Effect of YIGU capsule on IGF-I mRNA and protein expression in rat osteoblasts in vitro

AIM: The effects of YIGU capsule on proliferation and IGF-I mRNA protein expressions in osteoblasts were studied. METHODS: (1) Forty 12-month old Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided randomly into four groups (YIGU capsule high dose group, medium dose group and low dose group; saline group), the drug-containing serum and control serum were prepared. (2) The new-born Sprague-Dawley rat osteoblasts were cultured with different YIGU capsule drug-containing serum at different concentrations and different exposure time. MTT method was used to observe proliferation of osteoblasts. (3) RT-PCR method was used to measure the relative IGF-I mRNA levels and ELISA method was used to measure IGF-I secretion at different exposure time. (4) ELISA method was used to measure IGF-I secretion at different exposure time. RESULTS: (1) Proliferation of osteoblasts was more than the control groups after 48, 72 and 96 h, respectively (P<0.01); (2) The relative IGF-I mRNA levels and IGF-I protein expression were higher than those in control group after 48, 72 and 96 h, respectively (P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was suggested that YIGU capsule drug-containing serum promoted proliferation, IGF-I mRNA and protein expression. These results may be parts of the mechanisms of YIGU capsule to prevent and treat osteoporosis.     

Farrerol inhibits nicotine-induced proliferation of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells by enhancing Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 expression

AIM:To study the effect of farrerol (Far) on nicotine-induced proliferation of rat pulmonary smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and further to explore its relationship with voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv) 1.5 and Kv2.1. METHODS:Firstly, the effect of nicotine on the proliferation of PASMCs was detected by cell counting method, and the optimal concentration of nicotine was selected. Primary cultured PASMCs were randomly divided into 5 groups:normal control group, nicotine (1 μmol/L)group, nicotine (1 μmol/L) + Far (10^-6 mol/L, 10^-5 mol/L and 10^-4 mol/L) Far group. The activity of caspase-3 was measured by apoptosis kit, the cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay, the apoptotic rate was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of Kv1.5 and Kv2.1, and apoptosis-related factors Bcl-2 and Bax at mRNA and protein levels was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot respectively. RESULTS:Nicotine at 1 μmol/L increased the number of PASMCs to the maximum extent (P<0.01). Nicotine at 1 μmol/L significantly reduced the caspase-3 activity and enhanced the cell viability of the PASMCs (P<0.01). Farrerol at 10^-6~10^-4 mol/L eliminated the effect of PASMCs induced by nicotine in a concentration dependent manner. Compared with control group, nicotine at 1 μmol/L significantly increased the proliferation and inhibited the apoptotic rate of rat PASMCs (P<0.01). The apoptotic rate of PASMCs in farrerol intervention group was significantly higher than that in nicotine group (P<0.01). Nicotine at 1 μmol/L significantly inhibited the expression of Kv1.5, Kv2.1 and Bax but increased the expression of Bcl-2 in PASMCs (P<0.01). Farrerol at 10^-5 mol/L obviously inhibited the effect of PASMCs induced by nicotine. CONCLUSION:Farrerol eliminates nicotine-induced inhibition of caspase-3 and Bax, and enhancement of Bcl-2 in PASMCs by enhancing Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 expression.     

Effects of low-dose mifepristone on apoptosis in human ovarian luteinized granulosa cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of different low-dose mifepristone on apoptosis in granulosa cells and to test low-dose mifepristone as an orally contraceptive drug. METHODS: By using immunofluorescence, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labelling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry technique, the nuclear morphologic features and ratio of apoptosis and fluorescent intensity of caspase-3 in granulosa cells cultured in vitro treated with different low-doses of mifepristone were observed, respectively. RESULTS: By the display of immunofluorescence, the granulosa cells in treatment group were classified as apoptotic cells on the basis of their morphologic features contained a single condensed chromatin, multiple nuclear fragments. The results of TUNEL showed significant difference between control group and groups treated with different concentration of mifepristone (P<0.01). A significant difference (P<0.01) was also observed between the treatment groups with 1.25 μmol/L and 2.50 μmol/L mifepristone. The fluorescent intensity of caspase-3, observed by flow cytometry showed significant difference (P<0.01) between control group and treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Granulosa cells are induced to apoptosis by low-dose mifepristone, which may be regulated by the activation of caspase-3.     

Effect of Yigu capsule drug-containing serum on apoptosis and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase secretion in rat osteoclasts

AIM:The effects of Yigu capsule on tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) secretion and apoptosis in rat osteoclasts were investigated in order to further explore its mechanism of preventing and treating osteoporosis.METHODS:(1) Twenty-month-old Sprague-daweley rats were randomly divided into two groups(Yigu capsule group and saline group), and the drug-containing serum and control serum were prepared. (2) The newborn Sprague-daweley rat osteoclasts were cultured with different concentrations of Yigu capsule drug-containing serum. At different time point, TRAP activity was measured and the survival osteoclast was counted under reverse microscope.The percentage of osteoclast apoptosis was observed under fluorescence microscope after acridine orange staining.RESULTS:TRAP activity was lower and the percentage of osteoclast apoptosis was higher in drug-containing serum group than in control group at 24, 48 and 72 h(P<0.01), respectively, and the survival osteoclasts were less in drug-containing serum group than in control groups at 24, 48 and 72 h(P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS:These data suggest that Yigu capsule drug-containing serum induces apoptosis and inhibits TRAP activity in osteoclasts, which may be one of the mechanisms of Yigu capsule preventing and treating osteoporosis.     

Effect of drug-containing serum of Liuwei Dihuang pills on TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in HK-2 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of the drug-containing serum of Liuwei Dihuang pills on the TGF-β₁/Smad signaling pathway in HK-2 cells.METHODS: The proliferation of HK-2 cell was detected by MTT method. Western blotting analysis was used to investigate the effect of the drug-containing serum of Liuwei Dihuang pills on the protein expression of the molecules of Smad signal transduction pathway.RESULTS: The drug-containing serum of Liuwei Dihuang pills promoted the proliferation of HK-2 cells. The level of Smad2 phosphorylation in HK-2 cells treated with 10% drug-containing serum of Liuwei Dihuang pills was significantly lower than that in the cells treated with TGF-β₁. Furthermore, SnoN, a negative factor in Smad signaling pathway, was up-regulated in HK-2 cells treated with 10% drug-containing serum.CONCLUSION: Drug-containing serum of Liuwei Dihuang pills inhibits TGF-β₁/Smad signaling pathway, including reducing Smad2 phosphorylation and promoting SnoN protein expression.     

Effects of interleukin-10 on the calcineurin activity in cultured cardiac fibroblasts induced by arginine vasopressin

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of interleukin-10 (IL-10) on the proliferation and calcineurin (CaN) activity in cultured cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) induced by arginine vasopressin (AVP).METHODS: The CFs of left ventricle in neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated and cultured by trypsin digestion and selective plating technique. Then the proliferation rates of cells were determined by using the MTT ［3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide］ assay (A490 value). Cell cycle distribution was determined with flowcytometry technique. The CaN activity was measured by ultra-violet spectrophotography.RESULTS: (1) MTT colorimetry showed that 10-7 mol/L AVP significantly increased A490 value of CFs in comparison with control group (P<0.01). IL-10 attenuated the A490 value of AVP group in a concentration dependent manner. The A490 value of the 10-8, 10-7, 10-6, 10-5 g/L IL-10+10-7 mol/L AVP groups was 0.201±0.007, 0.187±0.006, 0.173±0.010 and 0.157±0.029 respectively, all data significantly lower than those in the presence of AVP alone (P<0.05 or P<0.01). (2) The percentage of the cells in S stage and proliferation index were markedly increased in 10-7mol/L AVP group compared with the control (P<0.01, respectively). In the 10-6 g/L IL-10+10-7 mol/L AVP group, the percentage cells in S stage and proliferation index were significantly lower than those in AVP group (P<0.01, respectively). IL-10 itself had no effect on fibroblast proliferation, but reduced AVP-induced fibroblast proliferation. (3) There was a significantly increase in CaN activity in AVP group compared with control (P<0.01). In the 10-8, 10-7, 10-6 and 10-5 g/L IL-10＋10-7 mol/L AVP groups, the CaN activity was 3.22±0.04, 3.06±0.06, 2.53±0.04 and 2.22±0.04, respectively. IL-10 dose-dependently down-regulated the CaN activity induced by AVP (P<0.01, respectively). However, the CaN activity was still higher in IL-10+AVP group than that in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that IL-10 regulates the CaN activity of CFs in the cell proliferation induced by AVP, suggesting that IL-10 plays a role in the regression of cardiac remodeling.     

Effects of erythromycin and its derivatives on the proliferation of T lymphocyte in vitro

AIM: To study the effects of erythromycin and its derivatives on the proliferation and the apoptosis of T lymphocytes and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of erythromycin derivatives. METHODS: The effects of four erythromycin derivatives without antibacterial action on the proliferation T lymphocytes were evaluated by MTT. The effects of the erythromycin derivatives on apoptosis in T lymphocytes were observed by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. RESULTS: The proliferation of T lymphocytes were inhibited by erythromycin derivative-Ⅰ and erythromycin, the IC50 was (425.2±32.1) μmol/L and (606.3±35.4) μmol/L, respectively. The IC50 value of erythromycin derivative-Ⅰ was lower than that of EM (P<0.01). Erythromycin derivative-Ⅰ (3-30 mg/L) and EM (30-100 mg/L) induced T lymphocytes apoptosis in a concentration-related manner by flow cytometry and TUNEL, while erythromycin derivative-Ⅰ induced cells to die at concentration of 100 mg/L. CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory activity of erythromycin derivatives may be due partly to their effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of T lymphocytes.     

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on ADMA metabolism in human vascular endothelial cells and the role of RAS

AIM:To observe the effects of high hydrostatic pressure on asymmetric NG, NG-dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA) metabolism of human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs), and the role of renin-angiotensin system (RAS). METHODS:Cultured HUVECs of 3-6th passage were exposed to atmosphere (0 mmHg, APC), 120 mmHg (MPC), 180 mmHg (HPC). There were three groups in each pressure condition, one as control, the other two were interfered with captopril （Cap, 10 μmol/L or 100 μmol/L） or irbesartan （Irb, 10 μmol/L or 100 μmol/L） respectively. Cell proliferation was quantified by determining hexosaminidase activity at 12 h. Concentration of ADMA in conditioned medium was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at 12 h. RESULTS:Compared with APC group, ADMA concentration increased prominently in MPC and HPC (4.69±0.37 and 4.48±0.39 vs 0.75±0.05，P<0.01), but no difference was found between MPC and HPC group. ADMA concentration was not influenced by Cap and Irb in APC, but obviously reduced in MPC and HPC in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION:ADMA is upregulated by high hydrostatic pressure and RAS is involved.     

Influence of chronic corticosterone injection on depression-like behavior and brain glycogen levels in mice

AIM: To study the effect of chronic corticosterone (CORT) injection on the depression-like behaviors and the brain glycogen level in mice. METHODS: Male C57BL/6N mice (n=40) were randomly divided into normal control group and model group. The mice in model group were subcutaneously consecutively injected with CORT for 4 weeks. The mouse model of chronic stress depression was constructed. The forced swim test and open field experiment were conducted to prove chronic stress model. The serum level of CORT in the mice was measured by radioimmunoassay. The protein levels of hippocampal synaptophysin (SYP) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were detected by Western blot. Hippocampus glycogen, glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase were determined by indirect fluorescence measurement. RESULTS: Compared with normal control group, the immobility time of the forced swim test in model group was significantly lengthened (P<0.01), and the ability of spontaneous activity was reduced (P<0.01), indicating that chronic CORT injection induced depression-like behaviors in mice. The CORT level increased significantly (P<0.01) in model group. CORT injection decreased the protein expression of hippocampal SYP and BDNF (P<0.01), reduced hippocampal glycogen level (P<0.05) and glycogen synthase activity (P<0.05), and increased glycogen phosphorylase activity (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Chronic CORT injection causes hippocampal neuron damage and induces the depression-like behaviors of mice, which may be associated with decreasing hippocampal glycogen level by CORT.     

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.     

Nodosin induces apoptosis of HepG2 cells by increasing Apaf-1 expression and activating caspase-3

AIM:To investigate the effects of nodosin on apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. METHODS:HepG2 cells were treated with nodosin at different concentrations (1.25 μmol/L, 2.5 μmol/L, 5 μmol/L, 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L) for 24 h. The morphological changes of the HepG2 cells were observed by Hoechst 33258 staining and electron microscopy. The apoptotic rates were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) was detected by RT-qPCR. The protein levels of pro-caspase-3, caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:HepG2 cells showed obvious cell shrinkage and nucleus drift when treated with nodosin as the concentration was increased. Many apoptotic bodies were observed in 5 μmol/L, 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L nodosin groups. The mRNA expression of Apaf-1 was increased in 5 μmol/L, 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L nodosin groups as compared with control group (P<0.05). The protein levels of pro-caspase-3, caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 were increased with the increasing dose of nodosin (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Nodosin induces the apoptosis of HepG2 cells. This effect was related to increasing Apaf-1 mRNA expression and subsequently promoting the activation of caspase-3.     

Puerarin pretreatment protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury via increasing protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

AIM: To investigate the protective effects of puerarin (PUE) pretreatment on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as well as its possible mechanism and the signal transduction pathways involved. METHODS: HUVECs were randomly divided into normal control group, H/R group, PUE pretreatment group and PUE+H/R group (1.0×10^-3 mol/L, PUE pretreated the cells for 24 h before H/R). The protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was measured by Western blot. The activity of constitutive NOS (cNOS) was determined via chemical colorimetric methods. Apoptosis of HUVECs was detected by TUNEL assay. In addition, the cells were treated with ERK inhibitor U0126 (1.0×10^-5 mol/L) or PKB/Akt inhibitor LY294002 (5.0×10^-5 mol/L) for 1 h before PUE pretreatment, and then H/R was performed.RESULTS: Compared with control group, H/R decreased the protein expression of eNOS (P<0.05), and PUE pretreatment up-regulated it (P<0.05). This effect of PUE was inhibited by U0126 or LY294002 (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the activity of cNOS decreased in H/R group (P<0.05), while it increased after PUE pretreatment (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the apoptotic index significantly increased in H/R group (P<0.01). PUE pretreatment reduced the apoptotic index (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: H/R decreases the protein expression and enzyme activity of eNOS in HUVECs, and induces apoptosis of HUVECs. PUE pretreatment up-regulates the protein expression and enzyme activity of eNOS, and reduces the apoptosis of HUVECs with H/R injury. The protective effect of PUE might be through increasing eNOS protein expression via ERK1/2 and PKB/Akt signaling pathways.     

Effect of TMB-8 on the activation,proliferation and cell-cycle distribution of the mouse T lymphocytes in vitro

AIM: To study the effects of ［8-(diethylamino) octyl-3, 4, 5 -trimethoxybenzoate］ (TMB-8), an intracellular Ca2+ antagonist, on the activation, proliferation and cell-cycle distribution of the mouse T lymphocytes stimulated by concanvalin A (Con A) in vitro. METHODS: After stimulated with Con A, T cells were treated with different concentrations of TMB-8 alone and its combination with cyclosporine A (CsA). The expression of CD69, the early marker of CD3+ T cell activation, was measured by FACS. The proliferation-related index was determined by carboxyl fluorescin diacetate succinmidyl ester (CFDA-SE) flow cytometry. The cell-cycle distribution was analyzed by propidium iodide staining.RESULTS: After 6 h culture, the activation rate of CD69+ T cell in Con A group was (74.88±1.88)%. 10, 20 and 40 μmol/L of TMB-8 inhibited the expression of CD69 (P<0.01), especially in 40 μmol/L (52.55%±1.54%). After 48 h and 72 h culture, the PI of Con A group was 1.24±0.01, 2.05±0.07, respectively. TMB-8 with the concentration up to 5 μmol/L exerted a definite inhibitory effect on the proliferation with a maximal inhibition in 40 μmol/L(P<0.01). In the combination of 10 μmol/L of TMB-8 with 25 μg/L of CsA, an evident synergistic effect was observed (P<0.01). Moreover, the cell-cycle distribution analysis showed that after 48 h culture, the concentration of TMB-8 over 10 μmol/L showed an evident suppression in S phase.CONCLUSION: TMB-8 significantly inhibites the early steps of the Con A-induced T cell activation and proliferation, as well as the progression of T lymphocytes in S phase.     

CaMKII aggravates hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in H9c2 cells by activating apoptosis

AIM: To investigate the effect of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMKⅡ) on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in H9c2 cells. METHODS: H9c2 cells were randomized into 4 groups:control group, KN-93 (an inhibitor of CaMKⅡ; 1 μmol/L) treatment group, H/R group and H/R+KN-93 (1 μmol/L) treatment group. The cells in KN-93 group and KN-93+H/R group were pretreated with KN-93 for 2 h before the other treatment was performed. The viability of H9c2 cells in each group was measured by CCK-8 assay. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the culture medium was detected. The protein levels of phosphorylated CaMKⅡ (p-CaMKⅡ), phosphorylated phospholamban (p-PLN) and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by Western blot. The apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining and the flow cytometry. RESULTS: No significant difference of all indexes tested between control group and KN-93 group was observed. H/R treatment significantly reduced the cell viability, and increased the activity of LDH (P<0.01), the protein levels of p-CaMKⅡ, p-PLN and cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.05), and the apoptotic rate (P<0.01). KN-93 (1 μmol/L) significantly increased the cell viability, and decreased the activity of LDH (P<0.01), the protein levels of p-CaMKⅡ, p-PLN and cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.05), and the apoptotic rate (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: CaMKⅡ aggravates hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in the H9c2 cells by activating apoptosis.     

Sensitization of chemotherapy for human triple-negative breast cancer cells by methylseleninic acid

AIM:To observe the chemosensitization effect of methylseleninic acid (MSA) on human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. METHODS:MDA-MB-231 cell line was co-cultured with MSA plus paclitaxel or doxorubicin. The inhibitory rate of cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay. The combination index was calculated to explore the impact of MSA on the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was applied to detect the cell apoptosis. RESULTS:Compared with single usage of chemotherapeutic drugs, the cell proliferation rates were decreased when the chemotherapeutic drugs was combined with MSA, suggesting that there is a synergistic relationship between MSA and chemotherapeutic drugs. Compared with the single-agent groups, the G2/M-phase cells in paclitaxel combined with MSA group increased significantly (P<005),and the S-phase cells increased significantly in doxorubicin combined with MSA group (P<005). These suggested that MSA enhanced the anticancer effect of the drugs by inducing cell cycle arrest. Compared with single usage of 10 nmol/L paclitaxel, the apoptotic rate increased from 41.1% to 59.3% (P<005) as 10 nmol/L paclitaxel combined with 3.5 μmol/L MSA was used. Compared with single usage of 0.5 μmol/L doxorubicin, the apoptotic rate increased from 30.2% to 51.9% (P<0.01) as 0.5 μmol/L doxorubicin combined with 3.5 μmol/L MSA was used. These suggested that MSA enhanced antitumor effect of the drugs by inducing tumor cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: MSA enhances the antitumor effects of chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin and paclitaxel on TNBC cells. One of the possible mechanisms is the enhancement of inducing tumor cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.     

Effect of yigu capsule drug-containing serum on proliferation,ALP activity and expression of interleukin-11 mRNA in rat osteoblasts in the co- culture

AIM:To investigate the effect of yigu caps ule drug-containing serum on proliferation,ALP activity and expression of inter leukin-11 mRNA in Sprague-Dawley rat osteobalsts in the co-culture system.METHODS:(1) Osteoblasts and osteoclasts were isolated from 1 an d 5-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats,respectively.The osteoblasts-osteoclasts co- culture system was built to prevent the two kinds of cells from contact and allo w the media to exchange.The experiment included two groups,drug-containing se ra group and control group.(2) The osteoblasts proliferation,ALP activity and expression of interleukin-11 mRNA were detected by the MTT,4-aminoantipyrine sp ectrometric methods and FQ-PCR，respectively.RESULTS:In drug-containing sera group,the osteoblasts prolifer ation,ALP activity,expression of IL-11 mRNA were higher than those of control group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Rat sera containing yigu capsule can obviously enhan ce the osteoblast proliferation,ALP activity and expression of IL-11 mRNA.     

tBHQ delayed replicative senescence by activating the proteasome system of BMSCs

AIM: To investigate the effect of tert-butylhydroquinone(tBHQ) on the replicative senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).METHODS: Late stage BMSCs were continuously treated with tBHQ at concentration of 30 μmol/L for 4 weeks and the cells were used for the following assays immediately. The proteasomal activity was determined by chemiluminescence method. The samples were subjected to CCK-8 assay and BrdU incorporation as well as flow cytometry analysis for analyzing the cell vitality and proliferation. Percentage of senescent cells was detected by senescence-associated β-galactosidase(SA-β-Gal) staining. The expression of P53 was measured by Western blot.RESULTS: After the continuous treatment of tBHQ(30 μmol/L) for 4 weeks, the proteasomal activity of late stage BMSCs increased by 21.96%±1.98%(P<0.05). The cell vitality and survival were significantly increased with the increases in tBHQ doses till 40 μmol/L, and no cytotoxicity reaction with the increased dose of tBHQ till 120 μmol/L was observed. BrdU-positive cells, which represented the cell proliferation, were significantly increased(P<0.05). The proliferation index was also significantly increased by flow cytometry analysis(P<0.05). The SA-β-Gal positive cells and the expression of P53 were decreased(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: tBHQ delays the proteasome dysfunction associated senescence progress of BMSCs by increasing the proteasomal activity.     

Effect of huayu xiaoliu fang on cell cycle of a human lung carc inoma cell line

AIM:To investigate the effect of huayu xia oliu fa ng,a Chinese medicine,on the cell cycle of human lung carcinoma cell line by s erologic pharmacological method.METHODS:PGLH7 cells were incubated with rabbit serum containing huayu xiaoliu fang at different doses obtained by serologic pharmacological met hod.MTT assay w as used to calculate the proliferation inhibition rate.The target cells were ha rvested to analyze the cell cycles by flow cytometry.RESULTS:The Chinese medicine-containing serum inhibited the gro wth of PGLH7 c ells significantly.There was remarkable difference in the proliferation inhibit ion rate between 10% (high dose) Chinese medicine-containing serum and the cont rol serum (P＜ 0.05).Cell cycle analysis in PGLH7 cells showed that there was significant d ifference in S phase between 10% high or medium dose Chinese medicine-containin g serum and the control serum by flow cytometry (medium dose Chinese medicine-c ontaining serum P<0.05,high dose Chinese medicine-containing serum P< 0.01).CONCLUSION:The antineoplastic mechanisms of huayu xiaoliu fang may be due to inhibiting DNA synthesis to restrain PGLH7 cells proli feration.It may provide a theoretical basis for the Chinese drug to popularize and apply in clinical practice.