ABSTRACT
AIM: To explore the effects of kaempferol on the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of HBx-HepG2 cells and to examine the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS: The expression levels of related genes at mRNA and protein levels were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot.The cell apoptotic rate was analyzed by flow cytometry.The cell proliferation, growth, invasion and migration abilities were measured by MTT assay, colony formation assay, Transwell invasion assay and wound healing assay, respectively.RESULTS: Kaemferol inhibited HBx-HepG2 cell proliferation in a concentration-and time-dependent manner.Kaempferol at 100 μmol/L significantly inhibited the colony formation, invasion and migration abilities of the HBx-HepG2 cells.Kaemferol at 100 μmol/L also increased cell apoptotic rate, increased the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and Bax, and decreased the expression level of Bcl-2.In addition, kaemferol at 100 μmol/L suppressed the mRNA and protein expression levels of β-catenin, c-Myc and cyclin D1 in the HBx-HepG2 cells.Kaemferol at 100 μmol/L also suppressed the protein level of p-GSK-3β and the β-catenin protein levels in both cytoplasm and nucleus.LiCl treatment reversed the inhibitory effect of kaempferol on the growth, invasion and migration of the HBx-HepG2 cells.CONCLUSION: Kaempferol inhibits cell proliferation, invasion and migration via activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HBx-HepG2 cells.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: As quality of work-life (QWL) among nurses affects both patient care and institutional standards, assessment regarding QWL for the profession is important. Work-related Quality of Life Scale (WRQOLS) is a reliable QWL assessment tool for the nursing profession. To develop a Chinese version of the WRQOLS-2 and to examine its psychometric properties as an instrument to assess QWL for the nursing profession in China. METHODS: Forward and back translating procedures were used to develop the Chinese version of WRQOLS-2. Six nursing experts participated in content validity evaluation and 352 registered nurses (RNs) participated in the tests. After a two-week interval, 70 of the RNs were retested. Structural validity was examined by principal components analysis and the Cronbach's alphas calculated. The respective independent sample t-test and intra-class correlation coefficient were used to analyze known-group validity and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: One item was rephrased for adaptation to Chinese organizational cultures. The content validity index of the scale was 0.98. Principal components analysis resulted in a seven-factor model, accounting for 62% of total variance, with Cronbach's alphas for subscales ranging from 0.71 to 0.88. Known-group validity was established in the assessment results of the participants in permanent employment vs. contract employment (t = 2.895, p < 0.01). Good test-retest reliability was observed (r = 0.88, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The translated Chinese version of the WRQOLS-2 has sufficient validity and reliability so that it can be used to evaluate the QWL among nurses in mainland China.