Objective
To investigate the effects of human insulin-like growth factor 1 (hIGF-1) gene transfected by recombinant adenovirus vector (Ad-hIGF-1) on the apoptosis of rabbit nucleus pulposus cells induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α).
Methods
The intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus were harvested from 8 healthy adult domestic rabbits (male or female, weighing 2.0-2.5 kg). The nucleus pulposus cells were isolated with collagenase II digestion and the passage 2 cells were cultured to logarithm growing period, and then they were divided into 3 groups according to culture condition: DMEM/F12 medium containing 10% PBS, DMEM/F12 medium containing 10% PBS and 100 ng/mL TNF-α, and DMEM/ F12 medium containing 10% PBS, 100 ng/ mL TNF-α, and Ad-hIGF-1 (multiplicity of infection of 50) were used in control group, TNF-α group, and Ad-hIGF-1 group, respectively. The results of transfection by adenovirus vector carrying hIGF-1 gene were observed by fluorescent microscopy; the expression of hIGF-1 protein was detected by Western blot, hIGF-1 mRNA expression by RT-PCR, and the cell apoptosis rate by TUNEL and flow cytometry.
Results
Green fluorescence was observed by fluorescent microscopy in Ad-hIGF-1 group, indicating that successful cell transfection. The expressions of hIGF-1 protein and mRNA were detected in Ad-hIGF-1 group by Western blot and RT-PCR, while the control group and TNF-α group had no expression. The cell apoptosis rates of TNF-α group, Ad-hIGF-1 group, and control group were 34.24% ± 4.60%, 6.59% ± 1.03%, and 0.40% ± 0.15%, respectively. The early apoptosis rates of TNF-α group, Ad-hIGF-1 group, and control group were 22.16% ± 2.69%, 5.03% ± 0.96%, and 0.49% ± 0.05%, respectively; the late cell apoptosis rates were 13.96% ± 4.86%, 10.68% ± 3.42%, and 0.29% ± 0.06%, respectively. Compared with TNF-α group, the cell apoptosis rates of Ad-hIGF-1 group and control group were significantly reduced (P lt; 0.05); the cell apoptosis rate of Ad-hIGF-1 group was significantly higher than that of control group (P lt; 0.05).
Conclusion
Ad-hIGF-1 could inhibit the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells induced by TNF-α.
Objective To investigate the protective effects and the mechanism of recombinant human growth hormone on the intestinal barrier function. Methods The literatures of recent years were reviewed and summarized． Results The recombinant human growth hormone not only prevent mucosal cells and immunological cells from apoptosis, but also antagonize the damage of NO, cytokines, as well as endotoxin on intestinal barrier. What’s more, it increases the intestinal uptake and utilization of glutamine. All of the above could maintain the integrity and functions of the intestinal barrier. Conclusion The recombinant human growth hormone protects the intestinal barrier function through different ways.
Objective：To observe the protective effect of ginkgo bilo ba extrac t (EGb 761), a free radical scavenger, on the photoreceptor cells after lighti nduced retinal damage.
Methods：Seventytwo female SpragueDa wley (SD) rats we re randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, lightinduced retinal da m age model group, model+physiological saline group, and model+EGb 761 group, with 18 rats in each group. All of the rats except the ones in the control group were exposed to white light at (2740plusmn;120) lx for 6 hours after the dark adap tation for 24 hours to set up the lightinduced retinal damage model. Rats in m o del + physiological saline group and model+EGb 761 group were intraperitoneall y injected daily with physiological saline and 0.35% EGb 761 (100 mg/kg), respec tively 7 days before and 14 days after the light exposure. Apoptosis of photorec eptor cells was detected 4 days after light exposure; 7 and 14 days after light exposure, histopathological examination was performed and the layer number of ou ter nuclear layers (ONL) on the superior and inferior retina was counted.
Results：Four days after light exposure, the apoptosis of photorecep tor cells was fou nd on ONL in model, model+ physiological saline and model+EGb 761 group, and w as obviously less in model + EGb 761 group than in model and model+physiologic al saline group. Seven days after light exposure, the layers of ONL on the super ior retina were 3 to 4 in model and model+physiological saline group, and 7 to 8 in model+EGb 761 group; the mean of the layer number of ONL in model+EGb 761 group (6.92plusmn;0.82) was less than that in normal control group (8.40plusmn;0.95) (t=-1.416, P＜0.05), but significantly more than that in model (5.96 plusmn;1.36 ) and model+physiological saline group (5.90plusmn;1.40）（t=1.024, 1.084; P＜0.05). Fourteen days after light exposure, the layers of ONL on the superior retina were 0 to 1 in model and model+physiological saline group, and 3 to 4 i n model+EGb 761 group. The mean of the layer number of ONL in model+EGb 761 group (5.5 2plusmn;1.06) was significantly more than that in model (3.44plusmn;2.15) and model + physiological saline group (3.37plusmn;1.91) (t=2.082, 2.146, P＜0.05).
Conclusion：EGb 761 can partially inhibit the apoptosis of pho toreceptor cells, thus exert protective effect on photoreceptor cells.
Objective To explore effects of edaravone on apoptosis and expressions of apoptotic proteins Smac and XIAP in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell of rats under intermittent hypoxia. Methods A total of 96 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, 5% intermittent hypoxic group and edaravone group, and each group was divided into 4 time groups at 7 d, 14 d, 21 d and 28 d, respectively, with 8 rats in each subgroup. The content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hippocampal tissues of the experimental rats was detected by the reactive oxygen species detection kit. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of Smac and XIAP protein in hippocampal CA1 region. The Tunel method detected the apoptosis of neurons. Results Compared with the control group, the content of ROS, the expressions of Smac and XIAP proteins and the neuronal apoptosis index in the hippocampus were increased in the 5% intermittent hypoxia group and the edaravone group at each time point (all P<0.05). The content of ROS, the Smac protein expression and the neuronal apoptosis index in the edaravone group were significantly lower than those in the 5% intermittent hypoxia group (all P<0.05). The expression of XIAP protein in the edaravone group was significantly higher than that in the 5% intermittent hypoxia group (P<0.05). Conclusion Edaravone may improve the antioxidant capacity of the body by scavenging oxygen free radicals and regulate Smac and XIAP- mediated apoptosis, thus playing a protective role on neurons.
Objective
To analyze the expression of apoptosis-related genes of retinal blood vessel in early diabetic rats by gene chip technology.
Methods
To make diabetic rat model by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). On the 6th week after blood pressure increased, 10 rats were executed in Diabetic group and normal control group respectively. 20 retinal blood vessels were extracted and the RNA was isolated. The probe was made of alpha;-32 P-deoxyadenosine triphosphate (dATP)-labeled sample which hybridized 1176 nylon chips, and then analyzed by software. Three different expression genes were selected to verify by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results
On the 6th week, 136 （11.5％） genes were differentially expressed ［up-regulated genes were 90(7.6%), down-regulated genes were 46(3.9%)］in diabetic group. These genes involved into different groups according to their function. Especially in 72 apoptosis-related genes, 15 genes were differentially expressed. The up-regulated genes were some TNF receptor family members such as TNFRSF12, TRAIL, TNFRSF9, FADD；Bcl-2 family members such as bcl-w, bax, bak1 and AKT. The down-regulated genes were FAF1 which related to fas.
Conclusions
The expression of retinal vascular gene in early diabetic rats has been changed complicatedly. In particular, the multiple apoptosis-related genes have been changed in early diabetic, and most of them are at the upstream of apoptosis pathway. These findings indicate that the development of diabetic retinopathy is associated with multiple signaling pathways leading to apoptosis, while the alterations on the level of molecular biochemistry are still limited in apoptosis induction period.
（Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2008，24：244-248）
Objective Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation can potentially regenerate the degenerated intervertebral disc, with the underlying regenerating mechanism remaining largely unknown. To investigate the potential of human BMSCs protecting nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in a coculturesystem, and to illustrate the possible mechanisms of BMSCs transplantation for intervertebral disc regeneration. Methods BMSCs collected by density gradient centrifugation in Percoll solution were cultured and sub-cultured till passage 3, and the surface molecules of CD34, CD45, and CD13 were identified. NPCs were isolated by collagenase digestion and the chondrocyte l ike phenotype was confirmed by morphologic observation after HE staining, inverted phase contrast microscope, proteoglycan, and collagen type II expression after toluidine blue and immunocytochemistry staining. The 3rd passage BMSCs and the 1st passage NPCs were divided into four groups: group A, NPCs (1 × 106 cells) were cultured alone without apoptosis inducing (negative control); group B, NPCs (1 × 106 cells) were co-cultured with BMSCs (1 × 106 cells) with apoptosis inducing; group C, NPCs (1 × 106 cells) were co-cultured with BMSCs (3 × 105 cells) with apoptosis inducing; group D, NPCs (1 × 106 cells) were cultured alone with apoptosis inducing (positive control). After 3 or 7 days of culture or co-culture, the NPCs in groups B, C, and D were exposed to 0.1 mmol hydrogen peroxide for 20 minutes to induce apoptosis. With DAPI staining cellular nucleus, Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining cellular membrane for flow cytometry analysis, the apoptosis of NPCs in each group was studied both qual itatively and quantitatively. Besides, the changes in Bax/Bcl-2 gene transcription and Caspase-3 protein content, were analyzed with semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Results BMSCs were successfully isolated and CD34-, CD45-, and CD13+ were demonstrated; after isolated from degenerated intervertebral discs and sub-cultured, the spindle-shaped 1st passage NPCs maintained chondrocyte phenotype with the constructive expressions of proteoglycan and collagen type II in cytoplasm. DAPI staining showed the nucleus shrinkage of apoptosis NPCs. Co-cultured with BMSCs for 3 days and 7 days, the apoptosis rates of NPCs in groups B (29.26% ± 8.90% and 18.03% ± 2.25%) and C (37.10% ± 3.28% and 13.93% ± 1.25%) were lower than that in group D (54.90% ± 5.97% and 26.97% ± 3.10%), but higher than that of groupA (15.67% ± 1.74% and 8.87% ± 0.15%); all showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). Besides, semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed Bcl-2 gene transcription up-regulated (P lt; 0.05) and no significant change of Bax (P gt; 0.05); Western blot result showed that the Caspase-3 protein expression of groups B and C was lower than that of group D, and was higher than that of group A; all showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion In a co-culture system without direct cellular interactions, the oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of human NPCs was amel iorated by BMSCs. The enhanced anti-apoptosis abil ity of NPCs preconditioned by co-culturing with BMSCs might come from the decreased Bax/Bcl-2 gene transcription ratio.
ObjectiveTo determine whether there is an imbalance of KLF2/RelA in peripheral blood neutrophils in patients with bronchial asthma, and explore the relationship between KLF2/RelA imbalance and neutrophil apoptosis.MethodsFrom April 2011 to April 2012, a total of 39 patients with acute attack of asthma in Hunan People's Hospital and Third People's Hospital of Changsha were enrolled, with 13 cases in mild asthma group, 17 cases in moderate asthma group, and 9 cases in severe asthma group. Fifteen healthy subjects were recruited as control group. Peripheral blood were collected from all subjects followed by separation of neutrophils. The apoptosis of neutrophils were measured by flow cytometry. The expression of KLF2 and RelA were detected by Western blot. The relationship between the ratio of KLF2/RelA and neutrophil apoptosis rate was analyzed by Pearson correlation test.ResultsNeutrophil apoptosis rates in the mild, moderate and severe asthma groups [(4.45±0.76)%, (2.10±0.25)%, (1.81±0.67)%, repectively] were lower than that in the healthy control group [(5.36±0.57)%, all P<0.01]. The apoptosis rates of neutrophils in the moderate and severe asthma groups were lower than that in the mild asthma group (bothP<0.01), but there was no significant difference between the moderate asthma group and the severe asthma group (P>0.05). The ratios of neutrophil KLF2/RelA in the mild, moderate and severe asthma groups were lower than that in the normal control group (0.667±0.351, 0.384±0.203, 0.536±0.293vs. 4.038±2.011, all P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the groups of mild, moderate and severe asthma (P>0.05). The neutrophil apoptosis rate was positively correlated with the percentage of neutrophil KLF2/RelA (r=0.592 0, P<0.000 1).ConclusionThere is an imbalance of KLF2/RelA in peripheral blood neutrophils in patients with bronchial asthma, and the imbalance of KLF2/RelA may be the mechanism of apoptosis of peripheral blood neutrophils.
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of carboxymethylated chitosan (CMCS) on oxidative stress induced apoptosis of Schwann cells (SCs), and the expressions of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and gl ial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in oxidative stress induced SCs.
MethodsTwenty-four 3-5 days old Sprague Dawley rats (weighing 25-30 g, male or female) were involved in this study. The bilateral sciatic nerves of rats were harvested and SCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. The purity of SCs was identified by immunofluorescence staining of S-100. SCs were treated with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 0.01, 0.10, and 1.00 mmol/L) for 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours to establ ish the apoptotic model. The cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry analysis were used to detect the cell viabil ity and apoptosis induced by H2O2, and the optimal concentration and time for the apoptotic model of SCs were determined. The 2nd passage SCs were divided into 5 groups and were treated with PBS (control), with 1.00 mmol/L H2O2, with 1.00 mmol/L H2O2+50 μg/mL CMCS, with 1.00 mmol/L H2O2+100 μg/mL CMCS, and with 1.00 mmol/L H2O2+200 μg/mL CMCS, respectively. After cultured for 24 hours, the cell viabil ity was assessed by CCK-8, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry analysis, the expressions of mRNA and protein of BDNF and GDNF were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot.
ResultsThe immunofluorescence staining of S-100 indicated the positive rate was more than 95%. CCK-8 and flow cytometry results showed that H2O2 can inhibit the proliferation of SCs and induce the SCs apoptosis with dose dependent manner, the effect was the most significant at 1.00 mmol/L H2O2 for 24 hours; after addition of CMCS, SCs exhibited the increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis in a dose dependent manner. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis showed that 1.00 mmol/L H2O2 can significantly inhibit BDNF and GDNF expression in SCs when compared with control group (P<0.05), 50-200 μg/mL CMCS can reverse the oxidative stress-induced BDNF and GDNF expression in SCs in a dose dependent manner, showing significant difference compared with control group and 1.00 mmol/L H2O2 induced group (P<0.05). There were significant differences among different CMCS treated groups (P<0.05).
ConclusionCMCS has the protective stress on oxidative stress induced apoptosis of SCs, and may promote the BDNF and GDNF expressions of neurotrophic factors in oxidative stress induced SCs.
Objective To investigate the effect of berbamine (BBM) on the proliferation and apoptosis of retinoblastoma (RB) HXO-RB44 cells and its possible mechanism in vitro.Methods RB cells in logarithmic growth phase were divided into BBM treated group and control group. RB cells in BBM treated group were cultured with different concentrations of BBM (2,4,8,16 and 32 mg/L) for 24,48 and 72 hours, respectively. The proliferation was assayed by methyl Thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). RB cells were cultured with different concentrations of BBM (4,8 and 16 mg/L) for 24 hours. The early apoptotic rates were detected by flow cytometry; the expression of bcl-2 and Bax were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the activity of Caspase-3 was detected by colorimetric assay.Results BBM could obviously inhibit the proliferation of RB cells in a time and dose dependent manner (24 hours: F=70.547,P＜0.01; 48 hours: F=603.438,P＜0.01; 72 hours: F=577.521,P＜0.01). The IC50 value at 24,48 and 72 hours were 25.26, 10.94 and 6.25 mg/L, respectively. Necrosis rates of control group and BBM treated group were (1.25plusmn;0.45)%, (4.10plusmn;2.95)%, (4.39plusmn;0.21)% and (10.54plusmn;4.38)% respectively; the difference between two groups was statistically significant (F=6.527,P＜0.05). Apoptotic and necrosis rates in advanced stage of control group and BBM treated group were (2.13plusmn;0.71)%, (5.45plusmn;2.31)%, (9.86plusmn;3.18)% and (11.10plusmn;1.70)%, respectively. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (F=10.845,P＜0.05). Early apoptotic rates of control group and BBM treated group were (0.51plusmn;0.26)%, (2.68plusmn;0.35)%, (5.97plusmn;0.50)% and (11.22plusmn;1.17)%, respectively. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (F=144.976,P＜0.01). In addition, BBM dose-dependently reduced bcl-2 level and increased Bax expression, causing the reduction of the bcl-2/Bax protein ratio as well as increased the Caspase-3 activity in RB cells remarkably (bcl-2: F=835.726,P＜0.01; bax: F=111.963, P＜0.01;Caspase-3:F=298.058,P＜0.01).Conclusions BBM can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis or necrosis of RB cells in vitro, down regulating the expression of bcl-2, up regulating the expression of Bax. Along with increased Caspase-3 activity these may be the apoptotic mechanisms.
Objective To study the effect of olfactory ensheathingcells(OECs) transplantation on protecting spinal cord and neurons after peripheral nerve injury. Methods Fifty-five SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (n=5), experimental group (n=25) and control group (n=25). The right sciatic nerves of all the rats were transected. The proximal end was embedded in muscle and treated with OECs (experimental group) and DMEM (control group). No treatment was given to the blank group. The rats were sacrificed 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 days after the transplantation, the related neurons were observed with histological and TUNEL methods. Results After sciatic nerves were transected, death of neurons occurred in spinal cord and ganglion. One, 2, 3 days after treatment, the neuron survival rate in experimental group was 98.4％±6.5%，97.6％±6.5%，95.2％±6.7% respectively. The neuron survival rate in control group was 97.8％±6.7%，97.4％±6.4%，94.3％±6.8% 1, 2, and 3 days after treatment respectively. There was no significant difference between experimental group and control group. Seven and 14 days after treatment, the neuron survival rate in experimental group was 92.4％±8.9%，87.7％±9.4% respectively. The neuron survival rate in control group was 87.4％±8.6%，83.4％±8.5% 7 and 14 days after treatment respectively. There was significant difference between experimental group and control group. On 1st and 2nd day, no apoptosis was seen in spinal cord anterior horn of the rats in both experimental group and control group. On 3rd, 7th, and 14th day, the apoptosis index of spinal cord anterior horn motoneuron in experimental rats were lower（1.2±0.8，1.4±0.6，4.1±1.3） than that in the control group（2.1±1.1，3.1±1.1，6.1±1.8）（Plt;0.05）. One, 2, and 3 days after the operation, no ganglion neurons apoptosis was observed in all rats. On 7th day the apoptosis index of ganglion neurons in experimental group（2.10±0.32）were lower than thatin control group （4.40±0.56）（Plt;0.05）. On 14th day there was no significant difference in the apoptosis index of ganglion neurons between experimental group （4.30±1.80）and control group（6.70±2.50）(P＜0.05). Conclusion Apoptosis of neurons occur after peripheral nerve injury in spinal cord and ganglion. OECs transplantation is effective in preventing apoptosis.
