Effect of Bushen Huoxuetang on Expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and Cleaved Caspase-3 in Nude Mice with Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the effect of Bushen Huoxuetang on the apoptosis and the expression of B-cell lymphoma （Bcl-2）-associated X protein （Bax）/ Bcl-2 and cleaved cysteine-containing aspartate proteolytic enzyme-3 （cleaved Caspase-3） in the nude mouse model of bone metastasis of breast cancer， and explore the mechanism of Bushen Huoxuetang in inhibiting bone destruction. MethodThirty BALB/c female nude mice were randomly assigned into blank group （n=6） and model group （n=24）. The suspension of 4T1 breast cancer cells was injected into the tibia of mouse right lower limb to establish model of bone metastasis of breast cancer. The successfully modeled nude mice were randomly assigned into model group， Bushen Huoxuetang group， zoledronic acid group， and combined drug group， with 6 mice in each group. Bushen Huoxuetang was administrated at a dose of 36.67 g·kg-1， once a day， and zoledronic acid was administrated by subcutaneous injection at a dose of 100 μg·kg-1， twice a week. The combined drug group was administrated with the same doses of Bushen Huoxuetang group by gavage and zoledronic acid by subcutaneous injection. The mice in the blank group and the model group were administrated with the same volume of distilled water by gavage for 14 days. On the next day at the end of drug administration， the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The general situation and weight changes of the mice were examined. The right lower limb was collected， and X-ray scanning and hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining methods were used for observation of pathological changes in the bone. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL） was employed to detect the apoptosis of bone tissue in nude mice， and Western blot to determine the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3 in the bone tissue. ResultCompared with the blank group， the modeling reduced the body weight （P<0.01） and increased the right lower limb weight of the nude mice （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Bushen Huoxuetang， zoledronic acid， and their combination increased the body weight （P<0.01） and decreased the right lower limb weight （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the other groups showed obvious tumor cell atypia， deep nuclear staining， and clear bone metastasis， and the model group showed obvious osteolytic damage in right lower limb and loss of proximal tibia and knee joint. Compared with the model group， Bushen Huoxuetang， zoledronic acid， and their combination reduced the osteolytic lesions in the right lower limb and recovered part of the bone structure， demonstrating an inhibitory effect on bone destruction. The TUNEL assay showed that the model group had lower apoptosis rate of bone metastatic tumor cells than the blank group， Bushen Huoxuetang group， zoledronic acid group， and combined drug group （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the modeling down-regulated the expression of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 （P<0.01） and up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Bushen Huoxuetang， zoledronic acid， and their combination up-regulated the expression of Bax （P<0.01） and cleaved Caspase-3 （P<0.05， P<0.01） and down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionBushen Huoxuetang may inhibit bone destruction in the nude mouse model of bone metastasis of breast cancer by up-regulating the expression of Bax， down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2， activating cleaved Caspase-3， and further inducing apoptosis.

Study on the apoptosis of human retinal pigment epithelium cells induced by EGCG / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the effect of epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG)on the apoptosis of human retinal pigment epithelium(ARPE-19)cells and its mechanism. METHODS:The ARPE-19 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with 0,40,80 and 160 μg/mL EGCG, respectively. At the proposed time of treatment the morphological changes were detected by hoechst 33258 staining. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptosis-related factors B lymphocytoma-2 gene(bcl-2), BCL2-Associated X protein(Bax),caspase-3 and p53 were detected by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting.RESULTS: Hoechst 33258 staining showed that the ARPE-19 cells with the increase of EGCG drug concentration, the number of apoptotic cells gradually increased and the apoptotic bodies were observed. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate increased gradually with the increase of EGCG drug concentration. The apoptosis rates at 40, 80 and 160 μg/mL were 4.95%±0.071%, 11.75%±0.075% and 21.25%±0.919% respectively, which was significantly different compared with the control group(2.8%±1.556%)(P<0.01), presented with a drug concentration-dependent. The results of quantitative PCR and Western blotting showed that EGCG could significantly up-regulate the expression of apoptosis-promoting factors Bax, caspase-3 and the mRNA and protein expression of p53, and down-regulate the apoptosis-inhibiting factor bcl-2, all of these showed concentration-dependent effects.CONCLUSION:EGCG can obviously induce the apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells. The mechanism is related with the inhibition of bcl-2 and increase the expression of Bax, caspase-3 and p53.

Mechanismof reproductive toxicity of sub-chronic exposure to nickel oxide nanoparticles in male SD rats / 中国职业医学

@#Objective To investigate the effects of sub-chronic exposure of nickel oxide nanoparticles （Nano NiO） on endocrine function of male SD rats，and to analyze the toxicity and mechanism of Nano NiO on testicular cells. Methods The specific pathogens free male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups with ten rats in each group. Rats in low-，medium and high-dose groups were given Nano NiO suspension with the mass concentration of 0.16，0.80 and 4.00 g/L，respectively； rats in blank control group were given equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution；rats in positive control group were given micron nickel oxide suspension with the mass concentration of 4.00 g/L. Drip every three days for nine weeks. After the Nano NiO exposure，atomic fluorescence spectrometry was used to determine the levels of nickel in the blood and testicular tissue. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum level of sex hormone. The ploidy ratio，cell cycle and apoptosis rate of testicular cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the relative expression of apoptosis related proteins in the testis. Results The level of nickel in blood and testicular tissue of rats in positive control group and the three doses groups were higher than that of blank control group（all P<0.05）. The level of nickel in blood and testicular tissue of rats in the medium-dose and high-dose groups were higher than that in the positive control group（all P<0.05）. There was a positive correlation between the level of nickel in blood and testicular tissue（P<0.01）. The serum levels of testosterone，follicle stimulating hormone（FSH）and luteinizing hormone（LH）in the medium- and high- dose groups were lower than that in blank control group（all P<0.05）. However，there was no significant difference in serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone among all groups（P>0.05）. Compared with the blank control group，the proportion of haploid and diploid cells and the ratio of cells in G0/ G1 and S phase decreased in the medium- and high-dose groups（all P<0.05），the tetraploid cell ratio，G2/M cell ratio and early apoptotic rate of testicular cells increased（all P<0.05）. Compared with the blank control group，the relative expression of B-cell lymphoma-2（BCL-2）protein and the ratio of BCL-2/BCL-2-related X protein（BAX）in testicular cells of rats decreased in the medium- and high-dose groups（all P<0.05），the relative expression of BAX and caspase-3 protein were increased（all P< 0.05）. Compared with the positive control group，the level of nickel in blood and testicular tissue of rats was increased in the high-dose group（all P<0.05），the ratio of haploid cells and the ratio of testicular cells at G0/G1，S phase and BCL-2 /BAX ratio in testicular tissue decreased（all P<0.05），the tetraploid ratio，G2/M phase ratio，early apoptotic rate and total apoptotic rate of testicular cells increased（all P<0.05）. Conclusion Exposure to Nano NiO could inhibit the secretion of FSH，LH and testosterone in male rats. Nano NiO can cross the blood-testosterone barrier，interfere with the proliferation of testicular cells， induce apoptosis of testicular cells through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway，inhibit the formation of haploid sperm cells， resulting in disorders of spermatogenesis.

Effect of Hedysarum Polysaccharides on Bcl-2/Caspase-3 Signaling Pathway of Schwann Cells Cultured in High Glucose / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Hedysarum polysaccharides（HPS）on the signaling pathways of B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3 （Caspase-3）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax） in Schwann cells（SCs）cultured in high glucose，and explore the possible mechanism of HPS against diabetic peripheral neuropathy（DPN）. MethodFour SD suckling mice aged 5-7 days were randomly divided into a normal group，a high-glucose group，an HPS + high-glucose group，and an α-lipoic acid（α-LA）+ high-glucose group. SCs were extracted from the sciatic nerve and cultured in a 37 ℃，5% CO2 incubator. After the cells reached 80% confluence，Cell Counting Kit-8（CCK-8）was used to screen the experimental concentrations suitable for high glucose，HPS， and α-LA interventions. Western blot and Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of Bcl-2，Bax，and Caspase-3. The apoptosis rate of SCs was detected by flow cytometry using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate （FITC）/propidium iodide （PI）. ResultAs revealed by Western blot and real-time PCR，compared with the normal group，the high-glucose group showed reduced protein and mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and increased protein and mRNA expression of Bax and Caspase-3（P<0.01）. Compared with the high-glucose group，the HPS + high-glucose group and the α-LA + high-glucose group showed increased protein and mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and decreased protein and mRNA expression of Bax and Caspase-3（P<0.01）. As displayed by the results of flow cytometry using Annexin V/PI， compared with the normal group，the high-glucose group showed increased apoptosis rate；compared with the high-glucose group，the HPS + high-glucose group and the α-LA + high-glucose group showed reduced apoptosis rate（P<0.01）. ConclusionHPS can alleviate the apoptotic response of SCs，and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the activation of the Bcl-2/Caspase-3 signaling pathway.

Protection of Zuoguiwan Against Apoptosis of Follicles in Rats Injured by 60Co-γ Rays： Based on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Zuoguiwan against 60Co-γ ray-induced premature aging of rats based on the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin （PI3K/Akt/mTOR） signaling pathway. MethodSixty sexually mature female SD rats were irradiated with 60Co-γ rays （6.0 Gy， LD40） for 24 h at one time. Then they were randomized into model group， Bujiale group （0.18 g·kg-1·d-1）， Bujiale （0.09 g·kg-1·d-1） + high-dose Zuoguiwan group （23.625 g·kg-1·d-1）， high-dose Zuoguiwan group （23.625 g·kg-1·d-1）， medium-dose Zuoguiwan group （9.45 g·kg-1·d-1）， and low-dose Zuoguiwan group （4.725 g·kg-1·d-1）. The administration （once a day） lasted 21 days. Serum indexes ［follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， and estradiol （E2）］ of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and morphological changes of ovarian tissues were observed based on hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining. The apoptosis rate of granulosa cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL） and the protein expression of phosphorylated （p）-PI3K， p-Akt， p-mTOR， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax） in ovarian tissues by Western blot. ResultCompared with normal group， model group demonstrated increase in serum FSH （P<0.01）， decrease in E2 （P<0.05）， and reduction of follicles and luteum in early ovary （P<0.01）. Moreover， the elevation of apoptosis rate of granulosa cells （P<0.01）， down-regulation of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-mTOR， and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue， and increase in expression of Bax were also observed in the model group as compared with the normal group （P<0.01）. In comparison with the model group， the administration groups showed rise of the number of early ovarian follicles， decrease in the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells， increase in the expression of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-mTOR， and Bcl-2， and down-regulation of Bax， particularly the Bujiale + high-dose Zuoguiwan group（P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionZuoguiwan protects radiation-damaged ovary by activating the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR protein in ovarian tissue， increasing Bcl-2， and inhibiting the expression of Bax.

Protection of Zuoguiwan Against Apoptosis of Follicles in Rats Injured by 60Co-γ Rays： Based on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Zuoguiwan against 60Co-γ ray-induced premature aging of rats based on the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin （PI3K/Akt/mTOR） signaling pathway. MethodSixty sexually mature female SD rats were irradiated with 60Co-γ rays （6.0 Gy， LD40） for 24 h at one time. Then they were randomized into model group， Bujiale group （0.18 g·kg-1·d-1）， Bujiale （0.09 g·kg-1·d-1） + high-dose Zuoguiwan group （23.625 g·kg-1·d-1）， high-dose Zuoguiwan group （23.625 g·kg-1·d-1）， medium-dose Zuoguiwan group （9.45 g·kg-1·d-1）， and low-dose Zuoguiwan group （4.725 g·kg-1·d-1）. The administration （once a day） lasted 21 days. Serum indexes ［follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， and estradiol （E2）］ of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and morphological changes of ovarian tissues were observed based on hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining. The apoptosis rate of granulosa cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL） and the protein expression of phosphorylated （p）-PI3K， p-Akt， p-mTOR， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax） in ovarian tissues by Western blot. ResultCompared with normal group， model group demonstrated increase in serum FSH （P<0.01）， decrease in E2 （P<0.05）， and reduction of follicles and luteum in early ovary （P<0.01）. Moreover， the elevation of apoptosis rate of granulosa cells （P<0.01）， down-regulation of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-mTOR， and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue， and increase in expression of Bax were also observed in the model group as compared with the normal group （P<0.01）. In comparison with the model group， the administration groups showed rise of the number of early ovarian follicles， decrease in the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells， increase in the expression of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-mTOR， and Bcl-2， and down-regulation of Bax， particularly the Bujiale + high-dose Zuoguiwan group（P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionZuoguiwan protects radiation-damaged ovary by activating the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR protein in ovarian tissue， increasing Bcl-2， and inhibiting the expression of Bax.

Relationship between Erbin and Bax/Bcl-xL-mediated cell apoptosis during sepsis-induced acute kidney injury in mice / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between Erbin and Bax/Bcl-xL-mediated cell apoptosis during sepsis-induced acute kidney injury in mice.Methods:Thirty-two SPF male wild type C57BL/6 mice, 32 SPF male Erbin (-/-) C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-30 g, were divided into 2 groups ( n=16 each) using the random number table method: wild type sham operation group (WT+ Sham group), wild type sepsis group (WT+ S group), Erbin(-/-) sham operation group (EKO+ Sham group), and Erbin(-/-) sepsis group (EKO+ S group). The sepsis model was established using the moderate cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in anesthetized animals.The survival rates within 7 days after CLP were recorded.The serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-1β, creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined at 24 h after CLP.Then the renal tissues were taken for assessment of renal injury which was scored and for determination of the apoptosis rate (by TUNEL) and expression of cleaved-caspase-3, Bcl-xL and Bax (by Western blot). Results:Compared with sham operation groups, the survival rates were significantly decreased, the serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, Cr, BUN and LDH, renal injury score and apoptosis rate were increased, the expression of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 was up-regulated, and the expression of Bcl-xL was down-regulated in sepsis groups ( P<0.05). Compared with WT+ S group, the survival rates were significantly decreased, the serum concentrations of IL-1β, LDH, TNF-α, Cr and BUN and renal injury score were increased, the serum concentration of IL-10 was decreased, the apoptosis rate of renal tissues was increased, the expression of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 was up-regulated, and the expression of Bcl-xL was down-regulated in EKO+ S group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Erbin can inhibit Bax/Bcl-xL-mediated cell apoptosis and is involved in endogenous protective mechanism against sepsis-induced acute kidney injury in mice.

Effect of Herbal Medicines in Wuzi Yanzong Wan Processed with Salt-water on Apoptosis of Spermatogenic Cells in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of Wuzi Yanzong Wan made of different processed products on the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in rats with kidney essence deficiency， and explore its protective effect on spermatogenic cells. Method:SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group， model group， whole raw product group， pharmacopoeia group and salt-processed product group， with 8 rats in each group. The kidney essence deficiency model was replicated by giving tripterygium glycoside tablets （the dose of 20 mg·kg^-1）. The flow cytometry （FCM） was used to analysis the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in testis， the immunohistochemistry （IHC） and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax） in the testis. High performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） was used to compare the contents of eight components （chlorogenic acid， ellagic acid， hyperoside， isoquercitrin， verbascoside， astragalin， kaempferol and schisandrin） in Wuzi Yanzong Wan made of different processed products， the mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile （A）-0.4% phosphoric acid aqueous solution （B） for gradient elution （0-5 min， 5%-15%A； 5-10 min， 15%-17%A； 10-25 min， 17%A； 25-35 min， 17%-26%A； 35-60 min， 26%-56%A）， the detection wavelength was set at 254 nm. Result:Compared with the model group， the total apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells， protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in each administration group were improved. Among them， the pharmacopoeia group and salt-processed product group had significant effects （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the improvement effect of the pharmacopoeia group and salt-processed product group was significantly better than that of the whole raw product group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The contents of chlorogenic acid， hyperoside， isoquercitrin and verbascoside in Wuzi Yanzong Wan were increased after the herbal medicines being processed with salt-water. The content of ellagic acid in the salt-processed product group increased， while it decreased in the pharmacopoeia group. The contents of verbascoside， astragalin， kaempferol and schisandrin in samples from the salt-processed product group were greater than those in samples from the pharmacopoeia group. Conclusion:Wuzi Yanzong Wan may reduce the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in rat testis by inhibiting the expression of Bax and promoting the expression of Bcl-2， and exert its effect of nourishing kidney and enriching essence. The enhanced anti-spermatogenic effect of Wuzi Yanzong Wan after processing may be related to the changes in chemical composition content after processing.

Effect of Stemona tuberosa Alkaloids on Apoptosis of SMMC-7721 Cells and Expression of Bcl-2， Bax， and Cleaved Caspase-3 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of<italic> Stemona tuberosa</italic> alkaloids on the apoptosis of human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins including B lymphocytoma-2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）， and cleaved cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 （cleaved Caspase-3）. Method:SMMC-7721 cells were routinely cultured， passaged， and treated with various concentrations （50， 75， 112， 167， and 250 mg·L^-1） of <italic>S. tuberosa </italic>alkaloids， while those in the blank control group were only treated with 10% fetal bovine serum. The cell proliferation was determined by tetrazolium bromide （MTT） colorimetry and colony assay and the cell apoptosis by Hoechst 33258 staining. The protein expression levels of Bcl-2， Bax， and cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by Western blot. Result:<italic>S. tuberosa</italic> alkaloids inhibited the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells， and the inhibition rate was significantly increased in comparison with that in the blank control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， with the half maximal inhibitory concentrations （IC₅₀） at 24 h， 48 h， and 72 h being （173.36±8.75）， （112.14±16.50）， and （96.41±2.60）mg·L^-1， respectively. The cell colony-inhibitory activity was significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the blank control group， <italic>S. tuberosa</italic> alkaloids promoted the apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells， manifested as increased number of apoptotic cells and elevated apoptotic rate （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The typical morphological changes such as brightly blue-fluorescent condensed nuclei， cytoplasmic shrinking， and karyopyknosis were found under the upright fluorescence microscope. As revealed by comparison with the blank control group， the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly down-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the protein expression levels of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 in the 75， 112， 167， and 250 mg·L^-1 <italic>S. tuberosa</italic> alkaloids groups were significantly up-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:<italic>S. tuberosa </italic>alkaloids inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells and promote their apoptosis possibly by inhibiting Bcl-2 protein expression and promoting Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 protein expression.

Protective effect of glutamine on hyperoxic lung injury of neonatal rats through endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To explore the protective effect of glutamine (GLN) on the hyperoxia-induced lung injury of the neonatal rats through endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) pathway, and to elucidate its mechanisms. Methods: A total of 90 Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (FiO2 =21%), hyperoxia group (FiO2 85%), and hyperoxia+GLN group (Fi2 85%, the concentration of intraperitoneal injection of GLN was 0. 75 g · kg-1 · d-1); there were 30 rats in each group The body weights and water contents in the lung tissue of the neonatal rats were measured on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days of the experiment. HE staining was used to determine the morphology of lung tissue of the rats. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in lung tissue of the rats was detected by nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT), and the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was determined by thiobarbital acid (TBA). The expression levels of Caspase-12, GADD153, GRP78, Bel-2, and Bax in lung tissue of the rats were detected by Western blotting method. Results: Compared with control group at the same time, the body weights of the neonatal rats in hyperoxia group on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days were significantly decreased (P<0. 05), the water contents in lung tissue of the neonatal rats were increased (P<0. 05), the SOD activities were significantly decreased (P<0. 05), the levels of MDA in the lung tissue of the neonatal rats were increased (P<0. 05), the expressions levels of Caspase-12, GADD153, GRP78 and Bax proteins were significantly increased (P<0. 05), and the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein and the Bcl-2/Bax ratios were significantly decreased (P<0. 05). Compared with hyperoxia group at the same time, the body weights of the neonatal rats in hyperoxia + GLN group on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days were significantly increased (P<0. 05), the water contents in lung tissue of the neonatal rats were decreased (P<0. 05), the SOD activities were significantly increased (P< 0. 05), the levels of MDA in lung tissue of the neonatal rats were decreased (P<0. 05), the expression levels of Caspase-12, GADD153, GRP78 and Bax proteins were significantly decreased (P<0. 05), the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein and the Bcl-2/Bax ratios were increased (P<0. 05). The pathological sections of lung tissue of the rats in control group showed that lung tissue structure was regular, no alveolar edema was found, the alveolar size and alveolar septum were approximately the same, and no inflammatory cell infiltration was found; the histopathological sections of lung tissue of the rats in hyperoxia group showed swelling of brochial and alveolar epithelial cells, enlargement of alveolar lumen, edema of interstitial cells, inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous exudation; the degrees of alveolar damage, the inflammatory exudation and the proliferation of fibrons tissue in hyperoxia+GLN group were alleviated which was between hyperoxia group and control group. Conclusion: GLN can alleviate the hyperoxia-induced lung tissue edema and inflammatory response of the neonatal rats, and one of mechanisms is that GLN can down-regulate the expression levels of Caspase-12, GADD153, GRP78 and Bax proteins and up-regulate the expression level of Bcl-2 protein through ERS pathway to protect hypoxic lung injury.

Aucubin regulates skin damage repair by TGF-β/P38MAPK signaling pathway / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To explore the mechanism of transforming growth factor-beta/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (TGF-β/P38MAPK) signaling pathway that transformed corallin into a transforming growth factor-beta/p38 mitogen activated protein kinases (TGF-β/P38MAPK).Methods The hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) were divided into blank group,positive group and 10-10,10-9,10-8,10-7,10-6,10-5,10-4,10-3 mol/L mycoralin solution groups according to the random number table method.After 24 h,the cell proliferation rate was determined by MTT assay.The HFSCs were divided into blank group,positive group and low,medium and high dose groups according to the random number table method.The positive group was added with 5 mol/L of alkaline fibroblast growth factor solution,while the low,medium and high dose groups were added with 10-7,10-6 and 10-5 mol/L of mycoralin solution for intervention.The cell proliferation rate was determined by MTT assay.The protein expressions ofTGF-β,phosphorylated P38(p-p38),P38,Bax and bcl-2 in cells were detected by Western blot,and mRNA expressions of Bax and bcl-2 in cells of each group were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.Results Compared with the blank group,the productivity of the cells (0.418 ± 0.031,0.412 ± 0.014,0.468 ± 0.024 vs.0.353 ± 0.006) in the 10-7,10-6 and 10-5 mol/L aucubin groups significantly increased (P＜0.01).Compared with the blank group,the protein expression of TGF-β (0.377 ± 0.027,0.338 ± 0.021,0.322 ± 0.017 vs.0.557 ± 0.017),p-p38 (0.270 ± 0.020,0.228 ± 0.013,0.216 ± 0.012 vs.0.461 ± 0.012),Bax (0.450 ± 0.017,0.365 ± 0.011,0.279 ± 0.006 vs.0.551 ± 0.015) in the low,medium and high dose groups significantly down-regulated,while the Bcl-2 (0.450 ± 0.017,0.365 ± 0.011,0.279 ± 0.006 vs.0.358 ± 0.011) protein expression significantly increased.Compared with the blank group,the expression of Bcl-2 (1.714 ± 0.028,2.514 ± 0.054,3.382 ± 0.084 vs.1.000 ± 0) mRNA increased,Bax (0.415 ± 0.020,0.353 ± 0.090,0.235 ± 0.114 vs.1.000 ± 0) mRNA in the low,medium and high dose groups significantly down-regulated (P＜0.01).Conclusions By regulating the TGF-β/p38MAPK signaling pathway,mycoralin can reduce the expression of downstream apoptotic factors,and promote the repair of damaged skin.

Mechanism underlying the anti-apoptotic activity of pORF5 plasmid protein in Chlamydia trachomatis via high-mobility group box 1 protein: a preliminary study / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To explore the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-apoptotic activity of pORF5 plasmid protein of Chlamydia trachomatis,so as to provide an experimental basis for further clarifying the pathogenesis of Chlamydia trachomatis.Methods HeLa cells were divided into two groups:carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP,an apoptosis inducer) group was stimulated by CCCP for 30 minutes,and pORF5 + CCCP group was pretreated with pORF5 plasmid protein for 18 hours followed by CCCP for 30 minutes.Then,Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of apoptosisrelated proteins Bcl-2,Bax and caspase-3,JC-1 fluorescent probe was used to detect changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential in HeLa cells,and cytochrome c release from mitochondria was analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay.To analyze whether high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein participated in the anti-apoptotic role of pORF5 plasmid protein,HMGB 1 shRNA and control RNA were separately transfected into the HeLa cells,which were then stimulated by pORF5 plasmid protein and CCCP.Then,the protein expression of Bcl-2,Bax,activated caspase-3 was determined,and cytochrome c release was analyzed.Data were compared between two groups by using paired t test.Results pORF5 plasmid protein could antagonize the CCCP-induced decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential,and the red/green fluorescence intensity ratio was significantly lower in the CCCP group (0.4 ± 0.1) than in the pORF5 + CCCP group (1.7 ± 0.3;t =6.95,P ＜ 0.01).The protein expression of Bcl-2 in the HeLa cells in the pORF5 + CCCP group was 5.3 ± 0.6 times more than that in the CCCP group (t =8.62,P ＜ 0.01),while the protein expression of Bax and activated caspase-3 in the pORF5 + CCCP group significantly decreased by 79％ ± 10％ (t =9.23,P ＜ 0.01) and 75％ ± 8％ (t =4.26,P ＜ 0.05) respectively compared with the CCCP group.Compared with the control RNA transfection group,the HMGB1 shRNA transfection group showed significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in the HeLa cells (t =11.23,P ＜ 0.01),increased cytochrome c release,decreased Bcl-2 expresson (t =7.19,P ＜ 0.05) and increased Bax expression (t =13.06,P ＜ 0.01) after stimulation with pORF5 and CCCP.Conclusion Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid protein pORF5 plays an anti-apoptosis role by blocking the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway through HMGB1 protein.

Protective effects of baicalin on experimental myocardial infarction in rats

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of baicalin on myocardial infarction in rats and explore the related mechanisms. Methods: Fifty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control, model, and low-, medium- and high-dose baicalin groups. The latter 3 groups were intraperitoneally injected with baicalin, with a dose of 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg, respectively. Then, the myocardial infarction model was established. The hemodynamic of rats was tested, the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) were determined, the myocardial superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected, and the myocardial B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X (Bax) protein expressions were determined. Results: Compared with the model group, in the high-dose baicalin group the ST segment height and LVEDP were significantly decreased (P<0.05), the LVSP was significantly increased (P<0.05), the serum LDH, CK-MB and TXA2 levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05), the PGI2 level was significantly increased (P<0.05), the myocardial SOD level was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the myocardial MDA level was significantly decreased (P<0.05); the myocardial Bcl-2 protein level was significantly increased, and the Bax protein level was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Baicalin has protective effects on myocardial infarction in rats. The possible mechanisms may be related to its resistance to oxidative stress, and up-regulation of Bcl-2 protein expression and down-regulation of Bax protein expression in myocardial tissue.

Effects of the Diaomo-Zhibeng liquid on the expression of Bcl-2/Bax mRNA and their protein in vitro human endometrial glandular epithelial cells / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To observe the effects of the Diaomo-Zhibeng liquid on the expression of Bcl-2/Bax mRNA and their protein in vitro endometrial glandular epithelial cells in patients of endometrial hyperplasia Methods The endometrial tissue in patients with the pathological diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia were collected.After isolation,culture and identification,the endometrial cells were divided into four groups:low dosage group (12.5 μg/ml),middle dosage group (25 μg/ml),high dosage group (50μg/ml) and blank control group at randomaccording to the random number table.Three duplicate samples were set for each group.After 48h,the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by RT-PCR and Western-blot.Results Compared with the blank control group,the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA (1.51 ± 0.07,1.09 ± 0.06,0.93 ± 0.07 vs.1.92 ± 0.08) and protein (0.91 ± 0.02,0.72 ± 0.03,0.62 ± 0.03 vs.1.28 ± 0.02) significantly decreased,while the expression ofBax mRNA (5.73 ± 0.37,8.00 ± 0.23,10.72 ± 0.40 vs.3.27 ± 0.34) and protein (0.45 ± 0.02,0.63 ± 0.02,0.78 ± 0.03 vs.0.32 ± 0.02) sifnificantly promoted in low dosage group,medium dosage group and high dosage group of Diaomo-Zhibeng liquid (P＜0.05).Compared with low dosage group,the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein significantly decreased in middle and high dose group (P＜0.05),but Bax mRNA and protein significantly increased (P＜0.05).Conclusions The Diaomo-Zhibeng liquid can increase the susceptibility of epithelial cells to apoptosis,regulate the balance of cell proliferation and apoptosis tends to apoptosis,have the effect of accelerating cells apoptosis.

Effect of combination of artesunate and arsenic trioxide on the proliferation and apoptosis of NB4 cells / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of artesunate combined with arsenic trioxide (ATO) on the proliferation and apoptosis of NB4 cells.Methods The NB4 cells were treated with different concentrations of artesunate and arsenic trioxide respectively for 48 h.The cell proliferation was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method.The cells were divided into 4 groups:control group,artesunate group,arsenic trioxide group,and the combination of artesunate and arsenic trioxide group.The cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry (FCM).The protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by Western blot.Results The MTT results showed that compared with the control group,the proliferation inhibition rates of 0.25,0.50,1.00,2.00,4.00 μmol/L artesunate group (19.26％ ± 3.59％,36.53％ ± 2.67％,61.32％ ± 2.50％,70.30％ ± 3.15％,86.92 ± 0.02％) significantly increased (P＜0.05);the proliferation inhibition rates of 1,2,4,8,16 μmol/L arsenic trioxide group (12.69％ ± 2.43％,64.26％ ± 2.02％,85.10％ ± 2.67％,92.06％ ± 2.21％,93.67％ ± 3.36％) significantly increased (P＜0.05);and the proliferation inhibition rate (40.17％ ± 5.49％ vs.32.23％ ± 3.52％) of combination of artesunate and arsenic trioxide group significantly higher than the arsenic trioxide group (P＜0.05).Compared with the arsenic trioxide group,the percentage of G0/G1 phase cells (74.20％ ± 1.43％ vs.66.14％ ± 1.78％),the apoptosis rate (58.00％ ± 2.41％ vs.34.57％ ± 1.22％),and the expression level of Bax protein (1.35 ± 0.09 vs.1.13 ± 0.09) in the combination of artesunate and arsenic trioxide group significantly increased (P＜0.05),the expression level of Bcl-2 protein (0.45 ± 0.09 vs.1.03 ± 0.10) in the combination of artesunate and arsenic trioxide group significantly decreased (P＜0.05).Conclusions Artesunate can significantly enhance the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induced by arsenic trioxide on NB4 cells.The possible mechanism of proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of NB4 cells by artesunate combined with arsenic trioxide may be related to reduce the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and increase the expression of apoptotic protein Bax.

Effects of overexpression of CTCF on apoptosis factors Bax and Bcl-2 in breast cancer cells / 天津医药

Objective To investigate the effect of the over-expressed CTCF on apoptosis factors Bax and Bcl-2 in human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Methods Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the expressions of CTCF,Bax and Bcl-2 in MDA-MB-231. The overexpression vector of CTCF/pEGFP-N1 was constructed. The overexpression plasmid CTCF/pEGFP-N1 and the empty vector plasmid pEGFP-N1 were transfected into breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 by lentivirus transfection, and the MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into CTCF group and control group. After successfully transfection of MDA-MB-231 identified by RT-PCR, real time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl-2 in MDA-MB-231 of the CTCF group and the control group. The protein levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by Western blot assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The expression of CTCF was not found in MDA-MB-231, and expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 were found in MDA-MB-231. Results of Q-PCR showed that the mRNA levels of Bax were 4.63±1.08 and 2.27±0.16 in CTCF group and control group, respectively, and they were statistically significant (t=27.50, P<0.05). The mRNA levels of Bcl-2 were 1.39±0.14 and 3.56 ± 0.97 in CTCF group and control group, and there was significant difference between two groups(t=39.00, P<0.05). Results of Western blot assay showed that the protein level of Bax was higher in CTCF group compared with that of control group. The protein level of Bcl-2 was lower in CTCF group compared with that of control group. Results of ELISA showed that the protein levels of Bax were 15.25±2.17 and 6.24±1.78 in CTCF group and control group, respectively, and there was significant difference between the two groups (t=26.84, P<0.05). The protein levels of Bcl-2 were 4.59 ± 0.97 and 10.68 ± 1.93, and there was significant difference between the two groups (t=21.72, P<0.05). Conclusion The over-expressed CTCF can promote the expression of apoptotic factors and inhibit the expression of anti-apoptotic factors in breast cancer cells.

Effects of delayed mild hypothermia based on different time windows on the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 after traumatic brain injury in rats / 天津医药

Objective To explore the effects of delayed mild hypothermia (MHT) in different time windows on the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 in brain tissue of model rats with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods Thirty-six clean adult male SD rats were randomly divided into NT group (normal temperature), MHT 15 min group, MHT 2 h group and MHT 4 h group. TBI rat model was established by electronical controlled cortical injury device. The rats in the NT group were treated with normothermia (37℃) and the rats in the three hypothermia groups were implemented with low temperature (33.0±1.0)℃at 15 min, 2 h and 4 h for 6 h respectively after establishment of TBI model. The modified neurological senerity scores (mNSS), morphological changes in hippocampal CA1 areas, immunohistochemical staining and Western blot assay for Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 were compared 3 days after TBI between the four groups. Results The neurological behavioral deficits were found in each group. Compared with the NT group, the mNSS were decreased in the three hypothermia groups (P<0.01). The results of HE staining showed that the structure of neurons was regular and arranged neatly, and the number of neurons decreased with alleviated nuclear fragmentation and dissolution in hypothermia groups. Compared with the NT group, the expression of Bcl-2 was upregulated, and the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 were downregulated in three hypothermia groups (P<0.05). The above experimental results were superior in MHT15 min group to MHT 2 h group, and the therapeutic effect in MHT 2 h group was similar to MHT 4 h group. Conclusion The proper delayed mild hypothermia treatment could inhibit neuronal apoptosis and alleviate brain damage.

Effects of total lignans from tibetan medicine herpetospermum pedunculosum seeds on proliferation and apoptosis of rat hepatic stellate cells / 中草药

Objective To observe the possible mechanism of total lignans from Herpetospermum pedunculosum seeds (TLHPS) in fighting against hepatic fibrosis of hepatic stellate cell-T6 (HSC-T6) by studying the effects of TLHPS on inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of HSC-T6. Methods The cells were divided into totally six groups such as control group, TLHPS groups (10, 20, 30, 40 μg/mL), and colchicine positive control group (0.1 μg/mL). HSC-T6 cells were cultivated for 24, 48, and 72 h by six groups of culture medium containing different drugs. The proliferation inhibitory rate of HSC-T6 cells was detected by CCK8 method at 24, 48, and 72 h respectively. The apoptotic rate and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. Protein expression levels of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and transcription factors-κB (NF-κB) were detected by Western blotting. Results Compared with control group, 24, 48, and 72 h proliferation inhibitory rate of HSC-T6 was obviously elevated in TLHPS 10, 20, 30, 40 μg/mL groups (P 0.05), cell numbers in S phase obviously decreased (P < 0.01). Compared with control group, Bal-2 protein expression obviously decreased in TLHPS 10, 20, 30, 40 μg/mL groups (P < 0.05, 0.01), Bax protein expression obviously increased in TLHPS 40 μg/mL group (P < 0.01) and NF-κB protein expression obviously decreased in TLHPS 20, 30, 40 μg/mL groups (P < 0.01). Conclusion The mechanism of total lignans from Tibetan medicine Herpetospermum fighting against hepatic fibrosis might be associated with inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of HSC-T6. The inhibition of hepatic stellate cells proliferation and induction of its apoptosis may be related to lowering the expression of Bcl-2 and NF-κB.

Inhibitory effect of Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid-encoded protein pORF5 on HeLa cell apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To evaluate inhibitory effect of Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid-encoded protein pORF5 on HeLa cell apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α). Methods The recombinant lentiviral expression vector containing pORF5 gene and helper plasmids were co-transfected into 293T cells to prepare the recombinant lentivirus. Then, the lentivirus particles were collected and concentrated, and used to infect HeLa cells. Flow cytometric screening identified stable pORF5-expressing HeLa (pORF5-HeLa) cells. Meanwhile, the empty plasmid was transfected into HeLa cells to prepare control HeLa cells. The two cell lines were both divided into two subgroups to be treated with 20μg/L TNF-αand fresh culture medium respectively for 6 hours. Then, Hoechst 33258 staining was performed to observe morphological changes of apoptotic cells, flow cytometry to detect cell apoptosis, real-time PCR to measure the mRNA expression of Caspase3, Bax and Bcl-2, and Western blot analysis to determine the protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2. Results After 6-hour treatment with TNF-α, Hoechst 33258 staining showed variable degrees of karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis, and highly-refractive blue apoptotic bodies in the pORF5-HeLa cells and control HeLa cells. The pORF5-HeLa cells and control HeLa cells both showed significantly higher apoptosis rate in the treated subgroup than in the untreated subgroup (pORF5-HeLa cells:35.5%± 4.5%vs. 9.5%± 1.5%, t=13.53, P<0.01;control HeLa cells:63.6%± 5.8%vs. 7.9%± 0.9%, t=32.36, P<0.01). Compared with treated control HeLa cells, treated pORF5-HeLa cells showed significant decreases in mRNA expression of Bax(72.8%)and Caspase 3(84.5%)(t = 35.29, 42.25, respectively, both P < 0.01), as well as in Bax protein expression(t = 17.58,P < 0.01), but significant increases in Bcl-2 mRNA and protein(6.8 times)expression(t = 87.12, 18.93, respectively, both P <0.01). Conclusion pORF5 plasmid protein can inhibit TNF-α-induced HeLa cell apoptosis likely by increasing the expression of anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 and decreasing the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Caspase-3 and Bax.

Effect of 5,6-dihydrocyclopenta-1, 2-dithiole-3-thione on Müller cells under the high glucose / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To investigate the cellular viability and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of the Müller cells under high glucose condition,and explore the protection role of the 5,6-dihydrocyclopenta-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (CPDT) on Müller cells.Methods Müller cells from Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups randomly,including 25 mmol/L normal glucose group (group A) and 65 mmol/L high glucose group (group B).High glucose group with 45,60,70 μmol/L CPDT and cultured them 72 hour was set as group C,D and E.Water soluble tetrazolium salt (WST)-8 was used to measure the cellular viability.Flow cytometry was used to measure the active oxygen and apoptosis index.The expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2),hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1),Bcl-2 and Bax protein were measured by Western blot.Results Compared with group A,the WST-8 showed that the viability of Müller cells apparently decreased in group B (t=39.59,P＜0.05).Compared with the group B,the viability of Müller cells had changes in group C (t=0.97,P＞0.05),but recovered in group D and E (t=-4.17,-7.52;P＜0.05).Compared with group A,the FCM showed that the mitochondrial ROS levels was higher in group B (t=-30.99,P＜0.05).Compared with group B,the mitochondrial ROS levels were decreased in group D (t=27.68,P＜0.05).Compared with group A,Bax,Nrf2 and HO-1 increased (t=-11.03,-63.17,-11.44;P＜0.05),while the bcl-2 decreased in group B (t=7.861,P＜0.05).Compared with the group B,Nrf2,HO-1 and Bax decreased (t=15.11,26.59,6.27;P＜0.05),while the bcl-2 increased in group D (t=-6.53,P＜0.05).Conclusions Under the high glucose,CPDT may reduce the mitochondrial ROS levels and the expression of Nrf2,HO-1 and Bax protein of Müller cells.It may inhibit apoptosis through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and balancing of level of Bcl-2 protein and mitochondrial ROS.