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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.
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Objective:To discuss the effect of apolipoprotein C1(APOC1)expression on the proliferation and apoptosis of the hepatocellular carcinoma cells,and to preliminarily clarify the related molecular mechanism.Methods:The expression level of APOC1 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue and its relationship with the prognosis of the patient were analyzed by The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)Database;real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the expression levels of APOC1 mRNA in different hepatocellular carcinoma cells;the human liver cancer HepG2 cells with low APOC1 expression were selected as the subjects.The HepG2 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1-APOC1 plasmid to over-express APOC1(APOC1 over-expression group),and the HepG2 cells transfected with empty vector pcDNA3.1 were regarded as control group.MTS assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU)staining were used to detect the proliferative activities and proliferation rates of the cells in two groups;Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the numbers of migration cells in two groups;flow cytometry and TUNEL assay were used to detect the percentages of the cells at different cell cycles and apoptotic rates in two groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of extracellular regulated protein kinase(ERK),phosphorylated ERK(p-ERK),protein kinase B(AKT),phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and cleaved cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3(cleaved caspase-3)proteins in the cells in two groups.Results:The TCGA Database results showed that the expression level of APOC1 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue was lower than that in normal liver tissue(P<0.05),and the patients with low expression of APOC1 mRNA had poor prognosis.The RT-qPCR results showed that the expression level of APOC1 mRNA in the HepG2 cells was the lowest,and the HepG2 cells were chosen for the subsequent research.Compared with control group,the proliferative activity and proliferation rate of the cells in APOC1 over-expression group were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the number of migration cells was decreased(P<0.01),and the percentage of the cells at S phase and the apoptotic rate were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with control group,the expression levels of p-ERK,p-AKT,and Bcl-2 proteins in the cells in APOC1 over-expression group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the expression level of cleaved caspase-3 protein was increased(P<0.01).Conclusion:High expression of APOC1 can inhibit the proliferation of the human liver cancer HepG2 cells and induce the apoptosis,and its mechanism may be related to inhibition of the expressions of p-ERK,p-AKT,Bcl-2 proteins and promotion of the expression of cleaved caspase-3 protein.
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ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Shipi Xiaoji Beverage （实脾消积饮） in treating primary liver cancer from the perspective of mitochondrial dynamics imbalance and ferroptosis. MethodsThe Shipi Xiaoji Beverage-containing serum was prepared， and liver cancer HepG2 cells were cultured in vitro. The blank group， control group， cisplatin group （10 µg/ml）， and 5%， 10%， and 15% medicated serum groups were set， with 4 duplicate holes in each group. After adding the corresponding medicinals to each group， the cell survival rate was calculated using the CCK-8 test after 24-hour culture at 37 ℃ with 5% CO2. Using transwell invasion assay， the number of cells that reached the upper chamber membrane through penetrating the Matrigel was calculated after culturing for 48 hours. The scratch migration rate was calculated after incubation for 24 h and 48 h in the scratch experiment， and the concentration of the medicated serum was screened for subsequent experiments. The control group， 10% medicated serum group （the screened concentration） and 10% medicated serum+Mdivi-1 group were set up. After culturing for 24 hours， the average fluorescence intensity of mitochondria and reactive oxygen species （ROS）， adenosine triphosphate （ATP） content and level were measured， and the protein expression of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial dynein-related protein 1 （Drp1） and mitochondrial phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 （p-Drp1） was detected. The control group， 10% medicated serum group， ferroptosis activator group （Erastin， 10 μmol/L） and 10% medicated serum+ferroptosis inhibitor group （fer-1，10 μmol/L） were set up， and after adding the corresponding medicinals to each group and culture for 24 hours， the intracellular glutathione （GSH）， malondialdehyde （MDA） content and ferrous ion level were detected， as well as the protein expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11） and glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） in cells. ResultsCompared to those in the control group， the cell survival rate， invasion number， 24 h and 48 h scratch migration rate in all medicated serum groups and cisplatin group significantly decreased （P＜0.01）； as the concentration of medicated serum increased， the cell survival rate， invasion number and 48h scratch migration rate of each medicated serum group gradually decreased （P＜0.01）， and finally， 10% of Shipi Xiaoji Beverage-containing serum was selected for subsequent experimental concentration. Compared to the control group， the 10% medicated serum group had decreased average fluorescence intensity of mitochondria and ATP content and increased average fluorescence intensity of ROS （P＜0.05）； compared to the 10% medicated serum group， the 10% medicated serum+Mdivi-1 group had higher average fluorescence intensity of mitochondria and ATP content and lower average fluorescence intensity of ROS （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the control group， GSH content and protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in other groups significantly decreased， while MDA content and ferrous ion level increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； compared to the ferroptosis activator group， the 10% medicated serum group and the 10% medicated serum+ferroptosis inhibitor group had decreased MDA content and ferrous ion level， and increased protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； the 10% medicated serum+ferroptosis inhibitor group had higher GSH level than the 10% medicated serum group （P＜0.01）. ConclusionShipi Xiaoji Beverage may inhibit the proliferation， infestation， migration of HepG2 cells by causing mitochondrial dynamics imbalance and inducing ferroptosis， thereby playing against liver cancer.
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This study aimed to investigate halofuginone's inhibitory effect and mechanism on the activity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. HepG2 cells were used to detect the effects of halofuginone. After treatment, cell activity, cell migration, cell cycle, and cell apoptosis were detected by CCK-8, transwell, and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression levels of growth and metabolism-related factors such as citrate synthase (CS), ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH), and isocitrate deoxygenase (IDH) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. Compared with the control group, the activity of HepG2 cells was significantly inhibited by halofuginone (P < 0.01), the migration rate of HepG2 cells was decreased (P < 0.01), the apoptosis of HepG2 cells was induced (P < 0.01), and the cell cycle was arrested in S phase (P < 0.01). The expression levels of tricarboxylic acid key enzymes CS, IDH3, and OGDH were up-regulated, the expression level of isocitrate dehydrogenase isoenzymes IDH1 and IDH2 were down-regulation. In conclusion, halofuginone can inhibit the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells and promote apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, which may be due to the promotion of the aerobic metabolism of cells.
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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.
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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）.
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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）.
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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.
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@#[Abstract] Objective: To explore the effect of CAAP1 on apoptosis, proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells and its mechanism. Methods: The pcDNA3/CAAP1 (CAAP1 over-expression) and pSilencer 2.1-U6 neo/shR-CAAP1 (CAAP1 knockdown) plasmids were constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells. The mRNA and protein levels of CAAP1 were detected by qPCR and WB, respectively. The cells were divided into four groups, namely overexpression control group (pcDNA3), CAAP1 over-expression group (pcDNA3/CAAP1), silence control group (pSilencer 2.1-U6 neo, pSilencer) and CAAP1 silence group (pSilencer 2.1-U6 neo/shR-CAAP1, shR-CAAP1). Flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptosis, and WB was used to detect the protein expression of cleaved caspase 3 in each group. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation of HepG2 cells, Colony formation assay was used to detect the clonogenesis, and Transwell assay and wound healing assay were used to detect the invasion and migration abilities of HepG2 cells in each group. The effect of CAAP1 on overall survival (OS) of HCC patients was analyzed after searching TCGA database. Results: PcDNA3/CAAP1 with CAAP1 over-expression and shR-CAAP1 with CAAP1 knockdown were successfully constructed. It was confirmed that pcDNA3/CAAP1 could increase the mRNA and protein expressions of CAAP1, while shR-CAAP1 could decrease the mRNA and protein expressions of CAAP1 (all P<0.05). The cell apoptotic rate in pcDNA3/CAAP1 group decreased by 32% as compared to pcDNA3 group, and the cleaved caspase 3 protein expression was significantly decreased (all P<0.05); while the cell apoptotic rate in shR-CAAP1 group increased by 73% as compared to pSilencer group, and the cleaved caspase 3 protein expression was significantly increased (all P<0.05). The cell proliferation in pcDNA3/CAAP1 group significantly increased (P<0.05), while the cell proliferation in shR-CAAP1 group significantly decreased (P<0.05). The cell migration number increased by 48%, the cell migration distance increased by 59% (P<0.05) and the cell invasion number increased by 52% in pcDNA3/CAAP1 group (all P<0.05). The cell migration number decreased by 53%, cell migration distance decreased by 29% and cell invasion number decreased by 45% in shR-CAAP1 group (all P<0.05). TCGA database analysis showed that the high expression of CAAP1 was negatively correlated with the OS of HCC patients (P<0.05). Conclusion: CAAP1 can promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells by inhibiting its apoptosis, and it may be closely related to the occurrence and development of HCC.
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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of two amide alkaloid derivatives (LCAA and LCAB) from Lycii Cortex on lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells and explore their possible mechanisms. METHODS: The lipid accumulation model of HepG2 cells induced by sodium oleate was established. The cells were pretreated with different concentrations of LCAA and LCAB, and the lipid accumulation was observed by oil red O staining. The content of TC in HepG2 cells was measured by oxidizing enzyme method, and the content of TG in HepG2 cells was measured by GPO-PAP method. The expression of lipid metabolism related proteins, such as SIRT1, FOXO1, AMPK and phospho-AMPK (p-AMPK), was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression of AMPK, SIRT1, ACC2, COXII and COXIII were detected by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Both LCAA and LCAB could significantly decrease the lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells induced by sodium oleate (200 μmol•L-1) (P<0.01) and the TC and TG levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At the same time, the sodium oleate-induced high expression of p-AMPK protein, the low expression of SIRT1, FOXO1 (P<0.01), and the low expression of AMPK, SIRT1, ACC2, COXII and COXIII mRNA (P<0 05 or P<0 01) were all improved by LCAA and LCAB. CONCLUSION: Both LCAA and LCAB can significantly improve lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells, and regulate lipid metabolism by regulating lipid metabolism-related proteins p-AMPK, SIRT1, FOXO1 and mitochondrial oxidation-related factors COXII and COXIII.
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@# Objective：To explore the targeting relationship between miR-377-5p and hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α), and investigate the regulatory effect of miR-377-5p on proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. Methods： ：The expression of miR-377-5p in 35 pairs of human HCC tissues and para-cancerous tissues was detected by qPCR. Then, HepG2 cells were divided into control group, mimic-NC group and miR-377-5pmimicgroup.qPCRwasusedto detect the transfection efficiency; the effects of miR-377-5p over-expression on proliferation and invasion of HepG2 cells were examined by EdU staining and Transwell assay, respectively; and the effect of miR-377-5p over-expression on the expressions of proliferation-related protein Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (E-cadherin and N-cadherin) were detected by Western blotting (WB); the effect of miR-377-5p over-expression on the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in HepG2 cells was detected by qPCR and WB; and the targeting relationship between miR-377-5p and HIF-1α gene was determined by Luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: The expression of miR-377-5p in HCC tissues was significantly lower than that in para-cancerous tissues (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the expression of miR-377-5p in HepG2 cells of miR-377-5p mimic group elevated significantly, and the proliferation, invasion and the expression of N-caderin proteins decreased,significantly (all P<0.01), while the expression of E-caderin increased significantly (P<0.01). At the same time, the mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α in miR-377-5p mimic group decreased significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05). miR-377-5p targetedly inhibited the expression of HIF-1α gene and suppressed the activation of VEGF pathway (all P<0.05). Conclusion: miR-377-5p inhibits the proliferation, invasion and EMT of HepG2 cells via targetedly inhibiting HIF-1α expression and suppressing the activation of VEGF signaling pathway.
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@# Objective: To explore the effect of interfering insulin-like growth factors-1 receptors (IGF-1R) by small interfering RNA (siRNA) on cell cycle and apoptosis of hypoxic hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Methods: The hypoxic hepatocellular carcinoma model was established via cobalt chloride treatment. Three siRNAs targeting IGF1R gene and one negative control siRNA were designed and synthesized. They were transfected into hypoxic HepG2 cells, and 24 h later, the transfection efficiency was detected by fluorescent microscopy. The protein expression of IFG-1R was detected with Western blotting (WB) to screen the siRNA with highest transfection efficacy. The selected siRNA was used to transfect hypoxic HepG2 cells. The proliferation of hypoxic HepG2 cells was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by Flow cytometry. WB was performed to detect the proteinexpressionsofCDK1,CDK2andCaspase-3inHepG2cells. Results: The hypoxic hepatocellular carcinoma model was successfully established. IGF-1R-siRNA-2 showed the most effective interference efficiency and the most significant knockdown of IGF-1R (all P<0.01). The proliferation of HepG2 cells transfected with IGF-1R siRNA-2 was significantly suppressed (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the cell cycle was blocked at G0/G1 phase (P<0.05), and the apoptosis rate was increased up to (25.3±1.3)% P<0.01). In the meanwhile, the expressions of CDK1 and CDK2 were decreased and the expression of Caspase-3 was increased in hypoxic HepG2 cells after IGF-1R knockdown (P<0.05). Conclusion: Interfering IGF-1R by siRNA inhibits the malignant biological behaviors of hypoxic HepG2 cells via regulating cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins. IGF-1R may be a potential target for the treatment of HCC.
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@# Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of RNA binding protein Lin28 on the 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) sensitivity of HepG2 cells. Methods: HepG2 cells were transfected with plasmid pcDNA3.1-Lin28 or si-Lin28 (small interfering RNA of Lin28). qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of Lin28 in HepG2 cells after transfection. Changes of cell proliferation in transfected cells after 5-Fu treatment was detected by CCK8 assay and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptotic rate after 5-Fu treatment and the expression of apoptosis-related protein was assayed by Western blotting. The mRNA expressions of drug-resistant miRNAs (let-7a and let-7b), as well as cancer stem cell markers (Oct4, Nanog and Sox2) after transfection were detected by qPCR. Results: As compared to the HepG2/Vector cells, the mRNA and protein expressions of Lin28 were significantly up-regulated in HepG2/Lin28 cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Over-expression of Lin28 significantly suppressed the sensitivity of HepG2 cells to 5-Fu (IC50elevated obviously, P<0.05) and significantly increased cell proliferation while decreased apoptotic rate and expression of apoptotic-related protein caspase-3 (all P<0.01). As compared to si-control group, expression of Lin28 in HepG2/si-Lin28 cells was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Lin28 knockdown significantly reduced cell proliferation and IC50 of 5-Fu (all P<0.01) but increased apoptotic rate and expression of apoptosis-related protein (P<0.01). Compared with HepG2/Vector group, expressions of let-7a and let-7b, as well as cancer stem cell markers (Oct4, Nanog and Sox2) were significantly increased in HepG2/Lin28 cells (all P<0.01); while these molecules were significantly decreased in HepG2/si-Lin28 cells as comparing to si-control group (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Lin28 can modulate the chemosensitivity of HepG2 cells by regulating the expression of miRNAs and the formation of cancer stem cells. Targeting Lin28 might be a promising approach to improve the chemotherapy efficacy in HCC.
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Objective@#To clarify the effect of astragalus polysaccharide （AP） on insulin resistance model of HepG2 cells induced by hyperinsulinemia and its underlying molecular mechanism in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress.@*Methods@#HepG2 cells were divided into three groups： the control group was treated without any intervention; the model group was treated with 200 μL cell culture medium containing 10-6 mol/L insulin for 48 hours to build an insulin resistance model; the AP group was treated with optimal concentration of AP based on an insulin resistance model. After 24 hours, the concentration of H2O2 and the expression of PPARγ in each group were detected. @*Results@#AP could improve the survival rate of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The highest survival rate of the cells was （118.26±1.17）% with 10 μM AP. The concentration of H2O2 in the AP group was （0.82±0.09） μM, which was lower than （1.30±0.16） μM in the model group （P<0.05）, but was close to （0.78±0.09） μM in the control group （P>0.05）. The relative mRNA expression of PPARγ in the AP group was 0.96±0.04, which was higher than 0.51±0.05 in the model group （P<0.05）, but was close to 1.00±0.11 in the control group （P>0.05）.@*Conclusions@#In the insulin resistance model in vitro, AP can significantly increase the cell survival rate, reduce intracellular H2O2 concentration, and promote the expression of PPARγ. The mechanism may be related to lipid metabolism.
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@#[Abstract] Objective: To explore the regulatory effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG5 on invasion and migration of hypoxia-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Methods: A total of 20 pairs of cancer and para-cancerous tissue specimens resected from HCC patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2017 to June 2018, and human HCC cell lines (HepG2, MHCC-97L, MHCC-97H , Huh7) as well as immortalized human liver LO2 cells were collected for this study. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the binding sites between hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and SNHG5. pCMVHIF-1α and shRNA-SNHG5 (sh-SNHG5) plasmids were transfected into HCC cells, respectively. qPCR was used to detect the expres‐ sion level of SNHG5 in HCC tissues and hypoxia-induced HCC cells. Western botting was used to detect the expression level of HIF-1α protein in HCC cells, and Transwell chamber method was used to detect the migration and invasion ability of HCC cells after SNHG5 si‐ lence under normoxia and hypoxia condition. Results: Compared with para-cancerous tissues and immortalized human liver LO2 cells, the expression of SNHG5 was significantly up-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines (all P<0.01). Hypoxia promoted the expression level of SNHG5 in HCC cells, and its mechanism might be related to the combination of hypoxia-activated HIF-1α and SNHG5 promoter to promote its transcription. Hypoxia promoted the invasion and migration ability of HepG2 and MHCC-97L cells (all P< 0.01), but knockdown of SNHG5 significantly inhibited the invasion and migration ability of HepG2 and MHCC-97L cells under hy‐ poxic conditions (all P<0.01). Conclusion: SNHG5 is highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines and plays an important role in the invasion and migration of HCC cells induced by hypoxia.
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Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation(EMT) exists in embryonic development and is closely related to cell migration and invasion. The increased EMT level in tumors showed that E-cadherin was replaced by N-cadherin, and the expression of interstitial markers such as α-SMA and vimentin was up-regulated. It has been reported that lupeol can reduce the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) and N-cadherin to inhibit the metastasis of osteoma cells. However lupeol has been less studied in liver cancer. Therefore, this paper investigated the effect of lupanol on invasion and metastasis of human hepatoma cell line HepG2 and SK-HEP-1 and its possible mechanism. MTT assay and Annexin V/PI double staining were used to investigate the effect of lupeol on activity and apoptosis of HepG2 cells and SK-HEP-1 cells. Moreover, the effect of lupeol on the invasion of HepG2 cells and SK-HEP-1 cells were evaluated by Transwell assay. The expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, α-SMA, vimentin and MMP-9 were measured by Western blot. The model of subcutaneous transplantation of nude mice and the lung metastasis model of H22 hepatocellular carcinoma cells were established to evaluate the efficacy of lupeol in vivo on tumor growth and lung metastasis by HE staining combined with immunohistochemical assay. The results showed that lupeol inhibited the activity and invasion of HepG2 cells and SK-HEP-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis. Western blot showed that the expression of E-cadherin, a landmark protein for EMT, was induced by lupeol, and the expressions of N-cadherin, α-SMA, vimentin and MMP-9 were decreased. In vivo experiments showed that lupeol inhibited tumor growth in mice bearing xenograft. In addition, immunohistochemical experiments confirmed that lupeol could up-regulate the expression of E-cadherin in tumor tissues of nude mice, reduce the expression of N-cadherin, and inhibit the metastasis of liver cancer H22 cells in the lungs of mice. The above results indicated that the mechanism of lupeol inhibiting the invasion and metastasis of HCC cells may be related to the regulation of EMT process.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Mice , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Hep G2 Cells , Liver Neoplasms , Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/metabolism , Mice, Nude , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Pentacyclic TriterpenesABSTRACT
It is the need of the day to identify the new anticancer herbal drug, which not only in possession of good anticancer effects but also cost effective. Here we are presenting such an anticancer Ayurvedic herb which is used since the centuries for the treatment of different diseases of diverse origin. Eclipta alba Hassk., also called as Bhringraj is very important medicinal herb in many medicinal formulations. Though it is commonly used for hair growth, many evidences found its hepatoprotective activity. Here we are presenting all aspects about Bhringraj in terms of qualitative and quantitative values and we have also tried to prove the anticancer activity of it for hepatic cancer. We have used the aqueous extract of Eclipta alba Hassk. for phytochemical analysis, TLC, HPLC analysis to test active chemical components in it. Extract showed presence of many active chemical components which were responsible for its anticancer activity. In vitro study we used the aqueous extract of Eclipta alba Hassk. for the evaluation of its effects on HepG2 (Human liver cancer cell line). The SRB assay results were used to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of the extract. The effects of whole plant extract on cancer cell line were studied. Percentage of cell growth and cell viability were calculated from tabulated result values of srb assay. The experiment revealed that the average percentage of growth inhibition was 68.74%. Cell viability SRB assay also showed significant growth inhibition, at the same time statistical analysis of SRB assay also proved significant results. The research performed here is very useful for set up of different extract studies of Bhringraj for its anticancer activity.
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@# Objective： ：To study the regulatory effect of mogrol (MO) on lipid metabolism of hepatic cancer cells and its molecular mechanism. Methods: Oleic acid (OA) was used to induce fat accumulation in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and to establish a steatosis cell model. CCK-8 method was used to detect the cytotoxicity of MO to HepG2 cells, and an experimental working concentration without obvious cytotoxicity of MO was chosen. After being treated with different concentrations of MO, lipid accumulation in the cells was observed by oil red O staining, and the contents of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) in the cells were measured. Key genes involving in lipid metabolism were screened out by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of ,SREBP-1c and FASN, while Western Blot was used to detect the protein expressions of p-AMPKα, SREBP-1c and FASN in cells of model group and treatment group. Results: After OA induction, a large amount of lipids accumulated in HepG2 cells, the contents of TG and TC increased significantly. Three key genes (SREBP-1c, FASN and p-AMPK α) involving in lipid metabolism of hepatic cancer cells were screened out. After OA induction, the mRNA expressions of SREBP-1c and FASN increased, the protein expression of p-AMPK α decreased while the protein expressions of SREBP-1c, FASN and other proteins increased significantly. After intervention with working concentration of MO, intracellular lipid accumulation, contents of TG and TC, mRNA expressions of SREBP-1c, FASN and protein expressions of SREBP-1c, FASN decreased significantly, while the expression of p-AMPKα increased. Conclusion: Mogrol can inhibit the synthesis of fatty acids by activating the expression level of AMPK signaling pathway related factors SREBP-1c and FASN, so as to play the role of regulating lipid metabolism.
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@# Objective: To explore the effect of miR-195/TLR4 axis on the proliferation, invasion and migration of liver cancer cells via regulating NF-κB pathway. Methods: Twenty-five pairs of liver cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues surgically resected at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from March 2016 to January 2017 were collected for this study. Liver cancer HepG2 cells were cultured and then randomly divided into four groups: control group (NC), miR-195 mimic group (miR-195), TLR4 knockdown group (si-TLR4), and miR-195 inhibitor combined with TRL4 knockdown group (si-TLR4+miR-195 inhibitor). qRTPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-195 in liver cancer tissues and cell lines. CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate the cell viability of each group. Transwell and Wound healing assay were applied to detect the invasion and migration ability of HepG2 cells, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the targeted regulation of TLR4 by miR-195. WB was applied to analyze the protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65. Results: miR-195 was down-regulated in the liver cancer tissues compared with adjacent tissues (P<0.01). Compared with human hepatic epithelial cells (THLE-3), the expression of miR-193 in liver cancer cell lines (HepG2 and Huh-7) was down-regulated (P<0.01), and the expression level in HepG2 cells was the lowest. The proliferation, invasion and migration of HepG2 cells was significantly suppressed after over-expression of miR-195 (all P<0.01). Moreover, over-expression of miR-195 significantly down-regulated TLR4 protein expression (P<0.05), and TLR4 was negatively correlated with miR-195 (R2= 0.602, P<0.0001). Furthermore, miR-195 over-expression inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of HepG2 cells by targeting TLR4 expression and blocking NF-κB pathway (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: miR-195 over-expression can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of HepG2 cells. The mechanism may be related with targeting TLR4 and blocking the NF-κB pathway to affect cell biological behaviors.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of Yingyang Gongji Wan (YYGJ) on hepatoma cell line HepG2, and provide evidence for clinical application. Method:YYGJ-contained rats serum was prepared. Then the inhibiory rate of cells was detected by methye thiazolye telrazlium (MTS) method in both YYGJ group and blank group. Apoptosis of HepG2 was detected by TdT-mediated dUT nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method in blank group,YYGJ group, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) group. The mRNA expression and protein expression levels of E-cadherin, Vimentin, metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and Smad4 were detected by Real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) and Western blot respectively. The invasion ability of HepG2 cells was detected by cell migration assay (transwell). Result:YYGJ-contained serum inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner. As compared with blank group, the inhibitory rate was increased in 5%, 10%, and 20% YYGJ-contained serum groups on the third day (PPPPConclusion:YYGJ-contained serum can inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells, induce apoptosis, regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related E-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP-2 and Smad4 genes and proteins, and decrease tumor invasion ability. The effect was similar to that of 5-fluorouracil. As a unique prescription, YYGJ can be used as a representative for the treatment of coldness and dampness syndrome of primary liver cancer and its anti-cancer mechanism should be further studied.