Cytotoxicity evaluation of haloperidol, clozapine and a new molecule with antipsychotic potential, PT-31, in NIH-3T3 cells

Abstract Schizophrenia is an illness that affects 26 million people worldwide. However, conventional antipsychotics present side effects and toxicity, highlighting the need for new antipsychotics. We aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of haloperidol (HAL), clozapine (CLO), and a new molecule with antipsychotic potential, PT-31, in NIH-3T3 cells. The neutral red uptake assay and the MTT assay were performed to evaluate cell viability and mitochondrial activity, morphological changes were assessed, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection was performed. HAL and CLO (0.1 µM) showed a decrease in cell viability in the neutral red uptake assay and in the MTT assay. In addition, cell detachment, content decrease, rounding and cell death were also observed at 0.1 µM for both antipsychotics. An increase in ROS was observed for HAL (0.001, 0.01 and 1 µM) and CLO (0.01 and 1 µM). PT-31 did not alter cell viability in any of the assays, although it increased ROS at 0.01 and 1 µM. HAL and CLO present cytotoxicity at 0.1 µM, possibly through apoptosis and necrosis. In contrast, PT-31 does not present cytotoxicity to NIH-3T3 cells. Further studies must be performed for a better understanding of these mechanisms and the potential risk of conventional antipsychotics

Functions of key genes involved in TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in progression of pulmonary fibrosis / 环境与职业医学

Background Although transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway is important in regulating the occurrence and development of pulmonary fibrosis, the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis remains elusive. Objective To explore the functions of genes associated with TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Methods A NIH-3T3 fibroblast model induced by TGF-β1 was established. The experiment samples were divided into a control group and a TGF-β1 treatment group. The control group was exposed to normal saline, while the TGF-β1 treatment group was exposed to 10 ng·mL−1 TGF-β1 for 12 h. The RNAs of the two groups were extracted, sequenced, and analyzed by bioinformatics methods to identify seven key genes in TGF-β pathway, including Dcn, Smad3, Smad7, Fbn1, Thbs1, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3. The gene expression levels of five markers [Collagen1α1, Collagen1α2, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), TGF-β1, and TGF-β3] and the seven key genes were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The proteins of the two groups were extracted. The important marker protein expression levels of Smad3, the phosphorylation of Smad3 (P-Smad3), and α-SMA were detected by Western blotting. At the same time, 30 healthy SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups, with 10 mice in each group: a control group, a SiO2 inhalation exposure group for 28 d (10 mice), and a SiO2 inhalation exposure group for 56 d (10 mice). The mice in the two treatment groups were exposed to a natural SiO2 environment for 4 h per day with a 10-min pause for breathing fresh air at 2 h intervals. The lung tissues of the mice were taken after execution. The changes of pulmonary fibrosis were detected by Masson staining, and mRNAs and proteins were extracted to detect the expression of the above key genes and proteins. Results The expression levels of the five marker genes Collagen1α1, Collagen1α2, α-SMA, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 were significantly increased in the TGF-β1-induced NIH-3T3 fibroblasts than those in the control group (P < 0.01); the expression levels of P-Smad3 and α-SMA proteins increased significantly (P < 0.01); the expression results of the seven key genes screened in the TGF pathway were that Dcn and Smad3 were obviously down-regulated (P < 0.01), and Smad7, Fbn1, Thbs1, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 were obviously up-regulated (P < 0.01). The changes in gene expression levels of the transcriptome sequencing showed the same trend. The results of Masson staining showed that the content of collagen fibers in the lung tissues also increased in the SiO2 inhalation exposure groups over time. In the mouse experiment, five marker genes were obviously up-regulated compared with the control group (P < 0.01); no obvious change was found in the expression of Smad3 protein, and the expression levels of P-Smad3 and α-SMA were obviously higher in the SiO2 exposure groups than those in the control group (P < 0.01); the expression levels of Dcn and Smad3 showed a down-regulated trend, while the expression levels of Smad7, Fbn1, Thbs1, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 showed an up-regulated trend with the increase of SiO2 inhalation exposure days (P < 0.01). The expression levels of the above five marker genes, three important marker proteins, and seven key genes were consistent with the expression trends of TGF-β1-induced NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. Conclusion The expression levels of pulmonary fibrosis-related marker genes and proteins change significantly in TGF-β1-induced fibroblast cells, and the lung tissues of mice under natural SiO2 inhalation exposure has obvious fibrosis characteristics. Seven genes (Dcn, Smad3, Smad7, Fbn1, Thbs1, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3) may be involved in the regulation of pulmonary fibrosis by the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

High-throughput screening of single Chinese plant extracts on specific anti-hepatoma drugs / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of single traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) herb extracts on hepatoma and normal fibroblast cells using high-throughput screening in order to obtain extracts with specific anti-hepatoma effect. METHODS 242 commonly used TCM herbs were extracted by petroleum ether,ethanol and water,respectively. The total number of TCM extracts was 554. The cyto?toxicity of samples was evaluated by MTT in human hepatoma cells Bel7402 and mice normal fibroblasts NIH3T3. RESULTS 7.4%of the total extracts had an inhibitory effect greater than 50%for Bel7402,but 14.8% for fibroblasts NIH3T3 cells. Extracts with an inhibitory effect above 50% on both Bel7402 and NIH3T3 cells accounted for 4.4%of the total extracts. Our results showed that the sample DF173 had preferable cytotoxicity effect on hepatoma carcinoma cells in a good dose-effect relationship. DF173 is an ethanol extract from Stephania tetrandra,which is a commonly used herb in TCM. The cytotoxic IC50 of DF173 against Bel7402 was 8.27 mg·L-1,and 19.48 mg·L-1 on NIH3T3. CONCLUSION The components of TCM herbs are highly complicated. The combination of tumor cells with normal fibroblast cells to evaluate the cytotoxicity effect during anti-tumor drug screening will contribute much to the discovery of TCM drugs with high anti-tumor efficiency and lower toxicity.

Differentially Expressed Proteins in Nitric Oxide-Stimulated NIH/3T3 Fibroblasts: Implications for Inhibiting Cancer Development

PURPOSE: Recent evidence shows that nitric oxide (NO) may exhibit both pro-cancer and anti-cancer activities. The present study aimed to determine the differentially expressed proteins in NO-treated NIH/3T3 fibroblasts in order to investigate whether NO induces proteins with pro-cancer or anti-cancer effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cells were treated with 300 microM of an NO donor 3,3-bis-(aminoethyl)-1-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-triazene (NOC-18) for 12 h. The changed protein patterns, which were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis using pH gradients of 4-7, were conclusively identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis of the peptide digests. RESULTS: Seventeen differentially expressed proteins were identified in NOC-18-treated cells. Nine proteins [vinculin protein, keratin 19, ubiquitous tropomodulin, F-actin capping protein (alpha1 subunit), tropomyosin 3, 26S proteasome-associated pad1 homolog, T-complex protein 1 (epsilon subunit) N(G)-dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase, and heat shock protein 90] were increased and eight proteins (heat shock protein 70, glucosidase II, lamin B1, calreticulin, nucleophosmin 1, microtubule-associated protein retinitis pigmentosa/end binding family member 1, 150 kD oxygen-regulated protein precursor, and heat shock 70-related protein albino or pale green 2) were decreased by NOC-18 in the cells. Thirteen proteins are related to the suppression of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis while two proteins (heat shock protein 90 and N(G)-dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase) are related to carcinogenesis. The functions of 150 kD oxygen-regulated protein precursor and T-complex protein 1 (epsilon subunit) are unknown in relation to carcinogenesis. CONCLUSION: Most proteins differentially expressed by NOC-18 are involved in inhibiting cancer development.

Paraquat Induces Apoptosis through Cytochrome C Release and ERK Activation

Paraquat has been suggested to induce apoptosis by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, little is known about the mechanism of paraquat-induced apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate that extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) is required for paraquat-induced apoptosis in NIH3T3 cells. Paraquat treatment resulted in activation of ERK, and U0126, inhibitors of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, prevented apoptosis. Moreover, paraquat-induced apoptosis was associated with cytochrome C release, which could be prevented by treatment with the MEK inhibitors. Taken together, our findings suggest that ERK activation plays an active role in mediating paraquat-induced apoptosis of NIH3T3 cells.

Adenovirus-mediated VEGF expression in NIH3T3 cells / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To investigate VEGF expression in NIH3T3 cells infected by adenovirus containing hVEGF165 gene and its influence on proliferation of NIH3T3 cells, and to observe the expression of hVEGF and its angiogenic effect in vivo. Methods: Adenoviral vector containing hVEGF165 gene was constructed and was used to infect NIH3T3 cells. The infection efficiency of adenovirus vector was examined by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Expression of VEGF in NIH3T3 cells and its levels in the culture medium were examined by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, RT-PCR, and ELISA. The infected NIH3T3 cells were implanted in skin defect at rat back and the acellular dermis on the wound was obtained one week later; the expression of hVEGF was detected by IHC in the dermis and the density of vessels was determined under microscope. Results: NIH3T3 cells were effectively transfected by adenovirus containing VEGF gene in vitro, the transfection efficiency was in a dose-effect manner with multiplicities of infection (MOI) of the adenovirus. When MOI was 100, the infection efficiency was more than 95%. The expression of VEGF mRNA and protein was detected by RT-PCR and IHC 24 h after transfection. ELISA result showed that the high level of VEGF on the 3rd day after transfection and the level reached its peak 7 d after infection (1 052 pg/ml); VEGF expression was detectable 13 d after transfection. MTT assay demonstrated no significant difference in cellular proliferation between the transfection and non transfection group. Expression of hVEGF was also detected in vivo in mice, and the density of vessels in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Adenoviral vector can effectively transfect VEGF gene into NIH3T3 cells; VEGF gene can be detected in vitro and in vivo; and it can promote neovascularization in the transplanted tissues.

Preparation and culture of NIH3T3 cells harboring microencapsulated VEGF gene / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To prepare NIH3T3 cells harboring microencapsulated VEGF gene and investigate the proliferation, activity and metabolic function of the modified cells. Methods: Microencapsulated VEGF modified NIH3T3 cells were prepared through an alginate-BaCl2 process. Morphological appearance of the microencapsulation and the cell morphology were observed under inverted phase microscope; untreated NIH3T3 cells served as control. The concentrations of VEGF in the culture supernatant (collected every 48 hours) were measured by ELISA; the proliferation and vitality of the cells were examined by MTT assay and flow cytometry with PI staining. Results: The microcapsules were round in shape and the cells grew well. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of VEGF,MTT values and vitalities of cells between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The growth and metabolic functions of NIH3T3 cells are not influenced by microencapsulated NIH3T3 cells harboring VEGF gene. The bio-properties of modified cells are similar to those of the control cells,which lays a foundation for transplantation of microencapsulated VEGF modified NIH3T3 cells in vivo.

An Expedient Reliable Double Fluorescent Reporter System for φC31 Integrase Function Evaluation / 生物化学与生物物理进展

A reporter system for φC31 integrase was developed in NIH3T3 cells. The reporter plasmid coding green fluorescent protein (GFP) coupled with red fluorescent protein (RFP) was eo-transfected with the plasmid coding φC31 integrase, to show the activity of integrase in the cells. Fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) was used to measure the proportion of the cells containing red and green fluorescence. The increment of green cells was positively related to the increase in the transfection with plasmid coding φC31 integrase. Approximately 90% of green cells were observed under a ratio of [plasmid-φC31-integrase]/[reporter plasmid] at 10 : 1. This suggests that the φC31 integrase reporter system provides a probe for the function of φC31 integrase in cells.

An Expedient Reliable Double Fluorescent Reporter System for ?C31 Integrase Function Evaluation / 生物化学与生物物理进展

A reporter system for ?C31 integrase was developed in NIH3T3 cells.The reporter plasmid coding green fluorescent protein(GFP) coupled with red fluorescent protein(RFP) was co-transfected with the plasmid coding ?C31 integrase, to show the activity of integrase in the cells.Fluorescence activated cell sorter(FACS) was used to measure the proportion of the cells containing red and green fluorescence.The increment of green cells was positively related to the increase in the transfection with plasmid coding ?C31 integrase.Approximately 90% of green cells were observed under a ratio of plasmid-?C31-integrase/reporter plasmid at 10∶1.This suggests that the ?C31 integrase reporter system provides a probe for the function of ?C31 integrase in cells.

Alternariol enhanced DNA polymerase ? expression in NIH3T3 cells / 基础医学与临床

Objective To study the effects of Alternariol(AOH) on DNA polymerase ?(DNA POL?)expression in NIH3T3 cells.Methods RT-PCR,Immunocytochemistry and Western blot were used to detected mRNA and the protein levels of DNA POL? in NIH3T3 cell line induced by AOH.Results The expression of DNA POL? in NIH3T3 cells contaminated by AOH was significantly higher than that in the control group(P

Effects of cinnamyl aldehyde on c-Fos and c-Myc expression in NIH3T3 cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:Cinnamyl aldehyde (CA) is one alcohol ingredient derived from Cinnamomum cassia,which is widely used in treating chronic skin wound in Chinese medicine with the curative effect of ‘rescuing YANG’. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression of c-Fos, c-Myc proteins at different time points in NIH3T3 treated with CA and explore the possible mechanism of promoting cell proliferation by CA. METHODS: MTT assay was used for observing cell proliferation. Expression of c-Fos and c-Myc proteins in NIH3T3 cells were assessed by immunocytochemistry assay. RESULTS: The cell proliferation was promoted obviously when CA concentration was between 8.8?10-2 ?g/L and 8.8?10 ?g/L. CA at concentration of 5.5 ?g/L significantly induced expression of c-Fos, c-Myc proteins at 2-3 h after the stimulation compared with control group (P

Construction of pLNCX/anti-CD20scFv/IgGFc/CD80/CD28/? eukaryotic expression vector and expression in NIH 3T3 cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To construct a recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pLNCX/anti-CD20scFv/IgGFc/CD80/CD28/? and detect its expression in NIH 3T3 cells.METHODS:CD28-? cDNA was amplified from the plasmids pBULLET and inserted into pLNCX vector that contained anti-CD20 scFv/IgGFc/CD80 gene.The recombinant plasmids were transfected into NIH 3T3 cells,and resistant clones were obtained by G418 selection.The gene expression of the fusion protein was determined by RT-PCR and FACS.RESULTS:The recombinant eukaryotic vector was constructed successfully,determined by PCR and enzyme digestion analysis.The target gene was amplified from NIH 3T3 cells transfected with the vectors by RT-PCR.The FACS showed that recombinant protein was expressed in NIH 3T3 cells.CONCLUSION:Construction of pLNCX/anti-CD20scFv/IgGFc/CD80/CD28/? expression vector and its expression in NIH 3T3 cells lay the foundation for further research of generation of modified T lymphocytes to CD20 positive lymphoma.

Establishment of HSP90 overexpressing cell line and effects of HSP90 overexpressing on cell stress responses / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: To establish a HSP90 highly expressing cell line and study the effect of high level of HSP90 on cell stress response. METHODS: The recombined plasimid pSmycHSP, which contains the full length DNA coding for human HSP90?, was introduced into mouse fibroblast cell line NIH-3T3 by electroporation after being subcloned, purified and identified by limited enzyme digestion. Screened by G418, the positive clones were selected and identified by immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry and Western-blotting. NIH-3T3 cells transfected with empty plasmid served as control, hyperthermia(44 ℃, 20 min, 40 min)was used to simulate oxidative stress. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in supernatant and damage of DNA were detected by automatic biochemistry analyzer and flow cytometer separately to analyze the effect of high-level HSP90 on cell membrane and DNA injuries under stress condition. RESULTS: The rising level of HSP90 was shown by immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry and Western-blotting in HSP90 overexpressing cell line. There was no difference in the leakage of LDH between HSP90 overexpressing cell line and control, but the damage of DNA was more severe at 44 ℃for 20 min in HSP90 overexpressing cell line than control. Compared with control, the above indices were relieved at 44 ℃ for 40 min in HSP90 overexpressing cell line. CONCLUSION: The NIH-3T3 derived cell line, which stably expressed high level of HSP90, was established. The effect of high-level HSP90 on cells is complex at different intensity of stress, and the protection may be shown at more severe stress circumstance.

SERUM-FREE CULTURE OF SSV-NIH3T3 CELLS / 解剖学报

The establishment of a serum-free culture medium (SFM) for SSV-NIH3T3 cells is reported in this paper. In this medium DMEM/Ham's F12 is the fundamental element in basal medium, insulin and undefatty bovine serum albumin are key elements among the supplements. In this SFM SSV-NIH3T3 cells grow well, they keep the ability of secreting platelet-derived growth factor-like material into culture medium and causing tumor growth in nude mice.