Effects of diisononyl phthalate on lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells / 环境与职业医学

Background Exposure to diisononyl phthalate (DINP), an endocrine disruptor associated with metabolic diseases and widely used in plastic products, has been linked to the development of several adverse health outcomes in the liver, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Objective To investigate the effects and the possible molecular mechanisms of DINP exposure on lipid metabolism in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2 cells). Methods First, HepG2 cells were treated with DINP at three time spots (24, 48, and 72 h) and eleven doses (0, 0.003, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 mmol·L−1). Cell viability were detected using cell counting kit 8 (CCK8). Intracellular lipid deposition was determined by oil red O staining and lipid content detection, and triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) were further detected. Finally, the mRNA expression levels were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR, including fatty acid synthesis related genes [acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (Accα), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (Mlycd), and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (Srebp1)] and β-oxidation related genes [peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (Pparα), AMP-activated protein kinase (Ampk), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (Cpt-1a), transcription factor A, mitochondrial (Tfam), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and coactivator 1 alpha (Pgc1-α)]. Results Compared with the control group (0 mmol·L−1), the no observed adverse effect levels (NOAEL) of HepG2 cell viability were 0.3, 0.1, and 0.1 mmol·L−1 after 24, 48, and 72 h exposure to DINP, respectively, and the corresponding lowest observed adverse effect levels (LOAEL) were 1, 0.3, and 0.3 mmol·L−1, respectively (P<0.05). After exposure to 30 mmol·L−1 and 100 mmol·L−1 DINP for 24 h, the intracellular lipid content, lipid deposition, TG, and TC levels were increased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression levels of genes related to fatty acid synthesis, such as Mlycd, Srebp1, Fasn, and Accα, were down-regulated after the 100 mmol·L−1 DINP exposure for 24 h, while the mRNA expression level of Mlycd was up-regulated in the 30 mmol·L−1 group. The β-oxidation related genes such as Ampk, Pparα, and Tfam were up-regulated significantly after the 100 mmol·L−1 DINP exposure, while Cpt-1a mRNA expression level was down-regulated (P<0.05). Conclusion Exposure to DINP at 30 mmol·L−1 and 100 mmol·L−1 can interfere with fatty acid synthesis and β-oxidation in lipid metabolism of HepG2 cells, resulting in lipid deposition.

Inhibitory Effect of Sesquiterpenoid M36 from Myrrha on Growth of Human Hepatoma Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveThe antitumor activity of sesquiterpenoid M36 isolated from Myrrha against human hepatoma HepG2 cells was investigated in this study. MethodHepG2 cells were treated with M36 at different concentrations （0， 2， 4， 6， 8， 10 μmol·L-1）. Firstly， the effects of M36 on the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT）， colony formation assay， and EdU proliferation assay. Hoechst staining， flow cytometry analysis， and Western blot were used to explore the effect of M36 on the apoptosis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Acridine orange staining and western blotting were used to examine the effect of M36 on autophagy in HepG2 cells. Finally， Western blot was used to detect protein expression of cancer-related signaling pathways. ResultCompared with the blank group， M36 treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells （P<0.01）， and the half inhibitory concentration （IC50） value of M36 for 48 h was 5.03 μmol·L-1， in a dose- and time-dependent manner. M36 was also able to induce apoptosis and autophagy in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. After treatment with 8 μmol·L-1 M36 for 48 hours， the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells was （42.03±9.65）% （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， HepG2 cells treated with 4 and 8 μmol·L-1 M36 for 48 h had a significant increase in cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase （cleaved-PARP） protein levels （P<0.01）. Acridine orange staining showed that autophagy was significantly activated in HepG2 cells treated with 4 and 8 μmol·L-1 M36 for 48 h compared with the blank group （P<0.01）， which was further verified by the up-regulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ （LC3 Ⅱ）. Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group， the levels of phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinase （p-ERK）， phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p-p38 MAPK）， phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase （p-JNK）， and its downstream nuclear transcription factors c-Jun and p-c-Jun protein were significantly increased in M36 group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of MAPK signaling pathway. ConclusionThe sesquiterpenoid M36 isolated from Myrrha inhibits the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells and promotes apoptosis and autophagy， which may be related to the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway.

Anti HCV activity and expression inhibition of HCC markers by protein extract from Iberis gibraltarica / Atividade anti-HCV e inibição da expressão de marcadores HCC por extrato de proteína de Iberis gibraltarica

Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is the foremost reason of progressive hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis, with an elevated risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Medicinal plants have been used for human health benefits for several years, but their therapeutic potential needs to be explored. The main objective of this study was to figure out the in vitro antiviral and anticancer characteristics of total crude protein of Iberis gibraltarica against HCV and HCC. Total crude protein of Iberis gibraltarica was isolated and quantified. The level of cytotoxicity was measured against the HepG2 cell line and it shows no significant cytotoxicity at the concentration of 504µg/ml. The anti-HCV effect was determined by absolute quantification via real time RT-PCR method and viral titer was reduced up to 66% in a dose dependent manner against the total protein of Iberis gibraltarica. The anticancer potential of Iberis gibraltarica was also examined through mRNA expression studies of AFP and GPC3 genes against the total protein of Iberis gibraltarica-treated HepG2 cells. The results show up to 90% of the down-regulation expression of AFP and GPC3. The obtained results indicate the therapeutic potential of total protein of Iberis gibraltarica against HCV and hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro.

A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é a principal causa de fibrose hepática progressiva e cirrose, com risco elevado de desenvolvimento de carcinoma hepatocelular (HCC). As plantas medicinais vêm sendo utilizadas para benefícios à saúde humana há vários anos, mas seu potencial terapêutico precisa ser explorado. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi descobrir as características antivirais e anticancerígenas in vitro da proteína bruta total de Iberis gibraltarica contra HCV e HCC. A proteína bruta total de Iberis gibraltarica foi isolada e quantificada. O nível de citotoxicidade foi medido contra a linha celular HepG2 e não apresenta citotoxicidade significativa na concentração de 504µg/ml. O efeito anti-HCV foi determinado por quantificação absoluta através do método RT-PCR em tempo real e o título viral foi reduzido em até 66% de forma dose-dependente contra a proteína total de Iberis gibraltarica. O potencial anticancerígeno de Iberis gibraltarica também foi examinado através de estudos de expressão de mRNA dos genes AFP e GPC3 contra a proteína total de células HepG2 tratadas com Iberis gibraltarica. Os resultados mostram até 90% da expressão de regulação negativa de AFP e GPC3. Os resultados obtidos indicam o potencial terapêutico da proteína total de Iberis gibraltarica contra HCV e carcinoma hepatocelular in vitro.

Spatiotemporal pharmacometabolomics based on ambient mass spectrometry imaging to evaluate the metabolism and hepatotoxicity of amiodarone in HepG2 spheroids / 药物分析学报

Three-dimensional(3D)cell spheroid models combined with mass spectrometry imaging(MSI)enables innovative investigation of in vivo-like biological processes under different physiological and patho-logical conditions.Herein,airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionization-MSI(AFADESI-MSI)was coupled with 3D HepG2 spheroids to assess the metabolism and hepatotoxicity of amiodarone(AMI).High-coverage imaging of＞1100 endogenous metabolites in hepatocyte spheroids was achieved using AFADESI-MSI.Following AMI treatment at different times,15 metabolites of AMI involved in N-desethylation,hydroxylation,deiodination,and desaturation metabolic reactions were identified,and according to their spatiotemporal dynamics features,the metabolic pathways of AMI were proposed.Subsequently,the temporal and spatial changes in metabolic disturbance within spheroids caused by drug exposure were obtained via metabolomic analysis.The main dysregulated metabolic pathways included arachidonic acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism,providing considerable evidence for the mechanism of AMI hepatotoxicity.In addition,a biomarker group of eight fatty acids was selected that provided improved indication of cell viability and could characterize the hepatotoxicity of AMI.The combination of AFADESI-MSI and HepG2 spheroids can simultaneously obtain spatiotemporal infor-mation for drugs,drug metabolites,and endogenous metabolites after AMI treatment,providing an effective tool for in vitro drug hepatotoxicity evaluation.

Effect of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide A on the malignant biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its mechanism / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：探究小核核糖核蛋白多肽A（SNRPA）在肝细胞癌（HCC）组织和细胞中的表达及其调控HCC细胞HepG2和Hep3B恶性生物学行为的作用及其机制。方法: 数据库分析SNRPA在泛癌组织中的表达及其与病理分期、HCC患者预后的相关性。常规培养HepG2和Hep3B细胞，将si-NC，si-SNRPA#1、si-SNRPA#2转染HepG2和Hep3B细胞，实验分为si-NC组、si-SNRPA#1组和si-SNRPA#2组；将SNRPA-vector和SNRPA-oe载体转染LO2细胞，分为SNRPA-vector组和SNRPA-oe组。qPCR法检测正常肝细胞和肝癌细胞以及转染各组HepG2和Hep3B细胞中SNRPA mRNA的表达，MTT法、Transwell法和WB法分别检测转染后各组HepG2和Hep3B细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力以及EMT相关蛋白表达的变化。结果: 数据库分析显示，SNRPA mRNA在多数肿瘤组织中均呈高表达（均P<0.001）且与病理分期有关联（P<0.05或P<0.01）。SNRPA在HCC组织和细胞中均呈高表达（P<0.05或P<0.01），且与HCC患者的预后有关联（P<0.01）。敲减SNRPA表达明显抑制HepG2和Hep3B细胞增殖（P<0.05或P<0.01）而过表达SNRPA则能促进LO2细胞增殖（P<0.01），敲减SNRPA表达明显抑制HepG2和Hep3B细胞的迁移和侵袭能力（均P<0.01），明显促进E-cadherin的表达上调（P<0.01），而抑制N-cadherin、vimentin的表达（P<0.01）。结论: SNRPA在HCC组织及细胞中呈明显高表达，其可能通过调控上皮间质转化（EMT）进程进而促进HepG2和Hep3B细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭。

Cellular Uptake of Catharanthus roseus-Silver Nanoparticles in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells

@#Introduction: Nanoparticles exhibit unique features and currently at the forefront of cutting-edge research. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most promising and widely commercialised nanoproducts in various fields. The interaction of these AgNPs with cells remain unclear to connect with its toxicological endpoints. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular uptake of C. roseus-AgNPs in hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2. Methods: The HepG2 cells were treated with the mean IC50 value of C. roseus-AgNPs which was 4.95±0.26 µg/mL for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The effects were compared with the untreated cells and other treatments which include camptothecin, C. roseus-aqueous extract, and AgNO3 . Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to quantify the intracellular Ag+ and Ca2+, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging was used to visualise the nanoparticle distribution. Results: The HepG2 cells have significantly taken up Ag+ from C. roseus-AgNPs with at least six times higher compared to Ag+ from AgNO3 . The intracellular Ca2+ detected in HepG2 cells for all treatments were significantly higher than the untreated cells, in time-dependent manner. TEM images indicated the endocytosis of C. roseus-AgNPs with the presence of endosomes and exocytic vesicles. Conclusion: The significant accumulation of intracellular Ag+ demonstrated the efficiency of the C. roseus-AgNPs uptake while the increased Ca2+ indicated the early sign of cell injury. The cellular uptake was mainly through endocytosis. These findings are crucial to correlate the physicochemical properties of C. roseus-AgNPs with the anticancer mechanisms towards the development of liver cancer therapy.

The toxic effects of imidacloprid exposure on HepG2 cell based on non-targeted metabolomics / 环境与职业医学

Background Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide that is widely used in agricultural production, with a high detection rate in human biological samples. Previous studies have shown a high correlation between imidacloprid exposure and liver injury, but the specific mechanism is still unknown. Objective To observe potential toxic effects of HepG2 cells and its perturbation of non-targeted metabolic profile after imidacloprid exposure, and to explore possible molecular mechanisms of hepatotoxicity of imidacloprid by analyzing invovlved biological processes and signaling pathways. Methods HepG2 cell suspension was prepared and seeded in a 96-well plate, which was divided into blank control group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent control group and imidacloprid exposure groups with multiple concentrations. Each group was set with 5 parallel samples. The viability of HepG2 cells viability were determined after 8 h of exposure to different concentrationsof imidacloprid (1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 mmol·L−1), and the dose-effect relationship was analyzed. A proper concentration (3 mmol·L−1 with 80% viability) was chosen for imidacloprid exposure, non-targeted metabolomic analysis was applied to the cultivated HepG2 cells using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology, the differential metabolites between groups were screened, and the bioprocess and related signaling pathways of their enrichment were annotated using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Results Compared to the other two groups, the survival rates of HepG2 cells in the imidacloprid exposure groups decreased. A survival rate of about 86% of HepG2 cells was found in HepG2 cells exposed to 2.5 mmol·L−1 imidacloprid exposure. The non-targeted metabolomics studies showed that 61 metabolites were significantly affected in HepG2 cells after 3 mmol·L−1 imidacloprid exposure, including creatine (variable importance in projection VIP=1.11, P<0.001), arginine (VIP=1.47, P=0.048), taurine (VIP=4.28, P=0.001), and α-D-glucose (VIP=1.90, P=0.006). The differential metabolites enriched in bioprocess and related signaling pathways were mainly directed to mTOR signaling pathways (P<0.001), arginine and proline metabolism (P=0.002), and galactose metabolism (P=0.015). Conclusion Imidacloprid exposure can significantly inhibit the survival rate of HepG2 cells, and interfere with the mTOR signaling pathway, arginine and proline metabolism, galactose metabolism, and so on.

Mecanismo de células dendríticas derivadas de sangre periférica humana en la regulación de la autofagia en células de carcinoma / Mechanism of human peripheral blood-derived dendritic cells in the regulation of autophagy in carcinoma cells

Resumen Introducción: Las células dendríticas (CD) están involucradas en el reconocimiento, respuesta y modulación inmunológicos relacionados con la aparición del cáncer. Objetivo: Explorar el mecanismo de las CD en la inhibición de la autofagia de las células del hepatoma. Métodos: Células mononucleares de sangre periférica humana se aislaron mediante centrifugación en gradiente de densidad de Ficoll y se indujeron en CD, las cuales fueron cocultivadas con células HepG2 por ensayo de migración Transwell. La actividad de las células HepG2 se determinó mediante ensayo CCK8. La expresión del índice de autofagia LC3 se midió con análisis de transferencia Western y la expresión y secreción de citocinas mediante qRT-PCR y ELISA. Resultados: En el sistema de cocultivo, las CD redujeron la viabilidad de HepG2; la expresión de IL-2, IL-12, IL-10 e IFN-γ en CD también se inhibió significativamente, si bien IL-2 e IFN-γ aún se expresaron 0.6 y 0.53 más que en el grupo de control. Conclusión: Las CD pueden regular la autofagia de las células del carcinoma hepatocelular. El mecanismo puede estar relacionado con la síntesis y liberación de citocinas como IL-2, IL-12 e IFN-γ por parte de las CD.

Abstract Introduction: Dendritic cells (DC) are involved in immune recognition, response and immunomodulation mechanisms related to the onset of cancer. Objective: To explore DCs mechanism in the inhibition of autophagy in hepatoma cells. Methods: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation and induced into DCs, which were co-cultured with HepG2 cells by Transwell migration assay. HepG2 cell activity was determined using the CCK8 assay. LC3 autophagy index expression was measured with Western blot analysis, and the expression and secretion of cytokines, with qRT-PCR and ELISA. Results: In the co-culture system, DCs were able to reduce HepG2 cells viability; IL-2, IL-12, IL-10 and IFN-γ expression in DCs was also significantly inhibited, although IL-2 and IFN-γ were still expressed 0.6 and 0.53 more than in the control group. Conclusion: DCs can regulate autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The mechanism may be related to the synthesis and release of cytokines such as IL-2, IL-12 and IFN-γ by DCs.

Extraction optimization, Total Phenolic-Flavonoids content, HPLC-DAD finger printing, antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials of Chinese folklore Ephedra intermedia Schrenk & C. A. Mey

Abstract Plants from genus Ephedra are commonly used by the Chinese people as folk medicine for treatment of various diseases. The current study was designed to explore the ethno-pharmacological based pharmacological potentials of Ephedra intermedia Schrenk & C.A. Mey. (E. intermedia). Plant aerial parts were extracted using ten solvent systems with increasing order of polarity. Samples were analyzed for total phenolic and flavonoid contents, HPLC-DAD analysis, antibacterial, antifungal, HepG2 cell line cytotoxicity, hemolysis and antioxidant potentials following standard procedures. Highest percent extract recovery was observed in Eth+WT (25.55 % w/w) solvent system. Flavonoid and phenolic contents were higher in chloroform and Met+WT fractions respectively. Considerable antibacterial activity was shown by Eth+Met extract against B. subtilis and K. pneumonia (MIC of 11.1μg/mL for each). Eth extract exhibited high antifungal activity against A. fumigates (15±0.31 mm DIZ). Met+WT extract showed significant cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell lines with IC50 of 13.51+0.69 μg/mL. Substantial free radical scavenging activity (74.9%) was observed for Met+Eth extract. In the current study, several solvent systems were used for more effective extraction of fractions and can be useful in the isolation of phytochemicals. Various fractions exhibited considerable antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials. Biological potentials of E. intermedia signify its potential uses in microbial, cancer and degenerative disorders and thus warrant further detailed studies.

The effects of miR-1243 on the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells through targeted regulation of hnRNPA2B1 expression / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# [摘 要] 目的：探讨miR-1243通过靶向调控核不均一核糖核蛋白A2/B1（hnRNPA2B1）表达对肝癌HepG2细胞增殖、迁移的影响及其分子机制。方法：用qPCR和WB法检测40例肝癌组织及其癌旁组织（2019年1月至2021年8月在武汉市第三医院首义院区手术切除标本）和正常人肝细胞QSG-7701与肝癌细胞HepG2、Hep3b、HuH-7中miR-1243、hnRNPA2B1 mRNA水平及hnRNPA2B1、cyclin D1、MMP-2蛋白水平；双荧光素酶报告基因实验验证miR-1243和hnRNPA2B1的靶向关系。HepG2细胞分为对照组（不转染）、miR-NC组（转染miR-NC）、miR-1243 mimic组（转染miR-1243 mimic）、miR-1243 mimic+pcDNA3.1组（转染miR-1243 mimic和pcDNA3.1）、miR-1243 mimic+pc-hnRNPA2B1组（转染miR-1243 mimic和pc-hnRNPA2B1）后进行相应转染；WB法检测肝癌组织及细胞和转染后各组细胞的hnRNPA2B1、cyclin D1、MMP-2蛋白表达水平；CCK-8法检测转染后各组HepG2细胞的增殖能力；划痕愈合实验检测转染后各组HepG2细胞的迁移能力。结果：与癌旁组织或正常人肝细胞QSG-7701相比，肝癌组织和肝癌细胞中miR-1243呈低表达、hnRNPA2B1 mRNA及其蛋白呈高表达（均P<0.05）。双荧光素酶报告基因实验结果证实miR-1243与hnRNPA2B1间存在靶向关系，且miR-1243通过靶向hnRNPA2B1负调控其表达。转染miR-1243 mimic后HepG2细胞中hnRNPA2B1蛋白表达、细胞增殖能力、划痕愈合率及cyclin D1、MMP-2蛋白表达均显著降低（均P<0.05）；而同时过表达hnRNPA2B1和miR-1243可逆转过表达miR-1243对HepG2细胞增殖、迁移的抑制作用。结论：miR-1243通过靶向hnRNPA2B1表达调控肝癌HepG2细胞的增殖和迁移。

Molecular mechanisms of sorafenib resistance induced by lncRNA SUMO1P3 in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：探讨长链非编码RNA小泛素样修饰蛋白1假基因3 （lncRNA SUMO1P3）促进肝细胞癌（HCC）HepG2细胞对索拉菲尼（SR）耐药的分子机制。方法：体外培养HCC细胞HepG2，采用持续接触浓度递增诱导法建立SR耐药细胞HepG2/SR，以HepG2细胞作为对照，qPCR法检测HepG2/SR细胞中SUMO1P3的表达。利用脂质体转染技术，在HepG2/SR细胞中分别转染si-SUMO1P3和si-NC；在HepG2细胞中分别转染pc-SUMO1P3和pc-DNA，后经5 μmol/L的SR处理24 h，qPCR法检测转染细胞中SUMO1P3表达水平，CCK-8法、Transwell实验和FCM分别检测转染细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力和凋亡水平，WB法检测细胞中cyclin D1、Bcl2、BAX、MMP-2和MMP-9的表达。结果：成功构建SR耐药细胞HepG2/SR，HepG2/SR细胞中SUMO1P3表达水平显著高于HepG2细胞（P<0.01）。在HepG2/SR细胞敲减SUMO1P3后，与si-NC组比较，si-SUMO1P3组细胞中SUMO1P3的表达与细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭能力及cyclin D1、Bcl2、MMP-2和MMP-9表达均显著降低，细胞凋亡率和BAX的表达均显著升高（P<0.05或P<0.01）。HepG2细胞过表达SUMO1P3后，与pc-DNA组比较，pc-SUMO1P3组细胞的增殖、迁移、侵袭能力及cyclin D1、Bcl2、MMP-2和MMP-9蛋白表达均显著升高，细胞凋亡率和BAX的表达均降低（P<0.05或P<0.01）；与pc-DNA+SR组比较，pc-SUMO1P3+SR组HepG2细胞的增殖、迁移、侵袭能力及cyclin D1、Bcl2、MMP-2和MMP-9蛋白表达均显著升高，细胞凋亡率和BAX的表达均显著降低（P<0.05或P<0.01）。结论：lncRNA SUMO1P3可通过调控HCC细胞的周期、凋亡等多种信号通路分子诱导细胞对SR的耐药，从而影响HepG2细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭，并抑制细胞凋亡与诱导细胞对SR的耐药。

Effect of Gupi Xiaoji Decoction on Pyroptosis of HepG2.2.15 Cells Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo screen the active antitumor components of Gupi Xiaoji decoction by network pharmacology and molecular docking based on the pyroptosis mediated by cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 1 （Caspase-1） and explore its molecular mechanism in intervening in the pyroptosis of HepG2.2.15 cells through in vitro experiments. MethodThe compounds and targets of Gupi Xiaoji decoction were screened out by Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform（TCMSP） to obtain the corresponding gene symbols. The targets of Caspase-1 were collected from GeneCards，online mendelian inheritance in man（OMIM），PharmGKB，and TTD，and the compound-gene target regulatory network was constructed by Cytoscape. The protein-protein interaction（PPI） network was established and analyzed by STRING. The mechanism of the effective components of Gupi Xiaoji decoction on Caspase-1 was predicted by gene ontology（GO） functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes（KEGG） pathway enrichment analyses. The molecular docking was verified with AutoDock Vina. The plasma medicated with Gupi Xiaoji Decoction was prepared and HepG2.2.15 cells were cultured in vitro. HepG2.2.15 cells were divided into a blank plasma group，a VX-765 group，a VX-765+medicated plasma group， and a medicated plasma group. After 48 hours of intervention with 15% medicated plasma， the expression and distribution of gasdermin D-N （GSDMD-N） on the surface of the cell membrane were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The release of lactic dehydrogenase （LDH）， interleukin（IL）-1β，and IL-18 in the cell supernatant was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） kits. The expression of Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N was measured by Western blot. ResultThe mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 （MAPK14），MAPK1，protein kinase B1 （Akt1）， MAPK8， V-Jun sarcoma virus oncogene homolog （JUN）， and TP53 screened by network pharmacology were the main targets. The compounds 7-hydroxy-5，8-dimethoxy-2-phenyl-chromone，wogonin，rhamnazin，moslosooflavone，isorhamnetin，7-O-methylisomucronulatol，formononetin，calycosin，luteolin，quercetin，kaempferol，β-sitosterol，and baicalein screened by network pharmacology were the main active components of Gupi Xiaoji decoction. Go enrichment analysis showed that multiple biological processes were involved， including responses to oxidative stress and metal ions，ubiquitin-like protein ligase binding，and phosphatase binding. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed MAPK pathway，nuclear factor（NF）-κB pathway，p53 pathway， and hypoxia-inducible factor-1（HIF-1） pathway were involved. Molecular docking showed that the targets had good binding with the components. In vitro experiments displayed that compared with the blank plasma group，the VX-765 group showed weakened GSDMD-N fluorescence signal，reduced release of LDH，IL-1β，and IL-18，and declining expression of Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N（P<0.01）， and the medicated plasma group showed increased GSDMD-N fluorescence signal， increased release of LDH，IL-1β，and IL-18，and up-regulated expression of Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N（P<0.01）. ConclusionGupi Xiaoji Decoction can induce the pyroptosis of HepG2.2.15 cells by regulating Caspase-1 through multiple targets and multiple pathways.

Anti-hepatocarcinoma HepG2 Cell Mechanism of Jaranol： Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the in vitro anti-hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cell mechanism of Jaranol. MethodThe methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay was employed to examine the inhibition of Jaranol （0， 5， 10， 25， 50， 100， 150， 300 μmol·L-1） on HepG2 cell proliferation at different time （24 ， 48 ， 72 h）， annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyante/propidium iodide （Annexin V-FITC/PI） kit to detect the effect of Jaranol （0， 3， 15， 75 μmol·L-1） on HepG2 cell apoptosis， and Western blot to determine the influence of Jaranol on the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax） in HepG2 cells. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze the differential expression of genes and changes of related signaling pathways after the treatment of HepG2 cells with Jaranol （15 μmol·L-1）. Real-time PCR was carried out to verify the relative mRNA content of differential genes ［TEK， platelet-derived growth factor receptor α （PDGFRA）， spleen tyrosine kinase （SYK）， phosphatidylinositol-4，5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma （PIK3CG）， Janus kinase 3 （JAK3）， membrane-associated guanylate kinase inverted 2 （MAGI2）］. ResultCompared with the blank group， Jaranol decreased HepG2 proliferation （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells （P<0.05， P<0.01）， raised Bax expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and reduced Bcl-2 expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Transcriptome sequencing yielded 59 000 regulated genes， 125 of which showed significantly different expression， with 47 up-regulated and 74 down-regulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） analysis showed that the differential genes related to apoptosis in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway changed significantly after drug addition. The mRNA expression of TEK， PDGFRA， SYK， PIK3CG， JAK3， and MAGI2 decreased in Jaranol （15 μmol·L-1） group compared with that in the control group （P<0.05）. ConclusionIn vitro cytological experiment verified that Jaranol inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells and promoted the apoptosis， possibly by influencing the expression of some differential genes in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The result lays an experimental basis for the follow-up study of the anti-tumor effect of Jaranol， and the further development and utilization of flavonoids.

Mechanism of Huanglian Wendantang in Improving IR-HepG2 Based on NLRP3/Caspase-1 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of the serum containing Huanglian Wendantang on pyroptosis in vitro model of insulin resistance and its mechanism. MethodSD rats were randomly divided into two groups， namely Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum group and blank serum group， and given 7.8 g·kg-1·d-1 Huanglian Wendantang and equal volume of normal saline by intragastric administration according to body surface area. Blank serum and medicated serum with different concentration were extracted and prepared. HepG2 cells were treated with sodium palmitate to construct the model of insulin resistance （IR）， and they were randomly divided into control group， model group， metformin hydrochloride group， blank serum group， and Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum high-， medium-， and low-dose groups. After 24 h of cultivation， the cells of each group were treated with insulin for 15 min at concentration of 1×10-7 mol·L-1， and the cell supernatant was collected. The glucose oxidase （GOD-POD） kit was used to determine the glucose content of each group， and calculate the glucose consumption and inhibition rate. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay was used to detect the cell proliferation， thus screening out the optimal dose of serum containing Huanglian Wendantang. HepG2 cells were randomly divided into control group， model group， and Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum group. The levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-18 （IL-18） in each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the mRNA and protein expression levels of NOD like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） in each group were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. In terms of the mechanism， HepG2 cells were randomly divided into control group， empty vector group， NLRP3 overexpression group， empty vector + IR group， empty vector + IR + Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum group， NLRP3 overexpression + IR group， and NLRP3 overexpression + IR + Huanglian Wendantang-contain serum group. GOD-POD method was used to measure the glucose content of each group cells， and calculate the glucose consumption. ELISA was used to determine the release of IL-1β and IL-18 in each group. Real-time PCR and Western blot assay were used to determine the mRNA and protein expressions of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1）， gasdermin D （GSDMD）， and NLRP3. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect NLRP3， GSDMD， and Caspase -1 expressions. ResultAs compared with the control group， the glucose consumption in the model group was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. As compared with the model group， the increase of the glucose consumption of IR-HepG2 cells was the most significant in the Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum high-dose group （P< 0.01）. As compared with the control group， the IL-1β and IL-18 release levels and the mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3 in IR-HepG2 cells were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Huanglian Wendantang effectively reduced IR-HepG2 cell supernatant IL-1β， IL-18， and NLRP3 mRNA and protein expressions as compared with the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Overexpression of NLRP3 significantly reduced the cell glucose consumption as compared with the control group and the empty vector group （P<0.01）， and significantly up-regulated the IL-1β and IL-18 levels and the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD as compared with the empty vector + IR group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum effectively reversed the above indicators as compared with the NLRP3 + IR group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionHigh fat-induced insulin sensitivity of IR-HepG2 cells is closely related to inflammation and NLRP3 expression. Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum improves IR-HepG2 cell pyroptosis through the targeted inhibition of NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway， which provides new therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）.

Mechanism of Huanglian Wendantang in Improving IR-HepG2 Based on NLRP3/Caspase-1 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of the serum containing Huanglian Wendantang on pyroptosis in vitro model of insulin resistance and its mechanism. MethodSD rats were randomly divided into two groups， namely Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum group and blank serum group， and given 7.8 g·kg-1·d-1 Huanglian Wendantang and equal volume of normal saline by intragastric administration according to body surface area. Blank serum and medicated serum with different concentration were extracted and prepared. HepG2 cells were treated with sodium palmitate to construct the model of insulin resistance （IR）， and they were randomly divided into control group， model group， metformin hydrochloride group， blank serum group， and Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum high-， medium-， and low-dose groups. After 24 h of cultivation， the cells of each group were treated with insulin for 15 min at concentration of 1×10-7 mol·L-1， and the cell supernatant was collected. The glucose oxidase （GOD-POD） kit was used to determine the glucose content of each group， and calculate the glucose consumption and inhibition rate. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay was used to detect the cell proliferation， thus screening out the optimal dose of serum containing Huanglian Wendantang. HepG2 cells were randomly divided into control group， model group， and Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum group. The levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-18 （IL-18） in each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the mRNA and protein expression levels of NOD like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） in each group were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. In terms of the mechanism， HepG2 cells were randomly divided into control group， empty vector group， NLRP3 overexpression group， empty vector + IR group， empty vector + IR + Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum group， NLRP3 overexpression + IR group， and NLRP3 overexpression + IR + Huanglian Wendantang-contain serum group. GOD-POD method was used to measure the glucose content of each group cells， and calculate the glucose consumption. ELISA was used to determine the release of IL-1β and IL-18 in each group. Real-time PCR and Western blot assay were used to determine the mRNA and protein expressions of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1）， gasdermin D （GSDMD）， and NLRP3. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect NLRP3， GSDMD， and Caspase -1 expressions. ResultAs compared with the control group， the glucose consumption in the model group was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. As compared with the model group， the increase of the glucose consumption of IR-HepG2 cells was the most significant in the Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum high-dose group （P< 0.01）. As compared with the control group， the IL-1β and IL-18 release levels and the mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3 in IR-HepG2 cells were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Huanglian Wendantang effectively reduced IR-HepG2 cell supernatant IL-1β， IL-18， and NLRP3 mRNA and protein expressions as compared with the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Overexpression of NLRP3 significantly reduced the cell glucose consumption as compared with the control group and the empty vector group （P<0.01）， and significantly up-regulated the IL-1β and IL-18 levels and the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD as compared with the empty vector + IR group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum effectively reversed the above indicators as compared with the NLRP3 + IR group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionHigh fat-induced insulin sensitivity of IR-HepG2 cells is closely related to inflammation and NLRP3 expression. Huanglian Wendantang-containing serum improves IR-HepG2 cell pyroptosis through the targeted inhibition of NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway， which provides new therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）.

Sagittaria sagittifolia polysaccharides regulates Nrf2/HO-1 to relieve liver injury caused by multiple heavy metals in vivo and in vitro / 中国中药杂志

This study explored whether Sagittaria sagittifolia polysaccharides(SSP) activates the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway to protect against liver damage jointly induced by multiple heavy metals. First, based on the proportion of dietary intake of six heavy metals in rice available in Beijing market, a heavy metal mixture was prepared for inducing mouse liver injury and HepG2 cell injury. Forty male Kunming mice were divided into five groups: control group, model group, glutathione positive control group, and low-and high-dose SSP groups, with eight mice in each group. After 30 days of intragastric administration, the liver injury in mice was observed by HE staining. In the in vitro experiment, MTT assay was conducted to detect the effects of SSP at 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg·mL~(-1) on HepG2 cell survival at different time points. The content of alanine transaminase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the 48-h cell culture fluid was measured using micro-plate cultivation method, followed by the detection of the change in reactive oxygen species(ROS) content by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in cells were determined by RT-PCR, and their protein expression by Western blot. HE staining results showed that compared with the model group, the SSP administration groups exhibited significantly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and fatty infiltration in the liver, with better outcomes observed in the high-dose SSP group. In the in vitro MTT assay, compared with the model group, SSP at four concentrations all significantly increased the cell survival rate, decreased the ALT, AST, and ROS content(P<0.05), and down-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression(P<0.05). SSP significantly improves inflammatory infiltration in the liver tissue of mice exposed to a variety of heavy metals and corrects the liver fat degeneration, which may be related to its regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, reduction of ROS, and alleviation of oxidative damage.

Morphological and biochemical effects of carnosic acid on human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells / Efectos Morfológicos y Bioquímicos del ácido Carnósico en Células de Carcinoma Hepatocelular Humano HepG2

Background/aim: Autophagic cell death and apoptosis of tumor cells has become one of the main objectives in cancer treatment, whereas tumor cell lines are mainly used in studies for providing important data for the evaluation of potential anti cancer substances. In this study, our objective was to evaluate morphological and biochemical changes including rate of apoptosis and Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) levels at different concentrations of Carnosic Acid (CA) on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells.Materials and methods: Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (7th passage HepG2 cells) Cell lines were cultured on 11 µM D263M schott glass coverslips placed in 12-well plates and were treated with DMSO, 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 µM concentrations of CA for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Morphological and biochemical data were recorded daily including apoptosis rates demonstrated by Caspase 3, Annexin V expressions under inverted light and Immunofluorescence microscopy, then data were analyzed for statistical significance. AFP, albumin and total protein levels were analyzed spectrophotometricaly for biochemical evaluation.Results: Our results showed that CA significantly inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation in a dose and time dependant manner and significantly caused the formation of autophagic vacuoles starting from 5µM and reaching significance at 10 µM concentrations. Significant decrease was observed in AFP when 48 and 72 hours expressions were examined, with the lowest level reached at 72 hours in the 10 µM CA group. Additionally, increase in albumin levels reached significance only in the 48 h group whereas non-significant increases were also observed in 24 h and 72 h groups.Conclusion: Our current study demonstrates significant increase in apoptosis rates by Carnosic Acid mainly at 10µM concentrations, supporting its anticancer effect on HepG2 cells. These findings are also supported by changes in biochemical analyses of Albumin and AFP levels at 10 µM concentrations.

Antecedentes / objetivos: La muerte celular autofágica y la apoptosis de células tumorales se ha convertido en uno de los principales objetivos en el tratamiento del cáncer, mientras que las líneas celulares tumorales se utilizan principalmente en estudios para proporcionar datos importantes para la evaluación de posibles sustancias anticancerígenas. En este estudio, nuestro objetivo fue evaluar los cambios morfológicos y bioquímicos, incluida la tasa de apoptosis y los niveles de alfa fetoproteína (AFP) a diferentes concentraciones de ácido carnósico (CA) en células de carcinoma hepatocelular humano HepG2.Materiales y métodos: Carcinoma hepatocelular humano (HepG2).Las líneas celulares se cultivaron en cubreobjetos de vidrio Schott D263M de 11 µM colocados en placas de 12 pocillos y se trataron con DMSO, concentraciones de CA 1, 2,5, 5 y 10 µM durante 24, 48 y 72 horas. Los datos morfológicos y bioquímicos se registraron diariamente, incluidas las tasas de apoptosis demostradas por Caspasa 3, las expresiones de Anexina V bajo luz invertida y microscopía de inmunofluorescencia, luego se analizaron los datos para determinar la significación estadística. Los niveles de AFP, albúmina y proteínas totales se analizaron espectrofotométricamente para evaluación bioquímica.Resultados: Nuestros resultados mostraron que CA inhibió significativamente la proliferación de células HepG2 de una manera dependiente de la dosis y el tiempo y causó significativamente la formación de vacuolas autofágicas comenzando desde 5 µM y alcanzando significancia a concentraciones de 10 µM. Se observó una disminución significativa en la AFP cuando se examinaron las expresiones de 48 y 72 horas, alcanzando el nivel más bajo a las 72 horas en el grupo de CA 10 µM. Además, el aumento en los niveles de albúmina alcanzó significación solo en el grupo de 48 h, mientras que también se observaron aumentos no significativos en los grupos de 24 hy 72 h.Conclusión: Nuestro estudio demuestra un aumento significativo en las tasas de apoptosis por el ácido carnósico principalmente a concentraciones de 10 µM, lo que respalda su efecto anticancerígeno en las células HepG2. Estos hallazgos también están respaldados por cambios en los análisis bioquímicos de los niveles de albúmina y AFP a concentraciones de 10 µM.

The effective transfection of a low dose of negatively charged drug-loaded DNA-nanocarriers into cancer cells via scavenger receptors / 药物分析学报

DNA-nanotechnology-based nano-architecture scaffolds based on circular strands were designed in the form of DNA-nanowires(DNA-NWs)as a polymer of DNA-triangles.Circularizing a scaffold strand(84-NT)was the critical step followed by annealing with various staple strands to make stiff DNA-triangles.Atomic force microcopy(AFM),native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(PAGE),UV-analysis,MTT-assay,flow cytometry,and confocal imaging were performed to assess the formulated DNA-NWs and cisplatin(CPT)loading.The AFM and confocal microscopy images revealed a uniform shape and size distribution of the DNA-NWs,with lengths ranging from 2 to 4 μm and diameters ranging from 150 to 300 nm.One sharp band at the top of the lane(500 bp level)with the loss of electrophoretic mobility during the PAGE(native)gel analysis revealed the successful fabrication of DNA-NWs.The loading efficiency of CPT ranged from 66.85％to 97.35％.MTT and flow cytometry results showed biocompatibility of the blank DNA-NWs even at 95％concentration compared with the CPT-loaded DNA-NWs.The CPT-loaded DNA-NWs exhibited enhanced apoptosis(22％)compared to the apoptosis(7％)induced by the blank DNA-NWs.The release of CPT from the DNA-NWs was sustained at＜75％for 6 h in the presence of serum,demonstrating suitability for systemic applications.The IC50 of CPT@DNA-NWs was reduced to 12.8 nM CPT,as compared with the free CPT solution exhibiting an IC50 of 51.2 nM.Confocal imaging revealed the targetability,surface binding,and slow internalization of the DNA-NWs in the scavenger-receptor-rich cancer cell line(HepG2)compared with the control cell line.

Improvement Effects of α-lipoic Acid on Glucose Metabolism Disorder of Insulin Resistant HepG 2 Cells / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the i mprovement effects of α-lipoic acid on glucose metabolism disorder of insulin resistant HepG2 cells. METHODS ：The effects of 25-1 000 µmol/L α-lipoic acid on survival rate of human hepatoma cell HepG2 were determined by MTT assay so as to determine the concentration of α-lipoic acid. Negative control group ，insulin resistance group （1× 10－7 mol/L insulin ），combination resistance group （30 µmol/L sodium arsenite+ 1×10－8 mol/L insulin ），α-lipoic acid low- concentration，medium-concentration and high-concentration groups were set up. HepG 2 cells were treated with α-lipoic acid for 12 h and then cultured with corresponding concentration of sodium arsenite or/and insulin for 24 h. The glucose oxidase method was used to detect the glucose consumption ，colorimetric method was used to detect hexokinase activity and pyruvate kinase activity ， and anthrone method was used to detect glycogen content. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression of GLUT 4， p-GSK3β and GSK3β as well as the ratio of p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK3β/GSK3β. RESULTS：25，50，100 µmol/L α-lipoic acid had no significant effect on the survival rates of HepG 2 cells（P＞0.05），and survival rates of H epG2 cells were higher than 96％，so they were used as the low ，medium and high concentration for follow-up study. Compared with negative control group ，glucose consumption，the activities of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase ，glycogen content ，protein expression of GLUT 4 and p-GSK 3β，the ratio of p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK 3β/GSK3β were decreased significantly in insulin resistance group and combined resistance group， while the protein expression of GSK 3β was increased significantly（P＜0.05）. Compared with combination resistance group ，the glucose consumption （except for α-lipoic acid low- concentration group ），the activities of h exokinase（except for α-lipoic acid low-concentration and medium-concentration groups ） andpyruvate kinase （except for α-lipoic acid low-concentration com and medium-concentration groups ）， glycogen contents ， protein expression of GLUT 4 （except for α-lipoic acid mail：bliang163@163.com low-concentration group ）and p-GSK3β，the ratio of p-Akt/ Akt（except for α-lipoic acid low-concentration and medium-concentration groups ）and p-GSK 3β/GSK3β（except for α-lipoic acid low-concentration groups ）were increased significantly in α-lipoic acid groups ，while protein expression of GSK 3β（except for α-lipoic acid low-concentration and medium-concentration groups ） was decreased significantly （P＜0.05）；glycogen content ， protein expression of GLUT 4 and the ratio of p-GSK 3β/GSK3β in α-lipoic acid high-concentration group as well as the protein expression of p-GSK 3β in α-lipoic acid medium-concentration and high-concentration groups were improved significantly （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS：α-lipoic acid can improve the disorder of glucose metabolism in insulin resistant HepG 2 cells，the mechanism of which may be associated with the increase of glucose consumption ，the activities of glucose metabolism related enzymes and glycogen content ，and expression up-regulation of the phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK 3β protein，the expression of GLUT 4 and p-GSK 3β proteins，down-regulation of the expression of GSK 3β protein.

Effects of Ferulic Acid on the Proliferation ，Invasion and Apoptosis of HepG 2 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the effects of ferulic acid on t he proliferation ，invasion and apoptosis of HepG 2 hepatocelluar carcinoma cells. METHODS ：CCK-8 assay was used to screen the concentration of ferulic acid. Western blot assay was adopted to screen the optimal concentration of interleukin 6（IL-6）to induce HepG 2 cell model with high expression of phosphorylated signal transduction protein and activator 3（p-STAT3）protein. HepG 2 cell were divided into blank control group ， model group ，ferulic acid group （0.5 mmol/L）and positive control group （p-STAT3 inhibitor C 188-9，10 μmol/L）. Except for blank control group ，model group treated with IL- 6，while administration groups were treated with IL- 6 and relevant drugs. Cell survival rate ，invasion and apoptosis rate in early and late stage were detected by CCK- 8 assay，Transwell assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining ，respectively. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of p-STAT 3，caspase-3，ZBP-89 and vimentin proteins in each group. On the basis of the PDB protein database ，using 1BG1，a highly similar crystal structure of STAT3，as docking template ，using the region around Tyr 705 as the putative binding pocket ，the docking analysis of ferulic acid with STAT 3 protein was carried out. RESULTS ：It is selected to use 0.5 mmol/L ferulic acid intervention for 48 h as the follow-up experimental condition ；50 ng/mL IL- 6 was selected as the modeling condition. Compared with blank control group ，the number of cell invasion ，p-STAT3/STAT3 ratio and protein expression of vimentin were increased significantly in model group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01），while late apoptosis rate and protein expression 20 of caspase- 3 were decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜ 0.01）. Compared with model group ，cell survival rate ，the number of cell invasion ，p-STAT3/STAT3 ratio and protein expression of vimentin were d ecreased significantly in ferulic acid group and positive control group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）；early apoptotic rate （except for ferulic acid group ），late apoptotic rate，the protein expression of caspase- 3 and ZBP- 89（except for positive control group ）were increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The results of molecular docking showed that the carboxylic groups of ferulic acid could interact with 1.9 Å hydrogen bond of Asn 581 and 2.0 Å hydrogen bond of Lys 591，with binding energy of －4.4 kcal/mol. CONCLUSIONS ：Ferulic acid may inhibit the activity of p-STAT 3 by directly binding to the phosphorylation site of STAT 3；it may up-regulate the protein expression of caspase- 3 via STAT 3 dependent pathway ，or up-regulate the protein expression of ZBP- 89 via STAT 3 independent pathway and then down-regulate the protein expression of vimentin ，so as to inhibit the proliferation ，invasion and apoptosis of HepG 2 cells.