Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in fibrogenesis

Fibrosis is a common clinical disease that occurs in a variety of organs, and mainly manifests increased connective tissue of organ tissue and decreased parenchymal cells. Continuous progression may lead to organ structural damage, dysfunction and even depletion, seriously threatening human health and life safety. Therefore, in-depth study of the pathogenesis of fibrosis and the development of effective therapeutic drugs are of great importance for the prevention and treatment of fibrosis. Recent studies provide evidence that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays an important role in the development of fibrosis. In combination with related literatures, this paper reviews the structure and biological function of AMPK, AMPK in inflammatory response associated with fibrosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix and myofibroblasts, and the therapeutic role of AMPK as a new target in treating fibrosis diseases.     

Role of ILK siRNA on expression of GSK-3β and β-catenin in human tubular epithelial cells stimulated by high glucose

AIM：To investigate the effects of siRNA targeting integrin-linked kinase (ILK) on the expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and β-catenin during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cell line HKC induced by high glucose. METHODS：HKC cells were divided into 4 groups:normal glucose (NG) group, high glucose (HG) group, HG+HK (a vector containing the non-specific siRNA designed as negative control) group and HG＋ILK siRNA group. The inverted fluorescence microscope was used to examine the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). The expression of ILK at mRNA and protein levels was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The expression of p-GSK-3β and β-catenin was observed by immunocytochemical staining. The protein expression of total GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β, nuclear β-catenin, total β-catenin, E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was measured by Western blotting. RESULTS：GFP was observed in HKC cells, indicating that the transfection was successful. Both the protein and mRNA of ILK were down-regulated in HG＋ILK siRNA group compared with HG group and HG+HK group, but still higher than those in NG group. Silencing of ILK down-regulated the expression of p-GSK-3β and nuclear β-catenin. No difference of total GSK-3β or total β-catenin was observed among the 4 groups. CONCLUSION:These data support a functional role of ILK, GSK-3β and β-catenin in tubular EMT induced by high glucose. ILK may promote tubular EMT by regulating the activity of GSK-3β and β-catenin, the downstream effectors of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.     

Endoplasmic reticulum stress is involved in cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by β1-adrenoceptor autoantibody

AIM: To investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ES) stress in cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by β₁-adrenoceptor autoantibody (β₁-AA). METHODS: The rat model of active immunization with the second extracellular loop of β₁-adrenoceptor was established, and SA-ELISA was applied to detect the level of β₁-AA in serum of actively immunized rats. The apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was detected by TUNEL staining, and the protein expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and caspase-12 in rat heart tissues were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. After purified β₁-AA obtained by affinity chromatography was used to treat H9c2 myocardial cells, the cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay and the apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. The H9c2 cells were treated with ER stress inhibitor 4-phenoxybutyric acid (4-PBA) before interfered with β₁-AA, and the changes of cell viability and apoptosis were determined by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with vehicle group, the level of β₁-AA in the serum of rats was significantly increased after active immunization for 2 weeks and further rised in 8 weeks, and increased apoptosis was observed in cardiomyocytes after active immunization for 2 weeks, lasting till 8 weeks. Compared with vehicle group, the protein expression of GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12 increased after active immunization for 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Continuous reduction of cell viability and increased apoptosis of H9c2 cells were induced by β₁-AA. ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA pretreatment in H9c2 cells reversed the increased apoptosis and decreased cell viability induced by β₁-AA, indicating that suppression of ER stress effectively reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. CONCLUSION: β₁-AA induces increased apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by activating ER stress.     

Up-regulation of Snail1 expression in renal tubular epithelial cells through Akt/GSK-3β pathway under high-glucose condition

AIM: To examine the effects of high glucose (HG) on the expression of Snail1 and protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) in primary renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs). METHODS: The primary RTECs were randomly treated with normal glucose, high glucose or D-mannitol for 30 min~72 h. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to observe the expression of Snail1, Akt and GSK-3β at mRNA and protein levels in these cells. The primary cultured RTECs were pretreated with LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor, 25 μmol/L) to observe the specific inhibitory effects of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) on HG-induced expression of Snail1 protein. RESULTS: Treatment of RTECs with HG resulted in increased mRNA and protein levels of Snail1, Akt1, and phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β. LY294002 blocked the HG-induced up-regulation of p-Akt, p-GSK-3β and Snail1 expression at protein level, but no effect of LY294002 was seen on the total protein expression of Akt1 and GSK-3β. HG did not affect the expression of GSK-3β at mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSION: HG-induced up-regulation of Snail1 may be regulated by Akt/GSK-3β pathway in RTECs.     

Immunosuppressive and protective effects of human α1-antitrypsin on pancreatic β-cell transplantation

AIM：To study the immunosuppressive and protective effects of human α1-antitrypsin (hAAT) on pancreatic β-cell transplantation. METHODS： An NIT-1 cell line (NIT-hAAT) was constructed, which can stably express the protein of hAAT. The BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with NIT-1 and NIT-hAAT cell lines twice to induce cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL). The apoptotic situation, the cytokine expression, and the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors were examined after mixed culture of CTL with NIT-1or NIT-hAAT cell line pretreated with mitomycin. Both cell lines were transferred into the left renal capsule of the diabetic mice to dynamically observe the changes of blood sugar and body weight, the serum levels of insulin and C-peptide, and the pathological changes of the transplanted sites. RESULTS： The results of extended CTL killing assay showed that the cytotoxic effect on NIT-hAAT cell acceptor mice was significantly reduced compared with NIT-1 cell acceptor mice. hAAT effectively reduced apoptosis, inhibited the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-6, and adjusted the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokine expression. After NIT-hAAT was transplanted into the diabetic mice, blood glucose decreased obviously and maintained for 28 d. The serum levels of insulin and C-peptide increased obviously. The infiltration of the inflammatory cells in the transplanted sites significantly reduced. CONCLUSION：hAAT has the abilities of reducing cytotoxic effect of CTL on the β-cells, inhibiting inflammatory factor expression, and stopping short-term immunological rejection of the acceptor. hAAT has obvious immunosuppressive and protective effects on pancreatic β-cell transplantation for treatment of diabetes.     

Cholestane-3β, 5α, 6β-triol induces apoptosis of malignant glioma cells

AIM：To investigate the effect of cholestane-3β, 5α, 6β-triol (Triol) on apoptosis of malignant glioma cells. METHODS：C6 cells and A172 cells were incubated with Triol at different concentrations for different time durations. MTT assay was used to detect the cell viability. Hoechst 3f3342 staining and TUNEL assay were used to analyze the cell apoptosis. The caspase activity was measured. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins, Bcl-2 family members, was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS：Triol decreased the cell viability of C6 and A172 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner and the IC50 values were (17.8±0.6)μmol/L and (20.6±0.2) μmol/L, respectively. Visible nuclei with apoptotic characteristics, significant increase in TUNEL-positive cells, and the activation of apoptotic execution enzyme caspase-3 indicated that cell apoptosis was induced by Triol in both cell lines. After C6 cells were exposed to Triol for 12 h, 24 h and 48 h, the activity of caspase-8 in extrinsic apoptotic pathway and caspase-9 in intrinsic apoptotic pathway was increased time-dependently. Meanwhile, the levels of anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, was down-regulated, while pro-apoptotic protein Bak was up-regulated in a time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION：Triol induces apoptosis of malignant glioma cells by activating intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, and Bcl-2 family members are involved in Triol-induced apoptosis.     

Effects of different β-adrenergic receptors on cardiac systolic and diastolic functions in hypoxic stress rats

AIM:To explore the effects of different β-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) on the left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic functions in rats under acute hypoxic stress. METHODS:The healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=7):control group, non-selected β-AR blocker propranolol group, selected β₁-AR blocker atenolol group and selected β₂-AR blocker ICI 118,551 group, and then the rats were exposed to normoxia (20.9% O₂, 79.1% N₂) and hypoxia (15.0% O₂, 85.0% N₂) condition respectively at the altitude of 2 260 m (Xining, China). The heart rate (HR), the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), and the maximum raise/decline rate of left and right ventricular pressure (±dp/dt_max) were monitored, and the arterial blood gas in normoxia and hypoxia condition were compared to explore the effect of β-AR on the left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic functions in acute hypoxic stress rats. RESULTS:Under normoxia condition, the LVSP, ±dp/dt_max of left ventricular were decreased in propranolol group, atenolol group and ICI 118,551 group, the RVSP and ±dp/dt_max of right ventricle were decreased in propranolol group and atenolol group (P<0.05). Under hypoxia condition, the PaO₂, LVSP, ±dp/dt_max of left ventricle were decreased in all groups compared with the normoxia group, and the ±dp/dt_max of right ventricle was increased in all groups (P<0.05), also the degree of index change in control group was more obvious than that in propranolol group and atenolol group. CONCLUSION:The activation of β₁-AR is an important compensatory regulation for heart function during hypoxic stress. However, the compensatory enhancement of right heart function under acute hypoxia condition which through tonogenic dilation is more significant for maintaining the normal circulating blood flow.     

Effects of Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway on asthma airway remodeling

AIM: To explore the effect of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) on asthmatic airway remodeling.METHODS: The asthmatic airway remodeling model in rats was established and the ASMC was isolated and cultured. The protein expression of β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), c-Myc and cyclin D1 in the ASMC was determined by Western blot. After depressing the interaction between β-catenin and p300/CBP, the cell activity was measured by CCK-8 assay and the change of cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the protein expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1 in the ASMC was determined by Western blot after inhibiting P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity.RESULTS: The protein levels of β-catenin, c-Myc and cyclin D1 were significantly increased in asthma group while the protein level of GSK-3β was decreased in the same group (P<0.05). After depressing the interaction between β-catenin and p300/CBP, the cell activity of ASMC was decreased in asthma group compared with control group (P<0.05), and the change of the cell cycle distribution in asthma group was also more obvious (P<0.05). After inhibiting P38 MAPK activity, the protein levels of c-Myc and cyclin D1 were all decreased compared with control group in ASMC asthma and control rats (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may participates in airway remodeling in asthma by increasing the protein expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1, reacting with the P38 MAPK signaling pathway and regulating the growth of ASMC.     

Effects of angiotensin II-induced hypertension chemotherapy on the activity of interleukin-1β converting enzyme in transplanted intracerebral rat gliomas

AIM: To investigate the activity of interleukin-1β converting enzyme in transplanted intracerebral rat gliomas under angiotensin II-induced hypertension chemotherapy. METHODS: The brain tumor model was produced in Wistar rats by stereotaxic inoculation of C6 glioma cells (1×10¹² /L). Tumor-bearing rats were treated with carmustine, teniposide and lisplatin (chemotherapy) during angiotensin II-induced hypertension. Then, the survival time of tumor-bearing rats, tumor blood flow, the concentration of drug, volume of gliomas and the activity of interleukin-1β converting enzyme in glioma were examined.RESULTS: The survival time of tumor-bearing rats was significantly longer in chemotherapy with angiotensin II-induced hypertension group than that of chemotherapy alone. In addition, regional tumor blood flow, the concentration of chemotherapeutic drug and the activity of interleukin -1β converting enzyme in transplanted rat gliomas were increased, while the volume of gliomas was decreased in hypertention chemotherapy group compared with chemotherapy alone. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy with angiotensin II-induced hypertension has a enhancing effect on chemotherapy for improving the drug delivery to tumor tissue by a increased tumor blood flow and enhancing activity of interleukin -1β converting enzyme.     

Effects of GSK-3β inhibitor on proliferation and apoptosis of SW480 cells

AIM: To investigate the mechanism and the effect of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) inhibitor (2’Z,3'E)-6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (BIO) on the protein expression of β-catenin and Bcl-2, and proliferation and apoptosis in colon carcinoma SW480 cells.METHODS: The immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting were performed to detect the protein expression of β-catenin, cyclin D1 and Bcl-2. The cell cycle distribution and apoptotic rate were detected by flow cytometry. The morphologic features of SW480 cells before and 24 h after BIO exposure at different concentrations were observed under microscope with HE staining.RESULTS: Compared with the untreated SW480 cells, the protein expression of β-catenin significantly increased and some β-catenin positive nuclear staining positive cells appeared in BIO treated cells. and The cells exposed to BIO showed that the cyclin D1 protein and the cells in S stage and G₂/M stage moderately increased, the protein level of Bcl-2 moderately decreased, and the cell apoptosis rate was significantly lower than those in control cells. Furthermore, the morphological changes of the SW480 cells were observed 24 h after BIO treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that GSK-3β inhibitor BIO participates in the cellular processes of promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis in colon carcinoma cells. The mechanisms are mainly associated with activating the β-catenin pathway and regulating the balance of Bcl-2 pathway, and the up-regulation of β-catenin is most likely the possible factor for SW480 cell regression.     

Effect of mutant β-catenin gene on the proliferation of hepatocytes

AIM:The β-catenin is a key molecule in the Wnt signal pathway, which plays a critical role in normal development and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms of the β-catenin on the cell growth control are still not completely defined. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the mutant β-catenin may regulate the hepatocyte proliferation. METHODS: The immortalized murine hepatocyte cell line, AML12, was used for this study. A plasmid that contain mutant β-catenin S33Y was transfected into the AML12 cells and a stable cell line AML12S33Y was established. The cell growth property of this cell line and the parental cell were compared by flow cytometry analysis and direct cell count. The cells were also tested for the ability to form soft agar colonies, and the ability to form tumors in the severe immune deficient mice (SCID). RESULTS:1. The mutant β-catenin containing cell line AML12S33Y has higher proliferating index compared with the parental AML12 cells (P<0.01), suggesting that mutant β-catenin promotes cell growth. 2. The mutant β-catenin cells formed small colonies in soft agar after 4 weeks of culture, but did not generate tumor in SCID mice. CONCLUSION:The mutant β-catenin promotes liver cell growth.     

Expression changes of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in diabetic ulcer

AIM: To observe the effect of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway on diabetic ulcer. METHODS: Diabetic animal model was established in the female Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin following high-fat diet feeding. A circular wound was made on the dorsum of the rats in both control group and diabetic group. The condition of wound healing was recorded and the structures of the wound tissues were observed by HE staining in the 2 groups at 3, 7 and 14 d after wounding. The expression of β-catenin, GSK-3β and Rspo-3 at mRNA and protein levels in the wound tissues was detected by RT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: In diabetic group, the wound healing rate was lower (P<0.05), and the inflammatory cells, fibroblast cells and new capillaries in the wound tissues were fewer than those in control group. The expression of β-catenin and Rspo-3 at mRNA and protein levels in the wound tissues in control group was significantly higher than those in diabetic group, and the expression of GSK-3β was exactly the opposite (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The down-regulation of Wnt/β-catenin probably resultes from the decreased level of Rspo-3, which may be one of the reasons for delaying the diabetic ulcer healing.     

Effect of NOD8 on production of nitric oxide,IL-1β and TNF-α in LPS-treated macrophages

AIM: To investigate the effect of NOD8 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced releases of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in RAW264.7 cells. METHODS: The plasmids of pEGFP-C2 and pEGFP-NOD8 were transfected into RAW264.7 cells respectively. The transfected and non-transfected cells were stimulated by LPS for 0, 6, 12 and 24 h. NO production was evaluated by Griess reagent assay, and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. The protein expression of NOD8 and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit were detected by Western blotting. The level of activated caspase-1 was determined by fluorimetric method. RESULTS: Compared with pEGFP-C2 group, the protein expression of NOD8 was significantly elevated in pEGFP-NOD8+LPS group. The releases of NO, IL-1β and TNF-α were obviously increased after RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h, and while the secretion of NO was significantly reduced in the cells transfected with pEGFP-NOD8 and induced by LPS for 12 h and 24 h, and the release of IL-1β was also significantly reduced at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. However, no significant difference of TNF-α release was observed between pEGFP-C2+LPS group and pEGFP-NOD8+LPS group. The activation of caspase-1 in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h was markedly increased, and the expression of NF-κB p65 subunit in the cytoplasm was significantly decreased, indicating that p65 nuclear translocation was increased. In addition, the activation of caspase-1 and the nuclear translocation of p65 were significantly inhibited in pEGFP-NOD8+LPS group. CONCLUSION: NOD8 suppresses the releases of LPS-induced NO and IL-1β in RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the activation of caspase-1 and NF-κB.     

Therapeutic effect of neuregulin-1β on pressure overload-induced myocardial hypertrophy in rats

AIM：To investigate the therapeutic effect and the mechanism of neuregulin-1β (NRG-1β) on the rat model of myocardial hypertrophy induced by pressure overload．METHODS：Eight weeks after coarctation of abdominal aorta, the Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: myocardial hypertrophy (model) group, sham operation (sham) group, NRG-1β treatment group (intravenous injection of NRG-1β at dose of 10 μg/kg daily for 7 d) and NRG-1β+Herceptin (HERCE) treatment group ［intravenous injection of NRG-1β (10 μg/kg) plus HERCE (10 μg/kg) daily for 7 d］. The characteristics of heart functions were evaluated by the methods of hemodynamics and echocardiography. Masson staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of myocardial tissues. The concentration of angiotensin II (Ang II) in myocardial tissues was measured by radioimmunoassay. The level of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in myocardial tissues was detected by ELISA. The mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (bcl-2) and bcl-2-associated X protein (bax) in the myocardium was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS：The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) were higher, while the left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were smaller in NRG-1β group than those in model group. The left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP) and maximal rate of increase/decrease in left ventricular pressure (±dp/dtmax) were higher, and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was significantly lower in NRG-1β group than those in model group. Compared with model group, treatment with NRG-1β decreased collagen volume fraction (CVF), reduced the Ang II and TNF-α, increased bcl-2 mRNA expression, and decreased bax mRNA expression in myocardial tissues. No difference of the above parameters between model group and NRG-1β+HERCE treatment group was observed. CONCLUSION：NRG-1 reduces the expression of Ang II and TNF-α in myocardial tissues in pressure-overload rats, thus reducing Ang II and TNF-α mediated myocardial interstitial remodeling. Increase in the mRNA expression of bcl-2 and decrease in the mRNA expression of bax by NRG-1 inhibit myocardial cell apoptosis, which is responsible for its role of improving cardiac function of myocardial hypertrophy induced by pressure overload.     

Overexpression of HBXIP in HepG2 cells induces cell migration and regulates expression of β-catenin

AIM: To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus X-interacting protein(HBXIP) in hepatic cancer cells on the cell migration and expression of β-catenin. METHODS: Transwell assay was used to assess the cell migration. Gelatin zymography was used to observe the activity of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). The expression of MMP-9, glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β), p-GSK3β, β-catenin and p-β-catenin in HepG2 cells was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: HepG2 cells which stably overexpressed HBXIP (HepG2-HBXIP) exhibited higher migration ability than the control cells. The results of the gelatin zymography assay showed that HBXIP overexpression increased the activity of MMP-9 in HepG2 cells. The results of Western blotting indicated that HBXIP increased the expression of MMP-9 and β-catenin, inhibited the phosphorylation of β-catenin and promoted the phosphorylation of GSK-3β (Ser9). CONCLUSION: HBXIP regulates the GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway, resulting in a significant improvement of hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration.     

Cloning of human β thalassemic mutation β IVS II654(C→T) and establishment of its mammalian expression system

AIM: To clone human β-globin gene carrying a thalassemic mutation IVS II654(C→T) and establish a eukaryotic expression system for high-level expression of human β IVS II654 gene in mouse erythroleukaemia(MEL) cells. METHODS: The fragments of human β 654 gene isolated from the β thalassemia patients homozygous for the β 654 mutation were amplified by PCR, and cloned to plasmid pBGT51. Then, the human β LCR and β 654 gene were subcloned from plasmid pBGT51 to the stable mammalian expression vector pcDNA3. 1+ together, and the MEL cells were transfected with this vector using commercially available cationic lipid FuGENE6. The MEL cells were induced for further maturation by DMSO and the expression of human β 654 gene in the MEL cells was identified by RT-PCR. RESULTS: A mammalian expression system of human β thalassemic mutation βIVS II654(C→T) was established. CONCLUSION: The level and the reliability of expression of human β 654 gene in the MEL cells in vitro are similar to that in vivo in human body. This may be a valuable gene therapy model for human β thalassemic mutation βIVS II654(C→T).     

Effects of β3Gn-T8 on proliferation of gastric cancer AGS cells

AIM: To study the effects of β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 8 (β3Gn-T8) on the biological behaviors of gastric cancer cells and xenograft tumors. METHODS: After pEGFP-C1-β3Gn-T8 was transfected into human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells, the cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay and viable cell counting with trypan blue exclusion, and the apoptotic rate was analyzed by flow cytometry. The model of AGS cell subcutaneous xenograft was established to detect the growth of the xenograft. RESULTS: The proliferation of AGS cells transfected with pEGFP-C1-β3Gn-T8 was significantly increased (P < 0.05), but the apoptotic rate was not significantly changed. The growth rate and final volume of xenograft tumor in pEGFP-C1-β3Gn-T8 group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: β3Gn-T8 promotes the proliferation of gastric cancer AGS cells and significantly increases the growth of AGS cell xenograft tumor.