ABSTRACT
To examine the changes in matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2)and-9(MMP-9)in the development and progression of endometriosis,real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay and gelatin zymography were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 from the first day to the 21st day after the induction in mice with induced endometriosis(experimental group)and sham-operated animals (controls).The results showed that the mRNA and protein levels and activities of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly increased on the first day after the induction and the level of MMP-2 stayed at a level higher than that in the control group.MMP-9 had two or three peaks during the 21 days,taking place at day 1,4 and 15.It is concluded that the changes in the MMP-2 and MMP-9 might be involved in pathogenesis of endometriosis.
ABSTRACT
The effects of nanometer realgar suspension on proliferation and apoptosis of human uterine cervix cancer cell line SiHa cells and oncogenic genes HPV16E6/E7 were investigated. A "micro-jet efflux" strategy was used for the preparation of nanometer realgar suspension. SiHa cells were treated with nanometer Realgar suspension in various concentrations (6.25,12.5,25 and 50mg/L) for different durations (12,24,48 and 72h). The inhibitive effect of nanometer realgar suspension on growth of SiHa cells was detected by MIT method. Special morphological changes of apoptosis were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and DNA fragments electrophoresis. The apoptotic rate was quantified by flow cytometry (FCM). The expression of HPV16E6/E7 mRNA and protein was assayed by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. The results showed after being treated with 25-50mg/L nanometer realgar suspension for 48h, the survival rate of SiHa cells was decreased, and apoptotic rate markedly increased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. TEM and DNA electrophoresis revealed the special morphological changes of apoptosis. The apoptotic rate of SiHa cells treated with nanometer realgar suspension was significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.01), and G0/G1 phase arrest appeared following treatment with nanometer realgar suspension in 25 and 50mg/L for 48h.RT-PCR and Western blot assay indicated that nanometer realgar suspension reduced the HPV16E6/E7 gene expression. Nanometer realgar suspension could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of SiHa cells. The mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the HPV16E6/E7 gene expression.