Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on radiation-induced splenocytic apoptosis of mice

AIM: To investigate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on radiation-induced splenocytic apoptosis of mice. METHODS: At 14 h after whole body irradiation with 0.5 Gy and 1.0 Gy,splenocytes were cultured with and without bFGF,and splenocytic apoptosis was quantitatively analysed by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was determined by the method of [³H]-TdR incorporation. RESULTS: bFGF(1 μg/mL and 2 μg/mL) could reduce the rate of cell apoptosis,and promote the proliferation of splenocytes. CONCLUSION: bFGF could inhibit radiation-induced splenocytic apoptosis and promote the proliferation of splenocytes and then enhance body immunity.     

Effects of eosinophils deletion on sPLA2-X in bronchial asthma model mice

AIM To investigate the association between soluble phospholipase A2-X（sPLA2-X） and eosinophils in bronchial asthma, and to provide new insight and strategies for the treatment of bronchial asthma. METHODS Female Babl/c mice （n=48） of SPF grade and 6~8 weeks old were divided into 4 groups （with 12 in each group： healthy control group,asthma control group, eosinophil deletion group, and asthma /eosinophil deletion isotype control group）. The mouse model of bronchial asthma was constructed. The mice in healthy control group were intraperitoneally injected with saline on days 0, 7, and 14. The mice in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with 50 μg OVA and 2 mg aluminum hydroxide gel（soluble in 200 μL saline.On the 21st d and 26 th d, eosinophil deletion antibody （anti-CCR3） and isotype control were intraperitoneally injected and intranasally respectively, and then the lungs function test was conducted within 48 h after the end of nebulization.Half of the mice in each group were subjected to whole lung lavage, the remaining half were used for lung tissue section with HE staining, the whole blood was used to measure serum IgE, the supernatant of broncho alveolar lavage fluid （BALF） was used to measure cytokines, and total number of cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed for cell classification and flow cytometry. RESULTS （1）Compared with asthma control group,the airway and alveolar inflammatory responses in asthma/eosinophil deletion group was significantly alleviated.（2） Compared with asthma control group, anti-CCR3 successfully deleted eosinophils, and the percentage of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in asthma/eosinophil deletion group was significantly reduced （P<0.05）.（3） The airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma/eosinophil deletion group was significantly decreased as compared with asthma control group（P<0.05）.（4） The levels of sPLA2-X in the serum and BALF was significantly reduced in asthma/eosinophil deletion group as compared with asthma control group（P<0.05）.（5）Compared with asthma control group,the levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the BALF of the mice in asthma/eosinophil deletion group were significantly reduced, and the serum level of IgE was also decreased （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION Eosinophils in bronchial asthma are importantly associated with sPLA2-X.     

Effects of berberine and yohimbine on splenocyte apoptosis in septic mice

AIM: To observe the effects of berberine and yohimbine on splenocyte apoptosis in septic mice and underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The mice were subjected to cecal ligature and puncture (CLP). The drugs or vehicle were given intragastrically 2 h after the surgery according to the following 5 groups: sham, CLP, CLP+berberine, CLP+yohimbine, and CLP+berberine+yohimbine. The apoptosis of splenocytes stained by TUNEL was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope 20 h after CLP. The splenic lymphocytes were isolated and observed using flow cytometry. The activities of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 in splenic lymphocytes were detected, and the expression of Fas, Bim, Bcl-2 and Bax in the splenocytes was also determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: The TUNEL staining showed that the apoptotic rate of the splenocytes in septic mice 20 h after CLP was significantly higher than that in sham and CLP+yohimbine groups (P＜0.05). Compared with CLP group, the proportion of apoptotic cells was decreased in septic mice in CLP+berberine+yohimbine and CLP+yohimbine groups (P＜0.05). Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated the similar results in the apoptosis of splenocytes and T lymphocytes. However, only yohimbine treatment reduced the apoptosis of B lymphocytes in the spleen of sepsis-challenged mice. Compared with CLP group, caspase-9 activity was significantly reduced in CLP+berberine group (P＜0.05), the activities of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 were all statistically reduced (P＜0.05) in CLP+yohimbine group and CLP+yohimbine+berberine group. CLP significantly increased the expression of cytosolic Fas, Bim and mitochondrial Bax in the splenocytes, and decreased Bcl-2 expression compared with sham group. Compared with CLP group, the expression of cytosolic Bim and mitochondrial Bax in CLP+berberine group were reduced (P＜0.05). Fas expression decreased only in CLP+yohimbine group (P＜0.05). Berberine combined with yohimbine reduced the expression of cytosolic Fas, Bim and mitochondrial Bax in the septic mouse splenocytes (P＜0.05).CONCLUSION: Yohimbine reduces sepsis-induced splenic lymphocyte apoptosis in mice by inhibiting Fas expression and in turn blocking both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. Berberine reduces Bim expression and inhibits caspase-9 activation, but not caspase-3 activation and apoptosis in the septic mouse splenocytes. Berberine combined with yohimbine reduces splenocyte apoptosis in the septic mice by inhibiting both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.     

Determination of T cell cycle and the expression of bcl- 2 in asthmatic mice and its significance

AIM: To investigate the changes of T cell cycle, the expression of bcl- 2 in allergic asthmatic mice and the effects of dexamethasone on them. METHODS: An animal model with asthma was established by means of ovalbumin sensitizing-challenging. CD3 expression in spleen and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), T cell cycle and Bcl-2 expression in spleen were detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In BALF lymphocytes and spleen lymphocytes, CD3 expression rate in the asthmatic group was significantly higher than that of control group. In BALF lymphocytes, CD3 expression rate in the asthma plus dexamethasone group was significantly lower than that of the asthmatic group. However, in spleen lymphocytes, CD3 expression rate in the asthma plus dexamethasone group was significantly higher than that of the asthmatic group. In spleen lymphocytes, the cell count in S phase, G₂+M phase and apoptosis rate of T cell from the asthmatic group were significantly higher than that from the control group. Cell count in S phase, G₂+M phase and apoptosis rate of T cell from the asthmaplus dexamethasone group was significantly lower than that from the asthmatic group. The Bcl-2 expression rate of T cell from the asthmatic group was significantly higher than that from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In the allergic asthmatic mice model, T cell count, proliferation and activation of T cells, apoptosis rate of T cells in spleen lymphocytes increase, meanwhile bcl- 2 expression also increases significantly. There was no significant effect of dexamethasone on the bcl- 2 expression. The therapeutic effects of dexamethasone on asthma may be not due to the inhibition of the bcl- 2 expression in T cells.     

Effects of magnesium on apoptosis and expression of Foxp3 in peripheral CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells from asthma patients

AIM:To observe the apoptosis and the expression of forkhead box protein 3(Foxp3) induced by magnesium in CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells isolated from healthy and asthmatic human peripheral blood. METHODS:Peripheral blood from healthy volunteers and asthma patients was collected. CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells were separated by Percoll centrifugation and magnetic separation. The cells were cultured for 72 h and treated with magnesium(10 mmol/L) or control solution. The apoptotic rate and the expression of Foxp3 in the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS:The purity of CD4⁺CD25⁺T cells was 77.4%~92.3% in health group, and was 75.2％~93.8％in asthma group. The proportion of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells in CD4⁺T cells was 4.12%~7.98% in healthy adults, and 4.51%~8.68% in asthma patients. No significant difference between the 2 groups was observed. Magnesium at concentration of 10 mmol/L up-regulated the apoptotic rate of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells(P<0.05) and did not affect the Foxp3 expression in the cells in both health and asthma groups. CONCLUSION:Magnesium plays therapeutic effects on asthma by inducing the apoptosis of peripheral CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells.     

Expression of MIP-1α and RANTES gene and protein in the bronchus of murine asthma

AIM: To study the role of the gene and protein expression of MIP-1α and RANTES in the bronchus of murine asthma. METHODS: 20 male BALB/C mice were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (A₀ group) and asthma group (B₀ group). In the experiment, the mice model of asthma was established by the ovalbumin (OVA) challenge methods. The protein expression of MIP-1α and RANTES were detected by immunohistochemistry methods. The gene expressions of MIP-1α and RANTES were detected by in situ hybridization methods. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed that the expressions of MIP-1α protein and RANTES protein around the bronchus of group B₀ were significantly higher than those of group A₀ (P<0.01), the epithelial cells were the chief expression cells; (2) In situ hybridization showed that the expressions of MIP-1α gene and RANTES gene around the bronchus of group B₀ were significantly higher compared to those of group A₀ (P<0.01), the epithelial cells were the chief expression cells. CONCLUSION: MIP-1α and RANTES are high expression in the bronchus epithelial cells in experimental murine asthma.     

Effects of dexamethasone on intracellular expression of TH1/TH2 cytokines in experimental asthma mice

AIM: To study the effects of dexamethasone (DXM) on intracellular expression of T_H1/T_H2 cytokines and the mechanism of that during the development of asthma. METHODS: Eighteen BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups at random: control group, asthma group, and DXM treated group, with 6 mice in each. The expressions of T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet) and GATA-binding protein-3 (GATA-3) in lung tissue were detected by Western blotting. The expressions of intracellular cytokines interleukin-4 and interferon-γ in CD4⁺ T cell were measured by flowcytometry.RESULTS: The results of flow cytometry indicated that the ratio of intracellular cytokines IL-4/IFN-γ in CD4⁺ T cells in asthma group was much higher than that in control group (P<0.01), the ratio of intracellular IL-4/IFN-γ in T cells in DXM group was lower than that in asthma group significantly (P<0.01). The expression of T-bet in lung tissue in asthma group was lower than that in control group significantly (P<0.01), while GATA-3 was higher than that in control group significantly (P<0.01). The expressions of T-bet and GATA-3 in DXM group were much lower than those in asthma group (P<0.01), but the decreased degree of GATA-3 was more than that of T-bet. CONCLUSION: With pathological process of asthma, to reverse the ratio of IL-4/IFN-γ in CD4⁺ T cell by regulating T-bet and GATA-3 expression can improve the inflammatory reaction and may be one of the mechanisms of DXM in treating asthma.     

Effect of HGF gene transfection on human lymphoma xenografts in nude mice

AIM：To explore the promotion effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene transfection on human lymphoma xenografts in nude mice. METHODS：The model of human lymphoma xenograft in nude mice was established by transplantation of Raji cells, which were transfected with recombinant plasmid pVITRO2-HGF harboring the HGF gene. The body weight of the nude mice and the tumor size were dynamically monitored and the tumor tissues were obtained after 8 weeks. Additionally, the methods of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the apoptotic index (AI) and microvessel density (MVD). RESULTS：The success rate of the human lymphoma xenografts in nude mice was 96.7%. The tumor volume in HGF transfection group was significantly greater than that in HGF transfection+VP-16 group and control groups (non-transfection group and empty vector group). The tumor volume in HGF transfection+VP-16 group was also bigger than that in control groups. No difference of the tumor volume between non-transfection group and empty vector group was observed. AI in HGF transfection group was substantially lower than that in control groups. AI in HGF transfection+VP-16 group showed a little higher than that in HGF transfection group, yet was still lower than that in control groups. MVD in HGF transfection group was extraordinary higher than that in control groups, but decreased after VP-16 induction (P<0.01), which was still higher than that in control groups. CONCLUSION：HGF gene transfection significantly promotes the growth of human lymphoma xenografts in nude mice and substantially inhibits the apoptosis presumably owing to promoting tumor angiogenesis and inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis.     

Effects of hypoxia inhalation therapy on the number of eosinophil and CD4+T-lymphocyte in remission stage in asthmatic guinea pigs

AIM:To explore the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of hypoxia inhalation on asthma. METHODS:Guinea pigs were randomized into the normal group(NG), asthmatic group(AG) and the hypoxia inhalation-treated group(HITG). The model of asthma was established in the latter two groups through sensitization and induction with 10% ovalbumin(OA) and 1% OA, respectively. The animals in HITG were treated with hypoxia inhalation (13.0%±0.5% O₂/N₂ mixed gas). The content of serum cortisol, the number of eosinophils(EOS) and percentage of hypodense eosinophils(HEOS) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),the number of CD₄⁺T-lymphocyte in peripheral blood(PB) and the tension of airway muscle were determined. RESULTS:(1)The content of serum cortisol was significantly higher in NG and HITG than in AG(P＜0.01); (2)The number of EOS and percentage of HEOS in BALF was significantly lower in HITG than in AG(P＜0.01); (3) The number of CD₄⁺T-lymphocyte in PB was significantly higher in AG than in HITG(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:After treatment with hypoxia inhalation, the content of serum cortisol in asthmatic guinea pigs was significantly increased to result in marked decreased of the number of EOS, the percentage of HEOS in BALF, and the number of CD₄⁺T-lymphocyte in PB, thus result in the tension of airway muscle and alleviation of the airway hyperresponsiveness. All these may be beneficial to preventing the relapse of asthma.     

Effects of specific immunotherapy on allergic rhinitis children accompanied with asthma

AIM: To explore the effects of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) on the serum interleukin (IL)-13,IL-4,interferon (IFN)-γ, nasal symptoms and pulmonary functions in allergic rhinitis children accompanied with asthma. METHODS: Fifty-eight cases of allergic rhinitis children accompanied with asthma participated in this study. Their allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Thirty-five children received SIT were SIT group, and the other 23 children received local glucocorticoid treatment were medical group. The serum levels of IL-13, IL-4 and IFN-γ were examined, and the nasal symptoms and pulmonary functions were checked before treatment and one year after treatment. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in nasal symptoms between the two groups one year after treatment (P<0.05). The patients in SIT group had fewer symptoms. The serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 were clearly reduced. IFN-γ and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 were significantly increased (P<0.05). The pulmonary functions were significantly improved in SIT group (P<0.05). Meanwhile in medical group, the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 had less change (P>0.05), and the pulmonary functions were poorly improved (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: SIT may regulate the imbalance of Th1/Th2 cells in allergic rhinitis accompanied with asthma by reducing the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 and increasing IFN-γ and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4, resulting in reducing the nasal symptoms and improving the pulmonary functions.     

Effect of acupuncture on CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells in rats of embryo implantation failure

AIM：To observe the effect of acupuncture on CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3(forkhead box P3)+ regulatory T-cells(Treg cells) in rats with embryo implantation failure. METHODS：One hundred and forty-four pregnant rats were randomly divided into control group(N), mifepristone treatment group(M), mifepristone+acupuncture treatment group(A) and mifepristone+progestin treatment group(W). The rats in groups M, A and W were treated with mifepristone-sesame oil solution on day 1, while the rats in group N were injected with the same amount of sesame oil. The Housanli(ST36) and Sanyinjiao(SP6) points were selected for acupuncture. From day 1 to the time of death, the rats in group A were fasten up and then the acupuncture was performed. Accordingly, the rats in group N and group M were only fixed, and the rats in group W were given progestin. Implanted embryos in each group were counted. The proportions of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells in peripheral blood and CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg cells in the endometrium were detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein levels of Foxp3 were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS：Compared with group N, the number of implanted embryos, the percentages of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells in peripheral blood and CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg cells in the endometrium, and the expression of Foxp3 protein and mRNA in the endometrium were significantly decreased in group M(P<005). Compared with group M, the above indexes in group A and group W were significantly increased. CONCLUSION: The effect of acupuncture in rats with embryo implantation failure may be closely correlated with the modulation of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells.     

Role of transforming growth factor-β in the airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was reported to be increased in asthma in some studies. Accumulation of TGF-β in airway promotes smooth muscle cell mitogenesis and hyperplasia, and induces fibroblast and myofibroblast and smooth muscle proliferation as well as increase in protein synthesis in connective tissue (such as collagen deposition on the reticular basement membrane). The autocrine induction of collagen expression by smooth muscle may contribute to the thickening of the reticular basement membrane, irreversible fibrosis and remodeling seen in the airways in some asthmatics. TGF-β is considered to be a major fibrogenic cytokine. It can increase smooth muscle mass and lead to severe bronchial obstruction in an asthma attack.     

Effects of mitogen activated protein kinase on γ-glutamylcysteine synthase in lung of guinea pigs with bronchial asthma

AIM: To investigate the effects of mitogen activated protein kinase on γ-glutamylcysteine synthase (γ-GCS) in lung of guinea pigs with bronchial asthma.METHODS: Twenty adult male guinea pigs were divided into asthmatic group and control group (10 in each group).Asthmatic model was established by ovalbumin intraperitoneal injection combined with inhalation.The numbers of total and inflammation cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured.The γ-GCS-h mRNA in lung tissue was examined by in situ hybridization and RT-PCR.Immunohistochemistry was used to detecte the expression of γ-GCS,phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (p-ERK),phosphrylated c-Jun amino terminal kinase (p-JNK) and phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) in lung tissues.Western blotting was conducted to determine the expressions of p-ERK,p-JNK and p-p38 in lung tissue.The activity of γ-GCS was measured by coupled enzyme assay.RESULTS: (1) The total cell number and number of eosinophils in BALF of asthmatic group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.01).(2) Immunohistochemistry indicated that the p-ERK,p-p38,p-JNK and γ-GCS were stronger expressed in asthmatic group than those in control group (P<0.01).Western blotting also discovered that the expressions of p-ERK,p-JNK and p-p38 in lung tissue of asthmatic group were stronger than those in control group.(3) Both in situ hybridization and RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of γ-GCS-h mRNA was more positive in asthmatic group compared with control group (P <0.01).(4) The activity of γ-GCS of asthmatic group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.01).(5) Linear correlation analysis indicated that in lung tissue of guinea pig with asthma,p-ERK and p-p38 markedly positive correlated with γ-GCS-h mRAN and γ-GCS protein.No relationship between p-JNK and γ-GCS-h mRAN,γ-GCS protein was observed.CONCLUSION: The expressions of p-ERK,p-p38,p-JNK and γ-GCS increase in lung of guinea pigs with bronchial asthma.p-ERK and p-p38 may positively regulate the expression of γ-GCS.     

Dynamic observation of asthma model induced by allergen in mice from acute inflammation to chronic remodeling

AIM: To dynamically observe and compare the relative changes of the indexes from the process of acute inflammation to chronic remodeling in asthmatic mice induced by ovalbumin (OVA).METHODS: Female BALB/c mice (n=60) were randomly divided into normal control group and asthma group. The mice in asthma group were sensitized and challenged by OVA, while the mice in normal group received equal volume of normal saline (NS). The challenge was performed for 3 consecutive days from the 21th day to observe the response of acute inflammation, and then the mice in different groups were challenged once per week for 5 weeks. Detailed comparisons of the dynamic changes of cell infiltration, cytokine expression and airway remodeling were conducted.RESULTS: Compared with NS group, the mice in OVA group showed a predominantly eosinophilic infiltration into the airway lumen, increased production of Th2-type cytokines, secretion of epithelial mucus and deposition of subepithelial collagen. In OVA challenge groups, the levels of inflammatory cells and inflammatory factors were remarkably higher in 24 d group, whereas the most obvious changes of goblet cell hyperplasia and airway remodeling were observed in 52 d group.CONCLUSION: Acute asthma model is sufficiently induced by 3 consecutive days of OVA challenge protocol, which is accompanied with high levels of inflammatory cells and inflammatory factors. The OVA challenge protocol once per week for 5 weeks could induce a chronic asthma model with obvious airway remodeling.     

Responsiveness of the T-lymphocyte in peripheral blood from asthmatic patients to VIP

AIM: To investigate the functional state of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor on T-lymphocyte (T-cell)from asthmatics. METHODS: T-cells were purified from peripheral blood of asthmatics in remission and control subjects. Proliferation of T-cells was measured by [³H][³H]-TdR incorporation rate. The cAMP level in T-cells was assayed with radioimmunoassay method. We observed the influence of VIP on Con A-induced proliferation of T-cells, and cAMP level in T-cells in asthmatic and control groups. RESULTS: There was no difference in Con A-induced proliferation of T-cells between the two groups (P＞0.05). VIP, however, could inhibit the Con A-induced proliferation of T-cells from control subjects more significantly than that from asthmatics (P＜0.01). There was no difference in cAMP level in the unstimulated T-cells between the two groups (P＞0.05). The cAMP level in T-cells, however, increased more significantly in the control group than that in the asthmatic group after the treatment of VIP or NaF (P＜0.01,respectively). Adenylcyclase stimulator (forskolin)-treatment had no effect on the cAMP level in T-cells from the two groups (P＞0.05). CONCLUSION: Inhibition effect of VIP on Con A-induced proliferation of T-cells was less in asthmatics than in control subjects, which may be related to insufficiency of Gs α coupled VIP receptor on T-lymphocytes in asthmatics.