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

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

Effects of ultrasound microbubble-mediated G3BP1 transfection on proliferation and migration of human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 Cells / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of ultrasound microbubble-mediated RasGAP SH3-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) transfection on the proliferation and migration of human liver cancer HepG2 cells.Methods:HepG2 cells were treated with ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) technology-mediated si-G3BP1. The expression of G3BP1 in HepG2 cell lines was detected by Western blot, and the silencing efficiency was analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. HepG2 cell proliferation and migration were analyzed by flow cytometry, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) , EdU staining, colony formation experiment, wound healing experiment, Transwell experiment and Western blot.Results:After silencing G3BP1 in HepG2 cells, its mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced (1.01±0.03 vs 0.27±0.03, 1.02±0.01 vs 0.33±0.04) ; UTMD-mediated si-G3BP1 could significantly reduce the proliferation rate (31.49±3.09 vs 12.51±1.02) , proliferation activity (1.20±0.13 vs 0.46±0.31) , EdU-positive cell rate (99.23±1.01 vs 36.75±4.03) , colony formation rate (96.45±1.21 vs 32.67±2.62) , scratch healing rate (97.58±1.04 vs 42.33±2.56) , migration rate (94.28±2.33 vs 39.36±2.51) and Ki67, Cyclin D1, Vimentin protein levels, increase E-cadherin protein levels.Conclusion:UTMD-mediated si-G3BP1 can inhibit the proliferation and migration of human liver cancer HepG2 cells.

Improvement Effects of Sanggenone C on Lipid Accumulation in FFA-induced Human Liver Cancer HepG 2 Cells / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the improvement ef fects of sanggenone C on lipid accumulation in human liver cancer HepG2 cells induced by free fatty acid （FFA）. METHODS ：HepG2 cells were divided into control group ，model group ， fenofibrate group （10 μmol/L），sangerone C low ，medium and high concentration groups （2，4，8 μmol/L）. Except for control group，other groups were treated with 1 mmol/L FFA to induce lipid accumulation model ，and administration groups were cultured with relevant medium containing drugs. The lipid accumulation was observed by oil red O staining ，and lipid level and triglyceride （TG） content were also determined. Real-time PCR and Western blot assay were adopted to detect the mRNA and protein expression of PPARα，CPT-1，SREBP-1c，FAS，SIRT1 and PGC- 1α in HepG2 cells. RESULTS ：Compared with control group ， the nucleus was atrophied significantly and the volume became smaller ，and the number of lipid droplets was significantly increased；the level of lipid ，TG content ，mRNA and protein expression of SREBP- 1c and FAS were significantly increased （P＜ 0.05 or P＜0.01），mRNA and protein expression of PPARα，CPT-1，SIRT1 and PGC- 1α were decreased significantly（P＜0.01）. Compared with model group ，no obvious nucleus atrophy and normal volume were observed in sangerone C groups ，and the number of lipid droplets was significantly reduced ；the levels of lipid ，TG content ，mRNA and protein expression of PPARα pathway related genes （except for SREBP- 1c protein in saggenone C low concentration group ）were significantly reversed （P＜ 0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS ：Sangenone C can significantly improve the lipid accumulation of HepG 2 cells，and its mechanism may associated with regulating PPAR α signaling pathway，improving cell lipid oxidation ability and inhibiting lipid synthesis.

Effects of Mangiferin on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism of Insulin-resistant HepG2 Cells / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To analyze the effects of mangiferin （MGF）on glucose and lipid metabolism in insulin resistance （IR）HepG2 cells，and to explore the potential mechanism. METHODS ：Using human hepatoma HepG 2 cells as research objects ， 1 mmol/L palmitic acid and 2 mmol/L oleic acid were used to establish the IR-HepG 2 cell model. Using metformin hydrochloride as positive control ，the effects of low-concentration ，medium-concentration and high-concentration MGF （125，250，500 μmol/L）on the corrected glucose consumption ，the contents of triglyceride （TG）and total cholesterol （TC）in IR-HepG 2 cells were detected. The mRNA expression of APN ，AdipoR2，APPL1，AMPK in the upstream of AMPK signaling pathway and IRS- 1，Akt and GLUT4 in the downstream insulin signaling pathway were detected by RT-PCR. The phosphorylation level of AMPK protein was detected by Western blot assay. RESULTS ：Compared with control group ，corrected glucose consumption ，mRNA expression of APN，AdipoR2，APPL1，AMPK，IRS-1 and GLUT 4，as well as the phosphorylation level of AMPK protein were decreased significantly in model group ，while the contents of TG and TC were increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with model group ， corrected glucose consumption ， mRNA expression of APN （except for MGF medium-concentration and high-concentration groups ），AdipoR2，APPL1，AMPK（except for MGF medium-concentration and high-concentration groups ）， IRS-1（except for MGF medium-concentration and high-concentration groups ），Akt（except for positive control group ），GLUT4 （except for MGF high-concentration group ）were increased significantly in administration groups ，while the contents of TG and TC were decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS ：Mangiferin may activate APN ，which is the upstream target of pathway ，and then regulate AMPK signaling pathway ，so as to promote glucose uptake of IR-HepG 2 cells，reduce TG and TC contents，and improve IR and abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism.

Protective Effect and Mechanism of Gandou Fumu Decoction on Oxidative Damage of HepG2 Cells Induced by CuCl2 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of Gandou Fumu decoction （GDFMD） on the oxidative damage of HepG2 cells induced by CuCl₂based on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin （PI3K/Akt/mTOR） signaling pathway. Method:CuCl₂ （200 μmol·L^-1） was used to induce a copper-loaded HepG2 cell model. HepG2 cells were divided into a blank group （HepG2 cells + blank rat serum）， a model group （HepG2 cells + CuCl₂ + normal rat serum）， a GDFMD group （HepG2 cells + CuCl₂ + GDFMD-medicated rat serum）， an inhibitor group （HepG2 cells + NVP-BEZ235 + normal rat serum）， and a GDFMD + NVP-BEZ235 group （HepG2 cells + NVP-BEZ235 + GDFMD-medicated rat serum）. ELISA method was used to determine superoxide dismutase （SOD）， glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） activity， and malondialdehyde （MDA） content. The expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3） was detected by immunofluorescence. Phospho-PI3K/PI3K （p-PI3K/PI3K）， p-Akt/Akt， p-mTOR/mTOR， Beclin-1， LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ， and p62/Actin were determined by Western blot. PI3K， Akt， mTOR， Beclin-1， LC3Ⅰ， LC3Ⅱ， p62 mRNA expression was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. Result:Compared with the blank group， the model group displayed decreased activities of SOD and GSH-Px and increased content of MDA （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， the GDFMD group showed elevated activities of SOD and GSH-Px and reduced content of MDA （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the inhibitor group exhibited weakened GSH-Px activity and up-regulated content of MDA （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed diminished expression of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， p-mTOR/mTOR， and p62， and increased expression of Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The expression of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， p-mTOR/mTOR， and p62 was elevated， and the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ declined in the GDFMD group （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic> P<</italic>0.01）， while the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-mTOR/mTOR expression was down-regulated and the Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ/LC3 I expression was increased in the inhibitor group （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P<</italic>0.01） as compared with those in the model group. Compared with the GDFMD group， the GDFMD + NVP-BEZ235 group showed down-regulated expression of p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR and up-regulated expression of Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ（<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. The expression of LC3Ⅱ protein in the model group was increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01） as compared with that in the blank group. The expression of LC3Ⅱ protein was lower in the GDFMD group than in the model group， and higher in the GDFMD + NVP-BEZ235 group than in the GDFMD group. No significant difference in the expression of PI3K， Akt， and mTOR mRNA was observed among the groups. Compared with the blank group， the model group displayed lowered expression of p62 mRNA， and elevated expression of Beclin-1， LC3Ⅰ， and LC3Ⅱ mRNA （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， the GDFMD group exhibited increased expression of p62 mRNA， and declining expression of Beclin-1， LC3Ⅰ， and LC3Ⅱ mRNA （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the inhibitor group showed increased expression of Beclin-1 mRNA （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The expression of Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ mRNA in the GDFMD + NVP-BEZ235 group was elevated （<italic>P</italic><0.01） as compared with that in the GDFMD group. Conclusion:GDFMD may inhibit the excessive autophagy and alleviate the oxidative damage of HepG2 cells induced by CuCl₂， with the underlying mechanism related to the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.

Investigation of Host-guest Complexation Between 4-Sulfonylcalix 6 Arene and 15 Alkaloids from Traditional Chinese Medicines and Inhibitory Effect of Binding System on Proliferation of HepG2 and H9c2 Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate bonding ability between 4-sulfonylcalix ［6］ arene （SCA6） and 15 alkaloids （matrine， allomatrine， dauricine， daurisoline， quinidine， quinine， crotaline， vincristine， gelsemine， koumine， tetrandrine， aloperine， oxymatrine， sophocarpine and sinomenine）， and to evaluate viability<italic> in vitro</italic> of HepG2 and H9c2 cells with 12 alkaloids/SCA6 bonding systems （except allomatrine， oxymatrine， sinomenine）. Method:Fluorescence competitive titration was used to determine the binding constants of alkaloids and SCA6， the inhibitory effect of alkaloid/SCA6 complex on proliferation of HepG2 and H9c2 cells was investigated by cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8）. Result:All the 15 alkaloids had good bonding with SCA6 at the ratio of 1∶1 （the binding constants >1×10⁵ mol·L^-1， <italic>R</italic>²>0.98）， the aloperine （quinolizidine alkaloids） and SCA6 had the biggest binding constant （20.55×10⁶ mol·L^-1）. In addition to gelsemine， crotaline， matrine and sophocarpine， 8 alkaloids （including aloperine， tetrandrine， dauricine， daurisoline， quinidine， quinine， vincristine and koumine） exhibited significant anti-tumor effects on HepG2 cells. Except for daurisoline， the anti-proliferation effect of the other 11 alkaloids before and after binding with SCA6 had no difference in HepG2 cells. In addition to gelsemine， crotaline， matrine and sophocarpine， the anti-proliferation effect of the other 8 alkaloids before and after binding with SCA6 had no difference in H9c2 cells. Conclusion:SCA6 shows intense binding ability with bisbenzylisoquinoline， quinolizidine and indole alkaloids. It can improve the solubility of alkaloids without affecting their anti-tumor activity， which provides a reference for subsequent related applications of SCA6 as a drug delivery carrier.

Effect of Compound Phylanthus urinaria Ⅱ in Regulating Expression of lncRNA CCAT1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the anti-hepatoma effect of compound <italic>Phylanthus urinaria</italic> Ⅱ （ CPU Ⅱ） by inhibiting the expression of the long non-coding RNA （lncRNA） colon cancer associated transcript-1 （CCAT1） and restoring the expression of microRNA let-7a. Method:Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR） was used to detect the expression of lncRNA CCAT1 in normal liver cells （LO2 cells） and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells， and the differences in expression between these two types of cells were compared. The methylthiazolyl tetrazolium（MTT） assay was used to detect the proliferation of HepG2 cells after treatment with different concentrations of CPU Ⅱ and 5-fluorouracil（5-FU） for 24， 48 and 72 h. Hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells were cultured <italic>in vitro </italic>and set into three gropes： cell control group， CPU Ⅱ low-dose group （0.8 g·L^-1） and high-dose group （1.6 g·L^-1）. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of lncRNA CCAT1， microRNA let-7a and its target genes high mobility group protein A2（HMGA2）， and N-RAS in each grope. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of HMGA2， and Cyclin D₁ in each grope. Result:As compared with LO2 cells， expression of lncRNA CCAT1 in HepG2 cells was significantly up-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Results of MTT assay showed that the 50% inhibiting concentration（IC₅₀）of CPU Ⅱ and 5-FU on hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells was 1.649， 0.044 648 g·L^-1respectively. As compared with the control group， CPU Ⅱ high-and low-dose groups （1.6， 0.8 g·L^-1） significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and the effect was most remarkable in CPU Ⅱ high-dose group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The results of Real-time PCR showed that as compared with control group， the expression of lncRNA CCAT1 mRNA was significantly inhibited in CPU Ⅱ high-and low-dose groups （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and the expression of microRNA let-7a mRNA was obviously up-regulated in high-dose group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， but the expression of HMGA2 mRNA in CPU Ⅱ high-and low-dose groups as well as the expression of N-RAS mRNA in CPU Ⅱ low-dose group were down-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Western blot results showed that as compared with the cell control group， the protein expression of HMGA2 and Cyclin D₁ in CPU Ⅱ high-and low-dose groups （1.6， 0.8 g·L^-1） was significantly down-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:CPU Ⅱ can inhibit the expression of lncRNA CCAT1， recover the expression of microRNA let-7a， and suppress the mRNA and protein expression of related downstream target genes in hepatoma cells line HepG2， thereby inhibiting the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and exerting anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect.

Study of impact of Wolbachia surface protein on reactive oxygen species production in HepG2 cell line exposed to ethanol

Objective: To study the impact of Wolbachia surface protein (WSP) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) level inethanol (EtOH)-exposed HepG2 cells.Materials and Methods: Increase in ROS level was induced in HepG2 cells by subjecting HepG2 cells toEtOH exposure. Impact of WSP on ROS level was examined by staining of intracellular ROS in cells usingthe specific ROS-detecting dye 2ʹ, 7ʹ-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA), followed by flowcytometric analysis.Results and Conclusion: Flow cytometry analysis using H2DCFDA-based staining study of ROS level inHepG2 cells revealed that EtOH caused oxidative stress in HepG2 cells by inducing production of high levelsof ROS. However, EtOH-induced increased ROS production in cells decreased with treatment of WSP.From the current study, we can culminate that WSP provides cytoprotective action against EtOH-inducedincreased ROS production and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells by decreasing ROS production. This will beof significance for the treatment of EtOH-related liver ailments. Thus, this article emphasizes that WSP withprotecting ability could be used as a powerful therapeutic drug to treat EtOH-related liver ailments.

Comparison of Anti-hepatocarcinoma Effect of Curcumin and Hydrazincurcumin and Mechanism Study / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To compare the an ti-hepatocarcinoma effects of curcumin （CUR）and its derivative hydrazincurcumin （HZC），and to explore the mechanism. METHODS ：MTT assay was used to detect the effects of CUR or HZC （2.5，5，10，20， 40，80 μmol/L）on the proliferation of HepG 2 cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effects of CUR or HZC （10，20，40 μmol/L）on cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of HepG 2 cells. Western blotting assay was used to detect the effects of CUR or HZC（10，20，40 μmol/L）on the expression of apoptosis-related protein in HepG 2 cells. The male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group （n＝10），CUR control group （n＝10），HZC control group （n＝10），model group （n＝30），CUR protection group （n＝30）and HZC protection group （n＝30）. CUR control group and HZC control group were given CUR 85917439。E-mail：zhaoji-an-88@163.com or HZC （80 mg/kg） intraperitoneally. Model group ，CUR protection group and HZC protection group were given diethylnitrosamine （50 mg/kg）intraperitoneally to establish hepatocarcinoma model ；at the same time ，2 protection groups were given CUR or HZC （80 mg/kg）intraperitoneally，twice a day，for consecutive 12 weeks. During medication ，the change of body weight and death of rats were recorded. Twenty four weeks later，liver index of rats was calculated and appearance was observed ；the number of cancer nodules was counted ；HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue and calculate the nuclear division index of hepatocarcinoma ；the proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA）index was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS ：CUR and HZC could increase the inhibitory rate of HepG 2 cells（P＜0.05），and increased the percentage at G 0/G1 phase and apoptotic rate of HepG 2 cells（P＜ 0.05）. CUR and HZC could significantly decrease the protein expression of p-JAK 2，p-STAT3，Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl ，while increased the protein expression of Bax ，Cyt-c，Caspase-9，Caspase-3 and PAPR （P＜0.05）. Above effects of HZC were significantly better than those of CUR （P＜0.05）. The results of animal experiment showed that there was no death ，no liver canceration and no pathological changes in liver appearance and tissue section of the three control groups ；there was no statistical significance in body weight and its increased weight ，liver index ，nuclear division index of carcinoma or PCNA index （P＞0.05）. Compared with model group， survival rate of rats were increased significantly in CUR protection group and HZC protection group ， while hepatocarcinoma incidence and the number of cancer nodules were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）；body weight and its increased weight were increased significantly ，while liver index ，nuclear division index of carcinoma and PCNA index were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）. There were some pathological changes in liver appearance and tissue section ；cancerous lesions with focal necrosis or cancerous lesions with patchy necrosis were observed. There was no statistical significance in the improvement of above indexes in 2 protection groups （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ：HZC could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of HepG 2 cells by inhibiting JAK 2/STAT3 signaling pathway and regulating the activation of mitochondrial endogenous pathway，which shows stronger anti-hepatocarcinoma effect in vitro than CUR. On the other hand ，there was no significant difference in the improvement of liver caner indexes in hepatic cancer model rats between HZC and CUR.

Effects and mechanism research of astragaloside IV improving insulin resistance of HepG2 cells based on pharmacophore and molecular docking / 中草药

Objective: To research the effects of astragaloside IV (AST IV) on improving insulin resistance in HepG2 cells, and predict and verify the AST IV possible targets based on pharmacophore model matching and molecular docking. Methods: HepG2 cells insulin resistance model was induced with high concentration insulin. After being interfered by AST IV, the glucose consumption was characterized by glucose test, AST IV possible targets were predicted by pharmacophore model matching and molecular docking, the expressions of related pathway protein were detected by Western blotting. Results: AST IV significantly increased the glucose consumption in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, the possible target of AST IV may be related to tyrosine phosphotase 1B (PTP1B) based on pharmacophore model matching and molecular docking. The Western blotting results showed that, the level of PTP1B was significantly increased and the levels of p-IR and p-IRS-1 were significantly decreased in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. The intervention of AST IV decreased the levels of PTP1B, and increased the levels of p-IR and p-IRS-1. Conclusion: AST IV can significantly improve insulin resistance of insulin induced HepG2 cells, and its mechanism is related to inhibiting PTP1B and activating insulin signaling pathways.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of redox-responsive silica-loaded arsenic trioxide nano-drug delivery system / 中草药

Objective: The redox-responsive drug delivery system of MSN-SS-PEG@As2O3 was constructed based on mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN), which was modified by both redox-sensitive disulfide bonds and non-toxic, non-immunogenic polyglycols (PEG), and loaded the arsenic trioxide (As2O3) by electrostatic adsorption and evaluated in vitro. Methods: Silica was synthesized by coprecipitation method. The redox-responsive carrier (MSN-SS-PEG) was synthesized on the basis of silica, (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane, 2-(2-pyridyldithio) ethylamine hydrochloride and methoxy terminated PEG. The particle size and Zeta potential of MSN-SS-PEG were measured by Malvern particle size analyzer; The structure of the carrier was verified by infrared spectroscopy; The morphology and physical and chemical properties of the carrier were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle powder diffraction; The drug loading efficiency of MSN-SS-NH2@As2O3 and MSN-SS-PEG@As2O3 were investigated by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrum (ICP). The drug loading was further verified by thermogravimetry (TGA). In vitro release characteristics of the drug delivery system under different pH conditions were investigated by dialysis bag method. MTT assay was used to investigate the toxicity of carrier and delivery system to human normal hepatocytes (L02) or human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. Results: The potential of MSN, MSN-SS-NH2, MSN-SS-PEG was (-13.40 ± 0.87), (31.63 ± 0.90), (27.70 ± 5.60) mV, respectively. The final potential of modified carrier was positive. The particle size of MSN-SS-PEG was (159.60 ± 3.10) nm. The results of TEM showed that MSN, MSN-SS-NH2 and MSN-SS-PEG were all round or quasi round; The drug loading of MSN-SS-PEG@As2O3 was 4.38%, which measured by ICP; The release in vitro showed that MSN-SS-PEG@As2O3 was redox sensitive response. Compared with L02 cells, HepG2 cells were more sensitive to the toxicity of the carrier, and with the increase of the carrier concentration, the cell survival rate of MSN-SS-PEG was higher than that of MSN-SS-NH2, suggesting that PEG modification can further reduce the cytotoxicity of the carrier and improve the biocompatibility of the carrier. In addition, MTT results showed that the inhibitory effect of MSN-SS-PEG@As2O3 on HepG2 cell was significantly higher than that of other groups. Conclusion: The carrier prepared in this paper had a round and uniform particle size. The modified silica can release under the special microenvironment of the tumor and increase the accumulation of the drug in the tumor site. The delivery system has a good application in tumor therapy as a tumor micro-environment responsive carrier.

Effects of arsenic trioxide on migration, invasion and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells / 生物医学工程学杂志

The article aims to explore the optimal concentration of arsenic trioxide (As O ) on HepG2 of liver cancer cells, and the effect of As O on the migration, invasion and apoptosis of HepG2 cells. In this study, the activity of HepG2 cells treated with 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 μmol/L As O was tested by CCK-8 method, the semi-inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated, and the morphological changes of HepG2 cells were observed after the action of As O at IC50 concentration for 12, 24, 48 h. The effect of As O on cell migration and invasion ability was verified by wound healing experiment and Transwell invasion experiment. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the effects of As O on the gene and protein expression levels related to cell migration, invasion and apoptosis. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the activity of HepG2 cells decreased with the increase of the concentration of As O treatment, showing a dose-dependent effect, and its IC50 was 7.3 μmol/L. After 24 hours' treatment with 8 μmol/L As O , HepG2 cells underwent significant apoptosis, and its migration and invasion abilities were significantly reduced. In addition, the protein expression levels of RhoA, Cdc42, Rac1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were down-regulated, the protein and mRNA expression levels of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 were significantly down-regulated, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of pro-apoptotic genes Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly up-regulated. The above results indicate that certain concentration of As O can inhibit the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and promote the apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Spectrum-effect Relationship of Anti-hepatoma Activity from 3 Kinds of Genus Paris Based on Cluster Analysis and Grey Relational Analysis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To study the spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprints and anti-hepatoma activity of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis, P. forrestii and P. vietnamensis, and to elucidate its effective substance. Method::HPLC was used to establish the fingerprint of three extracts from the plant. The mobile phase was consisted of acetonitrile (A)-water (B) for gradient elution (0-10 min, 20%A; 10-20 min, 20%-25%A; 20-30 min, 25%-30%A; 30-40 min, 30%-35%A; 40-50 min, 35%-40%A; 50-60 min, 40%A; 60-75 min, 40%-45%A; 75-80 min, 45%-60%A), and the flow rate was 0.9 mL·min-1. The UV detection wavelength was 203 nm. Thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) array was used to detect the inhibitory effects of three extracts on the proliferation of HepG2 cells, and the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. Cluster analysis and grey relational analysis were used to analyze the data of spectrum and efficacy, and to find out the components that contributed a lot to the anti-liver cancer effect. Result::A total of 11 common peaks were identified as common peaks among HPLC fingerprints of three kinds of Paris. After treated 72 h, P. forrestii has the highest inhibitory effect on the HepG2 cells, the IC50 of P. forrestii, P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis and P. vietnamensis were 148.33, 178.87, 208.09 mg·L-1, respectively. According to the grey relational analysis, the common peaks 1-10 from P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis had great correlation to anti-tumor effect, and the common peaks 1-7 for P. forrestii, the common peaks 1-4, 6-10, N1 for P. vietnamensis, all the correlation degrees with IC50 were >0.7.Cluster analysis of variables in each Paris showed that peaks with correlation degree >0.7 could cluster with IC50. Conclusion::The established HPLC fingerprint method is reliable with good reproducibility. The peaks 1-4, 6 and 7 from three kinds of Paris have the greatest contribution to the anti-hepatoma effect.

Effect of Ginsenoside Rg1 on Lipid Uptake and Oxidation in HepG2 Cells of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1（G-Rg1）in ameliorating lipid uptake and oxidation in HepG2 cells induced by free fatty acids (FFA). Method:HepG2 cells were divided into normal group, model group，low-dose ginsenoside Rg1 group (25 μmol·L-1) and high-dose G-Rg1 group (50 μmol·L-1). HepG2 cells were treated with 1 mmol·L-1 free fatty acid for 24 h to construct the NAFLD cell model, and then treated with 25，50 μmol·L-1 G-Rg1 for 24 h. The effect of G-Rg1 on HepG2 cell activity was determined by cell counting kit-8（CCK-8） assay. The level of triglyceride (TG) was detected by micro method. The accumulation of lipid droplets was observed by oil red O staining. Quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the alterations of key genes and proteins relating to lipid uptake and metabolism. Result:Compared with the normal group, the intracellular TG level and the absorbance of the oil red O staining in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, G-Rg1 reduced TG and lipid deposition were significantly reduced (P<0.01).Results of Real-time PCR and Western blot showed that compared with normal group, model group peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors gamma（PPARγ），fatty acid binding protein 1（FABP1），fatty acid transport protein 2/5（FATP2/5）and fatty acid translocase（CD36）expressions increased（P<0.05），whereas peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors α（PPARα），carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1（CPT1）and peroxisomal acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1（ACOX1）expressions decreased（P<0.05）. Compared with the model group, the expressions of PPARγ, FABP1, FATP2, FATP5 and CD36 in the G-Rg1 group were decreased (P<0.05，P<0.01), while the expressions of PPARα, CPT1 and ACOX1 were increased (P<0.05，P<0.01). Conclusion:G-Rg1 can ameliorate lipid deposition in NAFLD cell model by reducing lipid uptake and increasing lipid oxidation.

Effect of celastrol combined medication on the inhibition of HepG2 cell proliferation / 中国药科大学学报

@#To study the inhibitory effect of celastrol respectively combined with glycyrrhetic acid, paclitaxel, and rhein on the proliferation of human hepatoma cell line HepG2. The MTT method was used to detect the survival rate of HepG2 cells. The cooperativity index(CI)and Jin′s formula method were used to determine the synergistic effect. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were detected, too. The results show that celastrol, glycyrrhetinic acid, rhein, and paclitaxel alone can inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells, respectively. Combination with glycyrrhetic acid, paclitaxel, and rhein, respectively, the inhibitory effect of celastrol on the proliferation of HepG2 cells was significantly enhanced. And the synergistic effect on the proliferation inhibition of HepG2 cells in some concentrations was displayed in the experiment. The cell apoptosis rate was improved(P< 0. 01)and more cells were arrested in G2/M phase. Celastrol respectively combined with glycyrrhetic acid, paclitaxel, and rhein displayed a synergistic inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HepG2 cells, and the effect was related to inducing cell apoptosis and increasing the cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase.

Study on the Effects of Loganin on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Liver Cancer HepG 2 Cells and Its Mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the effects of loganin on the prolife ration and apoptosis of liver cancer HepG 2 cells，and to explore its mechanism. METHODS ：CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effects of different concentrations （10，25，50，100， 150，200，300，400 µg/mL）of loganin on the proliferation activity of HepG 2 cells for 24 and 48 h. HepG 2 cells were divided into control group ，loganin low-concentration ，medium-concentration and high-concentration groups （50，100，150 μ g/mL）. After treated for 24 h，morphological changes of apoptosis of cells were detected by Hoechst 33342 fluorescence staining. The apoptosis and cycle distribution of cells were detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect protein expression of Cyclin D1， PCNA， Bcl-2， Caspase-3， Cleaved-Caspase-3， Caspase-9 and Cleaved-Caspase- 9. RESULTS ： Loganin inhibited the proliferation of HepG 2 cells，in concentration-dependent trend. Compared with control group ，apoptosis as pyknosis and fragmentation occurred ，and the apoptosis rate increased significantly in loganin low-concentration ，medium-concentration and high-concentration groups （P＜0.01）；the cell were mainly blocked in S phase ；relative protein expression of Cyclin D 1，PCNA and Caspase- 3 were significantly decreased ，while that of Cleaved-Caspase- 3 were significantly increased in loganin low- concentration， medium-concentration and high-concentration groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； relative protein expression of Cleaved-Caspase-9 were increased significantly ，while that of Bcl- 2 and Caspase- 9 were decreased significantly in loganin medium-concentration and high-concentration groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS ：Loganin can significantly inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of HepG 2 cells，the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting Bcl- 2 protein expression and promoting Caspase- 3，Caspase-9 activation.

Melatonin inhibits endogenous glucose via activation of akt in insulin resistant hepg2 cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the effects of melatonin on glucose output in insulin resistant HepG2 cells and the related mechanism. Methods Insulin resistant HepG2 cells were induced by high glucose and insulin (HGI) (25 mmol • L"1 and 1 (irnol • L"1 respectively) co-culture for 24 h,and then melatonin (10 nmol • L"1) was supplied. The glucose uptake and the gly-cogen content were measured. Levels of protein p-Akt, p-FoxOl as well as p-GSK-30 were evaluated by Western blot. The nuclear export of FoxOl and its intracellular localization were detected by immunofluorescence. Results HGI incubation led to significant decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and glyco-gen synthesis in HepG2 cells (P < 0. 0( ). However, melatonin reversed these inhibitory effects by increasing glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis significantly (P<0. 01). The results also showed that melatonin not only up-regulated levels of protein p-GSK-3 (3, p-Akt and p-FoxOl but also promoted cytoplasm translocation of FoxOl. Conclusions Melatonin could regulate glycogenesis and gluconeogenesis ih insulin resistant HepG2 cells via Akt/GSK-3(3 and Akt/FoxOl pathway. It thus suppresses the endogenous glucose output and improves the glucose metabolism.

Berberine inhibits tgf-pl-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human liver cancer hepg2 cells via tgf-fi/smad pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of berberine on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human liver cancer HepG2 cells induced by transforming growth factor-pi ( TGF-pl ) and its mechanism. Methods MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation activity of berberine on HepG2 cells. After 10 ng • L"1 TGF-pl was used to induce EMT model process of HepG2 cells, berberine was added to treat HepG2 cells. Colony formation, cell scratch and Transwell assays were used to detect the clonogenic, migratory and invasive capabilities of HepG2 cells. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of EMT mesenchymal marker Vimentin. Western blot assay was used to detect the proteins expression of EMT marker (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail), matrix metallopro-teinase ( MMP-2), TGF-p/Smad pathway (Smad2, p-Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad3) in HepG2 cells. Results Berberine inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a concentration-time dependent manner. Compared with TGF-pl group, berberine could significantly inhibit the abilities of colony formation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. Berberine could significandy inhibit the expression of E-cadherin protein up-regula-ted by TGF-pl, and N-cadherin, Vimentin;, Snail, MMP-2, p-Smad2, p-Smad2 proteins expression down-regulated by TGF-pl. Conclusions Berberine may interfere with the EMT process of HepG2 cells induced by TGF-pl by inhibiting the TGF-p/Smad 'signaling pathway to inhibit the HepG2 cell migration and invasion.

Study on the Effects of Citrusinol on the Proliferation ，Migration and the Expression of Skeleton-related Proteins of Human Hepatocellular Cells HepG 2 and Its Interaction Mode with Skeleton-related Proteins / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the effects of citrusinol on proliferation ，migration and the expression of skeleton-related proteins of human hepatocellular cells HepG 2，and to investigate its interaction mode with skeleton-related proteins. METHODS ： CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effects of different concentrations （12.5，25，50，100，200 μmol/L）of citrusinol on the proliferation of HepG 2 cells for 24 h. HepG 2 cells were divided into negative control group ，citrusinol low-concentration and high-concentration groups （50，100 μmol/L citrusinol）. After treated for 24 h，the migration of HepG 2 cells was detected by cell scratch test ；cell migration rate was calculated. mRNA and protein expression of F-actin ，β-tubulin and Ezrin in HepG 2 cells were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting assay. Molecular docking software Schrodinger 2015 was used to analyze the interaction mode between citrusinol and above 3 kinds of proteins. RESULTS ：Citrusinol showed significant inhibition effect on the proliferation of HepG 2 cells （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01），in dose-dependent trend. Compared with negative control group ，cell migration， mRNA and protein expression levels of F-actin ， β-tubulin， Ezrin were decreased significantly in citrusinol low-concentration and high-concentration groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Molecular docking results showed that the citrusinol could form hydrogen bond and hydrophobic bond with the above 3 skeleton-related proteins. CONCLUSIONS ：Citrusinol can inhibit the proliferation and migration of HepG 2 cells，the mechanism may be associated with the down-regulation of mRNA and protein expression of F-actin ，β-tubulin and Ezrin. The mode of its interaction with skeleton-related proteins may be the formation of hydrogen bond or hydrophobic bond.

Annona muricata fruit extract protects against diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular cancer in rats

To evaluate the anticancer potentials of Annona muricata fruit by in vitro and in vivo methods. Methods: The ethanolic extract of Annona muricata fruit was prepared by Soxhlet extraction method and further fractionated with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and chloroform. The fractions were tested for cytotoxicity, apoptosis, scratch wound assay, and cell cycle analysis. IC50, apoptotic index and percentage cell migration were determined using HepG2 cells. For the in vivo studies, hepatocellular carcinoma was induced by administering 0.01% diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in drinking water in Wistar rats. In pre-treatment, rats were co-administered 200 mg/kg of fruit extract with DEN for 14 weeks. In post-treatment, the extract was co-administered after 8-weeks of DEN-induction for 14 weeks. Liver function test, haematological test, oxidative stress markers, relative liver weight, number of cancer nodules and histopathological parameters were determined. Results: Annona muricata fruit extract =significantly lowered cell proliferation counts. The chloroform-fraction possessed higher activity [IC50=(53.7±4.3) μg/mL]. The chloroform fraction inhibited cell migration, which was significant compared to curcumin. Further investigations regarding the mode of anticancer activity revealed that the chloroform fraction induced apoptosis. The cell cycle analysis indicated that cells were being arrested at G0/G1. In the in vivo studies, the DEN-control group showed a significant decrease in body weights with increased mortality rate, hepatic nodules, and impairment of liver function compared to normal rats. The rats pre-treated and post-treated with the extract showed positive results with significant improvement in the parameters that were adversely affected by DEN. In addition, other adverse effects of DEN, such as blood dyscrasias and hepatic endogenous antioxidant, were significantly attenuated by Annona muricata fruit extract. Conclusions: The Annona muricata fruit extract has anticancer activity when tested by in vitro and in vivo hepatocellular cancer models.