Effects of TSG101 siRNA on the growth and drug sensitivity of SH-SY5Y cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of TSG101 siRNA on the growth and drug sensitivity of human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y.METHODS:The small interfering RNA eukaryotic expression vector specific to human TSG101 gene was constructed by gene recombination,then transfected into SH-SY5Y cells.Stable transfectants were obtained by G418 screening and further identified by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis.The growth curve was made using MTT assay.Cell cycle distribution of the transfected cells was studied by flow cytometry and the proliferative indexes were calculated.The apoptosis after CDDP treatment was detected by DNA ladder and Annexin V/propidium iodide binding analyses.The expression of Bcl-2,Bax,P-gp and MRP were analyzed by Western blotting.RESULTS:mU6pro-TSG101 siRNA was successfully constructed and transfected into SH-SY5Y cells.As detected by MTT and flow cytometry,down-regulation of TSG101 significantly suppressed the proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells with a G1 cell cycle arrest,compared with that in control (P<0.05).As detected by DNA ladder and Annexin V/propidium iodide binding analyses,down-regulation of TSG101 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of SH-SY5Y cells to CDDP-induced apoptosis,compared with that in control (P<0.05).The expression of P-gp and Bcl-2 in transfected cells were decreased as compared with that in the control,while MRP and Bax were not.CONCLUSIONS:Down-regulation of TSG101 suppresses the proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells,and enhances the sensitivity of SH-SY5Y cells to conventional chemotherapeutic agents to a degree,suggesting TSG101 may be useful for gene therapy in the future.     

Effects of DARPP-32 on the drug sensitivity of SH-SY5Y cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of DARPP-32 on the drug sensitivity of human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. METHODS: The plasmid containing cDNA of DARPP-32 gene and the small interfering RNA eukaryotic expression vector specific to human DARPP-32 gene were constructed and transfected into SH-SY5Y cells. Stable transfectants were identified by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. MTT assay and flow cytometry assay were used to investigate the effects of DARPP-32 on the drug sensitivity and the drug accumulation in cell models. The expressions of Bcl-2，Bax, P-gp and MRP were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: The stable clones with increased or decreased DARPP-32 expression were successfully established. Up-regulation of DARPP-32 significantly enhanced the drug sensitivity and the drug accumulation of SH-SY5Y cells due to down-regulation of P-gp and Bcl-2 expressions. Down-regulation of DARPP-32 significantly reduced the drug sensitivity of SH-SY5Y cells and decreased drug accumulation in SH-SY5Y cells. CONCLUSION: DARPP-32 might mediate the sensitivity of SH-SY5Y cells to conventional chemotherapeutic agents.     

Cytotoxicity of lidocaine on SH-SY5Y cells

AIM: To observe the effects of lidocaine on SH-SY5Y cells and to investigate the neural cytotoxicity of lidocaine. METHODS: Cultured SH-SY5Y cells in vitro were divided into 4 groups: in group C (control group), SH-SY5Y cells were cultured under normal conditions; in group L1, SH-SY5Y cells were cultured with 0.5% lidocaine for 10 min; in group L2, SH-SY5Y cells were cultured with 1% lidocaine for 10 min; in group L3, SH-SY5Y cells were cultured with 2% lidocaine for 10 min. Cell morphology, cell viability and apoptosis were detected to evaluate the effects of lidocaine on the cells. RESULTS: SH-SY5Y cells in group C showed dendritic protrusions, enlarged nervous process and dense network. However, SH-SY5Y cells in the groups of L1, L2 and L3 showed the disappearance of dendritic protrusions, cell shrinkage, cell size reduction and round shape. Compared with SH-SY5Y cells in group C, the cell viability significantly decreased in the groups of L1, L2 and L3 with the increase in the concentration of lidocaine. Apoptotic rate of SH-SY5Y cells in group C was between 5.9% and 6.3%, and it increased with the increases in the concentration of lidocaine. CONCLUSION: Lidocaine at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2% can damage SH-SY5Y cells, and this injury become obviously serious with the increase in the concentrations of lidocaine, indicating that we should use the minimum effective concentration of lidocaine in clinic to prevent the harmful effect of the drug.     

Effects of edaravone on high glucose-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells via regulating microRNA-25

AIM: To observe the effects of edaravone on high glucose-induced apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells and its potential mechanism. METHODS: The SH-SY5Y cells were cultured in the DMEM medium with 100 mmol/L glucose and 100 μmol/L edaravone for 24 h. The viability of the SH-SY5Y cells was detected by MTT assay. The levels of ROS in the cells were determined by DCFH-DA fluorescent probing. The apoptotic rates of the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in the cells were detected by Western blot. The expression levels of micro-RNA-25 (miR-25) were determined by real-time PCR. To further clarify the target sites of edaravone on inhibiting apoptosis induced by high glucose, miR-25 inhibitor was applied to the SH-SY5Y cells and the activity of caspase-3 was measured.RESULTS: Compared with control group, the cell viability was decreased significantly in model group, and the ROS level was increased significantly. The protein expression of Bax was up-regulated significantly, while the expression levels of Bcl-2 and miR-25 were significantly down-regulated. Compared with model group, the cell viability was increased significantly in edaravone group. The ROS level was decreased significantly. Meanwhile, the expression of Bax was down-regulated, while the expression of Bcl-2 and miR-25 was up-regulated with statistical significance. The caspase-3 activity of the cells incubated with 100 mmol/L glucose and miR-25 inhibitor was increased. However, no alteration of caspase-3 activity with edaravone added simultaneously was observed. CONCLUSION: Edaravone inhibits the apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells induced by high glucose with the potential target site of miR-25.     

High concentration of extracellular ATP causes autophagy and apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells

AIM：To examine the effects of high concentration of extracellular ATP on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell injury. METHODS：Cultured SH-SY5Y cells were grouped according to the concentrations of ATP and treatment time. The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. The variation of autophagic vacuoles was observed with monodansylcadaverine staining. The cell apoptosis was analyzed by Hoechst 33258 staining. Meanwhile, apoptotic rate was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of caspase-3 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-Ⅱ (LC3-Ⅱ) were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS：Compared with control group, the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells was significantly reduced by ATP at different concentrations (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 mmol/L for 3 h) and different treatment time (1, 2, 3 and 6 h with 6 mmol/L ATP, peaking at 3 h). The autophagic vacuoles of SH-SY5Y cells were significantly increased at 1 h with ATP treatment, trended to decrease over time and returned to control level at 6 h. The protein expression of LC3-Ⅱ was significantly increased at 1 h with ATP treatment, which was consistent with the time points of increasing autophagic vacuoles. LC3-Ⅱ expression level gradually decreased at 2~3 h with ATP treatment, and returned to control level at 6 h. Compared with control group, the apoptotic rate and the expression level of caspase-3 were enhanced synchronously. The peak of apoptotic rate occurred at 3 h, and kept until 6 h.The level of cleaved caspase-3 expression peaked at 6 h. CONCLUSION：High concentration of extracellular ATP induces the autophagy and apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells. The increased autophagy shows up, followed by the climax of apoptosis until 6 h. With the prolonged duration of ATP, apoptosis is the main process in the cells.     

Effect of progesterone on SH-SY5Y cells injured by ATP

AIM: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of progesterone against adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-injured human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.METHODS: The SH-SY5Y cells in the logarithmic phase were divided into different groups according to the progesterone and ATP concentrations. The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The membrane permeability was detected using fluorescent dye YO-PRO-1. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration was measured with fluorescent dye Fluo-3/AM. The expression of purinergic P2X₇ receptor was assessed by Western blot.RESULTS: The viability of the SH-SY5Y cells was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and YO-PRO-1 uptake was obviously increased (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner compared with control group when SH-SY5Y cells were treated with ATP at 1, 3, 5 and 7 mmol/L for 2 h. The viability reduction of the SH-SY5Y cells induced by ATP was obviously counteracted by treatment with progesterone at 3, 10 and 30 nmol/L for 30 min (P<0.05) as compared with ATP group. YO-PRO-1 fluorescence enhancement induced by ATP in SH-SY5Y cells was significantly reduced (P<0.05) by progesterone (30 nmol/L) or P2X₇ receptor antagonist KN-62 (500 nmol/L) pretreatment for 30 min, and no obvious difference between treatments with progesterone and KN-62 was observed. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ fluorescence intensity in normal group was a little, but that in ATP group was increased (P<0.05). Progesterone or KN-62 pretreatment significantly decreased the cytosolic fluorescence intensity of Ca²⁺ induced by ATP (P<0.05). However, no obvious difference between treatments with progesterone and KN-62 was found. The expression of P2X₇ receptor in ATP group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05), and progesterone inhibited ATP-induced P2X₇ receptor expression (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Progesterone inhibits P2X₇ receptor expression, membrane pore formation, intracellular Ca²⁺ increase and cell death induced by ATP, so progesterone may protect SH-SY5Y cells against ATP-induced injuries.     

Rapamycin reduces SH-SY5Y cell damage induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation

AIM: To observe the effect of rapamycin (Rapa) on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell injury induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), and to explore the role of autophagy in this process. METHODS: The SH-SY5Y cells were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal control group:the cells were cultured without OGD treatment; Rapa group:the cells were pretreated with Rapa for 1 h; OGD group:the culture medium was replaced by glucose-free medium and the cells were transferred to a humidified incubation chamber flushed by a gas mixture of 1% O₂, 94% N₂ and 5% CO₂ for 12 h; Rapa+OGD group:the cultured cells were treated with Rapa for 1 h, and then were given the same treatments as those in OGD group. The cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. The degree of the cell damage was evaluated by determining the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The enzyme activity of caspase-3 was detected. TUNEL staining were used to detect the variation of cell apoptosis. The protein levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2, autophagy-related protein beclin-1 and autophagy marker protein LC3B were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with OGD group, the viability of the SH-SY5Y cells was significantly increased, and the activity of caspase-3 was significantly reduced in Rapa+OGD group (P<0.05). The SH-SY5Y cell injury was apparent after OGD with a great increase in the apoptotic rate (P<0.05). Compared with OGD group, the apoptotic rate significantly decreased in Rapa+OGD group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the protein level of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and the protein level of Bax was significantly increased in OGD group. Compared with OGD group, the levels of Bcl-2, beclin-1 and LC3B-Ⅱ were significantly increased and the protein level of Bax was significantly increased in Rapa+OGD group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Rapamycin has a protective effect on in vitro cultured SH-SY5Y cells injured by OGD. The mechanism may be related to the promotion of autophagy.     

Protective effect of aliskiren on SH-SY5Y cells injured by oxygen-glucose deprivation and its possible mechanisms

AIM: To investigate the effects of aliskiren on the injury of SH-SY5Y cells induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: The SH-SY5Y cells were randomly divided into control group, OGD group and aliskiren (5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 μmol/L) groups. The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The levels of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2/GLT-1), EAAT3/EAAC1, EAAT4, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and S100 calcium-binding protein β subunit (S-100β) in the SH-SY5Y cells were detected by ELISA. The morphological changes of the cells were observed by Hoechst 33258 staining. Meanwhile, the content of lactic acid (LD) and activity of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase were also analyzed. RESULTS: The viability of SH-SY5Y cells was not more than 60% after OGD injury for 4 h, so the appropriate time for OGD injury was 4 h. Compared with control group, the protein levels of GLT-1, EAAC1 and EAAT4 in the SH-SY5Y cells of OGD group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), but the protein levels of ET-1 and S-100β were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with OGD group, treatment with aliskiren dose-dependently increased the protein levels of GLT-1, EAAC1 and EAAT4 in the SH-SY5Y cells, but decreases in the levels of ET-1 and S-100β were observed (P<0.05). The results of Hochest 33258 staining showed that aliskiren significantly reduced the apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells. Compared with control group, a significant increase in the content of LD (P<0.05) and a significant decrease in Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity (P<0.05) were found in the SH-SY5Y cells of OGD group. Compared with OGD group, aliskiren dose-dependently decreased the content of LD, but increased the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity in the SH-SY5Y cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Aliskiren has good neuroprotective effects on SH-SY5Y cells after OGD injury. The underlying mechanisms may be associated with the increases in the protein levels of GLT-1, EAAC1 and EAAT4, the enhancement of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity, and the decreases in the levels of ET-1 and S-100β and the content of LD.     

Panax notoginseng saponins suppress oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced pyroptosis of SH-SY5Y cells

AIM To investigate the effect of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on pyroptosis of SH-SY5Y cells induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). METHODS The OGD/R was conducted to induce ischemia/reperfusion injury in SH-SY5Y cells. The effects of PNS on the viability (detected by CCK-8 assay) and membrane permeability [indicated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and propidium iodide (PI) staining positive cell proportion] of OGD/R-induced SH-SY5Y cells were observed. The protein levels of gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-N), caspase-1 and caspase-4, and the release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 in the cells were also determined. RESULTS After exposure to OGD/R, the viability of SH-SY5Y cells dramatically decreased (P<0.01), while the LDH leakage, the PI staining positive cell proportion, the protein levels of GSDMD, GSDMD-N, caspase-1 and caspase-4, and the release of IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly increased (P<0.01). However, PNS treatment enhanced the viability of SH-SY5Y cells inhibited by OGD/R (P<0.01), but reduced the leakage of LDH and the percentage of PI staining positive cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, PNS reversed the increases in the protein levels of GSDMD, GSDMD-N, caspase-1 and caspase-4 and the release of IL-1β and IL-18 in OGD/R-induced SH-SY5Y cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION Treatment with PNS alleviates OGD/R-induced injury in SH-SY5Y cells. Its mechanism may be related to inhibition of SH-SY5Y cell pyroptosis induced by OGD/R.     

Effect of salidroside on mitochondrial membrane potential during injury induced by hypoxia/hypoglycemia in cultured SH-SY5Y cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of salidroside on intracellular free calcium concentration [Ca²⁺]i, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and activity during injury induced by hypoxia/hypoglycemia in cultured SH-SY5Y cells. METHODS: Mitochondrial activity was measured by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium test. MMP,[Ca²⁺]i and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: SH-SY5Y cells were cultured in a hypoxia/hypoglycemia condition for 2, 4, 6 and 12 h,[Ca²⁺]i and apoptosis rate significantly increased compared with control group (P<0.01). After hypoxia /hypoglycemia cultures, MMP and mitochondrial activity declined 29.17% (P<0.01) and 38.80% (P<0.01) at 2 h, 56.72% (P<0.01) and 63.58% (P<0.01) at 12 h, were lower than that in control group (P<0.01). Salidroside significantly decreased [Ca²⁺]i and apoptosis rate, and increased MMP and mitochondrial activity in hypoxia /hypoglycemia-treated SH-SY5Y cells. CONCLUSIONS: Salidroside might inhibit the decline in MMP and mitochondrial activity induced by hypoxia /hypoglycemia, and has an inhibitory effects on neuronal apoptosis. The mechanism might be related to inhibiting intracellular calcium overload.     

Effects of BCL-3 gene silencing on the proliferation and drug sensitivity of human colorectal cancer cell line RKO with high expression of BCL-3

AIM：To construct lentiviral vectors for RNA interference (RNAi) of BCL-3 gene, and to detect the changes of biological behaviors and drug sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells after BCL-3 gene silencing. METHODS：The expression of BCL-3 in five human colorectal cancer cell lines was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Lentiviral vectors for RNAi of BCL-3 gene were constructed and transfected into the human colorectal cancer cell line with high expression of BCL-3, and then the silencing effect was detected by Western blotting. After BCL-3 gene silencing, the change of cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay and soft agar colony formation assay, and the change of drug sensitivity was detected by MTT assay. RESULTS：BCL-3 was highly expressed in human colorectal cancer cell line RKO. Lentiviral vectors for RNAi of BCL-3 gene were successfully constructed, and Western blotting showed that BCL-3-shRNA2 could efficiently inhibit the expression of BCL-3 protein in RKO cells. After BCL-3 gene silencing, the proliferation ability and colony formation rate of RKO cells were decreased, and the median inhibitory concentration of oxaliplatin for RKO cells also decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of BCL-3 gene expression decreases the proliferation ability of human colorectal cell line RKO with high expression of BCL-3, and enhances the sensitivity of RKO cells to oxaliplatin.     

Effect of shRNA-mediated survivin gene silencing on sensitivity of lymphoma cells to adriamycin

AIM: This study was designed to use RNA interference technique to down-regulate the expression of survivin gene in human Burkitts lymphoma cell line Daudi and to explore the effect on sensitivity of Daudi cells to adriamycin. METHODS: The survivin-shRNA expression vector was constructed and transfected into Daudi cells. Expression of survivin mRNA and protein were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Apoptosis index of transfected Daudi cells was quantified by flow cytometry. The sensitivity of Daudi cells to adriamycin (ADR) before and after transfection was detected by MTT test. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein levels of survivin were down-regulated by 62.32% and 61.88%, respectively, compared to those in control-shRNA treated group and PBS treated group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the apoptosis index was significantly increased (19.10%±2.15%), compared to that in control group (4.48%±1.54%) and PBS group (4.35%±1.37%, P<0.05). The 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of ADM to Daudi cells was significantly decreased (0.25±0.43) μmol/L, compared to that in control group (0.87±0.21) μmol/L and PBS group (0.91±0.36) μmol/L, P<0.05. CONCLUSION: Down-regulation of survivin expression in Daudi cells by shRNA effectively induces apoptosis and increases the sensitivity of Daudi cells to ADR.     

Protective effect of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 on dopaminergic cells

AIM: To determine the influence of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) on dopamine-induced toxicity in dopaminergic cells.METHODS: MTT assay was used to determine the toxic curve of dopamine in SH-SY5Y cells. Lipofection was applied to transfect SH-SY5Y cells with an NQO1 expression plasmid. The endogenous and transfected NQO1 expression was detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. The content of cellular quinone protein was measured by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) method. RESULTS: Dopamine reduced SH-SY5Y cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, which was correlated with an increase in the content of quinone protein. Increased expression of NQO1 by transient transfection or by phase II enzyme inducer sulforaphane treatment alleviated dopamine-induced toxicity and reduced the content of cellular quinone protein. CONCLUSION: Increased NQO1 expression protects SH-SY5Y cells against cytotoxicity caused by dopamine.     

Effect of siRNA-mediated Smad3 silence on proliferation and apoptosis in activated hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of siRNA-mediated Smad3 silence on proliferation and apoptosis in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).METHODS: HSCs-T6 cells were divided into 3 groups: blank group, negative control group and siRNA-Smad3 transfection group. The siRNA-Smad3 was transfected into HSCs-T6 cells. At different time points after transfection, cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and protein levels of P53 and Bcl-2 were determined by immunocytochemistry.RESULTS: HSCs proliferation was significantly inhibited at the time points of 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after transfection. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of HSCs was significantly increased in siRNA-Smad3 transfection group (P<0.01). Compared to the control cells, the protein expression of P53 was significantly increased while Bcl-2 protein was significantly decreased 48 h after transfection in siRNA-Smad3 transfection group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The siRNA-mediated Smad3 silence significantly inhibits HSCs proliferation and induces apoptosis by up-regulating the P53 expression and down-regulating the Bcl-2 expression in HSCs.     

Knockdown of astrocyte elevated gene-1 by siRNA inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cell line

AIM: To investigate the effect of siRNA-induced astrocyte elevated gene-1 ( AEG-1 ) down-regulation on the proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of neuroblastoma cells. METHODS: An siRNA targeting to AEG-1 mRNA (AEG-1 siRNA) was constructed and transfected into neuroblastoma cells with Lipofectamine 2000. A non-specific siRNA (control siRNA) and non-treatment were used as negative control and blank control,respectively . The cell proliferation was detected by MTT method and colony formation assay. The apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with control groups, the expression of AEG-1 mRNA was evidently declined in the cells transfected with AEG-1 siRNAs (P<0.05). AEG-1 siRNA significantly decreased the cell proliferation. After treated with AEG-1 siRNA for 48 h, the percentage of apoptotic cells was significant increased and the cell cycle was arrested in G₀/G₁ phase compared with the control cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The mRNA expression of AEG-1 is down-regulated by AEG-1 siRNA in neuroblastoma cells. Knockdown of AEG-1 expression in human neuroblastoma cells significantly inhibits cell proliferation and apoptosis, and induces cell arrest in G₀/G₁ phase of the cell cycle.     

Effects of TKTL1 silencing by siRNA on growth microenvironment of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells

AIM:To explore the relationship between the expression of transketolase-like 1 protein(TKTL1) and the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by investigating the change of some indicators in growth microenvironment including lactate production, reduced glutathione(GSH) level and ratio of NADPH/NADP⁺ in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 after silencing of TKTL1 expression by siRNA. METHODS:Specific siRNA expression vector targeting TKTL1 gene was constructed and transfected into HepG2 cell line. The effect of TKTL1 silencing was evaluated by detecting the mRNA level and the activity of transketolase(TKTL1). The changes of lactate production, GSH level, the ratio of NADPH/NADP⁺ and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G-6-PD) activity were observed in transfected HepG2 cells compared with the untransfected control cells. RESULTS:Compared with the untransfected control cells, the mRNA expression of TKTL1 and the TKT activity decreased significantly(P<0.01). Meanwhile, the lactate production, GSH level and ratio of NADPH/NADP⁺ also decreased significantly(P<0.01). However, no change of the G-6-PD activity was observed. CONCLUSION:Carcinoma cells switch the glucose metabolism by overexpression of TKTL1 to modify the lactate production and the levels of reactive oxygen species, thus changing the growth microenvironment in favor of tumor metastasis.     

Prevention and treatment of AD by over-expression of neuroglobin via activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

AIM: To study the neuroprotective roles of neuroglobin (NGB) over-expression in the SH-SY5Y cells transfected with pAPPswe.METHODS: The plasmid pEGFP-NGB was successfully constructed and transfected into the SH-SY5Y cells, which were pretreated with pAPPswe. MTT assay was applied to detect the effect of NGB over-expression on the cell survival rates. JC-1 staining was used to detect the level of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The effects of NGB over-expression on the protein level of p-Akt, Akt and caspase-3/9 were determined by Western blotting. The generation of Aβ42 in the cells was measured by ELISA.RESULTS: The cell survival rate was remarkably increased after transfection with NGB compared with control group and empty plasmid group (P<0.05). The over-expression of NGB significantly inhibited the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential induced by pAPPswe. The over-expression of NGB inhibited the apoptosis of the cells. Furthermore, over-expression of NGB not only inhibited the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9, but also induced the production of p-Akt, which was prevented by LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K/Akt. The generation of Aβ42 was inhibited in the cells with the over-expression of NGB. CONCLUSION: Over-expression of NGB significantly inhibits the SH-SY5Y cell injuries induced by pAPPswe and inhibits the expression of caspase-3/9, which is tightly related with cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the neuroprotective roles of NGB may be via activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.     

Effects of 4-hydroxytamoxifen on the growth and proliferation of prolactinomas CH3 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of estrogen antagonists on the in vitro growth of human prolactinomas. METHODS: RT-PCR was applied to the detection of estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA expressed in a human prolactinomas CH3 cell strain. Estradiol and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (OHTam) were added respectively at different concentrations into the culture medium. Cell number and levels of ER mRNA were examined. RESULTS: The growth of CH3 cells became slower in estrogen-deprived medium than that in nomal culture and was higher in medium containing estrogen(E2) at concentration of 10^-8 mol/L than at concentration of 10^-6 mol/L. OHTam (10^-6mol/L) inhibited the growth of CH3 cell strain treated with E2. The expression of ER mRNA in CH3 cells was observed, the levels of ER mRNA in the E2 (10^-8mol/L) group, higher than those in estrogen deprived group. OHTam (10^-6mol/L) obviously inhibited the expression of ER mRNA. CONCLUSION: The growth of CH3 cells depends on estrogen, estrogen antagonists inhibits the growth of CH3 cells and decline the levels of ER mRNA. ER levels in human prolactinomas cell lines can be auto-regulated.     

Effects of p21siRNA on cell cycle uncoupling and apoptosis

AIM:To investigate the effects of P21 protein on cell cycle uncoupling and cell apoptosis with RNA interference assay. METHODS:The expression of P21 protein in HeLa cells was induced by mitomycin (MMC). Lipofect transfection assay was used to take the p21 siRNA into HeLa cells and MMC was given 48 h after transfection. FCM assay was applied to detect the expression of P21 and ratio of polyploid cells and apoptosis. RESULTS:p21 siRNA plasmid interfered the expression of P21 protein in HeLa cells. The number of 2 haploid cells was decreased obviously (P<0.01). The number of 4 haploid and 8 haploid cells was increased significantly (P<0.01) compared with control plasmid 24 and 48 h after MMC was given. CONCLUSION:p21 siRNA silenced the P21 protein and cell death in HeLa cells was induced by p53-independent pathway in the condition of lower expression of P21 protein. The mechanism may be related to cell cycle uncoupling and apoptosis by p53-independent pathway.