ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#Hyperhomocysteinaemia (Hcy) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. MicroRNA (miR)-18a-5p is closely related to cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the effects of miR-18a-5p on homocysteine (Hcy)-induced myocardial cells injury.@*METHODS@#H9c2 cells were transfected with miR-18a-5p mimic/miR-18a-5p mimic negative control (NC) or combined with Hcy for intervention, and untreated cells were set as a control group. The transfection efficiency was verified by real-time RT-PCR, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Western blotting was performed to measure the protein levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-I, LC3-II, Beclin1, p62, Bax, Bcl-2, and Notch2. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the interaction of miR-18a-5p with Notch2.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control, treatment with Hcy or transfection with miR-18a-5p mimic alone, or combined treatment with Hcy and miR-18a-5p mimic/miR-18a-5p mimic NC significantly reduced the H9c2 cell viability, promoted apoptosis and ROS production, up-regulated the expressions of Bax and Beclin, down-regulated the expressions of Bcl-2, p62, and Notch2, and increased the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I (all P<0.05). Compared with the combined intervention of miR-18a-5p mimic NC and Hcy group, the above indexes were more significantly changed in the combined intervention of miR-18a-5p mimic and Hcy group, and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (all P<0.05). There is a targeted binding between Notch2 and miR-18a-5p.@*CONCLUSIONS@#MiR-18a-5p could induce autophagy and apoptosis via increasing ROS production in cardiomyocytes, and aggravate Hcy-induced myocardial injury. Notch2 is a target of miR-18a-5p.
Subject(s)
Rats , Animals , Apoptosis/genetics , Autophagy/genetics , bcl-2-Associated X Protein , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics , Reactive Oxygen Species , Myocytes, Cardiac/drug effects , Homocysteine/adverse effects , HyperhomocysteinemiaABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of Erchentang in the lung tissue of the rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） via the heparin-binding factor （Midkine）/transmembrane receptor protein （Notch2）/Hey1 signaling pathway. MethodSixty SD rats were randomized into normal group， model group， modified Erchentang （5， 10， 20 g·kg-1·d-1） groups， and Notch1 pathway inhibitor （γ-secretase inhibitor， DAPT， 0.02 g·kg-1） group， with 10 rats in each group. The rat model of COPD was established by cigarette smoke combined with lipopolysaccharide （LPS）. After the modeling， the rats were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage， and those in the normal and model groups were administrated with normal saline by gavage for 21 days. The levels of Midkine， cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 （CINC-1）， macrophage-derived chemokine （MDC）， chemokine ligand 5 （CXCL5）， neutrophil elastase （NE）， and nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） p65 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and immunohistochemistry were respectively employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of Midkine， Notch2， and Hey1 in the lung tissue. ResultCompared with the normal group， the modeling increased the levels of Midkine， CINC-1， MDC， CXCL5， NE， and NF-κB p65 in BALF （P<0.01） and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Midkine， Notch2， and Hey1 in the lung tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， medium- and high-dose modified Erchentang and DAPT lowered the levels of Midkine， CINC-1， MDC， CXCL5， and NF-κB p65 in BALF （P<0.01） and down-regulated the mRNA levels of Midkine， Notch2， and Hey1 （P<0.01）. ConclusionModified Erchentang may inhibit the inflammation in COPD rats by down-regulating the expression of Midkine， Notch2， and Hey1 and reducing the content of Midkine， CINC-1， MDC， and CXCL5.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Objective Trastuzumab is the preferred drug for the treatment of breast cancer. However, research on the cellular mechanisms of trastuzumab's potential cardiotoxicity is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to explore the toxic effects and potential mechanism of action of trastuzumab on cardiomyocytes. Method Human Cardiomyocyte (HCM) viability was assessed using the MTT method. HCM apoptosis was detected using the Hoechst33342/PI Fluorescent staining. The LDH and CK activities of the cell were measured using commercially available LDH and CK assay kits. The expression levels of Notch2, JAK2, STAT3, cleaved caspase 3, bax, and bcl 2 in HCMs were detected using western blotting. Results The results showed that 250 mg/L trastuzumab induced cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis, inhibited viability, activated the Notch2 receptor, and inhibited JAK2/STAT3 expression in HCM. Inhibition of Notch2 expression in HCM by targeted siNotch2 transfection reversed the trastuzumab-induced injury and apoptosis, and the expression of JAK2/STAT3 returned to normal levels. Conclusions Trastuzumab induces Notch2 expression by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway of HCMs, promotes cell apoptosis, and causes cardiomyocyteinjury. Notch2 may be a potential target of trastuzumab-inducedmyocardial injury. This experiment reveals the mechanism of trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity, providing a theoretical basis for the application of trastuzumab.
ABSTRACT
Background: The potential involvement of Notch signaling pathway in cell fate decision, tumor heterogeneity and angiogenesis in solid tumors can be explored in colorectal cancer (CRC). This might further help to improve outcomes in CRC. Here, the promoter methylation of Notch receptor gene (Notch2 and Notch3) and their co-expression with its downstream transcription factor Hes1 has been analyzed. Methods: Seventy-two CRC patients were enrolled to study the role of Notch2, Notch3 and Hes1 genes in colorectal cancer. Promoter methylation and mRNA expression in tumor and adjoining normal tissue were assessed by Methylation Specific PCR and quantitative Real time PCR respectively. Statistical correlation was done by using SPSS. Results: We found that Notch2 and Notch3 were hypomethylated in 52/72 (72.22%) and 54/72 (75%) cases respectively. Hypomethylation of Notch 2 and Notch 3 showed significant association with advanced stage (p=0.001) and (p=0.003) and nodal metastasis (p=0.036) and (p=0.012) respectively. Both Notch 2 and Notch 3 showed increased mRNA expression in 49 (68.05%) and 51(70.84%) patients with a fold change of 3.37 and 5.43 respectively. Positive correlation between hypomethylation and expression was observed for both genes. High expression of Hes1 was found in 53(73.61%) of cases which was highly relatable with over expression of notch receptor genes. Upregulation of Notch 2, Notch 3 and Hes1 showed significant association with high grade tumors, advance stage and presence of LN metastasis, additionally Notch 3 and Hes1 showed significant association with distant metastasis. Conclusion: Hypomethylation of Notch 2 and 3 receptors is playing crucial role in regulating the expression of these genes in CRC. Overexpression of Notch 2, Notch 3 and Hes1 are associated with disease progression in CRC.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Tongli Shuji acupuncture on the behavioristics, the percentage of cerebral infarct volume, and the expression of Jagged2 and Notch2 proteins in the hippocampus of the ischemic hemisphere in rats with permanent ischemia of the right middle cerebral artery, as well as the mechanism of Tongli Shuji acupuncture in improving ischemic cerebrovascular disease. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model control group, medication group, routine acupuncture group, and Tongli Shuji group, with 10 rats in each group. The suture method was used to establish a model of permanent ischemia of the right middle cerebral artery. The rats in the medication group were given Citicoline (0.4 mg/kg) by gavage, those in the routine acupuncture group were given acupuncture at"Baihui"(GV20) and"Dazhui" (GV14) 15 minutes per day, and those in the Tongli Shuji group were given acupuncture at "Zhengying "(GB17), "Tianjing"(SJ10), and"Huantiao"(GB30) at the left side. The neurological deficit score was determined on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after surgery, the percentage of cerebral infarct volume was measured after treatment, and Western blot was used to measure the protein expression of Jagged2 and Notch2 in the right hippocampal tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, the model control group had significant increases in the neurological deficit score on day 1 after surgery (P<0.001). Compared with the model control, medication and routine acupuncture groups, the Tongli Shuji group had significant reductions in the neurological deficit score on day 21 after surgery (P<0.01). Compared with the sham-operation group, the model control group had a significant increase in the percentage of cerebral infarct volume(P<0.05)．The Tongli Shuji group had a significant reduction in the percentage of cerebral infarct volume compared with the medication groups (P<0.05). Compared with the model control group, the routine acupuncture group had a significant increase in the expression of hippocapmal Jagged2(P<0.01)．Compared with the model control, medication and routine acupuncture groups, the Tongli Shuji group had significant increases in the expression of hippocampal Jagged2 and Notch2 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can improve the behavioral manifestations of neurological deficit in rats with permanent ischemia of the right middle cerebral artery. Tongli Shuji acupuncture can significantly up-regulate the protein expression of Jagged2 and Notch2 in the hippocampal tissue of the ischemic region, possibly by activating the Notch signaling pathway to exert a neuroprotective effect.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE： To study the effects of Capparis spinosa total alkaloid on Notch pathways related protein Notch2， Delta-like 3 （DLL3）， Jagged1 and Notch intracellular domain 1 （NICD1） in mice with systemic sclerosis （SSc）. METHODS： BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank control group， model group， positive control group （penicillamine 125 mg/kg）， C. spinosa total alkaloid low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （225， 450， 900 mg/kg）， with 16 mice in each group. Except for blank control group， other groups were given bleomycin subcutaneously for 4 weeks to induce SSc model. C. spinosa total alkaloid groups were given relevant dose of C. spinosa total alkaloid cream for external use. Positive control group was given relevant dose of penicillamine intragastrically. Blank control group and model groups were given cream matrix without drug， once a day， for consecutive 8 weeks. 4 h after last administration， the skin of the administration area of each group of mice was collected. mRNA expression of Notch2 and NICD1 was detected by real-time PCR； the content of DLL3 was measured by ELISA； the protein expression of Jagged1 in skin tissue was detected by immunohistochemstry. RESULTS： Compared with blank control group， mRNA expression of Notch2 and NICD1， DLL3 content， protein expression of Jagged1 were markedly increased， with statistical significance （P＜0.01）. Compared with model group， mRNA expression of NICD1， DLL3 content and protein expression of Jagged1 were decreased significantly in C. spinosa total alkaloid medium-dose and high-dose groups， positive control group， mRNA expression of Notch2 in skin tissue were decreased significantly in C. spinosa total alkaloid high-dose group and positive control group， with statistical significance （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS： C. spinosa total alkaloid can inhibit the abnormal expression of Notch2， NICD1， DLL3 and Jagged1 in skin tissue of SSc model mice， and inhibit over activation of Notch pathway in SSc model mice.
ABSTRACT
Aim: To investigate the effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) on Notch2, TLR4, NLRP3 and inflammatory factor expression in renal tissues of diabetes mellitus(DM) rats, and to explore its possible mechanism of anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis by Alpha lipoic acid. Methods: The diabetic rat model was established by streptozotocin. The rats were divided into two groups; the DM group and ALA group. Meanwhile, and another eight rats were used as normal control (NC group). After eight weeks, the rats were sacrificed to detect the relevant biochemical parameters and oxidative stress indexes. In addition, immunohistochemical staining was employed to detect the protein expression localization sites of Notch2, TLR4 and NLRP3. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of Notch2, TLR4, NLRP3 and collagen FV proteins in renal tissues. ELISA was utilized to detect the inflammatory factor expression of IL-6 and TNF-α. Results: Compared with NC group, the levels of blood glucose, 24h urine protein, total cholesterol and triglyceride all increased in DM group, and the activity of T-AOC was reduced whereas MDA content was up-regulated in DM group, all items but blood glucose were significantly reduced in ALA group, and the activity of T-AOC remarkably increased, while MDA content was reduced in ALA group. Compared with NC group, the protein levels of Notch2, TLR4, NLRP3 and collagen IV in kidneys were raised, and the inflammatory factor expression of IL-6 and TNF-α significantly increased in DM group. Conclusions: ALA may down-regulate the inflammatory signal of TLR4 and NLRP3 in kidney of diabetic rats, and reduce the expression of inflammatory factor and the accumulation of extracellular matrix via inhibiting the expression of Notch2 at protein level.
ABSTRACT
@# Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of miR-126-5p on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of colon cancer SW480 cells. Methods: Cells were transferred with miR-126 mimic and pcDNA Notch2 (pc-Notch2) respectively or simultaneously. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression of miR-126 and Notch2. The relationship of miR-126-5p and Notch2 was determined by luciferase reporter assay. The CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, Transwell and flow cytometry were performed to examine cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, respectively. The protein levels of Notch2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cleaved Caspase-3, metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 were measured by Western blotting. Results: miR-126 mimic significantly increased expression level of miR-126-5p but reduced the expression of Notch2 in SW480 cells (all P<0.01); in the meanwhile, a binding site with miR-126-5p was confirmed on Notch2. Up-regulating the expression of miR-126-5p inhibited cell proliferation and the expression of PCNA (P<0.01), increased the cell apoptosis rate and protein level of cleaved Caspase-3 notably (all P<0.01). Pc-Notch2 obviously alleviated the effects of miR-126 mimic on cell proliferation and apoptosis (all P<0.01). Furthermore, miR-126 mimic significantly decreased the wound healing rate and invasive cell numbers (all P<0.01), and down-regulated the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P<0.01); pc-Notch2 alleviated the effects of miR-126 mimic on cell migration, invasion and the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (all P<0.01). Conclusion: miR-126-5p can attenuate proliferation, migration and invasive ability of colon SW480 cells via inhibiting the expression of Notch2.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the effect of antlerbase on the radiation carcinogenesis by observing the effect of antlerbase on the expressions of Notch2 gene and immune function of the mice with thymic lymphomas induced by ionizing radiation.Methods:Ninety BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group,irradiation group and irradiation combined with drug group (combined group)(n=30).The thymic lymphoma models of mice were made by X-ray irradiation in irradiation group and combined group;after establishing the animal models,the mice in combined group were fed with chow containing antlerbase superfine powder.After 6 months,the whole blood and thymic tissue were taken,then RT-PCR and Western blotting methods were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions levels of Notch2 gene in the thymic lymphoma tissue;ELISA method was used to detect the serum immunoglobulin (IgG,IgA,IgM)levels and SOD kit was used to detect the serum SOD activities of the tumor mice.Results:The incidences of thymic lymphoma in irradiation group and combined group were 53.33%(16/30)and 36.67% (11/30),respectively.Compared with control group,the expression levels of mRNA and protein of Notch2 gene in thymic lymphoma of the mice in irradiation group were significantly increased (P <0.05);compared with irradiation group,the expression levels of mRNA and protein of Notch2 gene in combined group were decreased (P <0.05);compared with control group,the levels of IgG,IgA,and IgM in serum of the mice in irradiation group were decreased (P < 0.05 ); compared with irradiation group, the levels of IgG, IgM, hemoglobin and the activity of SOD in serum of the mice in combined group were increased (P < 0.05 ). Conclusion:Ionizing radiation can activate the high expression of Notch2 gene and protein and decrease the immune function of mice,it might be one of the mechanisms for the occurrence of radiation carcinogenesis;antlerbase can decrease the incidence of radiation carcinogenesis by inhibiting the expression of Notch2 gene and increasing the immune function of mice,which might play an role in restraining tumor.
ABSTRACT
Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is the most common cause of the phenotypic characteristics of chronic cholestasis disease.It is an infrequent multisystem autosomal dominant disorder that developmental abnormalities in several organs including the liver, heart, skeleton, eye and face, kidney, vasculature and skin.Alagille syndrome is caused by mutations in both a ligand(Jagged1 (JAG1)) and receptor(NOTCH2) that activate the Notch signaling pathway.The criteria of Alagille syndrome contains the presentation of 3/5 clinical features including anomalies of the cholestasis, heart defects, spinal deformity (butterfly vertebrae), eye abnormality (posterior embryotoxon) and prominent facial features(inverted triangular face) along with bile duct paucity on liver biopsy.In recent years, with the progress of molecular diagnostic techniques and etiology research for each system phenotype, ALGS has attracted more and more attention.This article reviews the clinical manifestations,pathogenesis and diagnosis of ALGS.
ABSTRACT
Objective; To investigate the immunolocalization and significance of Notch-2 expression in the process of dental pulp repair after injury. Methods: An experimental animal model of injury-induced pulpitis was established to observe the time-sequenced alteration of the expression of Notch-2. Results: Three days post-operation, weak positive staining of Notch-2 was observed in pulp mesenchyme cells and pulp fibroblasts but not in vascular endothelial cells or odontoblasts. Five days post-operation, strong Notch-2 reactivity was found in subodontoblasts as well as newly bom capillary endothelial cells. Seven days after cavity preparation, Notch-2 staining became weaker in pulp mesenchyme cells and capillary endothelial cells, but stronger positive staining was found in odontoblasts. Two weeks post-operation, weak Notch-2 staining was seen in pulp mesenchyme cells and subodontoblastic layer cells and was absent from odontoblasts. Notch-2 immunoreactivity was completely absent in intact rat dental pulp. Conclusion: Notch-2 is strikingly up-regulated in dental pulp mesenchyme cells in the early days after dental injury and then shows progressively up-regulation in odontoblasts. Properly regulated activation of Notch signaling pathway is important for controlling cell fate and maintaining the correct balance among cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis during dental pulp repair process.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the roles of Notch2,Notch4 in hyperoxia induced lung injury in premature rats.Methods At the postnatal 1 day Sprague-Dawley premature rats were randomly assigned to about 85% hyperoxia group and air group.At the 1,7,14,21 days after exposed,8 rats of each group were used to evaluate expressions of Notch2,Notch4 in lungs by immunohistochemistry and the level of Nothch2,Notch4 mRNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results Expressions of Notch2,Notch4 had their rules in rats′ different stages of development;85% oxygen exposed would change their tracks.Conclusion Prolonged 85% oxygen exposure result in abnormal expressions of Notch2 and Notch4 ,which is likely to lead to the pathogenesis of hyperoxic lung injure in premature rats.