Effects of luteolin on endothelial cell injury induced by H2O2

AIM: To study the effect of luteolin on endothelial cell injuries induced by H₂O₂. METHODS: Endothelial cells were cultured in vitro and divided into seven groups: control; solvent; H₂O₂; quercetin+H₂O₂; luteolin-L+H₂O₂; luteolin-M+H₂O₂; luteolin-H+H₂O₂ group, respectively. Endothelial cells were incubated with 750 μmol/L H₂O₂ for 18 h or 14 h in the absence or presence of various concentrations of luteolin and quercetin. The expression of caspase-3, the pro-apoptotic factors, was detected by immunohistochemical technique, and the apoptotic index was detected by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), lacate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum, and cell viability were measured. RESULTS: Incubation of endothelial cells with H₂O₂ for 18 h elicited the increase in the extent of immunostaining for caspase-3, the rate of apoptosis, the release of LDH, and the number of dead cells accompanied by the decrease in the content of NO in the medium, which were inhibited by pretreatment of luteolin at concentrations of 0.5-50 μmol/L in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Luteolin possesses a protective effect against endothelial cell injuries induced by H₂O₂, which may be related with anti-oxidation, increasing the concentration of NO and inhibiting the activation of caspase-3.     

Protective effects of nmhaFGF on NRK52E cell apoptosis induced by H2O2

AIM: The present study was designed to establish H2O2-induced NRK52E cell apoptotic model and to investigate the effects and the mechanism of nmhaFGF on the NRK52E cell apoptosis induced by H2O2. METHODS: In vitro experiment, a apoptotic model of normal rat kidney epithelium (NRK52E) was made by MTT method, Hoechst33342 dyeing and flow cytosorting (FCR). NRK52E cells were cultured with different concentrations of nmhaFGF and haFGF for 24 h before H2O2 was added. The apoptotic rate was detected with FCR method. RESULTS: H2O2 at concentration of 0.4 mmol/L, the optimal condition to establish the apoptotic model, was used to treat NRK52E cells for 18h. Different doses of nmhaFGF (0.01, 0.03, 0.10, 0.30, 1.00 mg/L) reduced the apoptotic rates with the dose rising. However, the decreasing tends of apoptotic rates with dose increasing for haFGF was not so obvious. CONCLUSION: nmhaFGF protects the NRK52E cells against apoptosis. The mechanism might be connected with its non-mitogenic property.     

VEGF induces HUVECs to produce extracellular H2O2 and its proliferation role

AIM:To study the effect of VEGF on extracellular H₂O₂ production in HUVECs and the role of H₂O₂ in the VEGF-induced proliferation. METHODS:HUVECs was stimulated with 500 μg/L VEGF. Products of extracellular H₂O₂ was detected by H₂DCFDA staining. MTT method was used to value the influences of 3×10⁶ U/L catalase and 5-20 mmol/L H₂O₂ to VEGF function. RESULTS:After treatment for 15 min with VEGF, HUVECs appeared fluorescence, and continued to become stronger, peaked at 45 min then decreased. HUVECs, which was treated simultaneity with VEGF and 3×10⁶ U/L catalase, only appeared very faint fluorescence. The proliferation of HUVECs by VEGF was restrained when treated with 3×10⁶ U/L catalase. The extrinsic H₂O₂ at concentration of 5-10 mmol/L promoted the proliferation of HUVECs but inhibited the proliferation effect of VEGF on HUVECs (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:These findings indicate that VEGF induces HUVECs to produce extracellular H₂O₂ and plays role in proliferation, but extrinsic H₂O₂ restrains VEGF function.     

Effect of H2O2 on voltage-gated potassium channels in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

AIM:To determine the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on voltage-gated potassium channel currents (IKv) in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). METHODS:Using whole cell patch-clamp technique, IKv was recorded in freshly isolated rat PASMCs with acute enzymatic digestion method. The effect of hydrogen peroxide on IKv in PASMCs was investigated in normoxia. RESULTS:IKv in PASMCs was increased significantly by H₂O₂ and the increase depended on the concentration in normoxia. Current-voltage relationship curve shifted to the left. CONCLUSION:Hydrogen peroxide is an important K+ channel opener.     

Leptin protects rat cardiomyocytes from H2O2-induced apoptosis

AIM: To investigate the effect of leptin on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in rat cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) and the underlying mechanisms.METHODS: Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to determine H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells in the absence or presence of leptin. The activities of caspase-3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were examined by Western blotting.RESULTS: (1)Leptin significantly inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells (P<0.01). This effect of leptin was opposed by MEK inhibitor PD98059. (2)H₂O₂ inhibited basal ERK activity. Leptin activated ERK and partially inhibited H₂O₂-induced caspase-3 activation.CONCLUSION: Leptin protects H9c2 cells from H₂O₂-induced apoptosis possibly by activating ERK.     

Changes of NO- and H2O2-dependent soluble guanylate cyclase pathway in the hypoxic hypercapnic pulmonary hypertension rats

AIM: To study the effect of hypoxia and hypercapnia on nitric oxide (NO) in plasma and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), cyclic guanosine monophospholate (cGMP) in lung tissue in rats, and to explore the effect of NO- and H2O2-sGC pathway on the development of the pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: The model of hypoxic and hypercapnic 1, 2, 4-week group (HH 1 week, HH 2 weeks, HH 4 weeks) and control group was set up. NO content in plasma, CAT and SOD in rat lung were determined by spectrophotometry. The sGC activity in lung tissue was detected by enzyme kinetic analysis. cGMP content in lung tissue was examined with ［125I］-radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) showed significantly higher in HH 1 week, HH 2 weeks and HH 4 weeks groups compared with control group (all P<0.05). NO concentration in plasma, CAT, SOD, basal or nitroprusside-or H2O2- stimulated sGC activity and cGMP concentration in lung homogenates were significantly lower (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively) in HH 1 week, HH 2 weeks and HH 4 weeks groups compared with control group. CONCLUSION: The inhibition of NO- and H2O2-sGC pathway by hypoxia and hypercapnia plays an important role in the development of pulmonary hypertension.     

Effect of NPPB and niflumic acid on expression of GCL and CLIC4 in H2O2 injured C6 glioma cells

AIM: To observe the effect of 5-nitro-2- (3-phenylpropylamino) benzoate acid (NPPB), niflumic acid (NFA) (chloride channel blockers) on malignant glioma C6 cells injured by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). METHODS: The viability of C6 cells treated with NPPB, NFA and H₂O₂ was measured by MTT assay. LDH release rate and GSH contents were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. mRNA levels of GCLC, GCLM and CLIC4 were determined by RT-PCR. CLIC4 protein level was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, H₂O₂ treatment induced the decrease in cell viability and GSH contents, the increase in LDH release rate, the decrease in the expression of GCLC, GCLM and CLIC4 mRNA and the increase in CLIC4 protein level (P<0.05 ), respectively. Compared with the H₂O₂ group, H₂O₂ combined with NPPB or NFA treatment did not change the cell viability, the GSH contents and the GCLC, GCLM mRNA expression. However, the LDH release rate and CLIC4 protein level decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The chloride channel blockers NPPB or NFA lessen the oxidative injury of C6 cells through modulating the function of membrane and down-regulating the protein expression of CLIC4.     

Adiponectin activates AKT and protects rat cardiomyocytes against H2O2-induced apoptosis

AIM: To study the effect of adiponectin on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in rat cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells). METHODS: Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to determine H₂O₂-induced apoptosis of H9c2 cells in the absence or presence of adiponectin. The content of caspase-3 and Akt (protein kinase B, PKB) was examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Adiponectin significantly inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells (P<0.01). Adiponectin increased basal and H₂O₂-induced Akt activity and significantly inhibited H₂O₂-induced activation of caspase-3 (P<0.01). Pretreatment with LY294002, a specific inhibitor of Akt upstream kinase PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase), not only increased H₂O₂-induced H9c2 cell apoptosis, but also abrogated the anti-apoptotic effect of adiponectin. CONCLUSION: Adiponectin protects H9c2 cells against H₂O₂-induced apoptosis by activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.     

Tubuloside B rescues the PC12 neuronal cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis

AIM:To investigate the neuroprotective effect of tubuloside B, one of the phenylethanoids isolated from the stems of Cistanche salsa, on H₂O₂-induced injury in PC12 cells.METHODS:PC12 cells were exposed to various doses of tubuloside B for 12 h, then treated with H₂O₂ at concentration of 100 μmol/L for 24 h. The cell viability was observed with MTT assay. Reactive oxygen species and the mitochondrial membrane potential were measured with laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). The DNA content and percentage of apoptosis were assayed by DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. The activation of caspase-3 was detected with the caspase-3 activity assay kit. RESULTS:Following treatment with H₂O₂ for 24 h, H₂O₂ induced a significant decrease in cell viability; DNA ladder was observed and apoptosis percentage was as high as 48.0%. Accumulation of intracellular ROS, increase in caspase-3 activity and the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential as indicated with the decrease of red/green ratios (from 5.97 to 0.41) were detected. However, pretreatment with tubuloside B (1, 10 or 100 mg·L^-1) for 12 h exhibited cytoprotective effects in a dose-dependent manner. Tubuloside B obviously enhanced the cell viability, reduced formation of the DNA ladder, and significantly reduced the number of cells labeled with Annexin-V. The percentage of apoptosis/necrosis neurons was significantly decreased to 30.9%, 18.3% and 6.2%, respectively. LSCM showed that the tubuloside B attenuated the accumulation of ROS and the H₂O₂-induced collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential in PC12 cells. The significant decrease in caspase-3 activity was detected, compared to the H₂O₂-treated cells at the same time point. CONCLUSION:Tubuloside B has the neuroprotective capacity to antagonize H₂O₂-induced apoptosis and injury in PC12 cells, indicating it may be useful for treating some neurodegenerative diseases.     

Advances in experimental research in HCV cell model and anti-HCV effect of As2O3

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a human pathogen responsible for liver diseases including acute and chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the high prevalence, the absence of antiviral drugs and vaccines for prevention and treatment are the difficult medical problems. Lacking appropriate culture method and small animal model have severely limited investigation of the HCV infection mechanism and the development of the therapeutic strategy. Recently, the in vitro culture system develops rapidly, and provides a powerful tool for HCV related research. Despite the well known toxicity of the chemical, arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) is effective for treating the patients with refractory or relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia and many other cancers. Interestingly, As₂O₃ shows the ability of inhibiting HCV RNA replication and infection. This review describes the different types of in vitro HCV models developed, and many studies of the potent effect of As₂O₃ against HCV and its associated molecular mechanisms.     

Effect of diazoxide on change of H2O2 in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and proliferation of hypoxic rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

AIM: To investigate the contribution of diazoxide,an opener of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel (MitoK_ATP),and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) to change of H₂O₂ in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and to unbalance between cell proliferation and apoptosis of PASMCs induced by hypoxia.METHODS: The rat PASMCs were isolated from fresh normal lung tissues and cultured,which were divided into 6 groups,as follows: ① control group;② diazoxide group;③ 5-HD group;④chronic hypoxia group;⑤ chronic hypoxia+diazoxide group;⑥ chronic hypoxia +5-HD group.The relative change in mitochondrial potential was detected with rhodamine fluorescence (R-123) technique.The level of H₂O₂ in rat PASMCs was detected with chemiluminescence method.The proliferation of rat PASMCs was examined by cell cycle analysis and MTT colorimetric assay.RESULTS: After exposed to diazoxide for 24 h,the intensity of R-123 fluorescence,the level of H₂O₂ and the A value in normoxic rat PASMCs were significantly increased,and the apoptosis of rat PASMCs was significantly decreased as compared with control group (P<0.05).However,there were no significant changes in these tests after the rat PASMCs had been exposed to 5-HD for 24 h.Chronic hypoxia or chronic hypoxia+diazoxide markedly increased the intensity of R-123 fluorescence,the level of H₂O₂ and the A value in rat PASMCs,and also markedly decreased the apoptosis of rat PASMCs as compared with control group (P<0.05),and these changes were more significant in chronic hypoxia +diazoxide group than those in chronic hypoxia group (P<0.05).5-HD partly weakened the effect of hypoxia on the intensity of R-123 fluorescence,the level of H₂O₂,the A value and the apoptosis of rat PASMCs (P<0.05).Significant and positive correlations were found between the intracellular H₂O₂ and the R-123 fluorescence or the A value.Significant and negative correlation was found between the intracellular H₂O₂ and the apoptosis of rat PASMCs.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the opening of MitoK_ATP followed by a depolarization of ΔΨm can contribute to the increase in the level of H₂O₂ in rat PASMCs and to the proliferation of rat PASMCs induced by hypoxia.This might be a mechanism of the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.     

Calcineurin signal transduction pathway involves in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by prostaglandin F2α

AIM: To study the role of prostaglandin F₂α (PGF₂α) in cardiac hypertrophy and its relation with calcineurin (CaN) signal transduction pathway in vitro. METHODS: The cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocyte was used to observe the hypertrophic effect of PGF2α, and the hypertrophic response was assayed by measuring the cell diameter, protein content and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) mRNA expression. For mechanism studies, the intracellular free calcium concentration (［Ca²⁺］_i) in cultured cardiomyocytes was measured by using Fura-2/AM as a fluorescent indicator. ANF and CaN mRNA expressions, and the expressions of CaN and its downstream effectors, NFAT₃ and GATA₄ proteins were assayed by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.RESULTS: In cultured cardiomyocytes, PGF₂α induced profound hypertrophic morphology change, the significant increase in cell diameter and protein content in a concentration-dependent manner compared with those in vehicle control (P<0.01). The same result was found in measuring the ［Ca²⁺］_i in cardiomyocytes (P<0.01). PGF₂α at concentration of 10-7 mol/L significantly promoted ANF and CaN mRNA expressions and the protein expressions of CaN/NFAT₃/GATA₄ compared with those in the vehicle control (P<0.05). Cyclosporin A, a CaN inhibitor, markedly inhibited the myocyte hypertrophy (P<0.01), reduced the increased ［Ca²⁺］_i(P<0.01) and decreased the expressions of CaN mRNA and CaN/NFAT₃/GATA₄ proteins (P<0.05) compared with those of only PGF₂α　10^-7 mol/L treatment. CONCLUSION: Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by PGF2α may be, at least in part, mediated by CaN signal transduction pathway activated by increasing ［Ca²⁺］_i.     

Mcl-1 involves in G2/M arrest of HL-60 cells induced by diallyl disulfide

AIM: To investigate the role of Mcl-1 in the G₂/M arrest induced by diallyl disulfide (DADS) in leukemic HL-60 cells.METHODS: The inhibitory effect of DADS on human leukemic HL-60 cells was detected by CCK-8 method in vitro. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to observe the cycle arrest in HL-60 cells and the effect of DADS-induced G₂/M arrest on HL-60 cells with Mcl-1 gene knockdown by RNAi silencing. The expression of Mcl-1, PCNA and CDK1 in HL-60 cells treated with DADS was determined by Western blotting. The binding of Mcl-1 with PCNA and CDK1 was detected by coimmuno-precipitation. RESULTS: HL-60 cells were treated with DADS at concentration of 15, 30, 60, 120 or 240 μmol/L for 48 h. The inhibition rates of HL-60 cell proliferation were 31.15%, 55.88%, 66.14%, 75.29% and 80.35%, respectively, and gradually enhanced with the increase in the concentration of DADS (P<0.05). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the proliferation of HL-60 cells was blocked by DADS in the G₂/M phase. Treatment with DADS for 24 h and 48 h at concentrations of 60 μmol/L and 120 μmol/L, the percentage of G₂/M phase cells increased as compared to the untreated cells (P<0.05). DADS induced arrest of HL-60 cells in G₂/M phase in a time- and dose- dependent manner (P<0.05). The results of Western blot analysis indicated that Mcl-1, PCNA and CDK1 in HL-60 cells were significantly reduced after treated with DADS (P<0.05). HL-60 cell cycle progression delayed by silencing Mcl-1 gene with siRNA technique, suggesting that silence of Mcl-1 gene led to G₂/M arrest. Compared to the cells treated with DADS only, the percentage of G₂/M cells raised in the cells with Mcl-1 gene silencing and treated with DADS (P<0.05), indicating that Mcl-1 gene silencing enhanced the effect of DADS-induced G₂/M arrest in HL-60 cells. The binding of Mcl-1 with PCNA and CDK1 was detected by coimmuno-precipitation and the formation of heterodimers was observed, which was decreased after treated with DADS for 4 h.CONCLUSION: DADS inhibits the proliferation of HL-60 cells and induces its G₂/M phase arrest. The decreased expression of PCNA is related to inhibiting the proliferation of leukemic cells. Knockdown of Mcl-1 gene enhances the effect of DADS-induced G₂/M arrest.     

Effect of ERK1/2 on ischemic preconditioning in diabetic rat hearts

AIM: To test the effect of ERK1/2 on ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in diabetic rat hearts. METHODS: The diabetic rat model was made with alloxan. After eight weeks, 24 rats were divided into 4 groups: non-diabetic IPC rats (group A); non-diabetic non-IPC rats (group B); diabetic IPC rats (group C); diabetic non-IPC rats (group D). ECGⅡ lead, left ventricular development pressure (LVDP), and first derivative of LVDP (±dp/dtmax) were recorded. Myocardial phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2) was detected by Western-blotting. RESULTS: (1) The ventricular arrythmia score was significantly lower in group A than that in group C (P<0.01). (2) LVDP and +dp/dtmax % were significantly higher in group A than those in group B and group C (P<0.01). -dp/dtmax% was significantly higher in group A than that in group B. (3) Phosphorylation of myocardial ERK1/2 was significantly higher in group A than those in group B and group C. CONCLUSIONS: IPC reduced the severity of ischemia/rerperfusion- induced arrhythmias, improved cardiac function in non-diabetic rats. However, such beneficial effects of IPC were not observed in diabetic rats. The attenuation of cardioprotection by IPC in diabetic animals may be due to the decrease in the activation of myocardial ERK1/2.     

Role of ghrelin in cell protection by up-regulating HSP70 through ERK1/2 signaling pathway in PC12 cells

AIM:To study the role of ghrelin in cell protection by up-regulating heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and inhibiting apoptosis induced by oxidative stress through extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway in the PC12 cells. METHODS:Sodium nitoprusside (SNP) was used to induce oxidative stress injury in the PC12 cells. The cultured PC12 cells were divided into SNP-injured group (incubated with SNP at 0.5 mmol/L for 6, 12, 18 and 24 h), ghrelin pretreatment group (ghrelin at 100 nmol/L was given 30 min before adding SNP); HSP70 inhibitor group (quercetin at 10 μmol/L was added 60 min before ghrelin treatment), ERK inhibitor group (ERK 1/2 inhibitor PD98059 was added 60 min before ghrelin treatment) and control group (added same amount of culture medium only). The apoptotic rate was detected by flow cytometry. The protein expression was determined by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS:Compared with control group, the apoptotic rate of PC12 cells in SNP-injured group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with SNP-injured group, ghrelin (100 nmol/L) pretreatment significantly inhibited SNP-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells (P<0.05), and significantly up-regulated the protein expression of HSP70 (P<0.05). Time-effect analysis showed that ghrelin had the most significant effect at 18 h after SNP injury. Quercetin, an inhibitor of HSP 70, significantly reduced the anti-apoptotic effect of ghrelin (P<0.05). Ghrelin pretreatment promoted the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 significantly inhibited the effects of ghrelin on up-regulation of HSP70 expression (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Ghrelin upregulates the expression of HSP70 and inhibits the apoptosis in the PC12 cells induced by oxidative stress by promoting the phosphorylation of ERK1/2.     

H2S inhibits neuron apoptosis induced by anoxia-reoxygenation through cAMP-mediated PI3-K/Akt/P70S6K kinase cell-survival signaling pathways

AIM: To investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide on neuron apoptosis through PI₃-K/Akt/P70S6K cell-survival signal transduction pathways after neuron anoxia-reoxygenation.METHODS: Newborn (24-48 h) Wistar rats were decapitated.The hippocampus tissue was dissected and cells were suspended.Cells were plated at 1.0×10⁸ cells/L on poly-dlysine-treated 96-well (100 μL/well) plates and 6-well (2 mL/well) plates.Cells were used after 7 days.For anoxia-reoxygenation (oxygen glucose deprivation,OGD) experiments,cells were washed three times in a glucose-free balanced salt solution (BSS).They were then placed in deoxygenated glucose-free medium and cultured under 95% N₂,5% CO₂ in an anaerobic chamber equilibrated to 37 ℃ and 100% humidity for 45 min.OGD was terminated by replacement of stored medium and by returning the cultures to a standard incubator maintained at 37 ℃ in 95% air,5% CO₂.In experimental group,cells were respectively carried out OGD,OGD+150 μmol/L NaHS,OGD+150 μmol/L NaHS+10 μmol/L triciribin,OGD+150 μmol/L NaHS+10 nmol/L rapamycin and OGD+150 μmol/L NaHS+10 μmol/L triciribin+10 nmol/L rapamycin.Control cells were cultured normally.24 h later,neuron viability and apoptosis were measured.The level of cAMP and protein expression of PI₃-K,Akt and P70S6K were detected.RESULTS: NaHS enhanced concentration of cAMP and expression of PI₃-K,Akt and P70S6K.Meanwhile,increased neuron viability and decreased neuron apoptosis (P<0.01 vs group C or group I/R) were observed.Triciribin inhibited Akt and P70S6K,as well as increased neuron apoptosis and decreased neuron viability (P<0.05,P<0.01 vs group NaHS).Rapamycin inhibited P70S6K,as well as increased neuron apoptosis and decreased neuron viability (P<0.05,P<0.01 vs group NaHS).CONCLUSION: H₂S inhibits hippocampus neuron apoptosis and protects neuron from anoxia-reoxygenation injury through cAMP-mediated PI₃-K/Akt/P70S6K kinase cell-survival signaling pathways.     

Role of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine in the injury of U251 cells induced by H2O2

AIM: To investigate the role of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine(3-MA) in the injury of U251 glioma cells induced by H₂O₂. METHODS: The following groups in this study were set up: control group, 10 mmol/L 3-MA group, 1 mmol/L H₂O₂ group and 1 mmol/L H₂O₂ +10 mmol/L 3-MA group. The viability of U251 cells in each group was detected by MTT assay. Autophagic vacuoles in the cells were observed by staining with MDC. The cells were stained with Hoechst 33342 to determine the chromatin condensation. Cell apoptotic ratio was measured by flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: Compared with control group, no effect of 3-MA on the viability of U251 cells was observed. In H₂O₂ group, the cell viability decreased and cell apoptotic ratio increased.The autophagic vacuoles and nuclear chromatin condensation in the cells were also detected. Compared with H₂O₂ group, addition of 3-MA inhibited the increase in autophagic vacuoles but exacerbated the apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Autophagy inhibitor 3-MA inhibits autophagy partially, but exacerbates apoptosis in U251 cells, indicating that autophagy exerts protective effect in the process of injury in U251 cells induced by H₂O₂.