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ABSTRACT Purpose: The epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cells plays a role in posterior capsule opacification, a fibrotic process that leads to a common type of cataract. Hyaluronic acid has been implicated in this fibrosis. Studies have investigated the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. However, the role of TGF-β2 in hyaluronic acid-mediated fibrosis of lens epithelial cell remains unknown. We here examined the role of TGF-β2 in the hyaluronic acid-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells. Methods: Cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLEB3) were infected with CD44-siRNA by using the Lipofectamine 3000 transfection reagent. The CCK-8 kit was used to measure cell viability, and the scratch assay was used to determine cell migration. Cell oxidative stress was analyzed in a dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay and by using a flow cytometer. The TGF-β2 level in HLEB3 cells was examined through immunohistochemical staining. The TGF-β2 protein level was determined through western blotting. mRNA expression levels were determined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Treatment with hyaluronic acid (1.0 μM, 24 h) increased the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HLEB3 cells. The increase in TGF-β2 levels corresponded to an increase in CD44 levels in the culture medium. However, blocking the CD44 function significantly reduced the TGF-β2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition response of HLEB3 cells. Conclusions: Our study showed that both CD44 and TGF-β2 are critical contributors to the hyaluronic acid-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells, and that TGF-β2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition is regulated by CD44. These results suggest that CD44 could be used as a target for preventing hyaluronic acid-induced posterior capsule opacification. Our findings suggest that CD44/TGF-β2 is crucial for the hyaluronic acid-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells.
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@#Objective To explore the effect of microRNA-138(miR-138)on injury of ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)induced human renal tubular epithelium(HK-2)cells through neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL).Methods HK-2 cells were used to construct I/R model cells,and transfected with miR-138 mimic,miR-138 inhibitor,NGAL,NGAL + miR-138 mimic plasmids,respectively.qRT-PCR determined the expression of miR-138 or NGAL mRNA in different cells to identify the transfection results.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method and flow cytometry were used to detected the activities and apoptosis of cells.ELISA and western blot were used to determine the effects of miR-138 mimic or miR-138 inhibitor on levels of interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)and protein expression of toll like receptor 4(TLR4),nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB),inhibitor of NF-κB(IκBα),pho-IκBα(p-IκBα),NGAL of cells.Results miR-138 mRNA expression and cell activity were decreased,while apoptosis increased in I/R cells(P<0.01).Plasmid transfected well,miR-138 mimic increased activity while decreased apoptosis and NGAL mRNA expression of I/R cell.miR-138 inhibitor or NGAL mimic inhibited activity and increased apoptosis and NGAL mRNA expression of I/R cell.The negative effects of NGAL mimic on I/R cell were reversed by miR-138 mimic.miR-138 inhibitor increased levels of IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α of I/R cell,and increased TLR4,NF-κB,p-IκBα,NGAL protein expression and decreased IκBα protein expression(P<0.05).While miR-138 mimic decreased levels of IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α of I/R cell,and decreased TLR4,NF-κB,p-IκBα,NGAL protein expression and increased IκBα protein expression(P<0.05).Conclusion miR-138 reduced apoptosis and inflammation factor levels to play a protective role on I/R induced HK-2 cells may through regulating NGAL and TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a significant global public health problem. It is defined as chronic renal structural and functional dysfunction caused by various reasons. The prevalence of obesity and diabetes has increased dramatically in developing countries, which substantially affected the patterns of CKD observed in these regions. It’s inevitable that the disease spectrum of CKD is converting to metabolic diseases. CKD is also considered an independent risk factor for renal aging and cardiovascular disease in the elderly, which usually progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal interstitial fibrosis is the pathological basis of ESRD and is a microscopic manifestation of renal aging. Conversely, renal aging is a risk factor for interstitial fibrosis. Although the healthy kidney has a relatively low lipid level, CKD-associated dyslipidemia has been extensively studied. Nevertheless, less is known about the contribution of lipid disorders to the development of renal senescence and interstitial fibrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that lipid metabolism disorders occur in the progress of renal aging and interstitial fibrosis. Renal lipids accumulate once lipid uptake and synthesis exceed the balance with lipolysis, which is mainly characterized by increased levels of triglyceride (TG) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein. Excessive lipid accumulation in the kidney not only induces lipotoxicity and endoplasmic reticulum stress but also increases intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, which induce stress injury and senescence in renal tubular epithelial cells. Pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines in a senescence-associated secretory phenotype secreted by senescent renal tubular epithelial cells further accelerate their senescence as well as the occurrence of inflammation and pericyte loss, promoting secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) and subsequent fibrosis in the tubulointerstitial compartment. In addition, podocyte hypertrophy also leads to glomerulosclerosis. Currently, most of the studies on inhibiting or even reversing renal interstitial fibrosis are still in the experimental stage. What’s more, effective drugs to slow down renal aging have not been reported. Many inflammatory and fibrotic factors are both components of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), nevertheless, they are not sufficient to recognize cellular senescence. Given that indicators of senescence may vary from disease to disease and organ to organ, there is a need for more sensitive and specific senescence assays. Crucial enzymes and regulatory proteins of lipid metabolic pathways are expected to be potential targets for ameliorating renal aging and interstitial fibrosis. Lipid-lowering approach might represent another therapeutic in the management of kidney injury associated with metabolic dysfunction. Thus, clarifying the molecular regulatory mechanisms of lipid metabolism in kidney is extremely important for the delay of renal aging and the treatment of interstitial fibrosis. This review outlines the effects of lipid metabolism disorders on renal aging and renal fibrosis, analyses the role of lipid metabolism disorders in the development of renal diseases, and summarizes the potential targets and strategies for the prevention of renal aging and renal fibrosis based on lipid metabolism regulation, which will provide a reference for the discovery of new targets for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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ABSTRACT Purposes: To determine the best protocol in obtaining the higher yield of conditioned culture medium to be used for the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into corneal epithelial cells, five techniques for the primary culture of human corneal epithelial cells were evaluated. Methods: The studied culture techniques of corneal epithelial cells were: explants in culture flasks with and without hydrophilic surface treatment, on amniotic membrane, with enzymatic digestion, and by corneal scraping. The conditioned culture medium collected from these cultures was used to differentiate human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into corneal epithelial cells, which were characterized using flow cytometry with pan-cytokeratin and the corneal-specific markers, cytokeratin 3 and cytokeratin 12. Results: The culture technique using flasks with hydrophilic surface treatment resulted in the highest yield of conditioned culture medium. Flasks without surface treatment resulted to a very low success rate. Enzymatic digestion and corneal scraping showed contamination with corneal fibroblasts. The culture on amniotic membranes only allowed the collection of culture medium during the 1st cell confluence. The effectiveness of cell differentiation was confirmed by cytometry analysis using the collected conditioned culture medium, as demonstrated by the expressions of cytokeratin 3 (95.3%), cytokeratin 12 (93.4%), and pan-cytokeratin (95.3%). Conclusion: The culture of corneal epithelial cell explants in flasks with hydrophilic surface treatment is the best technique for collecting a higher yield of conditioned culture medium to be used to differentiate mesenchymal stem cells.
RESUMO Objetivos: Foram estudadas cinco técnicas de cultivo primário de células epiteliais de córnea humana para se determinar o melhor protocolo para a obtenção do maior rendimento de meio de cultivo condicionado para ser utilizado na diferenciação de células tronco mesenquimais para células epiteliais de córnea. Métodos: As técnicas de cultivo estudadas foram: explantes em frascos de cultivo com e sem tratamento hidrofílico de superfície, sobre membrana amniótica, com digestão enzimática e por raspado de córnea. O meio de cultivo condicionado foi coletado e as células tronco mesenquimais induzidas a se diferenciarem em células epiteliais da córnea utilizando o meio de cultivo condicionado. As células foram caracterizadas por citometria de fluxo com pan-citoqueratina e com os marcadores específicos da córnea, citoqueratina 3 e citoqueratina 12. Resultados: A técnica utilizando frascos com o tratamento de superfície apresentou o maior rendimento de meio de cultivo condicionado. Os frascos sem tratamento de superfície levaram a uma taxa de sucesso muito baixa. A digestão enzimática e a raspagem da córnea mostraram contaminação das culturas com fibroblastos de córnea. A cultura sobre membranas amnióticas só permitiu a coleta do meio de cultivo condicionado durante a 1ª confluência celular. A análise de citometria de fluxo confirmou o sucesso da diferenciação celular utilizando o meio de cultivo condicionado coletado, demonstrada pela expressão de citoqueratina 3 (95,3%), citoqueratina 12 (93,4%) e pan-citoqueratina (95,3%). Conclusão: O cultivo de explantes de células tronco mesenquimais em frascos com tratamento hidrofílico de superfície é a melhor técnica para a obtenção de um alto rendimento de meio de cultivo condicionado.
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Objective To explore the mechanism of Suofeng Yuchuan Formula on inhibiting airway remodeling in asthma by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transformation(EMT).Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into normal control group,model control group,Dexamethasone group,high-,medium-and low-dose groups of Soufeng Yuchuan Formula,with 10 rats in each group.In addition to the normal control group,the other groups were injected and inhaled with ovalbumin(OVA)to replicate the asthma rat model.The rats in each group were killed after 21 days of administration of the corresponding drug.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue.The ultrastructure of epithelial cells in rat lung was observed by transmission electron microscope.The contents of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1)and interleukin-17(IL-17)in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)was used to detect mRNA expressions of TGF-β1,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),E-cadherin and N-cadherin in lung homogenate.Protein expression levels of TGF-β1,α-SMA,E-cadherin and N-cadherin in lung tissue were detected by Western Blot.Results Compared with the normal control group,the serum contents of TGF-β1 and IL-17 in the model control group were significantly increased(P＜0.01).The mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β1,α-SMA and N-cadherin in lung tissues were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01),while the mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01).HE staining showed thickening of airway wall and alveolar wall,and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the visual field,and the inflammation score was significantly increased(P＜0.01).Transmission electron microscopy showed that the epithelial cells of lung tissue had severe edema.Local dissolution and thinning of intracellular matrix,and obvious swelling of organelles were observed.Compared with model control group,the contents of TGF-β1 and IL-17 in serum of dexamethasone group and all doses of Soufeng Yuchuan Formula groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β1,α-SMA and N-cadherin were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),while the mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The inflammatory cell infiltration of lung tissue and thickening of bronchial wall and alveolar wall were found to be reduced.The inflammation score of dexamethasone group and high-dose group of Suofeng Yuchuan Formula was reduced(P＜0.05).Ultrastructure showed that the degree of edema of epithelial cells was significantly reduced,the cell membrane was intact,the intracellular matrix was uniform,and most of the organelles were slightly swollen.Conclusion Soufeng Yuchuan Formula can reduce the level of TGF-β1,thereby improve EMT in lung tissue,and achieve the purpose of preventing and treating airway remodeling in asthma.
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ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Pingwei Capsules （平胃胶囊） for chronic atrophic gastritis from rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma / mitogen-activated protein kinase /extracellular-signal-regulated kinase （Raf/MEK/ERK） pathway that influences the activation of fibrosarcoma protein/mitogen. MethodsFifteen SD rats were randomly divided into 5 rats in the blank group and 10 rats in Pingwei Capsules group. The rats in the blank group were given 1 ml/100 g of saline by gavage， and the rats in Pingwei Capsules group were given 0.63 g/（kg·d） of Pingwei Capsule suspension by gavage， and serum was collected for 3 consecutive days. N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine （MNNG） was used to induce human gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 to establish a precancerous lesion cell model. The successful cells were divided into control group （10% fetal bovine serum）， blank serum group （10% fetal bovine serum plus 10% blank serum）， and medication-containing serum group （serum with medication of Pingwei Capsule）， and the volume fraction and time of intervention of Pingwei Capsule-containing serum were screened by CCK-8 assay. Human gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 were divided into normal group， model group， blank serum group， medication-containing serum group， U0126 group， and combined group， with 6 replicate wells in each group. After successful modelling of the cells in all groups except the blank group， an equal volume of fetal bovine serum was added to the normal and model groups， an equal volume of blank serum was added to the blank serum group， a screening volume fraction of Pingwei Capsule-containing serum was added to Pingwei Capsule group， a 10 μmol/L mitogen-activated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1 （MEK1） inhibitor U0126 was administered in the U0126 group， an equal dose of Pingwei Capsule-containing serum plus 10 μmol/L of U0126 was administered to the combined group. After the selected incubation time， the level of interleukin 6 （IL-6） was detected in the cells by ELISA， the expression of IL-6 and MEK1 was detected by immunofluorescence， and the expression of IL-6， Raf， MEK1， and ERK mRNA was detected by RT-qPCR， and the expression of IL-6， Raf， MEK1， and ERK mRNA in the cells was detected by Western blot. ResultsThe 5.35% volume fraction， 48 h intervention of Pingwei Capsule-containing serum was selected for subsequent experiments. Compared with the normal group， the IL-6 content in cell supernatants and the expression of IL-6， Raf， MEK1， ERK mRNA and ERK1/2 proteins in cells increased in the model group and blank serum group （P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， all of the above indexes were improved in medication-containing serum group， U0126 group， and combined group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with medication-containing serum group， the expression of IL-6， MEK1 expression， the expression of IL-6， Raf， MEK1 and ERK mRNA， and the expression of IL-6， Raf， MEK1 and ERK1/2 proteins reduced in the cells of combined group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the U0126 group， IL-6 expression reduced and IL-6， MEK1 and ERK1/2 protein expression reduced in cells of combined group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionThe Pingwei Capsule-containing serum may play a role in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis by improving the inflammation-cancer transformation of GES-1 cells through inhibiting the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway.
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OBJECTIVE To explore the effects and potential mechanism of evodiamine on inflammatory response and apoptosis of epithelial cells in asthma model rats. METHODS SD rats were separated into control group， model group， evodiamine low-dose group （10 mg/kg）， evodiamine high-dose group （20 mg/kg）， dexamethasone group （positive control， 0.5 mg/kg）， epidermal growth factor （EGF） group [mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） activator， 10 μg]， evodiamine high-dose+EGF group （20 mg/kg evodiamine+10 μg EGF）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group， the other groups were sensitized by 3-point injection of 10% ovalbumin（OVA）-aluminium hydroxide mixture and stimulated by inhalation of 2%OVA nebulized liquid to establish an asthma model. The count of inflammatory cells （macrophages and lymphocytes） in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） was detected in each group； pathological changes of lung tissue in rats were observed； the apoptosis of airway epithelial cells， the levels of serum inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α， interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-4]， the expressions of pathway-related proteins p38 MAPK， phosphorylated p38 MAPK （p-p38 MAPK）， signal transduction and transcription activating factor 1 （STAT1）] and apoptosis-related proteins [B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax）] were all detected in lung tissue. RESULTS Compared with the control group， bronchial mucosal edema， thickening of alveolar septa and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the lung tissue of rats in the model group； the number of inflammatory cells， apoptosis rate of airway epithelial cells， the levels of inflammatory factors， p-38 MAPK/p-38 MAPK， and the protein expressions of Bax and STAT1 were increased significantly； the expressions of Bcl-2 protein and Bcl-2/Bax were reduced significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the pathological changes in lung tissues were alleviated to varying degrees in evodiamine low-dose and high-dose groups， and dexamethasone groups， and the above indicators were significantly reversed. However， the change trends of corresponding indicators in the EGF group were opposite to the above （P＜0.05）. EGF could significantly attenuate the effect of high-dose evodiamine on inflammatory response in asthmatic rats （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Evodiamine can relieve inflammatory reactions and inhibit the apoptosis of airway epithelial cells in asthmatic rats， the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting p38 MAPK/STAT1 signaling pathway.
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OBJECTIVE To explore the effects and potential mechanism of evodiamine on inflammatory response and apoptosis of epithelial cells in asthma model rats. METHODS SD rats were separated into control group， model group， evodiamine low-dose group （10 mg/kg）， evodiamine high-dose group （20 mg/kg）， dexamethasone group （positive control， 0.5 mg/kg）， epidermal growth factor （EGF） group [mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） activator， 10 μg]， evodiamine high-dose+EGF group （20 mg/kg evodiamine+10 μg EGF）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group， the other groups were sensitized by 3-point injection of 10% ovalbumin（OVA）-aluminium hydroxide mixture and stimulated by inhalation of 2%OVA nebulized liquid to establish an asthma model. The count of inflammatory cells （macrophages and lymphocytes） in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） was detected in each group； pathological changes of lung tissue in rats were observed； the apoptosis of airway epithelial cells， the levels of serum inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α， interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-4]， the expressions of pathway-related proteins p38 MAPK， phosphorylated p38 MAPK （p-p38 MAPK）， signal transduction and transcription activating factor 1 （STAT1）] and apoptosis-related proteins [B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax）] were all detected in lung tissue. RESULTS Compared with the control group， bronchial mucosal edema， thickening of alveolar septa and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the lung tissue of rats in the model group； the number of inflammatory cells， apoptosis rate of airway epithelial cells， the levels of inflammatory factors， p-38 MAPK/p-38 MAPK， and the protein expressions of Bax and STAT1 were increased significantly； the expressions of Bcl-2 protein and Bcl-2/Bax were reduced significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the pathological changes in lung tissues were alleviated to varying degrees in evodiamine low-dose and high-dose groups， and dexamethasone groups， and the above indicators were significantly reversed. However， the change trends of corresponding indicators in the EGF group were opposite to the above （P＜0.05）. EGF could significantly attenuate the effect of high-dose evodiamine on inflammatory response in asthmatic rats （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Evodiamine can relieve inflammatory reactions and inhibit the apoptosis of airway epithelial cells in asthmatic rats， the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting p38 MAPK/STAT1 signaling pathway.
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Objective @#To investigate the effect of miR-141-3p on LPS induced A549 cell injury by targeting high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) ．@*Methods @#A549 cells derived from type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells were taken as the study object，miR-141-3p mimics，mimics NC，HMGB1 gene overexpression plasmid (pcDNA3. 1-HMGB1) and empty Vector were transfected into A549 cells respectively or co-transfected，then 10 μg / ml LPS was used for 24 h．Cell proliferation activity was detected by cell counting kit-8 ( CCK-8) ．The activity of lactate dehydrogenase ( LDH) in the supernatant of cell culture was detected by colorimetry．The apoptosis level of each group was detec- ted by flow cytometry．The levels of interleukin (IL) -1 β , IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) ．Dual luciferase reporter gene assay verified the targeted regulatory relationship between miR-141-3p and HMGB1 . @*Results @#After treatment with LPS ，the proliferative activity of A549 cells and the expression level of miR-141-3p decreased ( P ＜0. 05 ) ，the apoptosis rate increased ( P < 0. 05) ，the levels of IL-1 β , IL-6，TNF-α and the activity of LDH in supernatant increased (P＜0. 05) ．Overex- pression of miR-141-3p increased the proliferation activity of A549 cells treated with LPS (P ＜0. 05 ) ，and de- creased the apoptosis rate and the levels of IL-1 β , IL-6，TNF-α in cells and LDH activity in supernatant (P < 0. 05) ．However，overexpression of HMGB1 gene could reverse the ameliorative effect of miR-141-3p on LPS-in- duced A549 cell injury．Dual luciferase reporter gene experiment confirmed that HMGB1 was the downstream target gene of miR-141-3p．@*Conclusion @# miR-141-3p can inhibit LPS-induced apoptosis，reduce the expression level of inflammatory factors，and improve the damage of A549 cells，which may be related to the targeted regulation of HMGB1 expression.
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Objective @#To explore the mechanism of ferroptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERs ) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) .@*Methods @#In order to determine the effects of LPS on oxidative stress and Fe2 + level of mouse capillary alveolar epithelial cells (MLE12 cells ) , the cells were treated with LPS (0 , 1 , 2 , 5 μg/ml) for 24 h . To verify the role of ferroptosis in lipopolysaccharide ( LPS)-induced cell death , MLE12 cells were divided into control ( Con ) group , iron removal inhibitor ( Fer-1) group , LPS group and LPS + Fer-1 group . LPS + Fer-1 group was pretreated with 10 μmol/L Fer-1 for 6 h , then the cells were exposed to 5 μg/ml LPS for 24 h . Con group was treated with solvent DMSO for 24 h . Fer-1 group was pretreated with 10 μmol/L Fer-1 for 6 h , and then treated with DMSO for 24 h . The cells in LPS group were exposed to 5 μg/ml LPS for 24 h . The MLE12 cells were divided into three groups : Con + Vector group , Con + sequence similarity family 134 mem ber B ( FAM134B ) group , LPS + Vector group and LPS + FAM134B group . After transfected with vector or FAM134B overexpression plasmid for 48 h , the cells were exposed or not exposed to 5 μg/ml LPS for 24 h . Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 . The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) , glutathione and iron , the protein levels of ferroptosis markers [ cyclooxygenase 2(PTGS2) , glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)] and ERs markers [glucose reg ulatory protein 78( GRP78) , activated transcription factor 4 ( ATF4) and C/EBP homologous protein ( CHOP)] were measured in different groups . In order to further confirm the results of in vitro cell experiments , 40 mice were randomly divided into Con + Vector group , Con + FAM134B group , LPS + Vector group and LPS + FAM134B group , with 10 mice in each group . LPS induced sepsis models were established in LPS + Vector group and LPS + FAM134B group , and the levels of GPX4 and ERs in lung tissue were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and protein blot. @*Results @#LPS treatment increased the levels of PTGS2 and MDA , and decreased the levels of GPX4 and GSH in MLE12 cells in a dose dependent manner. Compared with LPS group , the cell viability , GPX4 and GSH levels in LPS + Fer-1 group increased significantly (P < 0.05) , while the PTGS2 protein level and MDA level decreased significantly (P < 0.05) . Compared with LPS + Vector group , LPS + FAM134B group significantly increased cell viability (P < 0.05) , decreased PTGS2 protein level (P < 0.05) and increased GPX4 level ( P < 0.05) . At the same time , the level of MDA in LPS + FAM134B group was lower than that in LPS + Vector group (P < 0.05) , and the level of GSH was higher than that in LPS + Vector group (P < 0.05) . In animal experiment , compared with LPS + Vector group , the expression levels of 4 HNE , ATF4 and CHOP in lung tissue of LPS + FAM134B group decreased significantly ( P < 0.05 ) , and the expression levels of GPX4 , FAM134B group in creased significantly (P < 0.05) .@*Conclusion @#LPS induces ferroptosis and ERs in MLE12 cells in a dose depend ent manner. Activating the endoplasmic reticulum autophagy associated FAM134B receptor helps to inhibit ERs and alleviate cell ferroptosis .
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The microRNA(miRNA)is a widely present small non-coding RNA(ncRNA), with a length of 20-25 nucleotides. The miRNA in eye tissue plays crucial roles in normal eyes by participating in processes such as cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Cataracts are the main cause of blindness worldwide. Research has shown that miRNA is related to the occurrence and development of cataracts, and it has new application prospects as a potential target for the treatment and prevention of cataracts. This article reviews the relationship between miRNA and the occurrence and development of cataracts through several different pathogenesis mechanisms, including oxidative damage, apoptosis, autophagy, and epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT).
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Objective @#To establish an in vitro renal injury model of amikacin (AKN) and investigate the protective effect and mechanism of vaccarin (VA) in the AKN-induced in vitro renal injury model .@*Methods @#Human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were cultured in vitro and incubated with different drugs of AKN or/and VA to de- termine the optimal drug concentration based on cell viability tested by MTT. The changes in intracellular oxidative stress were assessed using the dihydroethidium ( DHE) probe and malondialdehyde ( MDA) /glutathione ( GSH) assay kits at different time points . Total RNA was extracted , and RT-qPCR was performed to detect the changes in the gene expression of kidney injury molecule-1 ( KIM-1) and neutropil gelatinase-associated lipocalin ( NGAL) . Western blot analysis was performed to detect the levels of ferroptosis-related markers solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in HK-2 cell lysis .@*Results @#High concentrations of AKN significantly decreased the viability of HK-2 cells in vitro , with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of (5 . 74 ±0. 47) mmol/L. VA at concentrations of 25 - 100 μmol/L increased the viability of AKN-stimulated HK- 2 cells (P < 0. 05) . After treatment with AKN (4 mmol/L) , the mRNA expression levels of KIM-1 and NGAL were significantly higher than those of the negative control (NC) group ( P < 0. 001) . VA (50 μmol/L) significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of KIM-1 (P < 0. 01) and NGAL (P < 0. 05) . The intensity of DHE staining increased after 3 hours of AKN treatment , but the difference was not statistically significant. However , the intensity of DHE staining was significantly higher in the 6 - 24 hours group compared to the 0 - hour group (P < 0. 01) . Furthermore , MDA levels significantly increased , while GSH levels significantly decreased after 6 - 24 hours of AKN treatment , with statistically significant differences (P < 0. 05) . After 6 - 24 hours of AKN stimula- tion , the ferroptosis-related proteins SLC7A11 and GPX4 both significantly decreased (P < 0. 001) . Co-incubation with VA for 24 hours effectively reversed the changes in DHE staining , MDA and GSH levels , as well as the chan- ges of SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein levels (P < 0. 001) .@*Conclusion @#In this study , an in vitro renal injury model was established by stimulating HK-2 cells with high concentrations of AKN , and it was found that VA might allevi- ate the damage to renal tubular cells caused by AKN via inhibiting oxidative stress related ferroptosis .
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Objective @#To investigate whether norepinephrine (NE) regulates the oxidative stress in human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) by activating nuclear factor E2⁃related factor 2(Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase ⁃1(HO⁃1) signal pathway.@*Methods @#C ultured hEECs were used. The expression of α and β adrenergic receptors was detected by reverse transcription⁃polymerase chain reaction (RT⁃PCR) . Cell counting kit ⁃8(CCK⁃8) assay was applied to test the effect of NE on cell viability , then the cells were divided into C ontrol group and NE treatment group , and the appropriate concentrations were chosen. The expression of tight j unction proteins Occludin and zona occludens-1 (ZO⁃1) , apoptosis⁃related proteins apoptosis⁃related protein B ⁃cell lymphoma⁃2 protein(Bcl ⁃2) and Bcl ⁃2 associated X protein(Bax) , antioxidant proteins Nrf2 and HO⁃1 were examined by Western blot. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The malonaldehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in the cell culture medium were detected by enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assays kit ( ELISA) .@*Results @#The mRNA expression of α1 a ,α1 b , α2 a , α2 b , α2 c , β1 , β3 was detected in the hEECs. After the NE treatment , no significant change in cell viability was ob served in low concentration (5 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L) groups , while 15 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L NE treatments for 6 h or 24 h promoted the cell viability significantly. The expression of ZO⁃1 and Occludin increased significantly in 15 μmol/L group after 24 h treatment , the expression of ZO⁃1 decreased in 6 h treatment group , significant down regulation was ob served after 15 μmol/L NE application , the expression of Occludin increased in 6 h group. The cell apoptosis increased compared with the control group after NE stimulation , espeserved after 24 h treatment. The ration of Bcl ⁃2/Bax > 1 . The expression of Nrf2 and HO⁃1 was elevated by NE. There was no obvious change in MDA level while significant elevation in SOD was detected in cell culture medium.@*Conclusion@#Nrf2/H0-1 signal is activated after application of NE to the hEECs, which may responsible for the upregulation of SOD, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effect in the hEECs.
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OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of formononetin （FMN） on the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS IBD rat model was constructed by using trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid （TNBS） induction. Forty-eight rats with successful modeling were divided into model group （normal saline）， low-dose and high-dose FMN groups （20 and 40 mg/kg FMN）， and high-dose FMN+YAP inhibitor Verteporfin （VTPF） group （40 mg/kg FMN+10 mg/kg VTPF）， with 12 rats in each group. Another 12 rats were set as the normal group （normal saline）. They were given drug/normal saline， once a day， for 7 consecutive days. After the last administration， the disease activity index （DAI） of rats was calculated， and the colon length of rats in each group was measured. The pathological changes in the colon tissue of rats were observed. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-10 in serum were detected， and the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells was detected. The expressions of Yes associated protein （YAP）， cleaved cysteine-containing aspartate proteolytic enzyme 3 （cleaved-caspase-3）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax） were detected in colon tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with the normal group， DAI score， the levels of TNF-α and IL- 6， the apoptotic rate of intestinal epithelial cells， and the expressions of cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax protein in the model group were increased greatly （P＜0.05）； the length of the colon was greatly decreased （P＜0.05）， and the serum level of IL-10 and the protein expressions of YAP and Bcl-2 were greatly reduced （P＜0.05）. The cell morphology of colon tissue was abnormal， with disordered arrangement and inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with IBD group， the above indexes of rats were improved significantly in low-dose and high-dose FMN groups （P＜0.05）， in dose-dependent manner （P＜0.05）. VTPF significantly alleviated the effects of FMN on the above indexes of IBD rats （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS FMN may promote the expression of YAP by inhibiting the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway， thereby inhibiting apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in IBD rats.
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Renal fibrosis, especially tubulointerstitial fibrosis, is the most common pathway of all chronic kidney diseases progressing to end-stage renal diseases. Several adaptive reactions occur in renal tubular epithelial cells after chronic injury, such as changes in glycolipid metabolism, unfolded protein response, autophagy and senescence, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and G2/M cell cycle arrest. Maladaptive repair mechanisms can induce tubulointerstitial fibrosis. This article will discuss the molecular mechanism of these adaptive responses of renal tubular epithelial cells driving renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and provide a basis for exploring new drug targets for renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
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AIM: To investigate the potential of human induced pluripotent stem cells(hiPSCs)differentiating into corneal epithelial cells in the simulated limbal stem cells(LSCs)microenvironment.METHODS: The hiPSC cell lines were established in vitro, and hiPSCs were co-cultured with corneal stromal cells in transwell system, which simulated the LSC microenvironment. Bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)and a specific transforming growth factor β inhibitor(SB431542)were added to improve the differentiation efficacy. The expression of corneal epithelial cell-specific markers CK3 and CK12, corneal epithelial cell precursor CK15, and the limbal stem cell markers ABCG5 were determined by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.RESULTS: The hiPSCs were actively proliferated in vitro, and immunofluorescence staining showed positive stem cell-specific markers OCT4, SOX2, TRA-1-60 and NANOG. Furthermore, hiPSCs co-cultured with corneal stromal cells exhibited LSCs markers ABCG5 and corneal epithelial cell precursor markers CK15 were positive; however, corneal epithelial cell markers CK3 and CK12 were negative. With the addition of BMP4 and SB431542, hiPSCs showed positive expression of CK3, and the CK3 expression increased over the time.CONCLUSION: With the addition of SB431542 and BMP4, hiPSCs cultured in simulated LSCs microenvironment could differentiate into corneal epithelial cells.
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Objective To investigate the effect and possible mechanism of microRNA-26a(miR-26a)on the syn-thesis of extracellular matrix(ECM)induced by high glucose(HG)in renal tubular epithelial cells(RTECs).Methods A model of diabetic kidney disease(DKD)was constructed by inducing RTECs with HG.MiR-26a was overexpressed in HG-induced RTECs,and RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to assess the effects of miR-26a on ECM synthesis and ferroptosis-related markers in HG-treated RTECs.Ferrostatin(Fer-1)was used to inhibit ferroptosis in the DKD model,and its impact on ECM synthesis was evaluated.RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to measure ferroptosis-related markers,and fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the intensity of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Results Compared with the control group,the expression of miR-26a decreased in HG-treated cells,while the expression levels of ECM synthesis-related indexes fibronectin and collagen Ⅰ in-creased.After overexpressing miR-26a,the HG+miR-26a group showed a significant increase in miR-26a expres-sion and a decrease in fibronectin and collagen Ⅰ expression compared to the HG group.In terms of ferroptosis,the protein and mRNA expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 significantly decreased,the expression of TFR-1 and AC-SL4 significantly increased,and the fluorescence intensity of ROS was significantly enhanced in the HG group com-pared with the control group.Inhibition of ferroptosis in the HG+Fer-1 group resulted in significant changes in fer-roptosis and ECM synthesis-related indicators expression levels compared to the HG group.Furthermore,re-expres-sion of miR-26a in the HG+miR-26a led to significant changes in ferroptosis-related indicators expression levels and decreased ROS fluorescence intensity compared to the HG group.Conclusions In HG-induced RTECs,miR-26a inhibits the occurrence of ferroptosis,thus reducing ECM synthesis.
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Objective To explore the effects of HPV16 E6 on genes and signaling pathways in cervical epithelial cells and to screen genes associated with oncogenic transformation.Methods HUCEC models infected with HPV16 E6 were constructed,and transcriptome sequencing was performed to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs),which were subjected to Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment to analyze the differential signaling pathways.RT-qPCR was used to validate major differentially down-regulated expressed genes.After predicting the major differentially expressed proteins by molecular docking analysis,the expression of major differential genes in HUCEC cell model was verified by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.In addition,RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to further verify the expression of major differential genes in cervical cancer cell lines,SiHa and CaSki.Results A total of 55 genes with more than two-fold differential expression were screened.The results centering on down-regulated genes showed that the negatively regulated differential gene was mainly enriched in redox processes;KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that it was mainly associated with carbohydrate metabolism and cancer.RT-qPCR results showed that the down-regulated differential expression trends of the selected 10 genes were basically consistent with the sequencing results.Molecular docking analysis predicted an interaction between DHRS2 and HPV16 E6,and RT-qPCR and Western blotting confirmed that HPV16 E6 down-regulated DHRS2 mRNA(P＜0.01)and protein(P＜0.05)and ETV5 protein expression(P＜0.01).In SiHa and CaSki cells,compared with the control group,the mRNA and protein expression of DHRS2 was downregulated and positively correlated with the trend of P53 protein expression(P＜0.05).Conclusion HPV16 E6 can mediate oncogenic transformation of cervical cells and promote cervical carcinogenesis through downregulating DHRS2 expression.
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OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)infection on the expression of key factors in the epithelial barrier of the human nasal epithelial cells(hNECs)derived from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP)and normal control mucosa.METHODS RSV with different multiplicity of infection(MOI)(0.1 and 0.3)infected hNECs derived from patients with CRSwNP(n=21)and normal control mucosa(n=9)for 24 h and 48 h,respectively.To detect the gene expression ZO-1,ZO-2,Claudin-1,Claudin-4,Occludin,E-cadherin and N-cadherin,total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into cDNA for real-time fluorescence quantification PCR.RESULTS The relative expression level of ZO-1,ZO-2,Claudin-1,Claudin-4,Occludin,E-cadherin and N-cadherin were decreased in hNECs post RSV infection.However,there was a statistical difference only in hNECs derived from CRSwNP(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in hNECs infected with RSV between eosinophilic CRSwNP(ECRSwNP)and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP(nonECRSwNP).CONCLUSION RSV infection could disrupt the epithelial barrier of the nasal mucosa,and patients with CRSwNP are more severely affected by RSV infection compared to healthy controls.The impact of RSV infection on mucosa between ECRSwNP group and nonECRSwNP group was no significant difference.
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Age-related macular degeneration(AMD)is a serious threat to the visual health of the elderly,and the dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelial cells(RPE)is a significant etiology risk.Aging process leads to RPE repli-cation senescence,and some environment factors like light exposure and cigarette exposure may lead to RPE stress premature aging,and the decreased lysosomal digestion ability of senescent RPE cells may lead to the accumulation of lipofuscin,triggering the occurrence of early AMD.A series of homeostatic imbalances in aging retina,such as cell senescence-renewal imbalance,oxidative stress-antioxidant imbalance,chronic inflammatory-anti-inflammatory imbalance,intestinal barrier and intestinal microbiota imbalance and pro-angiogenesis-antiangiogenic imbalance all contribute to the development of AMD.