Liuwei Dihuang Pills-elicited inhibition of MMP-2/MMP-9 via RAGE on tight junction protein of Aβ1-40-injured bEnd.3 cells / 中成药

AIM To investigate the protective effects and the mechanism of the Liuwei Dihuang Pills on mouse brain microvascular endothelial(bEnd.3)cells damaged by β-Amyloid protein1-40(Aβ1-40).METHODS CCK8 method was used to detect the effects of Aβ1-40 and medicated serum of Liuwei Dihuang Pills(MSLDP)on cell activity,and to screen the appropriate concentration.bEnd.3 cells of the control group,the Aβ1-40 group,the MSLDP+Aβ1-40 group and the MSLDP group had their low density lipoprotein-associated protein 1(LRP1),receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE),matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),MMP-9,scaffold protein zonule protein-1(ZO-1)detected by Western blot.bEnd.3 cells assigned into the control group,the Aβ1-40 group,the FPS-ZM1(RAGE inhibitor)+Aβ1-40 group and the FPS-ZM1+Aβ1-40+MSLDP group had their expressions of RAGE,MMP-9,MMP-2 and ZO-1 detected by Western blot as well.RESULTS The cell activity of bEnd.3,was dose-dependently decreased by Aβ1-40(P<0.01),but was protected by MSLDP(P<0.05,P<0.01).And 10 μmol/L Aβ1-40 and 10%MSLDP were selected for subsequent experiments.Compared with the control group,the Aβ1-40 group displayed increased protein expressions of RAGE,MMP-2 and MMP-9(P<0.01),decreased protein expressions of LRP1,ZO-1 and BDNF(P<0.05,P<0.01),and decreased fluorescence intensities of LRP1 and ZO-1(P<0.01).Compared with the Aβ1-40 group,the MSLDP group shared decreased expressions of RAGE,MMP-2,MMP-9 proteins and RAGE fluorescence intensity(P<0.05,P<0.01),and increased expressions of LRP1,ZO-1 and BDNF proteins,and the fluorescence intensity of LRP1 and ZO-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);the Aβ1-40+FPS-ZM1 group displayed decreased protein expressions of MMP-2,MMP9 and RAGE(P<0.05,P<0.01),and increased ZO-1 protein expression(P<0.05);and the Aβ1-40+FPS-ZM1+ MSLDP group displayed an even more decreased protein expressions of MMP-2,MMP9 and RAGE(P<0.01),increased ZO-1 protein expression(P<0.01)due to the the combination use of FPS-ZM1 and MSLDP.CONCLUSION Liuwei Dihuang Pills can protect the tight junction of bEnd.3 injured by Aβ1-40 and neurovascular units from Alzheimer's disease by alleviating the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier via RAGE-mediated MMP-2/MMP-9 pathway inhibition.

Effect of Jianpi Bushen Huoxue Prescription on Rat Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells Based on HIF-1α/VEGF Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Jianpi Bushen Huoxue prescription （JPBSHX） on rat brain microvascular endothelial cells （RBMECs） based on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）/vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） signaling pathway， aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of ischemic stroke. MethodTwelve 8-week-old male SPF-grade SD rats were selected. Eight of them were randomly chosen and given 3.25 g·mL-1 JPBSHX solution by gavage at a dose of 10 mL·kg-1 for 5 consecutive days to prepare the medicated serum， which was then preserved for later use. The remaining four rats were given the same volume of normal saline. Follow-up operations were the same as those of the above eight rats. Normal rat serum was collected and stored for later use. RBMECs were revived， cultured， passaged， and randomly divided into five groups： normal group （20% normal rat serum+80% high glucose DMEM）， model group （hypoxia-reoxygenation injury） （20% normal rat serum+80% glucose-free DMEM）， medicated serum group （20% JPBSHX-medicated serum+80% glucose-free DMEM）， medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group （20% JPBSHX-medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor 1 mg +80% glucose-free DMEM）， and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group （20% JPBSHX-medicated serum +VEGF inhibitor 1 mg+80% glucose-free DMEM）. The relative protein expression levels of Claudin-1 and Claudin-5 in RBMECs， the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF in RBMEC culture supernatants， the repair ability of RBMECs， and the number of nodes， microvessels， and their lengths after 72 h of culture were observed in each group. ResultAfter 24 h of reoxygenation， the scratch healing rate in the model group was significantly lower than in the normal group （P<0.01）. Compared with the result in the model group， the scratch healing rates significantly improved in the medicated serum group， medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group， and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group （P<0.05）. However， the healing rates in the medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group were significantly lower than that in the medicated serum group （P<0.05）. The number of nodes， microvessels， and total length of microvessels in the model group were significantly lower than those in the normal group （P<0.01）. These indicators significantly improved in the medicated serum group， medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group， and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group compared with those in the model group （P<0.05）， but were significantly lower in the medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group compared with those in medicated serum group （P<0.05）. The relative expression levels of Claudin-1 and Claudin-5 proteins were significantly lower in the model group than in the normal group （P<0.01）. These levels were significantly higher in medicated serum group， medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group， and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group than those in the model group （P<0.05）， but were significantly lower in the medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group than those in the medicated serum group （P<0.05）. The expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF in the RBMEC culture supernatants were significantly lower in the model group than those in the normal group （P<0.01）. These levels were significantly higher in the medicated serum group， medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group， and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group than those in the model group （P<0.05）， but were significantly lower in the medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group than those in the medicated serum group （P<0.05）. ConclusionJPBSHX can promote the proliferation， migration， and angiogenesis， such as tubule formation， of RBMECs damaged by hypoxia-reoxygenation injury， and this effect may be achieved through the regulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.

Naoluo Xintong Decoction activates caspase-1/Gasdermin D pathway to promote angiogenesis of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells after oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of Naoluo Xintong Decoction (NLXTD) on pyroptosis and angiogenesis of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and explore the possible mechanisms in rats with oxygen-glucose deprivation/ reperfusion (OGD/R).@*METHODS@#Rat BMECs with or without caspase-1 siRNA transfection were cultured in the presence of 10% medicated serum from NLXTD-treated rats (or blank serum) and exposed to OGD/R. CCK-8 assay, Transwell chamber assay, and tube formation assay were used to assess proliferation, migration, and tube-forming abilities of the cells. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the culture supernatant was determined using a commercial assay kit, and the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 were detected with ELISA. The cellular expressions of pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, NLRP3, Gasdermin D, and angiogenesis-related proteins VEGF and VEGFR2 were detected using Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#The BMECs showed obvious injuries after OGD/R exposure. Compared with the blank serum, the medicated serum significantly improved the cell viability, migration ability, and lumen-forming ability (P < 0.01) and lowered the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 and the LDH release (P < 0.01) of the cells with OGD/R exposure. Western blotting showed that in the BMECs exposed to OGD/R, the medicated serum strongly upregulated the expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 proteins (P < 0.01) and reduced the protein expressions of pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, NLRP3, and Gasdermin D (P < 0.01), and transfection of the cells with caspase-1 siRNA further promoted the expressions of VEGFR2 protein in the cells (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#NLXTD can improve the proliferation, migration, and tube- forming ability and promote angiogenesis of BMECs with OGD/R injury probably by inhibiting the caspase-1/Gasdermin D pathway in pyroptosis, alleviating cell injury, and upregulating the expressions of VEGF and VEGFR2.

Isolation and identification of primary brain microvascular endothelial cells of rat using thin-layer cell culture method / 神经解剖学杂志

Objective:To extract rat brain microvascular endothelial cells(BMECs)using thin-layer cell culture method.Methods:The brain cortex of four-week-old SD rats was obtained,which was chopped,sieved,and digested with type II collagenase to obtain microvascular segments.The amount of culture medium was strictly controlled,and it was inoculated into culture flasks for primary culture.The target cells were morphologically observed by using an invert-ed phase contrast microscope,and the factor Ⅷ related antigen(FⅧRag)was identified by using immunocytochemi-cal staining.Results:The target cells cultured in the inverted phase contrast microscope showed typical endothelial-like monolayer cobble stone-like mosaic growth;FⅧRag positive cells accounted for more than 99％of the total cells.Conclusion:Thin-layer cell culture method can successfully isolate and cultivate high-purity rat BMECs.

Effect of Xinnao Shutong capsule and its active ingredients on damage of cerebral microvascular endothelial cell barrier integrity caused by oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation and its mechanism / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of XNST and its monomeric components on the barrier structure and tight junction protein expression of brain microvascular endothelial cells damaged by oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and the possible mechanism. Methods The mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell line bEnd. 3 was inoculated in the upper layer of the Transwell chamber to establish an OGD/R damage model, and the effect of the drug on the integrity of the endothelial cell barrier was investigated by the transmembrane resistance value and fluorescein-so-dium transmittance. Claudin-5 immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the changes of tight junction structure between endothelial cells. RT-PCR and Western blot were employed to detect mRNA and protein expression levels of tightly linked proteins Claudin-5 , Occludin, ZO-1. Western blot was applied to detect the expression levels of MAPKs (JNK, p38, ERK) , I kappa B a, I kappa B kinase phosphorylated protein expression, and Western blot and immunofluorescence were utilized to detect NF-K.B/p65 nucleation expression. Results XNST and its three monomers could significantly increase endothelial cell resistance and de- crease fluorescein-sodium transmittance. Claudin-5 fluorescence staining showed that the tight junction between cells in the model group was significantly damaged , while XNST and its monomer components could significantly improve its tight structure. RT-PCR and Western blot results showed that it could significantly upregulate the expression of mRNA and protein of Claudin-5, Occludin and ZO-1, and further study on the mechanism showed that XNST and its monomer components could significantly inhibit the phosphoryla-tion of JNK, p38 and ERK, inhibit the phosphorylation of I kappa B a and I kappa B kinases, and significantly inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-KB/p65. Conclusion Both XNST and its monomeric components can exert cerebroprotective effects by increasing the tight junction structure between cells to promote barrier integrity, and the mechanism may be related to inhibition of NF-kB and MAPKs signaling pathway activation.

Research on ability of tetramethylpyrazine on promoting neurogenesis after OGD injury based on neural stem cell microenvironment / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the ability of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on promoting neurogenesis in neural stem cell microenvironment after oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) injury in vitro. Methods Neural stem cells (NSCs), astrocytes (ACs) and cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were respectively extracted and separated to establish a co-culture system. The OGD modeling conditions were optimized by NSCs activity, and the concentration of TMP was optimized by Nissl staining. Then CCK-8 and Nestin

Mechanism of Gastrodia elata active ingredient reducing oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury in rat neuron / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect and mechanism of Gastrodia elata active ingredient 3，4- dihydroxybenzaldehyde （3，4-DD） on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation（OGD/R） injury in rat primary brain microvascular endothelial cells （BMECs）-rat adrenal chromaffin cells PC12 co-culture system. METHODS The co-culture model of BMECs and PC12 cells was replicated in the Transwell chamber， and divided into control group， model group， butylphthalide group （positive control group， 0.1 mmol/L） and 3，4-DD group （0.1 μmol/L）. OGD/R injury model of the co-culture system was induced in those groups except for the control group. After preventively intervention in BMECs with relevant medicine or culture medium for 24 h， cell transendothelial electronic resistance （TEER） value， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） activity， brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） level and mRNA expressions of TrkB， Plc-γ， Map-2， GAP-43 in PC12 cells was detected. RESULTS Compared with the control group， TEER of the co-culture model， LDH activity and BDNF level of PC12 cells were decreased significantly in the model group （P＜0.01）， while mRNA expressions of TrkB， Plc-γ， Map-2 and GAP-43 in PC12 cells were increased significantly （P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， TEER of the co-culture model， LDH activity， BDNF level， and the mRNA expressions of TrkB， Plc-γ， Map-2 and GAP-43 in PC12 cells were increased significantly in the 3，4-DD group and butylphthalide group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS 3，4-DD can relieve the damage of neuronal OGD/R by acting on BMECs， the mechanism of which may be associated with activating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress in cerebral micro-vascular endothelial cells / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and oxidative stress(OS) induced by tunicamycin (Tm) and its mechanism.Methods:Mouse derived brain microvascular endothelial cells cultured in vitro were divided into control group (normal cell culture), TM group (cells were intervened with 5 μg/mL Tm for 24 h), NAC + TM group (cells were pretreated with 1 mmol/L NAC for 1 h, then were intervened with 5 μg/mL Tm for 24 h) and NAC group (cells were intervened with 1 mmol/L NAC for 24 h) according to different intervention methods.CCK-8 and FITC-Annexin V/PI were used to detect the survival rate and apoptosis rate of cells.Western blot was used to detect the expression of GRP78、CHOP、p-eNOS and caspase-12 protein. Laser confocal microcopy was used to detect the expression of ROS, and colorimetry was used to detect the activity of MDA and SOD.Results:There were significant differences in apoptosis rate and survival rate among the four groups ( F=62.57, 35.00, both P<0.05). The apoptosis rate of TM group ((25.49±1.55)%) was higher than that of Control group ((13.76±1.48)%)( P<0.01), while the apoptosis rate of NAC+ TM group ((17.65±1.00)%) was lower than that of TM group ( P<0.01). The survival rate of TM group ((66.33±5.69)%) was lower than that of Control group ((100.00±2.12)%)( P<0.01), while the survival rate of NAC+ TM group ((85.67±4.04)%) was higher than that of TM group ( P<0.01). Western blot showed that there were significant differences in the expression levels of GRP78、CHOP and p-eNOS among the four groups ( F=32.39, 68.66, 13.12, all P<0.01). The expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP protein in TM group were higher than those of Control group (both P<0.05), while the expression level of p-eNOS was lower than that of Control group ( P<0.01). The expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP protein in NAC+ TM group were lower than those of TM group (both P<0.05), while the expression level of p-eNOS was higher than that of TM group ( P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the expression level of caspase-12 protein among the four groups ( F=0.33, P>0.05). Laser confocal showed that there was significant difference in the average fluorescence intensity of ROS among the four groups ( F=77.66, P<0.01). The average fluorescence intensity of ROS in TM group (32.67±1.53) was higher than that in Control group (12.67±2.08) and NAC+ TM group (18.33±1.53) (both P<0.01). Colorimetry showed that there were significant differences in the activity of SOD and the concentration of MDA among the four groups ( F=40.53, 34.99, both P<0.01). The results of colorimetry showed that the activity of SOD in TM group((41.60±1.53)U/mg) was lower than that in Control group((65.39±4.60)U/mg) and NAC+ TM group((58.72±1.64)U/mg)(both P<0.01). The concentration of MDA in TM((2.27±0.11)μmol/mg) group was higher than that in Control group((1.39±0.13)μmol/mg) and NAC+ TM group((1.44±0.11)μmol/mg) (both P<0.01). Conclusion:NAC can reduce Tm-induced apoptosis of cerebral micro-vascular endothelial cells, which may be related to its inhibition of ERS/ OS-related pathways.

A novel PGAM5 inhibitor LFHP-1c protects blood-brain barrier integrity in ischemic stroke

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage after ischemia significantly influences stroke outcome. Compound LFHP-1c was previously discovered with neuroprotective role in stroke model, but its mechanism of action on protection of BBB disruption after stroke remains unknown. Here, we show that LFHP-1c, as a direct PGAM5 inhibitor, prevented BBB disruption after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in rats. Mechanistically, LFHP-1c binding with endothelial PGAM5 not only inhibited the PGAM5 phosphatase activity, but also reduced the interaction of PGAM5 with NRF2, which facilitated nuclear translocation of NRF2 to prevent BBB disruption from ischemia. Furthermore, LFHP-1c administration by targeting PGAM5 shows a trend toward reduced infarct volume, brain edema and neurological deficits in nonhuman primate

Protective Effect of Naoxintong Capsule () Combined with Guhong Injection () on Rat Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells during Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the synergistic effect of Naoxintong Capsule (NXTC, ) and Guhong Injection (GHI, ) on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.@*METHODS@#Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups: control group, oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) group, nimodipine group (9.375 mg/kg), NXTC group (0.5 g/kg), GHI group (5 mL/kg) and NXTC+GHI group (0.5 g/kg NXTC+5 mL/kg GHI), after the onset of reperfusion and once per day for the following 7 days. Blood was collected 1 h after final administration, and the sera were collected. Cultured primary rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) were subjected to OGD to establish a cell injury model. Untreated rBMECs were used as blank control. The cell counting kit-8 assay was used to assess cell viability using the sera. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis was evaluated after Hoechst33342 staining using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. JC-1 staining was performed to assess changes in mitochondrial membrane potential.@*RESULTS@#Statistical analysis indicated that more than 95% of the cells were rBMECs. Compared with the OGD group, the cellular morphology of the all drug delivery groups improved. In particular, the combined drug group had the most significant effect. Compared with the OGD group, all drug intervention groups induced a decrease in the apoptotic rate of rBMECs, increased the SOD levels, and decreased the MDA levels (all P<0.01). Compared with the mono-therapy groups, the NXTC+GHI group exhibited a significant improvement in the number of apoptotic rBMECs (P<0.01). All drug intervention groups showed different degrees of increase in membrane potential, and the NXTC+GHI group was higher than the NXTC or GHI group (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The combinationa application of NXTC and GHI on cerebral I/R injury clearly resulted in protective benefits.

Protective Effect of Cerebrospinal Fluid Containing Tongqiao Huoxuetang on Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells from Rats with Oxygen Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation Injury / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of cerebrospinal fluid containing Tongqiao Huoxuetang (TQHXT) on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), in order to explore the underlying mechanisms. Method:Primary BMECs were extracted by enzymatic digestion, and the cells were randomly divided into six groups: the normal control group, the OGD/R group, the TQHXT group（20%）, the nimodipine（NMDP） group (10 μmol·L-1), the cabozanix group (1 μmol·L-1) and the combination group. Except for the normal control group, the cells in the other groups were rapidly reoxygenated for 24 h after 2 h of oxygen-glucose deprivation, the OGD/R modeling was performed, and the rats were administered with drugs by groups. BMECs were identified by cell immunofluorescence staining, morphological and ultrastructural changes of OGD/R-induced BMECs were observed, and changes in cell transmembrane resistance (TEER) were detected. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the content of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) were measured with kits. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration and cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of CD34 was observed. The protein expressions of zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), adhesion kinase (FAK), and Paxillin were detected by Western blot. Result:Compared with the normal control group, the cells in the OGD/R group were shrinking and rounded, TEER value and ZO-1 protein expression in cells were significantly decreased, the contents of NO, LDH and ROS in cells were significantly increased, the content of tPA was significantly decreased, the concentration of Ca2+ and the apoptosis in the cells were significantly increased, CD34 was expressed in cells, and the protein expressions of VEGF, FAK and Paxillin were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the OGD/R group, cell damage in the TQHXT group was significantly improved, the TEER value and ZO-1 protein expression in cells were significantly increased, the contents of NO, LDH and ROS in cells were significantly reduced, the content of tPA was significantly increased, the concentration of Ca2+ and the apoptosis in the cells were significantly reduced, CD34 expression increased in cells, and the protein expressions of VEGF, FAK and Paxillin were significantly increased (P<0.05，P<0.01). Conclusion:CSF containing TQHXT protects BMECs from OGD/R injury possibly by promoting angiogenesis through the VEGF-VEGFR2/FAK/Paxillin signaling pathway.

Effect of α-asarone on the Function and Expression of P-glycoprotein in Rat Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells / 中国医学科学院学报

To investigate the effect of α-asarone on the function and expression of P-glycoprotein(P-gp)in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells(rBMECs). rBMECs were exposed to L-glutamate(100 μmol/L) for 30 mins to induce the overexpression of P-gp/multidrug resistance gene 1a(Mdr1a)on the cell membranes,which mimicked the overexpression of P-gp/Mdr1a in blood brain barrier(BBB) when drug-resistant epilepsy attacked.MTT assay was used to detect the safe range of α-asarone concentration.The model cells were intervened with different concentrations of α-asarone at 12.5,25.0,and 50.0 μg/μl for 24 hours.After the treatment of α-asarone,the expression and the function of P-gp/Mdr1 were measured by Western blotting,real-time PCR,and intracellular rhodamine 123 accumulation assays. The rBMECs,stimulated by glutamine,showed a high expression of P-gp(=1.924,=0.020)/Mdr1a(=1.788,=0.019) compared to the normal rBMECs.The treatment with 25.0(=1.924,=0.025;=1.788,=0.017) and 50.0 μg/μl(=1.924,=0.035;=1.788,=0.026) α-asarone significantly depressed the expression of P-gp/Mdr1a.The treatment with 25.0 and 50.0 μg/μl α-asarone significantly increased intracellular accumulation of Rhodamine 123 by 40% and 60% respectively. α-asarone down-regulates the high expressions of P-gp and Mdr1a mRNA in rBMECs induced by L-glutamate.Moreover and increases intracellular accumulation of rhodamine-123.Thus,α-asarone may reverse drug resistance in P-gp-mediated drug-resistant epilepsy.

Effect of Sijunzi Decoction on regulation of Aβ-related proteins across blood-brain barrier / 中国中药杂志

According to traditional Chinese medicine, "spleen transport" is closely related to the metabolism of substance and energy. Studies have shown that Alzheimer's disease(AD) is a disease related to glucose and lipid metabolism and energy metabolism. The traditional Chinese medicine Jiangpi Recipe can improve the learning ability and memory of AD animal model. Sijunzi Decoction originated from Taiping Huimin Hefang Prescription is the basic prescription for strengthening and nourishing the spleen, with the effects of nourishing Qi and strengthening the spleen. In this experiment, human brain microvascular endothelial cells(HBMEC) and Sijunzi Decoction water extract(0.25, 0.5, 1 mg·L~(-1)) were pre-incubated for 2 h, and then Aβ_(25-35) oligomers(final concentration 40 μmol·L~(-1)) was added for co-culture for 22 hours. The effect of Sijunzi Decoction on the activity of Aβ_(25-35) oligomer injured cells and the expression of related proteins were investigated. Q-TOF-LC-MS was used first for principal component analysis of Sijunzi Decoction water extract. Then MTT assay was used to investigate the effect of Sijunzi Decoction water extract on the proliferation of HBMEC cells. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) was employed to detect the mRNA expression of GLUT1, RAGE, and LRP1. The expression of Aβ-related proteins across blood-brain barrier(RAGE, LRP1) was detected by Western blot. The results showed that 40 μmol·L~(-1) Aβ_(25-35) oligomers could induce endothelial cell damage, reduce cell survival, increase expression of RAGE mRNA and RAGE protein, and reduce expression of GLUT1 mRNA, LRP1 mRNA, and LRP1 protein. Sijunzi Decoction water extract could reduce the Aβ_(25-35) oligomer-induced cytotoxicity of HBMEC, decrease the expression of RAGE mRNA and RAGE protein, and increase the expression of GLUT1 mRNA, LRP1 mRNA and LRP1 protein. The results indicated that Sijunzi Decoction could reduce the injury of HBMEC cells induced by Aβ_(25-35) oligomer, and regulate the transport-related proteins GLUT1, RAGE and LRP1, which might be the mechanism of regulating Aβ_(25-35) transport across the blood-brain barrier.

Silencing of circular RNA ANRIL attenuates oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation-induced injury in human brain microvascular endothelial cells by sponging miR-622

BACKGROUND: Circular RNA (circRNA) is highly expressed in the brain tissue, but its molecular mechanism in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion remains unclear. Here, we explored the role and underlying mechanisms of circRNA antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (circ_ANRIL) in oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced cell injury. RESULTS: The expression of circ_ANRIL in OGD/R-induced human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) was significantly up-regulated, while that of miR-622 was significantly down-regulated. Overexpression of circ_ANRIL significantly inhibited the proliferation of OGD/R-induced HBMECs and aggravated OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, circ_ANRIL overexpression further increased the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-a, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in OGD/R-treated HBMECs. The results of bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay indicated that circ_ANRIL served as an miR-622 sponge to negatively regulate the expression of miR-622 in OGD/R-treated HBMECs. Additionally, circ_ANRIL silencing exerted anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects by positively regulating the expression of miR-622. Furthermore, inhibition of OGD/R-induced activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-kB pathway by circ_ANRIL silencing was significantly reversed by treatment with miR-622 inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Knockdown of circ_ANRIL improved OGD/R-induced cell damage, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway through sponging miR-622.

VP1-binding protein glucose-regulated protein 78 as an important mediator for enterovirus 71 infecting human brain microvascular endothelial cells

Purpose: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one of the main pathogens causing hand, foot and mouth disease, which could even induce severe brain damage in some patients. As the underlying mechanism of the invasion and replication process still remains largely unknown, we investigated the role of candidate proteins expressed during EV71 invasion in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) to delineate the pathophysiological mechanism of EV-71 infection. Materials and Methods: Ninety-one candidate EV71-associated proteins which could bind the major capsid protein (viral protein 1 [VP1]) of EV71 on the HBMEC were identified by applying an analysis of glutathione-S-transferase pull-down coupling with liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Seventy-eight kDa glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) binding to the VP1 protein was further validated by co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. To explore the role of GRP78 in EV71 infection, GRP78 was knocked down and overexpressed in HBMEC and was verified by TCID50 assay. Results: LC-ESI-MS/MS-identified 91 proteins were subjected to gene ontology analysis, and on molecular and biological function analysis revealed GRP78 act as an important binding protein in mediating EV71 infection. In addition, immunofluorescence demonstrated the co-localisation of GRP78 and VP1 in cytoplasm of the infected HBMEC. The TCID50 assay showed that knockdown of GRP78 could attenuate the replication capacity of EV71 in HBMEC, and the overexpression could increase the virus titre in HBEMC at 24 h post-infection suggesting that GRP78 was associated with the replication capacity of EV71 in HBMEC. Conclusion: These findings provided evidence that GRP78 plays an important role during the progression of EV71 infection as a mediator in HBMEC.

The regulation of tight junction protein via PKCα/β for abnormal permeability of brain microvascular endothelial cells exposed to paraquat / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To explore if conventional protein kinase C (cPKC: PKCα and PKCβ) contributes to paraquat (PQ) -induced abnormal permeability of mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) via the regulation of tight junction (TJ) proteins.@*Methods@#The immortalized mouse brain endothelial cell line (bEnd.3) was used to establish a monolayer blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. In order to evaluate the function of the in vitro BBB model, the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability were measured by a Millicell-ERS volt-ohmmeter and sodium fluorescent (Na-FLU) , respectively. MTT assay was used to determine the relative survival rate of cells. The dose-response relationship was determined by treating cells with 0, 50, 100, 200, and 300 μmol/L PQ for 24 hours. The time-response relationship was determined by treating cells with 200 μmol/L PQ for 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. After the treatment of cells with 0, 100, 200, and 300 μmol/L PQ for 24 hours, the protein and mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 were measured by immunofluorescence (IF) and quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) , respectively; the expression of PKCα, PKCβ, phosphorylated (p) -PKCα, and p-PKCβ was determined by Western blot. After the treatment of cells with 200? mol/L PQ for 24 hours following the pretreatment with a classical PKC inhibitor (Go 6983, 1 μmol/L) for 1 hour, the protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-5, p-PKCα, and p-PKCβ was measured by Western blot.@*Results@#The TEER of the bEnd. 3 cells increased gradually with the cell culture time, and reached a peak value of 114.3±6.9 Ω·cm2 on day 6. According to the permeability analysis by Na-FLU, cell permeability gradually decreased with the cell culture time, and reached 1.7±0.2 cm/min on day 6, suggesting a well-behaved barrier function of cells. Compared with the control group, the survival rates of the bEnd.3 cells were significantly reduced after exposure to 100, 200, or 300 μmol/L PQ for 24 hours (P<0.05) , or after exposure to 200 μmol/L PQ for 6, 12, 24, 48, or 72 hours (P <0.05) , indicating a dose-and time-dependent relationship. The IF and qRT-PCR results showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 were significantly reduced with the increase in the concentration of PQ (P<0.05) . The Western blot analysis showed that compared with the control group, cells exposed to PQ had significantly higher protein expression of p-PKCα and p-PKCβ and significantly lower protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 (P<0.05) . Compared with the PQ treatment group, the Go 6983 intervention group had significantly higher protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 and significantly lower protein expression of p-PKCα and p-PKCβ (P<0.05) .@*Conclusion@#By activation of cPKC (PKCα and PKCβ) , PQ reduces the protein and mRNA expression of TJ proteins and enhances the permeability of murine BMECs.

Protective effects and mechanism of Naoxintong Capsules on rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the protective effects and mechanism of Naoxintong Capsules (NXT) on primary cultured neonate rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation. Methods: The primary cultured rBMECs model was established and the identification of rabbit anti-rat VIII factor was carried out. MTT was used to screen out the concentration range of NXT intestinal absorption solution to pretect rBMEC in vitro, three doses were selected for experiment. The experimental groups were divided into control group, model group, nimodipine group (200 μg/mL, NXT intestinal absorption solution group (62.50 mg/L, 125.00 mg/L, and 250.00 mg/L), and NXT intestinal absorption solution (250.00 mg/L) and LY294002 (20 μmol/L, PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor) co-administration group. The morphology of rBMECs was observed under inverted microscope. The expression of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in the cell supernatant was detected by ELISA kit. The apoptosis was observed by Hoechst33342 staining fluorescence microscope. The early apoptotic rate of rBMECs in each group was detected by FCM, and the expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway key proteins was detected by Western blotting. Results: Compared with model group, the administration of NXT could significantly improve the morphology of rBMECs, decrease the intracellular levels of LDH and MMP-9, significantly reduce the number of apoptotic cells and early apoptotic rate of rBMECs, and inhibit the expression of p-Akt, Bcl-2 upregulation, decrease the expression of Bax, and inhibit caspase-3 activity. The addition of LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, blocked the signal transduction of this pathway and significantly reduced the protective effect of NXT. Conclusion: NXT have protective effects on rBMECs induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation, and its mechanism is related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Improving effect of exosomes of mesenchymal stem cells with high expression of miR-132-3p on hypoxia/reoxygenation impaired brain microvascular endothelial cell function / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To study the effect of exosomes ( EXs) released from high expression of miR-132-3p mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injured endothelial cell function. Methods MSCs extracted from bone marrow of C57BL/6 mice were cultured primarily. MSCmiR-132-3p was obtained from MSCs infected with lentivirus loaded with miR-132-3p vector. At the same time,MSCNC was obtained by infecting MSCs with control lentivirus loaded with scramble sequence. EXs released from MSCNCand MSCmiR-132-3pwas isolated,and MSC-EXs and MSC-EXsmiR-132-3pwere obtained respectively. The obtained EXs and H/R damaged mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (bend3) were co-cultured. According to culture conditions,the cells were divided into normal culture group (normal cell culture),H/R group (making a H/R model),MSC-EXs group (MSC-EXs co-culture),MSC-EXsmiR-132-3p group (MSC-EXsmiR-132-3pco-culture), and MSC-EXsmiR-132-3p+ LY294002 group ( before the cells and MSC-EXsmiR-132-3pwere co-cultured,treated by adding phosphatidyl alcohol 3 kinase [ PI3K] signaling pathway blocker LY294002 [20 μmol/L]). Quantitative real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of miR-132-3p in MSCs,MSC-EXs,and bend3 cells. Angiogenesis kit was used to detect angiogenic ability of bend3 cells,and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect the proliferative capacity of bend3 cells. Scratch test was used to detect the migration ability of bend3 cells. hochest33258 staining showed cell apoptosis. Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation level of protein kinase B ( Akt) . Results Compared with the H/R group, the MSC-EXs treatment group significantly improved the angiogenesis,proliferation,migration abilities, and Akt phosphorylation level of bend 3 cell damage induced by H/R (The H/R group were 3 ± 1,0. 275 ± 0. 020,147 ± 8 μm,and 0. 89 ± 0. 12,respectively;the MSC-EXs treatment group were 8 ± 3,0. 358 ± 0. 030,218 ± 10 μm, and 1. 37 ± 0. 25 μm,respectively;all P<0. 01). Apoptosis was significantly reduced (47 ± 2% vs. 63 ± 2%,all P<0. 01). Compared with the MSC-EXs treatment group,the angiogenesis,proliferation,migration abilities,and Akt phosphorylation level of bend 3 cells in the MSC-EXsmiR-132-3ptreatment group were increased (14 ±3,0. 444 ± 0.050,357±10μm,and1.67±0.23,respectively,all P<0.01).Apoptosis was significantly reduced (34±1%,all P<0. 01) . Compared with the MSC-EXsmiR-132-3ptreatment group, cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis abilities,and Akt phosphorylation level in the MSC-EXsmiR-132-3p+LY294002 group were significantly reduced (5 ± 2,0. 304 ± 0. 050,175 ± 8 μm and 0. 95 ± 0. 11,respectively,all P<0. 01). Conclusion MSC-EXs with high expression of miR-132-3p may improve many physiological functions of H/R-induced damaged cerebrovascular endothelial cells by activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Effects of Treponema pallidum on the expression of chemokine ligand 6, 8, 10 in human brain microvascular endothelial cells / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects of Treponema pallidum (T.pallidum) on the expression of chemokine ligands (CXCL) in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs).Methods HBMECs were randomly divided into 4 groups,which were treated with viable T.pallidum suspension (T.pallidum group),heat-inactivated T.pallidum suspension (inactivated T.pallidum group),200 μg/L lipopolysaccharide (LPS group) and cell culture medium (blank control group),respectively,for 6,12 and 24 hours.Fluorescence-based quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression of CXCL6,CXCL8 and CXCL10 in HBMECs in the above groups respectively.Transwell migration assay was conducted to evaluate the effects of T.pallidum-stimulated HBMECs on the chemotaxis of human promyelocytic HL-60 leukemia cells (HL-60 cells).Results At 6,12 and 24 hours,the T.pallidum group showed significantly higher mRNA expression of CXCL6,CXCL8 and CXCL10 in HBMECs compared with the blank control group and inactivated T.pallidum group (all P ＜ 0.05),while there were no significant differences between the blank control group and inactivated T.pallidum group (all P ＞ 0.05).Compared with the LPS group,the T.pallidum group showed significantly decreased mRNA expression of CXCL6 and CXCL8 (P ＜ 0.05),but similar mRNA expression of CXCL10(P ＞ 0.05)at 6,12 and 24 hours.At these time points,the levels of CXCL6 and CXCL8 in the culture supernatant of HBMECs were significantly higher in the T.pallidum group than in the blank control group and the inactivated T.pallidum group (all P ＜ 0.05),but no significant differences were observed between the blank control group and the inactivated T.pallidum group (both P ＞ 0.05).Moreover,there were no significant differences in the level of CXCL10 in the culture supernatant of HBMECs among the T.pallidum group,the inactivated T.pallidum group and the blank control group (all P ＞ 0.05).The number of migratory HL-60 cells in the lower Transwell chambers was significantly higher in the T.pallidum group than in the inactivated T.pallidum group and the blank control group (both P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Viable T.pallidum can up-regulate the gene expression of CXCL6,CXCL8 and CXCL10 in HBMECs,promote the secretion of CXCL6 and CXCL8,and enhance the chemotactic effect of HBMECs on HL-60 cells,which may play a certain role in the occurrence of neurosyphilis.

Protective effect of Huoxue-Dingxuan capsule-medicated serum on mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell line bEnd.3 with hypoxic injury / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the protective effect of Huoxue-Dingxuan capsule-medicated serum on mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell line bEnd .3 with hypoxic injury .METHODS:The Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and Huoxue-Dingxuan capsule group .The serum was collected at the 7th day after drug administration . The bEnd.3 cells were divided into normal group , hypoxia serum model group and Huoxue-Dingxuan capsule serum group . After administration of the medicated serum , bEnd.3 cell were treated with hypoxia for 6 h.The cell morphology was ob-served under microscope , the apoptosis rate and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry , and the activity of superoxide dismutase ( SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde ( MDA) were detected by ELISA .RESULTS:Compared with other groups, Huoxue-Dingxuan capsule-medicated serum significantly resisted the injury caused by hypoxia , obviously improved the morphology of bEnd .3 cells, significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells induced by hypoxia , and effectively in-hibited the occurrence of hypoxia-induced G1/S phase arrest in the bEnd.3 cells.At the same time, the medicated serum inhibited MDA production , and increased SOD activity .CONCLUSION: Huoxue-Dingxuan capsule attenuates hypoxia-induced bEnd .3 cell damage by enhancing the antioxidant capacity of cells and inhibiting cell apoptosis .