Apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide D4F protects macrophages from oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-12

AIM: To investigate the effect of D4F, an apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide, on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage apoptosis and activation of caspase-12, a key molecule in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-associated apoptotic pathway, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: RAW264.7 macrophages were pretreated with D4F (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/L), 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA, 5 mmol/L) or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI, 5 μmol/L) for 1 h and then treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) or tunicamycin (TM, 4 mg/L) for 24 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and TUNEL detection, respectively. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase were determined. The protein level of caspase-12 was examined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Similar to the ERS inhibitor PBA, D4F protected RAW264.7 macrophages from ox-LDL or TM (an ERS inducer)-induced decrease in the viability and increase in apoptotic rate in a dose-dependent manner. Like DPI (an oxidative stress inhibitor), D4F significantly inhibited ox-LDL-induced oxidative stress, as expressed by the decreased generation of ROS and MDA (P <0.01), the increased activity of SOD and the decreased activity of NADPH oxidase (P <0.05). Moreover, similar to PBA and DPI, D4F significantly suppressed ox-LDL-induced activation of caspase-12 in a concentration-dependent manner (P <0.05). Furthermore, D4F also inhibited the caspase-12 activation induced by TM (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: D4F inhibits macrophage apoptosis induced by ox-LDL, and the mechanism is at least partially by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting the activation of caspase-12.     

Allicin attenuates macrophage-derived foam cell apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-12

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of allicin on apoptosis and caspase-12 activation of macrophage-derived foam cells, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: RAW264.7 macrophages were pretreated with allicin (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/L) or 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA, 4 mmol/L) for 1 h and then treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL, 100 mg/L) or tunicamycin (TM, 4 mg/L) for 24 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were examined by MTT assay and flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively. The activities of caspase-3 in the cells and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in the medium were measured. The protein levels of caspase-12 were determined by Western blot. The intracellular lipid accumulation was measured with oil red O staining and the content of intracellular total cholesterol was determined by enzymatic colorimetry. RESULTS: Similar to the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) inhibitor PBA, allicin inhibited ox-LDL-induced injury of RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner, as determined by the increased cell viability and the decreased LDH leakage, apoptosis and caspase-3 activity. The decrease in cell viability and increases in LDH leakage and apoptosis induced by TM (an ERS inducer) were also suppressed by allicin. Moreover, similar to PBA, allicin remarkably inhibited ox-LDL- or TM-induced activation of caspase-12. Furthermore, allicin remarkably attenuated ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation in the RAW264.7 cells and foam cells formation in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Allicin may inhibit macrophage-derived foam cell apoptosis induced by ox-LDL, and the mechanism is partially related to suppressing the activation of caspase-12.     

Ethanol extract of propolis protects vascular endothelial cells from oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis by inhibiting C/EBP homologous protein expression

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were pretreated with EEP (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/L) or 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA, 4 mmol/L) for 1 h and then treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) or tunicamycin (TM, 4 mg/L) for 24 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, respectively. The activities of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in the medium and caspase-3 in the HUVECs were measured. The protein and mRNA levels of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), a proapoptotic molecule under endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and its downstream Bcl-2 were examined by Western blot and real-time PCR, respectively.RESULTS: Like PBA (an ERS inhibitor), EEP protected HUVECs from ox-LDL-induced injury in a dose-dependent manner, as assessed by the increased cell viability and the decreased LDH release, apoptotic rate and caspase-3 activation. The decrease in cell viabi-lity and the increases in LDH release, apoptotic rate and caspase-3 activation induced by TM, an ERS inducer, were also attenuated by EEP. Moreover, EEP suppressed ox-LDL-induced CHOP upregulation and Bcl-2 downregulation, and this effect was similar to that of PBA. Similarly, EEP significantly suppressed TM-induced CHOP upregulation both at the protein and mRNA levels.CONCLUSION: EEP may protect HUVECs from ox-LDL-induced apoptosis, and the mechanism is at least partially involved in suppressing CHOP-mediated ERS-associated apoptotic pathway.     

Low density lipoprotein from patients of diabetes mellitus induces apoptosis of murine macrophages via activating caspase-12 pathway

AIM:To explore the effect of low density lipoprotein from the patients of diabetes mellitus (DM-LDL) on the activation of caspase-12 an important molecule in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-associated apoptotic pathway, in the murine macrophages, and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms of apoptosis. METHODS:Murine macrophage RAW264.7 was exposed to DM-LDL (25, 50 and 100 mg/L), normal low density lipoprotein (n-LDL, 50 mg/L), or tunicamycin (TM, 4 mg/L) for 24 h. Additionally, RAW264.7 macrophages were precultured with 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA, 5 mmol/L) for 1 h and then exposed to DM-LDL (100 mg/L) for 24 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay and flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the media was measured by assay kit. The protein level of caspase-12 was determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Similar to TM (an ERS inducer), treatment with DM-LDL caused significantly decrease in the viability and increase in LDH activity in the media and apoptotic rate of the RAW264.7 macrophages (P<0.05). Additionally, DM-LDL induced activation of caspase-12 especially at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/L (P<0.01). However, the ERS inhibitor PBA protected RAW264.7 macrophages from DM-LDL-induced decrease in viability and increase in LDH activity and apoptosis (P<0.05). Furthermore, PBA attenuated DM-LDL-induced activation of caspase-12 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:DM-LDL may induce apoptosis in RAW264.7 macrophages, and the mechanism may be related to the activation of caspase-12.     

Autophagy protects macrophages from oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis by inhibiting C/EBP homologous protein expression

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of autophagy on oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage apoptosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: The RAW264.7 macrophages were pretreated with 3 mmol/L 3-methyladenine (3-MA), 1 μmol/L rapamycin (Rap) or 4 mmol/L 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) respectively for 1 h and then treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) for 12 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the medium and caspase-3 in the cells were determined by detection kits. The protein levels of beclin-1 (a molecular marker of autophagy), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78, an endoplasmic reticulum stress marker) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP, a key-signaling component of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis) were examined by Western blot. Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3, another molecular marker of autophagy) was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope.RESULTS: Treatment of the RAW264.7 macrophages with ox-LDL at 100 mg/L for 12 h resulted in significant decrease in cell viability, and dramatic elevation in LDH leakage, cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activity, which were promoted by 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor) and inhibited by Rap (an autophagy inducer). ox-LDL induced autophagy in the macrophages as assessed by beclin-1 upregulation and frequent granulation of LC3, which were inhibited by 3-MA and promoted by Rap. Interestingly, 3-MA enhanced, while Rap blocked, the CHOP upregulation induced by ox-LDL. Moreover, PBA (endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor) significantly inhibited ox-LDL-induced GRP78 upregulation and autophagy as determined by the attenuation of beclin-1 upregulation and frequent granulation of LC3. CONCLUSION: Endoplasmic reticulum stress mediates ox-LDL-induced autophagy in macrophages, and moderates activation of autophagy may protect macrophages from ox-LDL-induced apoptosis by inhibiting CHOP expression.     

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein induces autophagy in macrophages via CD36-mediated oxidative stress

AIM: To investigate the effect of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) on autophagy in macrophages and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: RAW264.7 macrophages were pretreated with 2 mg/L anti-CD36 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD36 mAb), 5 μmol/L diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), 3 mmol/L 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or 1 μmol/L rapamycin for 1 h and then treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) for 12 h. The viability of the cells was measured by MTT assay. The activities of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in the medium and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the cells as well as the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined to characterize the membrane integrity and the oxidative stress, respectively. The protein levels of beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II), 2 important molecular markers of autophagy, were examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: ox-LDL induced autophagy in RAW264.7 macrophages as assessed by upregulation of beclin-1 and LC3-II. Similar to 3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor, anti-CD36 mAb significantly inhibited the ox-LDL-induced upregulation of beclin-1 and LC3-II. Anti-CD36 mAb suppressed the ox-LDL-induced oxidative stress as revealed by decreased NADPH oxidase activation, ROS and MDA generation as well as increased SOD activity. Similar results were observed in the cells pretreated with DPI, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor. Moreover, DPI significantly inhibited the ox-LDL-induced upregulation of beclin-1 and LC3-II. Inaddition, the decrease in the cell viability and increase in LDH release induced by ox-LDL were promoted by 3-MA and blocked by rapamycin (an autophagy inducer). CONCLUSION: ox-LDL induces autophagy in RAW264.7 macrophages, which may be involved in CD36-mediated ox-LDL uptake and subsequent activation of oxidative stress, and moderate activation of autophagy may protect macrophages from ox-LDL-induced injury.     

Inhibitory effect of apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide D-4F on scavenger receptor A1 in macrophage-derived foam cells

AIM:To investigate the inhibitory effect of apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide D-4F on the scavenger receptor A1 (SR-A1) in macrophage-derived foam cells induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). METHODS:RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with different concentrations (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/L) of D-4F or 50 mg/L inactive control peptide scrambled D-4F (sD-4F) for 1 h or endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (5 mmol/L) for 30 min, followed by the treatment with 100 mg/L ox-LDL for 12 h. In addition, the cells were pretreated with 50 mg/L D-4F or sD-4F for 1 h, and then stimulated with 2 mg/L tunicamycin (TM; an ERS inducer), for 4 h. The viability of the cells was measured by MTT assay, and the content of intracellular total cholesterol (TC) was measured by a tissue/cell TC assay. The protein and mRNA levels of SR-A1 and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were analyzed by Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. The fluorescence intensity of DiI-ox-LDL in the cells was detected by a multifunctional microplate reader. RESULTS:D-4F significantly reduced ox-LDL-induced macrophage injury and intracellular cholesterol accumulation, and attenuated the ox-LDL-induced expression of SRA1 and GRP78 in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, D-4F significantly inhibited the TM-induced protein expression of SR-A1 and GRP78, and attenuated the uptake of ox-LDL by macrophages. CONCLUSION: D-4F reduces ox-LDL-induced macrophage cholesterol accumulation and injury by inhibiting SR-A1 expression. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ERS signaling pathway mediated by GRP78.     

Hydrogen inhibits C/EBP homologous protein-mediated macrophage apoptosis by activating autophagy

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of hydrogen (H₂) on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage apoptosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: H₂-saturated medium was added to murine RAW264.7 macrophages and the cells were pretreated with 5 mmol/L 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and 3 μmol/L rapamycin (Rap) for 1 h, and then treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) for 24 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in medium was detected. The protein levels of beclin-1 (a molecular marker of autophagy) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP, a key signaling component of endoplasmic reticulum stress-associaed apoptosis pathway) were determined by Western blot. Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3, another molecular marker of autophagy) was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope. RESULTS: Hydrogen attenuated the reduction of cell viability, LDH leakage, apoptosis and CHOP upregulation induced by ox-LDL. Hydrogen promoted ox-LDL-induced autophagy in macrophages as assessed by beclin-1 upregulation, and LC3 granulation, and this promotion effect of hydrogen was inhibited by 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor) and further enhanced by Rap (an autophagy inducer). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of hydrogen on ox-LDL-induced macrophage apoptosis, reduction of cell viability and CHOP upregulation were also blocked by 3-MA and enhanced by Rap. Similar results were obtained in human THP-1-derived macrophages, as assessed by the inhibition of ox-LDL-induced apoptosis and CHOP upregulation, and the promotion of beclin-1 expression by hydrogen. CONCLUSION: Hydrogen may protect macrophages from ox-LDL-induced apoptosis by inhibiting CHOP expression, and the upstream mechanism may partially involved in the activation of autophagy.     

Effect of quercetin on ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation and peroxidation in mouse macrophages

AIM：To investigate the effect of quercetin (QUE) preconditioning on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced lipid accumulation and peroxidation in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS：RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with different concentrations (20, 40 and 80 μmol/L) of QUE for 30 min and then treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) for 24 h. Intracellular lipid droplets were assayed by oil red O staining. Extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined to characterize the membrane integrity and the lipid peroxidation, respectively. The mRNA and protein levels of CD36, an important scavenger receptor which mediates ox-LDL uptake, were examined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS：Pretreatment with QUE (20, 40 and 80 mmol/L) significantly attenuated ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation in RAW264.7 cells and foam cell formation in a dose-dependent manner. Ox-LDL induced LDH release in RAW264.7 cells. This cytotoxic effect was significantly inhibited by QUE pretreatment. Compared with ox-LDL group, the intracellular ROS content and MDA level in culture medium decreased markedly in QUE group. In addition, pretreatment with QUE attenuated ox-LDL-induced up-regulation of CD36 at mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSION: QUE inhibits ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation and peroxidation in mouse macrophages and the mechanism may partially involve its ability to down-regulate CD36 expression.     

苹果MLP家族基因鉴定及非生物胁迫响应分析

在苹果中鉴定了13个Major Latex Protein(MLP)家族基因Md MLP。序列比对及构建蛋白同源模型发现,Md MLP蛋白含有Bet_v1典型的Gly-rich loop区域结构,且为MLP家族特有的Gxxxxx G结构。经多物种MLP系统发育及共线性比较分析,Md MLP与其他蔷薇科物种MLP具有相似基因结构和蛋白质保守结构域。q RT-PCR分析表明,Md MLP在‘新疆1号’苹果14个器官组织中均有不同程度的表达,对ABA、Na Cl、PEG、低温(4℃)和高温(40℃)有一定响应,且同一亚族基因表达情况呈现相似趋势。String构建蛋白互作网络发现,Md MLP可能通过与PRSP、SNRK1/2、b HLH等应激、ABA相关转录蛋白互作,参与苹果对非生物胁迫的防御。     

ox-LDL increases endothelial lipase in RAW264.7 macrophages

AIM: To investigate the effect of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) on the expression of endothelial lipase (EL) in murine RAW264.7 macrophages. METHODS: RAW264.7 cells were incubated with ox-LDL at concentrations of 0~100 mg/L for 24 h.On the other hand, the cells were incubated with or without PDTC (NF-κB inhibitor) for 30 min and then with ox-LDL (50 mg/L) for 24 h. The expression of EL and p65 was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: The level of EL was significantly increased after ox-LDL incubation in RAW264.7 cells (P<0.05). NF-κB was activated by ox-LDL at concentration of 50 mg/L for 15~30 min in RAW264.7 cells. The increase in EL induced by ox-LDL was markedly inhibited by a NF-κB inhibitor PDTC (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: ox-LDL significantly increases the expression of EL in RAW264.7 macrophages, which is possibly related to NF-κB activation.     

Dengue virus type 2 induces apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells and effect of apoptosis on virus replication

AIM:To explore the apoptotic pathway in dengue virus type 2 (DENV2)-infected RAW264.7 cells and to analyze the effect of apoptosis on virus replication. METHODS:RAW264.7 cells were infected with DENV2. MTT assay was used to detect the cell viability. Apoptosis was assessed by Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8 were determined by Western blotting. The activity of caspase-9 was measured with a colorimetric kit. Mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated using JC-1 fluorescent staining. TCID50 was used to estimate the infectious virion concentration after using Z-VAD-FMK to inhibit apoptosis. RESULTS:The viability of RAW264.7 cells decreased after DENV2 infection at 24 h, 36 h and 48 h. Karyopyknosis in dengue virus-infected cells was observed. The protein levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8 and the activity of caspase-9 increased in the apoptotic cells after dengue virus infection. Mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced after dengue virus infection. There was a higher virion concentration in the cell culture medium after inhibition of apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Dengue virus induces apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells. Apoptotic inhibition of RAW264.7 cells facilitates the production of dengue virus.     

Protective effect of quercetin on ER stress-related apoptosis induced by thapsigargin in macrophages

AIM: To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of quercetin (Que) on endoplasmic reti-culum stress (ERS)-related apoptosis induced by thapsigargin (TG) in RAW264.7 cells. METHODS: ER stress of RAW264.7 cells were induced by TG at concentration of 1 μmol/L for 24 h. After treated with different concentrations of Que (80, 120 and 160 μmol/L), the cell viability was determined by MTT assay.The apoptotic rate and the changes of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) were determined by flow cytometry, and the cell apoptotic morphology was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope.The protein levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were detected by Western blotting. The effect of Que on GRP78 and CHOP induced by TG with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inihibitor LY294002 at concentration of 15 nmol/L was measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: Que suppressed ER stress-related injury induced by TG in RAW264.7 cells. Compared with TG group, the cell viability increased (P<0.05), apoptotic rate and [Ca²⁺]_i decreased (P<0.05) and the changes of apoptotic morphology were alleviated. The increase in GRP78 and CHOP induced by TG as an ER stress marker was suppressed by Que (P<0.05). The suppressive effect of Que on GRP78 and CHOP was reproduced by LY294002 (P<0.05), but they failed to exhibit additive suppression. CONCLUSION: Que suppresses the ER stress induced by TG in RAW264.7 cells. The protective effect may be related to its suppression on PI3K signaling pathway.     

Effect of RIP3 expression on apoptosis of mouse macrophages infected with BCG

AIM:To investigate the function of receptor-interacting proteins 3 (RIP3) in regulating Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-induced apoptosis of mouse macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). METHODS:The RIP3 adenovirus interference vector was constructed and used to infect the RAW264.7 cells, and then the RAW264.7 cells were infected with BCG. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The apoptotic rate, mitochondrial membrane potential and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by flow cytometry analysis. The protein levels of RIP3 and apoptosis-associated proteins were examined by Western blot. RESULTS:The viability of RAW264.7 cells was decreased after BCG infection. In the meantime, the expression of RIP3 was up-regulated significantly (P<0.01). Compared with BCG infection group, the apoptotic rate and ROS level in BCG and RIP3 adenovirus interference vector co-infection group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Importantly, RIP3 was able to further promote apoptosis in BCG-infected RAW264.7 cells in part by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01). In addition, Western blot analysis further demonstrated that RIP3 was involved in BCG-induced apoptosis partly through down-regulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and up-regulation of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:RIP3 is involved in BCG-induced apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells, and this process may be achieved by the mitochondrial pathway.     

Preparation of histones and their effects on macrophages

AIM: To prepare histones with different methods and to observe their effects on cell viability and cytokine release by macrophages in vitro.
METHODS: Prokaryotic expression plasmids of histone H3 and histone H4 were constructed by cloning methods. The histones containing GST-tag or His-tag (GST-H3, GST-H3, His-H3, His-H4) were expressed and purified. The histones from eukaryotic cells (RAW264.7 and 293F cells) were extracted with the high salt method. RAW264.7 cells were treated with histones (7.5~50 mg/L) for 4 h and the cell vitality was examined by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in the culture supernatants of RAW264.7 cells treated with histones were also detected.
RESULTS: His-H3/H4 and the histones from eukaryotic cells significantly reduced the viability of RAW264.7 cells and induced apoptosis. The effects of histones from different sources on the releases of IL-6 and TNF-α were different.
CONCLUSION: His-H3/His-H4 expressed by prokaryotic plasmids and the histones extracted from eukaryotic cells affect the vitality of macrophages as well as induce late apoptosis and necrosis. Histone may involve in the inflammatory process by promoting the release of inflammatory cytokines.     

Effect of promoting cellular cholesterol efflux on the apoptosis of foam cells derived from monocytes

AIM: To determine the effect of promoting cellular cholesterol efflux on the apoptosis of foam cells derived from monocytes. METHODS: RAW264.7 cells were incubated with 50 mg/L ox-LDL as a foam cell mode. The apoptosis rate of RAW264.7 cells was assayed by flow cytometry. Cellular lipid droplet was assayed by oil red staining. The rate of cellular cholesterol efflux was assayed with ［3H］ label cholesterol, and the content of cellular cholesterol were assayed by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: After incubation with 50 mg/L ox-LDL for 48 h, the content of cellular cholesterol ester increased from (6.8±3.6) mg/g to (101.7±4.5) mg/g (P<0.05), but the rate of cholesterol efflux was only (5.2±2.1)%, and the apoptosis rate of RAW264.7 was increased from 8.14% to 42.6% (P<0.05). When treated with 200 mg/L HDL3 for 24 h, the rate of cellular cholesterol efflux were obviously increased, the apoptosis rate were decreased from 42.6% to 14.3% (P<0.05). Meanwhile, when treated with 10 mmol/L β-CD (a special compound for promoting cellular cholesterol efflux) for 24 h, the apoptosis rate was also decreased from 42.6% to 12.0%. CONCLUSION: HDL3 and β-CD inhibit the apoptosis of foam cells induced by oxidized LDL through promoting cellular cholesterol efflux.     

Effects of intracellular expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis CFP10-ESAT6 fusion protein on proliferation and apoptosis of mouse macrophages

AIM：To establish Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP10)-early secretory antigenic target 6 (ESAT6) eukaryotic expression vector and investigate the effect of intracellular expression of CFP10-ESAT6 fusion protein on the proliferation and apoptosis of mouse macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). METHODS：The recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1/CFP10-ESAT6 was constructed by inserting CFP10-ESAT6 fusion gene into eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-N1, and then transfected into RAW264.7 cells to express CFP10-ESAT6 fusion protein. The viability of RAW264.7 cells was measured by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was applied to measure the apoptotic rate and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression in RAW264.7 cells treated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19 kD lipoprotein or staurosporine. RESULTS：The recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1/CFP10-ESAT6 was successfully constructed and transfected into RAW264.7 cells. Compared with the control cells, intracellular expression of CFP10-ESAT6 fusion protein did not affect the viability of RAW264.7 cells, but could inhibit the apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells treated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19 kD lipoprotein. Moreover, CFP10-ESAT6-expressing macrophages had markedly lower expression of TLR2 on the surface. CONCLUSION：Intracellular expression of CFP10-ESAT6 fusion protein has no cytotoxicity on mouse macrophages, but can inhibit the apoptosis of the macrophages treated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19 kD lipoprotein through down-regulating the expression of TLR2.