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.

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.

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.

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）.

CAAP1 inhibits apoptosis and promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[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.

Effect and Mechanism of Amide Alkaloids of Lycii Cortex on Improving Lipid Metabolism in HepG2 Cells / 中国药学杂志

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.

Role of lncRNA SNHG5 in the migration and invasion of hypoxia-induced hyhepa‐ tocellular carcinoma cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[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.

Effect and molecular mechanism of Lin28 on 5-Fu sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# 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.

Effect of interfering IGF-1R by siRNA on cell cycle and apoptosis of hypoxic hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# 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.

miR-377-5p inhibits proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells by down-regulating HIF-1α and related VEGFsignaling pathway / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# 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.

Molecular mechanism of astragalus polysaccharide in alleviating insulin resistance in HepG2 cells / 预防医学

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.

Effect of lupeol on invasion and metastasis of human hepatoma HepG2 and SK-HEP-1 cells and its mechanism / 中国中药杂志

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.

In Vitro Study Of An Aqueous Extract Of Eclipta Alba Hassk. For Hepg2 Cell Line

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.

Antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum's leaf with removal of chlorophyll / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to estimate the antioxidant activities of 50%, 70%, and 100% ethanol extracts of Lycium barbarum leaf and chlorophyll removal extract. METHODS: The antioxidant activities were estimated by measuring total polyphenol content and by assays of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfate) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA fragmentation, and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities of the extracts were measured in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-stressed HepG2 cells. RESULTS: The total polyphenol content, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, and FRAP value of the extracts increased in an ethanol concentration-dependent manner. The antioxidant activities of the chlorophyll-removal extracts were much higher than those of the chlorophyll-containing extracts. Cytotoxicity was not observed in HepG2 cells with extracts up to 1,000 µg/mL. All extracts inhibited ROS production in a concentration-dependent manner from 31.3 µg/mL and inhibited DNA damage at 250 µg/mL. The SOD and catalase activities of cell lines treated with the extracts and H2O2 were similar to those of normal cells, indicating a strong protective effect. CONCLUSION: Lycium barbarum leaf extracts had high antioxidant activities and protected H2O2-stressed HepG2 cells. Since the chlorophyll-removal extract exhibited higher antioxidant activities than the chlorophyll-containing ones and the cytoprotective effect was similar, chlorophyll removal extract of Lycium barbarum leaf could be developed as ingredients of functional food and cosmetics.

Preparation and performance characterization of curcumin nanoparticles / 中草药

Objective: To construct drug delivery system loaded with curcumin (H-PtNP-Cur) to solve weak solubility and low bioavailability of curcumin, achieving more effectively anti-tumor responses. Methods: The particle size, Zeta potential, and morphology of the nanocarrier were investigated by Zetasizer (Nano ZS 90, Malvern) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The stability of the nanocarrier was investigated by stability experiments. UV-visible spectrophotometry was used to verify the adsorption of curcumin (Cur) on the Pt nanoparticles. The drug loading amount and release rate were analyzed by dialysis method using HPLC. The uptake of nanocarriers by HepG2 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The toxicity of nanocarriers to HepG2 cells was investigated by MTT assay. The inhibitory effect of nanocarriers on HepG2 cells was studied by cell imaging. Results: The H-PtNP-Cur carrier was successfully prepared. The morphology of particles was regular and uniform. The particle size, Zeta potential, the drug loading amount, and entrapment efficiency were (146.2 ± 1.5) nm, (−10.5 ± 0.6) mV, (12.4 ± 2.7)%, and (81.4 ± 1.3)%, respectively. The prepared nanocarrier had good stability. The in vitro release results showed that the carrier could sustain the slow release of curcumin. The results of cellular uptake indicated that the nanocarriers promoted the uptake of HepG2 cells. The MTT assay indicated that the nanocarriers could significantly inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells than free curcumin. The cell imaging experiments showed that the inhibition rate of H-PtNP-Cur on HepG2 cells was the highest. Conclusion: The H-PtNP-Cur has obvious inhibiting effects on the growth of HepG2 cells, which provides a new way for the treatment of liver cancer.

Speckle-type POZ protein negatively regulating the metastasis of HepG2 cells in vitro / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the effect of speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) on migration and invasion of HepG2 cells in vitro. Methods Stable gain- A nd loss-of SPOP expression HepG2 cell lines were constructed using plasmid overexpression and shRNA technique. Western blotting was used to detect the overexpression and knockdown effect of SPOP, and the effects of SPOP on the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells was examined by Transwell assays and wound-healing assay was also used to detect HepG2 cells' migration in vitro. Results The effect of gain- A nd loss-of SPOP expression was obvious in constructed stable HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells' migration and invasion were significantly decreased by gain-SPOP expression, while the cells' migration and invasion were obviously enhanced in loss-SPOP expression HepG2 cells. Wound-healing assay exhibited that SPOP overexpression suppressed HepG2 cells ' migration and that downregulation of SPOP promoted the migration of HepG2 cells. Conclusion SPOP could negatively regulate HepG2 cells' metastasis in vitro.

Antioxidation Activities in Vitro of Vicenin Ⅱ Isolated from Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis and Effect on HepG2 Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To study the antioxidation activities in vitro of a comment flavonoid component named vicenin Ⅱ(Apigenin 6,8-di-C-glucoside) in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis from different origin places and investigate its effects on apoptosis of HepG2 cells. Method: The antioxidation activities in vitro of vicenin Ⅱ (0.005-1 g·L-1) were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), salicylic acid and 2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid(ABTS) and copper ion reduction assays. Methye thiazolye telrazlium(MTT) assay was used to test the inhibitory effect of vicenin Ⅱ(12.5~100 μmol·L-1) on proliferation of 6 tumour cells in vitro. In subsequent apoptosis experiment, the concentration of vicenin Ⅱ was 75 μmol·L-1. The morphological changes of HepG2 cells were evaluated by Hoechst 33258 under fluorescence microscope; and the cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry with AnnexinV/PI apoptosis assay kit. The mRNA expressions of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway related apoptotic genes were detected by Real-time PCR assay. Result: The 1 g·L-1 vicenin Ⅱ showed 48.82% and 22.01% for DPPH scavenging rate and Cu2+ reduction rate respectively(P-1 vicenin Ⅱ showed 86.88% for ABTS scavenging rate(P-1 Vicenin Ⅱ, the cells survival rate was 45.69%(PPN-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB were increased(PConclusion: The general flavone glycosides component vicenin Ⅱ of Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis from different origins has a certain antioxidation effect and significant inhibitory effect on proliferation, and could induce apoptosis on HepG2 cells probably by regulating the expression of related genes in MAPK pathway and Bax/Bcl-2.

Effect of mogrol on lipid metabolism of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells by activatingAMPK signaling pathway / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# 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.

Effect of Yingyang Gongji Wan Contained Serum on Inhibiting HepG2 Cell Proliferation and Invasion, and Inducing Apoptosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

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.