SPK1 interferes with LLC cell apoptosis by regulating Bcl-2/Bax pathway

AIM: To investigate whether sphingosine kinase 1 (SPK1) interferes with apoptosis of Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells by regulating the Bcl-2/Bax pathway. METHODS: The SPK1 gene siRNA eukaryotic expression vector was constructed, and transfected into the LLC cells. The transfected LLC cells was observed under a fluorescence microscope. The apoptotic rate of LLC cells after transfection was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of SPK1, Bcl-2 and Bax in LLC cells after transfection were detected by Western blot. The protein levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Transfected LLC cells emitted green fluorescence under a fluorescence microscope. Apoptosis in siRNA-SPK1 group was significantly higher than that in siRNA-SPK1-Neg group (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed that the expression of Bax in siRNA-SPK1 group was significantly higher than that in siRNA-SPK1-Neg group, and the expression of Bcl-2 was lower than that in siRNA-SPK1-Neg group. The ELISA results showed that the protein level of Bax in siRNA-SPK1 group was significantly higher than that in siRNA-SPK1-Neg group (P<0.01), and the protein level of Bcl-2 in siRNA-SPK1 group was significantly lower than that in siRNA-SPK1-Neg group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The expression of SPK1 in LLC cells is related to the apoptotic rate. SPK1 may interfere with the apoptosis of LLC cells via Bcl-2/Bax pathway.     

Effect of mineralocorticoid receptor gene silencing by RNA interference on proliferation and apoptosis of murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7

AIM: To establish stable knockdown of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression through short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated silencing in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. METHODS: Stable MR silencing in RAW 264.7 cells was achieved by recombinant shRNA plasmid targeting murine MR gene via liposome-mediated transfection, followed by G418 selection. The efficacies of plasmid transfection and MR silencing in G418-resistant cells were verified by immunofluorescent microcopy and real-time PCR, respectively. Proliferative activity of MR-silencing cell line was analyzed by CCK-8 assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: MR gene expression was down-regulated by 70% compared with the negative control (NC) plasmid transfection. In addition, MR-silencing cells exhibited lower proliferative activity compared with NC and wide type RAW 264.7 cells (P<0.05), along with reduced proliferation index of 31.0%±1.3% (P<0.05), compared with the wide type cells (37.2%±0.5%) and the NC cells (37.5%±1.6%). In resting state, the apoptotic rate in wide type, NC and MR-silencing cells were 2.18%±0.36%, 6.65%±0.81% and 7.70%±1.34%, respectively, and no statistical difference was observed between NC and MR-silencing cells (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: MR gene silencing inhibits the proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages, but has no obvious effect on the apoptosis of the resting state cells.     

NR6A1 promotes vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis by up-regulating RIPK3 gene expression

AIM: To determine the role of nuclear receptor subfamily 6, group A, member 1 (NR6A1) in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis.METHODS: NR6A1 protein was over-expressed in the VSMCs by infection of adenovirus. The effect of NR6A1 on the viability of VSMCs was measured by MTT assay. DAPI staining, TUNEL staining and caspase activity assay were conducted. DNA microarray was used to quickly screen the target genes of NR6A1. The effect of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) silencing on NR6A1-induced apoptosis of the VSMCs was further analyzed.RESULTS: Adenovirus-mediated over-expression of NR6A1 induced the apoptosis of VSMCs. The RIPK3 gene expression was up-regulated by NR6A1 over-expression in the VSMCs. NR6A1-induced VSMC apoptosis was inhibited by RIPK3 silencing.CONCLUSION: NR6A1 promotes VSMC apoptosis by up-regulating the RIPK3 gene expression.     

Effects of CARHSP1 gene expression on viability,apoptosis and immune factors of vascular endothe-lial cells induced by hypoxia in atherosclerosis

AIM: To investigate the effect of calcium-regulated heat stable protein 1 (CARHSP1) gene expression on the viability, apoptosis and expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in vascular endothe-lial cells induced by hypoxia.METHODS: The protein expression of CARHSP1 was detected by Western blot in atherosclerotic plaques. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with hypoxia, and the cells were divided into normal culture group, hypoxia group, hypoxia+CARHSP1-siRNA group and hypoxia+pcDNA3.1-CARHSP1 group. The viability and apoptotic rate of the HUVECs were measured by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The mRNA expression of IL-6 and CRP was detected by RT-PCR. The protein levels of caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by Western blot.RESULTS: The protein expression of CARHSP1 in atherosclerotic plaques was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Hypoxia significantly increased the expression of CARHSP1. The cell viability and the protein expression of Bcl-2 were significantly lower in hypoxia group than those in normal culture group (P<0.05). The apoptotic rate and the protein levels of IL-6, CRP, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were significantly higher than those in normal culture group (P<0.05). Compared with hypoxia group, the cell viability and protein expression of Bcl-2 were significantly increased in hypoxia+CARHSP1-siRNA group, while the apoptotic rate and the protein levels of IL-6, CRP, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were decreased significantly (P<0.05). The cell viability and protein expression of Bcl-2 were decreased significantly in hypoxia+pcDNA3.1-CARHSP1 group, while the apoptotic rate and the protein le-vels of IL-6, CRP, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were increased significantly (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The expression of CARHSP1 is increased in atherosclerotic plaques, and inhibition of CARHSP1 expression improves the viability, reduces the apoptosis, and down-regulates the expression of IL-6 and CRP in the HUVECs. Over-expression of CARHSP1 exerts the opposite effect.     

龙眼水通道蛋白基因(DLPIP1)的克隆与表达分析

应用蛋白质组学研究低温胁迫下龙眼叶片蛋白质组变化时,发现PIP1蛋白在龙眼低温胁迫中上调表达。应用RACE技术克隆龙眼水通道蛋白基因全长cDNA,命名为DLPIP1,基因登陆号为JN572691,长度为1 132 bp,包括1个900 bp的开放阅读框,编码299个氨基酸序列,同源性分析表明,DLPIP1在21个不同植物中的一致性为90%~93%。应用生物信息学软件对DLPIP1氨基酸序列分析表明,含有7个跨膜区,有2个NPA单元,其氨基酸残基与MIP家族蛋白保守区序列完全一致。氨基酸序列比对发现,该序列与其他物种PIP质膜水通道蛋白氨基酸序列有很高的同源性。利用实时荧光定量技术对DLPIP1在低温胁迫下不同组织表达谱分析表明,DLPIP1在龙眼根、茎、叶中都有表达,在根中的表达量最高,其次是茎和叶。DLPIP1在低温胁迫时,随着低温胁迫时间的延长而发生变化。这说明DLPIP1蛋白在龙眼低温逆境过程中起作用。     

Effect of mesenchymal stem cells transfected with human heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)gene on myocardial apoptosis and angiogenesis

AIM: To investigate the effects of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)transfected with human heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)gene on myocardial apoptosis and angiogenesis. METHODS: MSCs were acquired from the bone marrow of adult rats. The cells were isolated, purified, cultured, and transfected with Adv-HO-1 in vitro before transplantation. At 1 h after left coronary artery ligation, Adv-HO-1-MSCs or MSCs were directly injected into the border of cardiac infarction in rats. Western blotting analysis was used to measure HO-1, and Bax protein expression in the border of cardiac infarction. ELISA was used to measure the expressions of VEGF and bFGF in the border of cardiac infarction. At 4 weeks after transplantation, the heart functions in survival rats were examined by the Buxco system. The rats were killed, then the myocardial infarct size was measured with Masson’s trichrome, and the expression of CD34 in myocardial infarction area was detected by immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: HO-1-MSCs exhibited increased HO-1 expression. The expression of HO-1, VEGF and bFGF in the border of cardiac infarction in the rats treated with HO-1-MSCs were higher than those in the rats treated with MSCs and PBS(P<0.01). However, the expression of apoptotic protein Bax was significantly lower than that in the rats treated with MSCs and PBS(P<0.01). The number of capillary vessels in the border of cardiac infarction in the rats treated with HO-1-MSCs was significantly higher than that in the rats treated with MSCs and PBS. The cardiac function in the rats treated with HO-1-MSCs was better than that in the rats treated with MSCs and PBS(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The favorable effect on heart function appears to be a combined outcome of HO-1 and paracrine factors released by MSCs.     

杧果查尔酮合成酶基因(CHS1)的克隆与表达分析

【目的】克隆鉴定杧果CHS基因,分析其功能,明确杧果不同组织器官中CHS基因表达情况。【方法】以海南种植的6个杧果种的叶片总DNA和c DNA为模板,进行同源性PCR扩增,然后克隆到p MD18-T载体上,进行测序;通过生物学软件预测分析CHS基因编码的蛋白质;运用半定量PCR分析CHS基因表达情况。【结果】测序得到6个杧果种CHS基因c DNA全长为1 173 bp,CHS基因含有2个外显子和1个内含子。基于c DNA序列的NJ系统发育树显示,其与普通杧果(Mangifera indica)CHS1基因同源性最高。CHS1基因半定量表达显示杧果不同器官均表达CHS1基因,但在叶片和花中的表达量较高。【结论】克隆了杧果查尔酮合成酶1(CHS1)基因,半定量分析了杧果不同器官中CHS1基因的表达差异,为下一步研究提高CHS1基因的表达量奠定了基础。     

Effect of P2X7R gene silencing by RNA interference on proliferation and phagocytosis of murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7

AIM: To establish a cell line of stable silencing of P2X₇ receptor (P2X₇R) expression through short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated interference in murine RAW264.7 macrophages, and to investigate the proliferation and apoptosis in the cell line. METHODS: Stable silencing of P2X₇R gene in the RAW264.7 cells was achieved by recombinant shRNA plasmid targeting murine P2X₇R gene via liposome mediated transfection, followed by G418 selection. The efficacy of plasmid transfection and P2X₇R silencing in G418 resistant cells was verified by immunofluorescent microscopy and real-time PCR, respectively. The proliferative activity was analyzed by CCK-8 assay and EdU cell proliferation assay. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expression of P2X₇R at mRNA and protein levels was down-regulated by 80% in sh P2X₇R group compared with negative control (NC) plasmid transfection. In addition, P2X₇R-silencing cells exhibited higher proliferative activity compared with NC and wild-type RAW264.7 cells (P<0.05). Compared with NC cells, P2X₇R silencing resulted in an increase in the phagocytosis of the cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: A cell line RAW264.7 of stable silencing of P2X₇R expression was successfully established. P2X₇R gene silencing stimulates the proliferation, and changes phagocytic function in murine RAW264.7 macrophages.     

Vitamin D prevents high glucose-induced human umbilical vein endothe-lial cell apoptosis by inhibition of prolyl isomerase 1-mediated mitochon-drial oxidative stress

AIM: To observe the effects of vitamin D on the apoptosis, prolyl isomerase 1 (Pin1) protein expression and activity, mitochondrial translocation of p66Shc, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in high glucose-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and to explore the role of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in these processes. METHODS: HUVECs were treated with high glucose (33 mmol/L) in the presence or absence of vitamin D or Pin1 inhibitor juglone. The cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. Intracellular ROS levels were examined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The protein levels of Pin1, p66Shc, p-p66Shc, mitochondria to cytoplasm ratio of p66Shc, and caspase-3 in HUVECs were measured by Western blot. Pin1 activity in HUVECs lysate was assessed by a commercial kit. Knockdown of VDR by siRNA was conducted to evaluate the role of VDR in the regulatory effects of vitamin D on Pin1 protein expression and activity in HUVECs under high-glucose condition. RESULTS: Vitamin D suppressed the apoptosis and intracellular ROS generation of HUVECs induced by high glucose (P<0.05). Vitamin D inhibited high glucose-induced upregulation of Pin1 protein expression and activity (P<0.05). Vitamin D inhibited the phosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation of p66Shc and caspase-3 protein expression induced by high glucose (P<0.05). Knockdown of VDR by siRNA abolished the inhibitory effects of vitamin D on high glucose-induced upregulation of Pin1 protein expression and activity. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D alleviates high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis by inhibition of Pin1 protein expression and activity, and attenuation of p66Shc-mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress, which are dependent on VDR activation.     

Inhibition of 293T cell proliferation by blocking miR-20 and miR-106 expression with antisense RNA

AIM: To inhibit 293T cell proliferation by reducing miR-20 and miR-106 expression with antisense RNA. METHODS: Antisense RNA (or antisense oligonucleotides, ASO) specific to miR-20 and miR-106 was synthesized, and the 293T cells were treated with these antisense RNA. Then, the cell proliferation derived from suppression of antisense RNA was studied by microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorter. The expression of miRNA and its target gene Rb were analyzed by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: Our results showed that ASO could inhibit the expression of miR-20 and miR-106 effectively and inhibit 293T cell proliferation. The results also demonstrated that ASO specific to miR-106 could up-regulate anti-oncogene Rb expression. CONCLUSION: ASO could inhibit 293T cell proliferation by inhibiting miRNA expression and up-regulating Rb expression.     

Effect of trastuzumab (herceptin) on the apoptosis induced by ZD1839 (iressa) in lung cancer A549 cells

AIM: ZD1839 and trastuzumab are reported to improve the therapeutic efficacy of treatment for non-smallcell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast cancer, respectively, although the effectiveness of either drug alone is not satisfactory. NSCLC cells often express both EGFR and HER2. We therefore investigated whether a combination of ZD1839 and trastuzumab had an additive or synergistic antitumor effect. METHODS: MTT was used to measure the inhibitory effects of ZD1839 (iressa) and trastuzumab (herceptin) on the growth of A549 cells. The cell apoptosis was studied by DAPI staining, and Annexin V/PI double labeling. RESULTS: The inhibitory action of cell growth was seen in A549 cells dealing with ZD1839 and trastuzumab. They inhibited the growth of the human lung cancer cell line A549 in a concentration and time dependent manners. Compared with either ZD1839 or trastuzumab alone, combination with curcumin respectively increased the growth inhibition rate and increased apoptosis of A549 cells (P<0.05) significantly, suggesting the synergistic actions of the two drugs. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that combination treatment with ZD1839 and trastuzumab might have improved therapeutic efficacy against NSCLC cells expressing both EGFR and HER2.     

Effects of silencing of COX-2 gene expression by siRNA on cell proliferation,cell cycles,apoptosis and tumorigenicity of human pancreatic cancer Capan-2 cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of silencing of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression by siRNA on the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and tumorigenicity of human pancreatic cancer Capan-2 cells.METHODS: The gene transfection was performed using Lipofectamine 2000 (Lipo). The proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of Capan-2 cells were tested by the methods of cell counting, microscopy and FCM. The mRNA expression of COX-2 was determined by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. The protein level of COX-2 was detected by Western blotting. The tumorigenicity of Capan-2 cells transfected with siRNA-COX-2 was determined using the model of nude mice. RESULTS: Transfection efficiency of 96.47% was obtained under the conditions that the transfection volume was 2 mL, concentration of Lipo was 5 μL and that of siRNA-COX-2 was 50 nmol/L. The best sequence of siRNA-COX-2 for silencing of COX-2 gene expression was siRNA006 with the silencing rate of up to 73% 24 h after tansfection. siRNA-COX-2 slowed down the growth of Capan-2 cells 48 h after transfection (P<0.05). At time points of 48 h and 72 h after transfection, the protein expression of COX-2 was down-regulated to 67% and 61% of the normal level, the proliferation inhibition rate was 35.48% and 56.32%, and the apoptotic rate was 2.03% and 3.27%, respectively. At time points of 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after transfection, the proportion of the cells in G₀/G₁ phrase was 58.03%, 63.31% and 65.66%, and that of the cells in S phase was 30.27%, 24.87% and 22.2%, respectively. The mean volume and weight of tumor tissues were remarkably decreased due to the transplantation of Capan-2 cells transfected with siRNA-COX-2.CONCLUSION: siRNA-COX-2 effectively silences the expression of COX-2 gene, inhibits the growth and decreases the tumorigenicity of Capan-2 cells.     

Effect of leonurine on expression of miR-1 in rats with myocardial fibrosis induced by isoproterenol

AIM: To investigate effect of leonurine on the expression of microRNA-1 (miR-1) in rats with myocardial fibrosis induced by isoproterenol (ISO). METHODS: SD rats (n=10) were used as normal control group, and 80 rats were given ISO by intraperitoneal injection daily for 2 weeks to establish the model of myocardial fibrosis. The model rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:model group, low-dose (7.5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) leonurine group, middle-dose (15 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) leonurine group, high-dose (30 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) leonurine group and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor (0.3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) group. After the treatment for 2 weeks, the ultrastructure of left ventricular myocardial tissues was observed under electron microscope. Masson staining was used to detect collagen fibrosis, and the expression of collagen I and collagen Ⅲ was determined by the method of immunohistochemistry. The contents of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) were measured by ELISA. The expression of miR-1 and ET-1 mRNA was detected by real-time PCR, and the protein expression of p38 MAPK, β-myosin heavy chain (MHC) and α-MHC was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with model group, the ultrastructure of left ventricular myocardial tissues in high-dose leonurine group was attenuated, and the expression of miR-1 and the protein expression of α-MHC in left ventricular myocardial tissues of high-dose leonurine group were increased (P<0.05). Collagen volume fraction, collagen I, collagen Ⅲ, the ratio of collagen Ⅰ/collagen Ⅲ, the contents of ET-1 and Ang Ⅱ, the mRNA expression of ET-1, and the protein expression of p38 MAPK and β-MHC in high-dose leonurine group were lower than those in model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Leonurine attenuates myocardial fibrosis in the rats induced by ISO, and it is potentially associated with affecting the expression of miR-1, and inhibiting ET-1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway.     

Changes of apoptosis and cell cycle of HSC in rat hepatic fibrosis by treatment with traditional Chinese medicine prescription (Dan-Shao-Hua-Xian)

AIM: To investigate the effect of a Chinese medicime, Dan-Shao-Hua-Xian capsule, on liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 by observation of apoptosis and cell cycle variation in the liver cells. METHODS: Animal models were produced through eight-week treatment of the rats with CCl4, alcohol and diet of high fat/low proteins, and then administration of Dan-Shao-Hua-Xian to the rats (1 g/kg) via stomach-tube－pouring for eight weeks was performed. Liver index, serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT) were measured and hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in urine were determined. The extent of the liver fibrosis was observed under light microscope and apoptosis and cell cycle were also examined by cytometry between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared to the liver fibrosis group, the liver index, serum HA, ALT in the treatment group decreased, the development of liver fibrosis delayed, the urine Hyp and the number of apoptosed cells and the ratio of G0/G1 cells increased, as well as the S phase cells decreased, yet unable to return to normal. All those changes detected were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The Dan-Shao-Hua-Xian is effective in treating the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats partly by virtue of inhibition of the growth of hepatic stellate cells and induction of apoptosis.     

Measures of cell turnover (apoptosis and proliferation) and their association with survival in gastric cancer

AIM: To investigate the ratio of apoptotic index and proliferative index (AI/PI) in gastric cancer and their association with survival. METHODS: The apoptotic population and the proliferative population were quantitatively analyzed by flow cytometry. The proliferative cells were identified by confocal microscope and Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze survival. RESULTS: AI and PI were strongly correlated with a Pearson coefficient of 0.58 (P<0.01). A stepwise decrease trend in AI/PI was noted in clinical pathological variables, including lymph node metastasis and beyond metastasis (P<0.05 for each). No statistically significant difference in AI/PI expression based on different survival times was observed. Using the median AI/PI of 0.245, the cells were divided into two groups (greater than and less than the median AI/PI). Using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the Log-rank test, no statistic difference was found in two groups. The high expression of Ki-67 in tumor was found by confocal microscope. CONCLUSION: AI and PI are significantly correlated. A stepwise decrease trend in AI/PI may exist in tumor progression. AI/PI may not be good as a prognostic factor for cancer evaluation.     

Effect of autophagic inhibitor 3-methyladenine on apoptosis of hippo-campal neurons induced by Aβ(25-35)

AIM: To investigate the influence of autophagy on the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in the rat model of Alzheimer disease.METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into model group, autophagic inhibitior 3-methyladenine (3-MA) pretreatment group and control group.In model group, the rats were anesthetized and placed in a stereotaxic apparatus.Hippocampus CA1 area microinjection was performed and Aβ(25-35) was applied to establish the model of AD.3-MA in 0.9% saline was administered by the same way prior to Aβ(25-35) infusion.The learning and memory ability of the rats was observed by Morris water maze.The ultrastructure of the hippocampal neurons, the formation of autophagic vesicles, beclin-1 expression and cell apoptosis were detected after behavioral experiment.RESULTS: Compared with model group, the learning and memory ability of the rats in 3-MA group significantly impaired (P<0.05) and the apoptotic rate of the hippocampal neurons significantly increased (P<0.05).Moreover, the expression of beclin-1 was declined.In model group, hippocampal neurons showed double membrane wrapped in the autophagic vacuoles, and the neuronal damages were significantly milder than that in 3-MA group.CONCLUSION: Decrease in the levels of neuronal autophagy increases the neuronal apoptosis, indicating that increasing neuronal autophagy may have therapeutic potential for AD.