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.     

Ethyl acetate extract of Pleione bulbocodioides (Franch.) Rolfe induces apoptosis of human leukemia K562 and HL-60 cells through intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway

AIM:To investigate the effects of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of Pleione bulbocodioides (Franch.) Rolfe on proliferation and apoptosis of human leukemia K562 and HL-60 cells and the possible apoptosis pathway. METHODS:Human leukemia cell lines were treated with EtOAc extract of Pleione bulbocodioides at different concentrations. XTT method was used to evaluate the viability of K562 cells and HL-60 cells. The cell growth inhibition was calculated by Trypan blue exclusion test. The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by flow cytometry, and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) was used to observe morphological changes of the cells. The cell cycle was observed by propidium iodide (PI) staining. The protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome C and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) wase determined by Western blot. RESULTS:The cell viability and proliferation were inhibited by EtOAc extract of Pleione bulbocodioides with IC₅₀ of (42.14±2.54) mg/L for HL-60 cells and (51.28±3.12) mg/L for K562 cells at 24 h. The results of Annexin V-FITC/PI and DAPI staining showed that EtOAc extract of Pleione bulbocodioides induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic rate was increased compared with control group (P<0.05). The G₂ phase increased with typical cell apoptosis-induced morphological changes. The levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 were increased, while Bcl-2 was down-regulated (P<0.05). Cytochrome C and AIF in cytosol, characteristic proteins of intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, also increased with the concentration of EtOAc extract of Pleione bulbocodioides increasing (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:EtOAc extract of Pleione bulbocodioides significantly inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis in human leukemia cell lines HL-60 and K562 through intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.     

Celecoxib inhibits viability,induces apoptosis and inhibits autophagy in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines HL-60 and HL-60A

AIM: To investigate the effects of celecoxib on viability, apoptosis and autophagy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines HL-60 and HL-60A. METHODS: The HL-60 cells and HL-60A cells were cultured with various concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μmol/L) of celecoxib. The inhibitory effect of celecoxib on the cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin-V/PI staining. Apoptosis-related and autophagy-related proteins were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: IC₅₀ of celecoxib were 49.4 μmol/L, 32.0 μmol/L and 25.1 μmol/L for HL-60 cells treated with celecoxib for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. For HL-60A cells, the corresponding IC₅₀ were 69.1 μmol/L, 42.5 μmol/L and 29.6 μmol/L, respectively. The results of flow cytometry analysis showed the proportions of Annexin-Ⅴ⁺ PI^-, Annexin-Ⅴ⁺ PI⁺ and Annexin-Ⅴ^-PI⁺ cells were increased in the HL-60 cells, and those of Annexin-Ⅴ⁺PI^- and Annexin-Ⅴ⁺ PI⁺ cells were increased in the HL-60A cells treated with celecoxib for 24 h. After treated with celecoxib, the induction of apoptosis was observed, the apoptosis-related proteins cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP were upregulated, the autophagy-related proteins LC3 II and P62 were both increased, and mTOR, p-mTOR, 4-EBP and p-4-EBP were not changed, indicating that celecoxib inhibited autophagy in the AML cells without the mTOR pathway involvement. CONCLUSION: Celecoxib inhibits the viability of HL-60 cells and HL-60A cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner by its effects of inducing apoptosis and necrosis. Celecoxib inhibits mTOR-independent autophagy in AML cells, indicating a possible way of using celecoxib for enhancing the antitumor activity of therapeutic agents to induce cytoprotective autophagy in the AML cells.     

Effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion-induced apoptosis in rat PC12 cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+)-induced apoptosis in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and to explore the relationships between its roles of anti-oxidation, intracellular calcium homeostasis and anti-apoptosis. METHODS: Rat PC12 cells were pretreated with vehicle control or EGCG (10, 50, and 100 μmol/L) for 30 min, then cultured with MPP+ (900 μmol/L) for 24 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were monitored by MTT assay and flow cytometry using Annexin V and PI. The activity of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), cytoplasmic Ca2+ density and apoptotic morphology of mitochondria were examined by fluorescent plate-based assays, confocal microscope, and transmission electron microscope, respectively. RESULTS: MPP+ impaired the PC12 cells in a concentration-dependent pattern and induced apoptosis of the cells (31% versus control). Compared with the control, the cells pretreated with EGCG showed markedly higher rate of viability and lower apoptosis. Meanwhile, EGCG pretreatment significantly increased the SOD activity and decreased the levels of MDA and ROS. Interestingly, EGCG also decreased the concentration of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and improved the morphology of mitochondria. CONCLUSION: EGCG exhibits inhibitory effects on MPP+-induced apoptosis in rat PC12 cells, which is possibly associated with increasing the cell ability of anti-oxidation and decreasing the concentration of cytoplasmic Ca2+.     

Effect of lentinan on apoptosis and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in leukemic HL-60 cells in vitro

AIM:To study of the regulatory effect of lentinan on human leukemic HL-60 cell apoptosis and its effect on PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HL-60 cells in vitro.METHODS:Lentinan at concentrations of 0 mg/L, 15 mg/L, 30 mg/L and 45 mg/L was applied to HL-60 cells cultured to the logarithmic phase in vitro, and the inhibitory effect of lentinan on the viability of HL-60 cells was measured by MTT assay after 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. The apoptosis induced by lentinan was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein levels of cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8, cytochrome C, PI3K, AKT and p-AKT were determined by Western blot. After treatment with PI3K inhibitor LY294002 at 5 mg/L for 72 h, the apoptosis of HL-60 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS:The viability of HL-60 cells was inhibited after treatment with lentinan at concentrations of 15 mg/L, 30 mg/L and 45 mg/L for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h in concentration-dependent and time-dependent manners (P<0.05). The apoptosis of HL-60 cells was promoted after treatment with lentinan (15 mg/L, 30 mg/L and 45 mg/L) for 72 h in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). The protein levels of cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3 and cytoplasmic cytochrome C in the HL-60 cells induced by 30 mg/L lentinan were increased significantly with the increase in the treatment time (P<0.05), but caspase-8 did not show any change. The protein levels of PI3K, AKT and p-AKT were decreased obviously with the increase in the lentinan concentration (P<0.05). Treatment of HL-60 cells with LY294002, a PI3K pathway inhibitor, produced apoptosis-inducing effect similar to lentinan (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Lentinan induces HL-60 cell apoptosis by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.     

Inhibition of FoxM1 sensitizes leukemia K562 cells to homoharringtonine

AIM: To study whether inhibition of forkhead box protein M1(FoxM1) sensitizes leukemia K562 cells to homoharringtonine (HHT). METHODS: K562 cells were incubated with HHT at different concentrations (0μmol/L, 0.015μmol/L, 0.030μmol/L and 0.045μmol/L) for different time (0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h). The mRNA and protein levels of FoxM1 were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. FoxM1 siRNA was transfected into K562 cells with 0.015μmol/L HHT after 6 h. After 72 h incubation, the cell proliferation was detected by cell counting and soft agar assay, and the proportion of apoptotic K562 cells was determined by flow cytometry. The expression of c-Myc and Sp1 were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: FoxM1 expression was reduced time-dependently and dose-dependently, suggesting that HHT mediated the downregulation of FoxM1 in K562 cells. In K562 cells, treatment with FoxM1 siRNA and HHT inhibited the cell proliferation and promoted the apoptosis significantly. Therefore, inhibition of FoxM1 sensitized leukemia K562 cells to HHT. The expression of c-Myc and Sp1 was positively regulated by FoxM1. CONCLUSION: HHT inhibits Forkhead box protein M1 expression in K562 cells. Inhibition of FoxM1 sensitizes K562 cells to HHT.     

Production and cytotoxicity of the reactive oxygen species induced by diallyl trisulfide in human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells

AIM: To explore the production and cytotoxicity of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by diallyl trisulfide (DATS) in HL-60 cells.METHODS: HL-60 cells were either treated with various doses of DATS alone, or DATS combination with apocynin, a specific NADPH oxidase inhibitor, or with antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) for 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h, respectively. The intracellular ROS level was measured by flow cytometry. The activity of NADPH oxidase was evaluated by NBT reduction experiment. The content of both malondialdehyde (MDA) and the protein carbonyl were analyzed by spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The results from flow cytometry indicated that DATS significantly increased the intracellular ROS level in HL-60 cells (P<0.05), which was dose-and time-dependent. The fluorescence intensities of ROS reached at maximum when HL-60 cells were incubated with 150 μmol/L DATS for 3 h. The NBT reduction experiment showed that DATS activated NADPH oxidase, the highest activity was observed when the cells were exposed to 150 μmol/L DATS for 3 h. DATS induced MDA and protein carbonyl production in HL-60 cells. Furthermore, both MDA and protein carbonyl reached the highest level in the cells exposed to 150 μmol/L DATS for 3 h. Apocynin and NAC attenuated the production of MDA and protein carbonyl, suggesting that ROS induced by DATS was involved in the toxicity to the cells. CONCLUSION: DATS induces ROS production through activating NADPH oxidase in HL-60 cells. ROS increases the oxidation of membrane lipid and protein in HL-60 cells.     

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.     

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.     

Effects of oleanolic acid on apoptosis and cell cycle of HL-60 cells in vitro

AIM: To study the mechanism of oleanolic acid induced apoptosis and its influence on cell cycle in HL-60 cells in vitro. METHODS: The HL-60 cells were treated with different concentrations of oleanolic acid and then cultured for 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. MTT assay was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of oleanolic acid on HL-60 cells in vitro. The argarose gel electrophoresis was used to detect the chromatin DNA fragmentation. FACS was used to analyze the cell cycle of HL-60 cells. Western blotting was used to detect the activation of caspase-3 which has been confirmed the last execution of apoptosis pathway. RESULTS: MTT assay showed that oleanolic acid dramatically inhibited the growth of HL-60 cells in vitro, more than 50% HL-60 cells were inhibited when the cells were treated with 80 μmol/L oleanolic acid for 48 h; the apparent DNA ladder was detected after exposure of HL-60 cells to oleanolic acid for 48 h. FACS analysis showed that cell cycle of HL-60 cells was arrested in G₁ phase, the inhibition ratio of HL-60 cells achieved 63.24% and 67.90% after treated with oleanolic acid for 48 h and 72 h correspondingly. Western blotting detected the activation of caspase-3 after exposure of HL-60 cells to 80 μmol/L oleanolic acid for 48 h. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that oleanolic acid induces apoptosis and the cell cycle of HL-60 cells is arrested in G₁ phase.     

Expression of cytokines and their receptors in leukemia cell lines and normal blood cells

AIM: To study the expression of cytokines and their receptors in leukemia cell lines and normal blood cells. METHODS: RT-PCR was used to detect expression of mRNA for cytokines in leukemia cell lines(HL-60,U937,K562,HEL,DAMI,MEG-01,HUT78 and CA) and normal blood cells, including CD34⁺ cells, megakaryocytes,platelets, peripheral mononucleates cells and granulocytes. RESULTS: ①CD34⁺ cells simultaneously expressed mRNA for IL-1(α,β),IL-3, IL-6 , G-CSF, GM-CSF and their receptors and SCFR,MPL as well. The granulocytes only expressed IL-6,IL-6R,G-CSFR,GM-CSF. Megakaryocytes and platelets only expressed IL-3R,IL-6,IL-6R,MPL.Interestingly, TGFβ₁ ,TNFα and their receptors sustained to express in normal cells.②Most leukemia cell lines were found to simultaneously express at least two or more stimulating cytokines and receptors ,while TGFβ 1 , TNFα and their receptors were expressed in all the leukemia cell lines we observed. CONCLUSIONS: ①Multi-autocrine loops exist in leukemia cells;②Imbalance of autocrine loops of positive and negative cytokines may be related to leukemia.     

Antitumor mechanism of danusertib in human AML HL-60 cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of danusertib, a pan-inhibitor of Aurora kinases, on the viability, cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy of human acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) HL-60 cells.METHODS: The effect of danusertib on the viability of HL-60 cells was examined by MTT assay. The effect of danusertib on apoptosis of HL-60 cells was quantitated by the flow cytometry using an Annexin V/7-AAD apoptosis detection kit. The effect of danusertib on autophagy in the HL-60 cells was assessed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopic analysis. The levels of various proteins related to the cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy were determined by Western blot.RESULTS: Danusertib decreased the viability of human AML HL-60 cells and induced the cell cycle arrest in G₂/M phase. Danusertib also induced mitochon-drium-dependent apoptosis by activation of caspase-3 and autophagy in the HL-60 cells via inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.CONCLUSION: Danusertib shows effective antitumor ability for promising AML treatment.     

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors enhance the antileukemia activity of STI571

AIM：To investigate whether celecoxib,a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor,potentiates the anti-leukemia activity of STI571 in K562 cells.METHODS：K562 cells were treated with STI571,celecoxib or combination of both at different concentrations in suspension culture.Cell proliferation was documented by MTT assay,and cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and morphology.Meanwhile,RT-PCR was applied to analyze the probable mechanism underlying the effects of the drugs.RESULTS：The combination of STI571 and celecoxib dramatically suppressed the proliferation of K562 cells,in which 0.25 μmol/L STI571 and 40.0 μmol/L celecoxib enhanced the inhibiting rate to 76.1%±1.6%.Furthermore,the combining administration of drugs significantly promoted the apoptosis induced by STI571，which showed characteristic changes of morphologic features and increase in sub-G1 cells.By using RT-PCR technique,the expression of COX-2 had no decline by single administration of celecoxib or STI571.However,a progressive down-regulation was caused by coadministration of two drugs.In contrast with COX-2,the expression of VEGF had no changes at any time.CONCLUSION：The administration of celecoxib alone only inhibits the proliferation of K562 cells.Combination treatment with STI571 and celecoxib promotes the apoptosis induced by STI571.     

Fibrinolytic activity and its mechanisms in various leukemic cell lines

AIM:To study the relation between expression of uPAR and annexinⅡ and fibrinolytic activity in various leukemic cell lines. METHODS:The plasma activity was measured under the reaction between cells of NB4, SHI-1, K562, Jurkat, Raji and plaminogen by chromogenic assay. The protein expressions of uPAR and annexinⅡin cells of NB4, SHI-1, K562, Jurkat, Raji were detected by flow cytometry method. The mRNA expressions of uPAR and annexinⅡin cells of NB4, SHI-1, K562, Jurkat, Raji were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS:The plasma activity in SHI-1 cells and NB4 cells were higher obviously than that in Raji, K562 and Jurkat cells. The protein expression ratio of uPAR and annexinⅡ in NB4 cells were (13.15±1.61)% and (95.97±1.19)%， respectively, they were (99.00±0.26)%, (90.35±2.15)% respectively in SHI-1 cells, and they were lower in K562, Jurkat, Raji cells. The expression of annexinⅡ mRNA in NB4 cells was higher than that in SHI-1 cells, and they were undectectable in K562 and Jurkat cells. The expression of uPAR mRNA in NB4 and SHI-1 cells were higher than that in Jurkat and K562 cells. The expression of uPAR mRNA in Raji cells was undectectable. CONCLUSION:The primary hyperfibrinolysis in leucocythemia cells was observed, and relation was closely with the expression of annexinⅡ. It might be the main reason for bleeding and disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and acute monocytic leukemia.     

Reversal of apoptosis resistance of doxorubicin-resistant human myelogenous leukemia cell line K562/DOX by a cyclosporin D analogue PSC833

AIM:To study the reversal effect of a cyclosporin D analogue PSC833 on multidrug resistance of doxorubicin-resistant human myelogenous leukemia (K562/DOX) cells. METHODS:The reversal effects of PSC833 on resistance to doxorubicin (DOX)/vincristine (VCR) in K562/DOX cells were observed by MTT assay. The cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Annexin V/PI staining was used to identify PSC833-induced apoptosis in K562/ DOX cells. These cells underwent incubation with DCFH-DA, JC-1 and Fluo-3/AM followed by flow cytometry for the measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and intracellular calcium, respectively. The protein levels of cytochrome C (Cyt C), Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS:The DOX/VCR-induced cytotoxicity was significantly potentiated by PSC833. PSC833 arrested the cells in G2/M phase and increased the apoptosis induced by DOX in K562/DOX cells. During the apoptosis, the level of ROS and intracellular calcium increased, while the level of ΔΨm decreased. Furthermore, the release of Cyt C, activation of caspase-3, up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 were observed in K562/DOX cells treated with PSC833 and DOX. CONCLUSION: The reversal effect of PSC833 on multidrug resistance in K562/DOX cells is associated with the induction of apoptosis through a mitochondria-dependent pathway.     

Thapsigargin inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in human len epithelial cell line HLE-B3 in vitro

AIM: To study the effect of growth inhibition and its mechanism of thapsigargin (TG) on HLE-B3 cell line in vitro. METHODS: MTT assay was performed to detect the growth inhibition effect of TG on HLE-B3 cell line. Flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation were used to examine cell apoptosis. Western blotting analysis was used to determine the relative protein expression. Furthermore, the concentration of cytoplasm Ca2+ was assessed by fluorescence colorimetric assay. RESULTS: Different concentrations of TG significantly inhibited growth of HLE-B3 cells, and inhibitory concentrations of 50 percent at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h were (2.27±0.61) μmol/L, (0.77±0.12) μmol/L and (0.15±0.04) μmol/L, respectively. Moreover, TG induced cell apoptosis, decreased SERCA2 protein expression, and increased greatly the concentration of cytoplasm Ca2+, Bax and caspase 3 protein levels.CONCLUSION: TG inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in HLE-B3 cells in vitro. The mechanism may be through endoplasmic reticulum pathway. These observations may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of posterior capsular opacification.     

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.     

Proapoptotic mechanism and changes of endogenous TGF-β1 in NB4 cells induced by exogenous TGF-β1

AIM: To study the effects of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) on cell apoptosis, cell cycle, production of endogenous TGF-β1, expressions of P27Kip1, cyclin E and bcl-2 mRNA levels in NB4 cells. METHODS: Apoptotic morphological changes were observed by Wright-Giemsa staining. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected with flow cytometry. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to examine the mRNA levels of endogenous TGF-β1, P27Kip1, cyclin E and bcl-2. RESULTS: TGF-β1 significantly restrained the growth and promoted the apoptosis of NB4 cells. The blockage of NB4 cells treated by TGF-β1 at concentration of 5 μg/L was in G1 phase. Endogenous TGF-β1 mRNA expression in NB4 cells was up-regulated when the concentration of exogenous TGF-β1 was <5 μg/L. Meanwhile, the expression of endogenous TGF-β1 mRNA was down-regulated when the concentration of exogenous TGF-β1 was 10 μg/L. After treated with TGF-β1 at concentration of 5 μg/L, P27Kip1 mRNA expression in NB4 cells was up-regulated, cyclin E and bcl-2 were reduced. CONCLUSION: TGF-β1 is able to induce apoptosis and cell cycle distribution abnormally in NB4 cells by (1) Up-regulation of endogenous TGF-β1, so that NB4 cells was induced into apoptosis through consequently high expression of P27Kip1. (2) TGF-β1 may lead to cell cycle arrest by inhibiting the expression of cyclin E directly, or by inhibiting the activity of cyclin E through the increased expression of P27Kip1. (3) Down-regulation of bcl-2 induces apoptosis of NB4 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.     

High expression level of TAL1 gene in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia

AIM: To investigate the characteristic of T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia 1 (TAL1) gene expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines and in primary AML cells from de novo AML patients with different subtypes. METHODS: Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression of TAL1 mRNA in acute leukemia cell lines (Jurkat, CCRF-CEM, HL-60 and NB4 cell lines) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 47 newly diagnosed AML patients. Twelve healthy individuals were served as healthy control group. RESULTS: A significantly increased level in TAL1 mRNA was found in AML cell lines (HL-60 and NB4), T-cell acute lymphacytic leukemia (T-ALL) cell lines (Jurkat, CCRF-CEM) and primary AML cells compared with the healthy controls. Over-expression of TAL1 was found in all detected AML subtypes, the highest level of TAL-1 mRNA was found in AML-M1 and AML-M5 subtype (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: High expression of TAL1 in AML might influence the differentiation and proliferation of myeloid cells, further investigation needs to confirm whether it would be as a biomarker for pathogenesis of AML.