D609 induces vascular endothelial cells and marrow stromal cells differentiation into neuron-like cells.

AIM: To investigate the effect of tricyclodecane-9-yl-xanthogenate (D609) on cell differentiation in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and marrow stromal cells (MSCs). METHODS: Morphological changes were observed under phase contrast microscope. Electron microscope and immunostaining were used for VECs identification. The expressions of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: After 6 h of induction with D609, some VECs showed morphological changes characteristic of neurones. 9 h later, more VECs became neuron-like cells. About 30.8% of VECs displayed positive NSE (P<0.01), while the expression of GFAP was negative. When MSCs were exposed to D609, the cells displayed neuronal morphologies, such as pyramidal cell bodies and processes formed extensive networks at 3 h. 6 h later, almost all of the cells exhibited a typical neuronal appearance, and 85.6% of MSCs displayed intensive positive NSE, but GFAP did not express. CONCLUSION: D609 induces VECs and MSCs differentiation into neuron-like cells.

Effects of novel safrole oxide derivatives, 1-methoxy-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-propanol and 1-ethoxy-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-propanol, on apoptosis induced by deprivation of survival factors in vascular endothelial cells.

Two safrole oxide derivatives, 1-methoxy-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-propanol (MOD) and 1-ethoxy-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-propanol (EOD), were newly synthesized as promoters of apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of these two safrole oxide derivatives on cell growth and apoptosis induced by deprivation of survival factors (serum and fibroblast growth factors, aFGF and bFGF) in VECs. Morphological changes were observed with light microscopy. Cell growth was determined by using MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenytetrazolium) method. DNA fragmentation was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and fluorescence microscopy. Apoptosis rate and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). The cells deprived of FGF and serum were exposed to MOD 10-40 mg l(-1) for 24 h. Cell growth was suppressed (P<.01), while detachment and DNA fragmentation of these cells were promoted (P<.01). When the cells were treated with MOD30 mg l(-1) for 24 h, apoptosis rate was 21.43% (P<.01). The fact that 66.50% of the cells were trapped in S phase of cell cycle indicated that the cell cycle was blocked at S phase. Treated with EOD 10-40 mg l(-1) for 24 h, the cells were observed; the results showed that VEC growth was inhibited and the apoptosis was triggered (P<.01). At 30 mg l(-1) concentration, EOD blocked 55.22% of the cells at S phase. The data suggested that MOD and EOD might promote apoptosis of VEC by blocking the cell cycle at S phase.

Effect of safrole oxide on vascular endothelial cell growth and apoptosis induced by deprivation of fibroblast growth factor.

AIM: To investigate effect of safrole oxide on cell growth and apoptosis induced by deprivation of survival factors (fibroblast growth factors, aFGF and bFGF) in vascular endothelial cells (VEC). METHODS: Morphological changes were observed by light microscopy. Cell growth was determined by MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium) method. DNA fragmentation was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and fluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). RESULTS: The cells deprived of FGF were exposed to safrole oxide 5-25 mg/L for 24 h. Cells spreading and growth were promoted (P<0.01), detachment and DNA fragmentation of these cells were suppressed (P<0.01), safrole oxide 10 mg/L had no obvious effect on cell cycle distribution (P>0.05). When the cells were treated with safrole oxide 50-100 mg/L, detachment and DNA fragmentation of VEC were promoted (P<0.01). The cell cycle was blocked at G2-M phase by safrole oxide 100 mg/L. CONCLUSION: Safrole oxide 10 mg/L inhibited, but 100 mg/L promoted apoptosis of VEC. Safrole oxide might be an important compound that affects VEC growth and apoptosis.