Effects of geniposide metabolites genipin on induced HK-2 cells injury and NLRP3 pathway / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To study the toxicity of genipin-a kind of geniposide metabolites induced human tubular epithelial cells HK-2 and its effect on NLRP3 pathway. METHODS: The dose of GP on HK-2 cells were preliminarily determined by CCK8 method, the apoptosis or necrosis rate of HK-2 cells was detected by Hoechst 33342 / PI, the level of LDH release and reactive oxygen species was detected by Kits, and mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular calcium ion concentration were detected by high content imaging. Real-time PCR detected mRNA levels of kindey injury factor-1, osteopontin, NLRP3, Caspase-1, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 18. RESULTS: Compared with the 0 μg / mL group, GP>50 μg/mL significantly reduced cell viability (P< 0.05, P<0.01), and the IC50 value was 110.50 μg/mL. Set the control group, the low, medium and high dose groups of GP (50, 100, 200 μg/mL); Compared with the control group, the cell density decreased in the medium and high dose groups of GP, and the PI positivity, LDH release, ROS, Ca

Effect of Liangfang Wenjing Decoction on expression of key glycolytic enzymes in uterus and ovaries of rats with coagulating cold and blood stasis syndrome / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between coagulating cold and blood stasis syndrome and glycolysis, and observe the intervention effect of Liangfang Wenjing Decoction(LFWJD) on the expression of key glycolytic enzymes in the uterus and ovaries of rats with coagulating cold and blood stasis. The rat model of coagulating cold and blood stasis syndrome was established by ice-water bath. After modeling, the quantitative scoring of symptoms were performed, and according to the scoring results, the rats were randomly divided into a model group and LFWJD low-, medium-and high-dose groups(4.7, 9.4, 18.8 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), with 10 in each group. Another 10 rats were selected as the blank group. After 4 weeks of continuous administration by gavage, the quantitative scoring of symptoms was repeated. Laser speckle flowgraphy was used to detect the changes of microcirculation in the ears and uterus of rats in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of uterus and ovaries of rats in each group. The mRNA and protein expressions of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1(PDK1), hexokinase 2(HK2) and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA) in the uterus and ovaries of rats were examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and Western blot, respectively. The rats in the model group showed signs of coagulating cold and blood stasis syndrome, such as curl-up, less movement, thickened veins under the tongue, and reduced blood perfusion in the microcirculation of the ears and uterus, and HE staining revealed a thinning of the endometrium with disorganized arrangement of epithelial cells and a decrease in the number of ovarian follicles. Compared with the model group, the treatment groups had alleviated coagulating cold and blood stasis, which was manifested as red tongue, reduced nail swelling, no blood stasis at the tail end as well as increased blood perfusion of the microcirculation in the ears and uterus(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Among the groups, the LFWJD medium-and high-dose groups had the most significant improvement in coagulating cold and blood stasis, with neatly arranged columnar epithelial cells in uterus, and the number of ovarian follicles was higher than that in the model group, especially mature follicles. The mRNA and protein expressions of PDK1, HK2, LDHA in uterus and ovaries were up-regulated in the model group(P<0.05 or P<0.01), while down-regulated in LFWJD medium-and high-dose groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The LFWJD low-dose group presented a decrease in the mRNA expressions of PDK1, HK2 and LDHA in uterus and ovaries as well as in the protein expressions of HK2 and LDHA in uterus and HK2 and PDK1 in ovaries(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The therapeutic mechanism of LFWJD against coagulating cold and blood stasis syndrome is related to the down-regulation of key glycolytic enzymes PDK1, HK2 and LDHA, and the inhibition of glycolytic activities in uterus and ovaries.

Qingshen granule-medicated serum attenuates high glucose-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HK-2 cells via inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate whether Qingshen granules(QSG)-medicated serum inhibits oxidative stress-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway and attenuates epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of human proximal tubule epi?thelial HK-2 cells induced by high glucose. METHODS:The active components in QSG were analyzed by HPLC. The HK-2 cells were randomly divided into control group,mannitol group,high glucose group,low-dose QSG group,medium-dose QSG group,high-dose QSG group and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(PDTC)group. The morphological changes of the cells were observed by inverted phase contrast microscopy. MTT assay was used to detect the cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to detect the content of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in HK-2 cells. ELISA was used to detect the content of malondi?al dehyde(MDA)and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD). The DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) p65 in HK-2 cells was detected by electrophoretic mobility-shift assay(EMSA). The protein expression of NF-κB p65, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha(p-IκBα),inhibitor of kappa B kinase alpha(IKKα),monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)in HK-2 cells was detected by Western blot. Immuno?fluorescence staining was used to detect NF-κB p65 andα-smooth mucle actin(α-SMA)protein expression in HK-2 cells. RESULTS:Chlorogenic acid,berberine hydrochloride,plantamajoside,6,7-dimethoxycoumarin,epiberberine,copti?sine,lithospermicacid B,palmatine,leonurine hydrochloride,rheic acid and tanshinone ⅡA in QSG were preliminarily de?termined by HPLC. Compared with control group,the levels of ROS and MDA in HK-2 cells induced by high glucose in?creased(P<0. 05),while the activity of SOD decreased(P<0. 05). The protein levels of NF-κB p65,p-IκBα,IKKα, MCP-1,ICAM-1 andα-SMA were increased(P<0. 05). After intervened by QSG-medicated serum,the levels of ROS and MDA were decreased(P<0. 05),while the activity of SOD was increased(P<0. 05). The protein levels of NF-κB p65,p-IκBα,IKKα,MCP-1,ICAM-1 andα-SMA were decreased(P<0. 05). CONCLUSION:QSG-medicated serum inhibited oxidative stress-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway,thus attenuating the EMT of HK-2 cells induced by high glucose.

Nephrotoxicity screening of main active components in Zuojin Pills / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the nephrotoxicity effects of the main monomers in Zuojin Pills. Methods CCK-8 and high-content toxicity screening were used to preliminarily screen the main alkaloids in Zuojin Pills that may cause renal cell damage. Further, by confirmation of cell morphology, release rate of lactate dehydrogenase and cytochrome C, and expression of apoptosis-related proteins, the alkaloids causing cell damage were preliminarily identified, providing in vitro toxicological evidence for the compatibility of components of traditional Chinese medicine and compatibility attenuation. Results Preliminary screening using CCK-8 method and high-content technology showed that evodiamine (EVO) could significantly reduce cell number, increase cell membrane permeability, and reduce mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, cell morphology, apoptosis and cytochrome C expression were consistent with the results of high-content screening. Western blot experiments indicate that EVO could induce apoptosis and cause renal cell damage. Conclusions EVO can obviously cause renal cell damage, and may induce apoptosis by affecting mitochondria, cytochrome C and cell membrane permeability.

Effect of NBED on decorporation of uranium and protective effect on HK-2 cellular damage / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the effect of NBED on the decorporation of uranium and the protective effect on HK-2 cellular damage.Methods ICR mice were divided into control group, uranium exposure group(0.03 mg), DTPA-CaNa3(300 mg·kg-1)and NBED(300, 150, 75 mg·kg-1)treatment groups.After injection of uranyl acetate, mice were given different doses of decorporation agents immediately.After 24 h the content of uranium in kidney, bone, liver, spleen and muscle was determined by ICP-MS.HK-2 cells were divided into control group, uranium model group(80 μmol·L-1), DTPA-CaNa3(80 μmol·L-1)and NBED(80, 40, 20 μmol·L-1)treatment group interacted with uranium for 48h.CCK-8 method was used to detect the cell survival rate; light microscope was used to observe the cell morphology; ICP-MS method was used to detect the ratio of uranium endocytosis and uranium efflux; biochemical method was employed to determine SOD, GSH and LDH levels; flow cytometry was applied to determine ROS, apoptosis and cell cycle.Results 300 mg·kg-1 NBED reduced the content of uranium in kidney and bone by 44.3% and 18.8% respectively.Compared with model group, NBED reduced uranium entry into cells by 11%42%, increased uranium emission by 18%48%, increased the survival rate of HK-2 cells, thelevels of SOD and GSH, decreased the expression levels of ROS and LDH, and decreased the apoptotic rate and S phase arrest.DTPA-CaNa3 could significantly reduce the content of uranium and the amount of uranium endocytosis in kidney of mice, but the effect of promoting excretion was significantly lower than that of NBED, and it had no protective effect on the acute injury of HK-2 cells caused by uranium.Conclusions NBED is an effective uranium decorporation agent, which is superior to DTPA-CaNa3 approved by FDA.It could reduce the production of ROS and LDH, increase the content of SOD and GSH, and reduce the arrest and apoptosis of S phase, thus protecting HK-2 cells from uranium induced damage.

Mechanism of lysosomal membrane permeabilization in uranyl acetate-induced death of renal proximal tubule epithelial cells / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To explore the mechanism of lysosomal membrane permeabilization(LMP)inuranyl acetate-induced death of human kidney proximal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells.Methods:HK-2 cells were exposed to uranyl acetate at concentrations of 100, 300 and 600 μmol/L for 24 h, then in tracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)and mitochondrial superoxide were measured by DCFH-DA and MitoSOX probe, respectively. HK-2 cells were divided into four groups: blank control group, NAC or CA-074 Me group, uranyl acetate exposure group and uranyl acetate exposure plus NAC or CA-074 Me group. Two-color immune of luorescence staining was used to detect the co-localization of galectin-1 and lysosomal associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP-1) to measure the extent of LMP, and to detect the non- co-localization of cathepsin B and LAMP-1 to reflect the release of cathepsin B in lysosomes. Calcein-AM/PI double staining method was used to detect cell death. One-color immune of luorescence staining of cleaved-caspase-3 expression was used to detect apoptosis. Results:Intracellular ROS and mitochondrial superoxide levels were significantly increased in HK-2 cells after exposure with 100, 300 and 600 μmol/L uranyl acetate for 24 h, about 1.1-2.5 times or 4.0-28 times, respectively( tROS=17.98, 11.84, 11.75, P< 0.05; tmitochondrial superoxide=6.14, 16.02, 13.06, P< 0.05), and they also increased with uranyl acetate concentrations ( tROS=10.10, 10.37, 5.59, P< 0.05; tmitochondrial superoxide=21.50, 15.16, 5.93, P< 0.05). The percentage of co-localization of galectin-1 and LAMP-1 and the percentage of non- co-localization of cathepsin B and LAMP-1 were markedly increased in HK-2 cells after exposure with 600 μmol/L uranyl acetate for 24 h, 5.4-6.7 times or 1.5-2.1 times, respectively ( tGalectin-1=15.85, 12.70, P< 0.05; tCathepsin B=5.95, 6.69, P< 0.05), but these increases were inhibited by NAC ( tGalectin-1=4.74, P<0.05; tCathepsin B=4.51, P< 0.05). Moreover, the cell death rate and the cleaved-caspase-3 expression level were also significantly increased in HK-2 cells after exposure with 600 μmol/L uranyl acetate for 24 h, about 28-47 times or 2.4-6.0 times, respectively( tPI=30.40, 10.34, P<0.05; tCleaved-caspase-3=18.49, 9.52, P<0.05), and these increases were obviously diminished by CA-074 Me ( tPI= 6.76, P<0.05; tCleaved-caspase-3=13.47, P<0.05). Conclusions:Exposure to uranyl acetate induces a burst of intracellular ROSthat leads to LMP and consequently causes leakage of cathepsin B from lysosomes to cytoplasm, in turn triggering the lysosomal-dependent cell death and mitochondrial-regulated apoptosis of HK-2 cells.

Effect of methyl eugenol on hypoxia/reoxygenation injury of human renal tubular epithelial cells and its mechanism / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the effect of methyl eugenol(ME) on hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)-induced injury of human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells and its mechanism. The viability of HK-2 cells cultured with different concentrations of ME and exposed to H/R was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. The effect of ME on the morphology of HK-2 cells was observed under an inverted microscope. The content of intracellular reactive oxygen species in different groups was detected after 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA) fluorescence staining. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were monitored by JC-1 dye. The concentrations of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2(Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatase oxidase 4(Nox4) were measured by Western blot, followed by the assay of Nrf2 concentration changes in cytoplasm and nucleus by confocal fluorescence staining. The results showed that when the concentration of ME was 0-40 μmol·L~(-1), the activity of HK-2 cells was not affected. Compared with the model group, ME enhanced the activity of HK-2 cells and the cell morphology was normal. As revealed by further experiments, ME inhibited the release of reactive oxygen species and the decline in mitochondrial membrane potential of HK-2 cells after H/R injury, promoted Nrf2/HO-1 expression and Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus, and down-regulated the expression of Nox4, thereby significantly reducing apoptosis. This protective effect of ME could be reversed by the specific Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. These findings have preliminarily proved that ME effectively protected HK-2 cells against H/R injury, which might be related to its promotion of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and inhibition of Nox4. Such exploration on the possible mechanism of ME in the treatment of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI) and protection of organ function from the perspective of antioxidant stress has provided reference for related research on the treatment of acute kidney injury with traditional Chinese medicine.

Protective effect of dapagliflozin on renal tubular epithelial cells in diabetic nephropathy and its related mechanism / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of dapagliflozin on cell damage and in HK-2 cells induced by high concentration of glucose.Methods:HK-2 cells were divided into four groups: control group (NC) , high glucose model group (HG) , dapagliflozin group (CS-179) and metformin group (PC) . After treatment with different drugs for 24 h, CCK-8 assay was applied to determine HK-2 cells viability; ROS, SOD, CAT and MDA levels were measured by a multi-detection reader; The protein expression of Nrf2 was determined by Western blot.Results:The results of CCK8 showed that the cell survival rate of the high glucose model group was 58.0%±0.8%, and that of the dapagliflozin group was 87.0%±0.4%. Dapagliflozin significantly increased the survival rate of HK-2 cells, and the results were statistically significant ( P<0.01) . The microplate reader test found that compared with the high glucose model group (ROS: 3.46 ± 0.05, MDA: 25.37 ± 0.61, SOD: 55.89 ± 4.09, CAT: 10.22 ± 1.67) , dapagliflozin reduced the accumulation of ROS (1.97±0.04) and MDA (9.5±0.4) caused by high glucose in HK-2 cells (both P<0.01) , increasing the vigor of SOD (114.95±4.19) and CAT (32.83±2.01) (both P<0.01) . Compared with the expression of Nrf2 protein in the high glucose model group (0.26±0.03) , the expression of Nrf2 protein (0.48±0.03) in dapagliflozin group was significantly increased ( P<0.01) . Conclusion:Dapagliflozin can alleviate the HK-2 cells damage induced by high concentration of glucose via reducing oxidative damage, and acti-vating Nrf2 antioxidant transcription factor.

Dexmedetomidine Attenuates High Glucose-induced HK-2 Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition by Inhibiting AKT and ERK / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#To explore the protective effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) against high glucose-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HK-2 cells and relevant mechanisms.@*Methods@#HK-2 cells were exposed to either glucose or glucose+Dex for 6 h. The production of ROS, morphology of HK-2 cells, and cell cycle were detected. Moreover, the expression of AKT, p-AKT, ERK, p-ERK, PI3K, E-Cadherin, Claudin-1, and α-SMA were determined and compared between HK-2 cells exposed to glucose and those exposed to both glucose and Dex with or without PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002 and ERK pathway inhibitor U0126.@*Results@#Compared with HK-2 cells exposed to high level of glucose, the HK-2 cells exposed to both high level of glucose and Dex showed: (1) lower level of ROS production; (2) cell morphology was complete; (3) more cells in G1 phase; (4) lower expression of p-AKT, p-ERK and α-SMA, higher expression of E-Cadherin and Claudin-1. PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 and ERK inhibitor U0126 decreased the expression of p-AKT, p-ERK and α-SMA, and increased the expression of E-Cadherin and Claudin-1.@*Conclusion@#Dex can attenuate high glucose-induced HK-2 epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting AKT and ERK.

Effect of Qingzao Jiufei Tang on Rate-limiting Enzymes HK2, PFK2 and PKM2 in Glycolytic Pathway in Lewis Lung Cancer-bearing Mice Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To study the effect of Qingzao Jiufei Tang on the expression of key limiting enzymes hexokinase 2(HK2), phosphofructokinase 2(PFK2) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and the glucose content in Lewis mice colon cancer cells. Method::A total of 50 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into model group, chemotherapy group, and high, middle and low-dose Qingzao Jiufei Tang groups, with 10 mice in each group. The lung cancer cell model was established by injecting Lewis lung cancer cells into the right axilla. The high, middle and low dose groups were administered at the doses of 11, 5.5, 2.75 g·kg-1·d-1 for 2 weeks before modeling. The drug was administered through intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 50 mg·kg-1·(2 d)-1 in the chemotherapy group. The model group was intragastrically administered with an equal volume of normal saline. After the inoculation, the drug was administered for two weeks. Two weeks later, all of the mice were put to death, and tumor tissues were collected. The mRNA expression of HK2 was detected by Real-time PCR. the protein expression of PFK2 was detected by Western blot, the PKM2 activity was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result::Compared with the model group, mRNA expressions and activity of PKM2 in lung cancer cells of treatment groups were significantly declined, and glucose content increased significantly, with significant differences from those of model group (P<0.01). The PFK2 protein expressions in lung cancer cells of treatment groups (high, medium and low-dose groups) were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion::Qingzao Jiufei Tang could inhibit Lewis proliferation, and decrease the glucose intake in lung cancer cells. The effect targets may be the key rate-limiting enzymes HK2, PFK2, PKM2.

Pharmacodynamic difference of Ribes diacanthum and Ribes mandshuricum on renal fibrosis / 中草药

Objective: To compare pharmacodynamic difference of Ribes diacanthum (RDP) and Ribes mandshuricum (RMK) treatment on renal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Both of TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cell fibrosis model and UUO-induced kidney fibrosis mice model were used in the present study. The cell morphology, ratio of cell length to width, renal histopathology, protein expressions of α-SMA and E-cadherin in kidney tissues were evaluated through biological and pharmacological methods and technologies, including Western blot, immunohistochemistry, HE staining, Masson staining and so on. In addition, partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to analyze the renal histopathological score as well. Results: RDP (1.5, 5, 15 μg/mL) and RMK (3, 10 μg/mL) effectively improved morphological changes and reduced the ratio of cell length to width in TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cell fibrosis; Moreover, RDP (40 mg/kg) and RMK (80 mg/kg) remarkably decreased the expression of α-SMA and increased the expression of E-cadherin in UUO mice model. The degree of pathological damage and fibrosis were also alleviated in both groups. PLS-DA analysis showed no significant difference in anti-fibrotic effects between RDP and RMK treatment. Conclusion: Both RDP and RMK have anti-fibrosis effects on TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cell fibrosis model and UUO-induced kidney fibrosis mice model, and there is no significant difference between these two herbs.

Propofol Attenuates Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Apoptosis and Autophagy in HK-2 Cells by Inhibiting JNK Activation

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether propofol could attenuate hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis and autophagy in human renal proximal tubular cells (HK-2) by inhibiting JNK activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HK-2 cells were treated with or without propofol or JNK inhibitor SP600125 for 1 hour and then subjected to 15 hours of hypoxia and 2 hours of reoxygenation (H/R). Cell viability and LDH release were measured with commercial kits. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. The expressions of p-JNK, cleaved-caspase-3, Bcl-2, and autophagy markers LC3 and p62 were measured by Western blot or immunofluorescence. RESULTS: HK-2 cells exposed to H/R insult showed higher cell injury (detected by increased LDH release and decreased cell viability), increased cell apoptosis index and expression of cleaved-caspase-3, a decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 accompanied by increased expression of p-JNK and LC3II, and a decrease in expression of p62. All of these alterations were attenuated by propofol treatment. Similar effects were provoked upon treatment with the JNK inhibitor SP600125. Moreover, the protective effects were more obvious with the combination of propofol and SP600125. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that propofol could attenuate hypoxia/reoxygenation induced apoptosis and autophagy in HK-2 cells, probably through inhibiting JNK activation.

Effect of Tongfengning Serum Containing on Expression of Urate Transporter in HK-2 Induced by Uric Acid / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: Study on the mechanism of Tongfengning in reducing serum uric acid from the perspective of renal urate transporter. Method: The human renal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2)was randomly divided into normal group, model group, Tongfengning low, medium and high dose group (7.65,15.3,30.6 g·kg-1) and benzbromarone group (50 μmo1·L-1),different culture media were given for intervention.HK-2 and cell supernatant were collected after 24 h of intervention. The expressions of urate transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), organic anion transporter 1(OAT1), organic anion transporter 3(OAT3), and ATP-binding cassette superfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) protein and mRNA were detected in HK-2 of all groups by Western blot and Real-time PCR. Result: Compared with normal group, the expression of URAT1, GLUT9 protein and mRNA was significantly increased(PPPPPConclusion: Tongfengning can regulate the reabsorption and secretion of uric acid in renal tubules, promote the excretion of uric acid in kidney and reduce the level of serum uric acid by down-regulating the expression of URAT1, GLUT9 protein and mRNA in HK-2 and up-regulating the expression of ABCG2 protein and mRNA. It is suggested that the regulation of renal uric acid transporter protein may be one of the specific mechanisms of Tongfengning to reduce serum uric acid by promoting dampness and turbid removal. OAT1, OAT3 protein and mRNA were not expressed in HK-2 cultured in vitro.

Differential expression of HK2 in HCC and its effect on HCC cells / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the differential expression of HK2 in liver cancer tissues and its effects on cell proliferation ,cell cycle and apoptosis of liver cancer cells . Methods 48 cases of liver cancer tissues and corresponding para cancer tissues were collected,and the expression of HK2 was detected by immunohistochemistry. At the same time,Western blot was used to detect the expression of HK2 in human hepatoma cell HepG2 and in normal liver cell L-02. The relationship between HK2 expression and clinic pathological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma was analyzed statistically. Four HK2 shRNA vectors were constructed,Western blot was used to detect the interference efficiency,and the best HK2 shRNA was selected for transfecting cell. For blank group (normal culture,non-transfected plasmid),control shRNA group(transfected control shRNA),HK2 shRNA group (transfected shRNA_3) HepG2 cells,MTT was used to detect cell proliferation activity,flow cytometry was used for cell cycle,Annexin V-FITC /PI double labeling method was used to detect cell apoptosis. Results The expression of HK2 increased significantly in HCC tissues,and the expression was correlated with tumor diameter,TNM stage and histopathological grade. The decrease of HK2 expressionsignificantly reduced the proliferation activity of HepG2 cells,obviously changed the cell cycle and make cells less stagnant at S stage,significantly increased the apoptosis of HepG2 cells. Conclusion HK2 shows strong anti-tumor potential and has a certain clinical significance. It provides a new idea and theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis of liver cancer,prognosis judgment and molecular targeting therapy based on HK2.

Multi-components from Pulsatilla Chinensis saponins synergistically inhibit proliferation of NCI-H460 cells based on tumor glycolysis mechanism / 中草药

Objective: The study was designed to investigate the antitumor effect of Pulsatilla chinensis saponins components and the synergistic effect of its effect components on tumor glycolysis. Methods: NCI-H460 cell lines were cultured in vitro, MTT assay was used to detect the inhibitory rate of various components of Pulsatilla chinensis saponins. The compatibility and synergistic antitumor effect of different effect components were studied by Calcusyn 3.0 software. Biochemical assay and Elisa assay were used to detect the glycolysis related metabolites (pyruvate, lactic acid, and glucose) and enzymes (GLUT1, HK, PKM2, and LDHA). Energy metabolism related gene members from KEGG pathway database and key protein (ERK1/2, Ras, GLUT1, MCT4) were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: The antitumor results in vitro showed that PSD, R13 and PSA in Pulsatilla chinensis saponins had the strongest antitumor activity for human lung cancer NCI-H460 cells and the IC50 were 5.2, 4.6, and 7.9 μg/mL, respectively. Using Calcusyn 3.0 software to confirm the distribution ratio of three effective monomers in Pulsatilla chinensis saponins and determine the synergistic antitumor effect after compatibility. The results of biochemical and Elisa assay showed that the content of pyruvate, lacate, glucose, HK, PKM2 and LDHA were significantly decreased and the GLUT1 content was significantly increased compared with the blank group (P < 0.05),; Compared with each monomer group, the content of pyruvic acid, lactic acid, glucose, HK, PKM2 and LDHA in the combined group were significantly decreased and the content of GLUT1 was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Real-time PCR results show that the combinations group has the most nodes in the network diagram, and its target was more than each monomer group. Western blotting results showed that compared with the blank group, the combinations group significantly decreased the expression of ERK1/2, Ras, GLUT1, and MCT4 protein (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of effect components of Pulsatilla chinensis saponins has synergistic antitumor effect on NCI-H460 cells and the antitumor mechanism may be associated with the regulation of glycolysis.

Effect of Slit2 on high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation and its mechanism / 解放军医学杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of Slit2/ROBO1 protein (Slit2/ROBO1) signaling pathway in high glucose-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) and its mechanism. Methods: Human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were cultured in vitro and subjected to high glucose concentration and time gradient experiments. First, for concentration gradient experiment, the sample was randomly divided into normal group, control group 1, control group 2, high glucose group 1, high glucose group 2. While for high glucose time gradient experiment, the sample was randomly divided into normal group, control group, high glucose 24 h group, high glucose 36 h group and high glucose 48 h group. Western blotting was used to detect the expression changes of Slit2, ROBO1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin in HK-2 cells, and then the optimal high glucose stimulation concentration and time were screened out. Slit2 over-expressed plasmid and negative control plasmid were transfected into HK-2 cells to verify the successful transfection, the cells were then randomly divided into normal group, control group, high glucose group, high glucose empty group and high glucose Slit2 group. The total protein was extracted after stimulation with optimal high glucose concentration and time, and Western blotting was then performed to detect the change in expression of fibronectin and α-SMA. Results: In the high glucose concentration gradient experiment, the expression of Slit2 declined significantly in high glucose group 1(0.647±0.048) and high glucose group 2(0.210±0.023) than in the normal group (1.000±0.050); the expression of ROBO1 declined significantly in high glucose group 1(0.703±0.041) and high glucose group 2(0.303±0.022) than in the normal group (1.000±0.057); while the expression of fibronectin increased significantly in high glucose group 1(1.953±0.042) and high glucose group 2(2.997±0.078) than in the normal group (0.990±0.059), and the expression of α-SMA increased significantly in high glucose group 1(1.767±0.012) and high glucose group 2(2.427±0.059) than in the normal group (1.033±0.067), all the differences were of statistical significance(P<0.05). Compared with the high glucose group 1, the expressions of Slit2 and ROBO1 decreased, and of fibronectin and α-SMA increased significantly in the high glucose group 2(P<0.05). In the high glucose time gradient experiment, compared with the normal group, the expressions of Slit2 in high glucose 36 h group and high glucose 48 h group decreased (0.943±0.032 vs. 0.557±0.020, 0.450±0.055, respectively), and the expression of ROBO1 decreased (1.000±0.058 vs. 0.600±0.023, 0.227±0.028, respectively). Compared with the normal group, the expression of fibronectin increased significantly in high glucose 24 h group, high glucose 36 h group and high glucose 48 h group (0.970±0.040 vs. 1.247±0.052, 1.733±0.084, 2.780±0.090, respectively), and the expression of α-SMA increased significantly in high glucose 24 h group, high glucose 36 h group and high glucose 48 h group (1.033±0.067 vs. 1.277±0.041, 1.767±0.120, 2.537±0.078, respectively), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with high glucose 24 h group, the expression of Slit2 declined significantly in high glucose 36 h group and high glucose 48 h group(0.893±0.034 vs. 0.557±0.020, 0.450±0.055, respectively), and the expression of ROBO1 declined significantly (0.930±0.025 vs. 0.600±0.023, 0.227±0.028, respectively), the expressions of fibronectin and α-SMA increased significantly with statistical significance (P<0.05). Compared with high glucose 36 h group, the expression of Slit2 and ROBO1 declined significantly, and the expression of fibronectin and α-SMA increased significantly in high glucose 48 h group (P<0.05). In the high glucose environment, and achieving Slit2 overexpression and negative control plasmid transfection, the expression of fibronectin increased significantly in high glucose group, high glucose+empty group and high glucose+Slit2 group (2.760±0.012, 2.667±0.027, 1.460±0.034, respectively) than in normal group (1.000±0.058); the expression of α-SMA increased also in high glucose group, high glucose+empty group and high glucose+Slit2 group (2.487±0.048, 2.557±0.037, 1.270±0.017, respectively) than in normal group (1.000±0.050) with statistical significance (P<0.05). Compared with the high glucose+empty group, the expression of fibronectin and α-SMA declined significantly in the high glucose+Slit2 group(P<0.05). Conclusion: The decreased expression of Slit2 and ROBO1 is involved in the high glucose-induced renal tubular EMT. Overexpression of Slit2 may significantly inhibit the high glucose-induced EMT.

Iopromide activates ROS-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in HK-2 cells / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveIopromide can induce injury to HK-2 cells, but its exact mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the influence of iopromide on ROS-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in HK-2 cells.MethodsHK-2 human renal tubular epithelial cells were divided into six groups: control and iopromide at 37, 74, 111, 148 and 185 mgI/mL. The HK-2 cells in the latter five groups were treated with different concentrations of iopromide for 24 hours. Then the ROS level in the cells was detected by 2′,7′-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining and flow cytometry and the protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, NF-κB and TNF-α determined by Western blot.ResultsThe ROS level was significantly increased in the HK-2 cells treated with iopromide at 37 mgI/ml (4103.89±98.89), 74 mgI/mL (4450.12±108.90), 111 mgI/mL (5050.85±606.76), 148 mgI/mL (6210.57±145.74) and 185 mgI/ml (7105.13±426.63) as compared with that in the control group (2551.71±84.00) (P<0.05). Western blot showed markedly upregulated expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β and TNF-α in the HK-2 cells in all the latter five groups in comparison with the control (P<0.05) and an increased level of NF-κB after treated with iopromide at ≥111 mgI/ml (P<0.05).ConclusionIopromide may induce injury to HK-2 cells by activating the ROS-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

Fructose induces HK-2 cells to express monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 through uric acid and reactive oxygen species / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of fructose-induced monocyte chemoattratant protein-1(MCP-1) production in HK-2 cells. Methods: The HK-2 cells were divided into fructose incubated (1, 5 and 10 mmol/L) group, fructose and ketohexo-kinase inhibitor (KHK-IN) coincubation (fructose 5 mmol/L, KHK-IN was 12, 100 and 1000 nmol/L, respectively) group, uric acid incubation (5, 15 and 50 mg/dL) group, fructose and allopurinol co-incubation (fructose 5 mmol/L, allopurinol were 0.01, 0.1 and 0.5 mmol/L) group, uric acid and allopurinol co-incubation (uric acid 50 mg/dL, allopurinol respectively 0.01, 0.1and 0.5 mmol/L) group, H2O2 incubation (0.1 and 0.3 mmol/L) group, fructose and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) coincubation (fructose 5 mmol/L, NAC respectively 5, 10 and 50 mmol/L) group, and uric acid and NAC co-incubation (uric acid 50 mg/dL, NAC was 5, 10 and 50 mmol/L, respectively) group. The quantitative PCR method and Western blotting method were used to observe the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein. The effects of fructose and uric acid on the production of ROS in HK-2 cells were observed by using a fluorescent probe. Results: Fructose doseand time-dependently induced MCP-1 gene transcription and protein production in HK-2 cells, which could be blocked by the ketohexo-kinase blockers. Exogenous uric acid induced MCP-1 production in HK-2 cells. Allopurinol inhibited fructose, but not exogenous uric acid-induced MCP-1 expression. Both fructose and uric acid induced ROS generation. Incubation with H2O2 promoted MCP-1 production in HK-2 cells. NAC completely inhibited MCP-1 production induced by fructose and H2O2. Conclusion: Catalyzed by the ketohexo-kinase, fructose resultes the production of MCP-1 through uric acid and reactive oxygen species.

Effects of methylglyoxal on oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in HK-2 cells / 医学研究生学报

Objective Methylglyoxal can cause the injury of human proximal tubular epithelial cell line(HK-2 cells),but the exact mechanism is still unclear. The present study aimed to explore the influence of oxidative stress and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in HK-2 cells induced by methylglyoxal. Methods HK-2 cells at logarithmic phase were divided into six groups:control group and 100,200,400,800,1600 μmol/L methylglyoxal groups (cells were cultured in 100,200,400,800,1600 μmol/L methylg-lyoxal concentration for 24 h). Superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels were assayed by thibabituric acid method. Release of lactate dehydro-genase(LDH)activity was detected by assay kit.ROS production was measured by DCFH-DA staining. The expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,IL-1β and NF-κB were evaluated by western blot. Results Compared with control group,different methylglyoxal concen-trations could enhance ROS level and LDH activity in HK-2 cells(P<0.05)and reduce SOD level significantly(P<0.05). The results of western blot showed the protein levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,IL-1β and NF-κB were significant up-regulated after the addition of methylglyoxal(P<0.05). Conclusion Methylglyoxal may induce the injury of HK-2 cells by oxidant stress and activating of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling.

Effects of nifedipine on oxidative stress causing by iron-overload in HK-2 cells / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect and the mechanism of nifedipine on oxidative stress trip-ping by iron-overload of HK-2 cells. Methods The cells were divided into 4 groups,blank group,iron overload group,nifedipine group and FAC with nifedipine co-treatment group. Cells were treated with FAC or/and nifedipine for 24 hours,and then malonaldehyde (MDA) content,superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity,glutathione (GSH) content,intracellular iron content and expression of DMT1 and FPN1 protein were evaluated. Results Compared to the iron overload group,both nifedipine treatment and co-treatment decreased the content of MDA (P < 0.05),increased the activity of SOD(P < 0.05),increased the content of GSH(P < 0.05),reduced the intracellular iron content(P<0.05),increased the expression of DMT1(P<0.05),and increased the expression of FPN1(P < 0.05). Conclusion Nifedipine plays a protective role against oxidative stress induced by iron-overload in HK-2 cells,and it is related to promote DMT1 and FPN1 protein expression and reduce intracellular iron content.