated pulmonary IM through CCK receptors, which may be one of the mechanisms for CCK-8 to alleviate the inflammation in lung tissues during endotoxemia.     

Toll-like receptor 4 promotes migration and invasion abilities of human non-small-cell lung cancer cells

AIM:To evaluate the expression and biological role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. METHODS:The mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 in NSCLC tissue were exa-mined by RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. After treating the A549 cells and SPC-A-1 cells with TLR4 stimulator lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inhibitor TAK-242, RT-qPCR, Western blot and flow cytometry were performed to detect the expression of TLR4. The migration and invasion abilities were detected by Transwell assay, and the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was also detected. RESULTS:The mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 were higher in the NSCLC tissue than those in the noncancerous tissue (P<0.01). LPS stimulation significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4 in the NSCLC cell lines A549 and SPC-A-1 (P<0.01). The LPS-induced TLR4 activation enhanced the migration and invasion abilities of A549 cells and SPC-A-1 cells (P<0.01). LPS increased the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF in the A549 cells and SPC-A-1 cells (P<0.01). Moreover, the expression levels of TLR4, MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF, as well as the migration and invasion abilities of the cells were blocked by TAK-242 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:TLR4 might be involved in the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells, and TLR4 inhibition might be considered as a therapeutic target for treatment of NSCLC.     

Toll-like receptor 4 and damage of central nervous system

As a receptor mediating the transmembrane signal transduction in the innate immunity, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a bridge between innate immunity and required immunity, and plays an important role when signal-transducing of some cells are activated. Recent reports show that TLR4 expresses in the different glial cells and strongly links to the innate immune activation and inflammatory response in the central nervous system (CNS). TLR4 plays a key role in the processes of brain damage by infection of the CNS, stroke, cerebral hemorrhage and trauma. In this review, we concentrate on recent findings regarding the progress of function and mechanism of TLR4 in the processes of the CNS damage in various diseases.     

Effect of CHOP expression knock-down on apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells

AIM:To study the effect of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) on the apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial HK2 cells. METHODS:The serum mRNA levels of CHOP in the patients with acute kidney injury and healthy controls were detected by qPCR. In vitro, renal tubular epithelial HK2 cells were divided into control group, negative group (transfected with negative control siRNA), si-CHOP group (transfected with CHOP siRNA), and induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The viability of the cells was measured by MTT assay, and the apoptotic rate was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein levels of nuclear antigen Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with the healthy controls, the serum mRNA levels of CHOP in the patients with acute kidney injury were increased significantly (P<0.05). Transfection with CHOP siRNA significantly decreased the expression of CHOP in the renal tubular epithelial HK2 cells (P<0.05). Knock-down of CHOP expression by siRNA significantly increased the viability of renal tubular epithelial HK2 cells (P<0.05), decreased the apoptotic rate (P<0.05), increased the expression of Ki-67 and PCNA (P<0.05), and down-regulated the protein level of cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The serum mRNA levels of CHOP were increased in the patients with acute kidney injury. Knock-down of CHOP expression inhibits the apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by regulating the expression of proliferation-and apoptosis-related proteins.     

Inhibitory role of EGCG on proliferation of rabbit lens epithelial cells

AIM: (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is an extract from green tea, it could strongly inhibit the growth of cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells. This study explored the role of MEK1/ERK1/2 and JNK pathways in the proliferation inhibition of rabbit lens epithelial cells (LECs) induced by EGCG. METHODS: MTT colormetric assay was used to study the LECs growth inhibition. Western blotting were applied to study the kinsae phosphorylation level of ERK and JNK. RESULTS: (1) ERK activity blocker PD980059 could enhance EGCG-induced inhibition effect on proliferation of LECs compared with control groups in a dose-dependent manner. (2) Basic phosphorylation level of ERK was fairy high in LECs; and was increased by EGCG in a dose-dependent manner. The ERK phosphorylation reached its peak immediately after EGCG was added and stayed high even at the end of the test. (3) The basic phosphorylation-level of 54 kD JNK was weak but 46 kD was high in LECs; EGCG increased phosphorylated JNK level in a time and concentration-dependent manner in our test. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the LEC proliferation inhibition induced by EGCG is, at least in part, through ERK and JNK pathways.     

CNKI引文数据库《园艺学报》高被引频次论文排序

(截至2006年6月,排名前100位)序号被引文献题名被引文献作者被引文献来源被引频次1蔬菜硝酸盐累积的研究———Ⅰ.不同蔬菜硝酸盐沈明珠,翟宝杰,东惠茹,李俊国园艺学报/1982/04266和亚硝酸盐含量评价2温室土壤次生盐渍化的形成和治理途径研究童有为,陈淡飞园艺学报/1991/021323