ObjectiveTo observe the effects of four prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptors (EP1-4R) on the activation of inflammasomes and cell damage in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMEC) in a high glucose environment.MethodsThe hRMEC were divided into normal group and high glucose group, and they were cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium containing 5.5 and 30.0 mmol/L glucose, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to observe the apoptosis rate of the high glucose group and the normal group; enzyme chain immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the level of PGE2 in the culture supernatant of hRMEC cells. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of cyclooxyganese (COX2) and EP1-4R in hRMEC. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of EP1-4R mRNA in hRMEC. After 72 h of culture, the cells in the high glucose group were divided into control group, PGE2 group, EP1-4R agonist group, PGE2+EP1-4R inhibitor group, and dimethylsulfoxide group. According to the group, each group was given the corresponding agonist or inhibitor to continue the culture for 24 h. QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization structure-like receptor protein (NLRP3) and pro-interleukin (IL)-1β mRNA in each group of cells. ELISA was used to detect the content of IL-1β and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in the cell culture supernatant. Western blot was used to detect the expression of cleaved Caspase-1 in each group of cells. At the same time, hRMEC in a high glucose environment was given IL-1β stimulation for 24 h, and the activity of LDH in the supernatant of the cell culture medium was detected.ResultsThe apoptotic rate, COX2 protein expression, and PGE2 protein content in hRMEC in the high glucose group were significantly higher than those in the normal group, and they were time-dependent. Compared with the normal group, the expression levels of EP1R, EP2R, EP4R protein and mRNA in hRMEC in the high glucose group were higher than those in the normal group (P＜0.05). Compared with the control group, PGE2 group (t=4.627, P＜0.01), EP1-4R agonist group (t=3.889, 3.583, 2.445, 3.216; P＜0.05) hRMEC NLRP3 mRNA expression level was significantly increased; the expression level of pro-IL-1β mRNA increased, however the difference was not statistically significant (PGE2 group: t=1.807, P＞0.05; EP1-4R agonist group: t=1.807, 1.477, 0.302, 1.926, P＞0.05). Compared with the PGE2 group, the expression of NLRP3 mRNA in hRMEC in the PGE2+EP2R inhibitor group was significantly reduced (t=2.812, P＜0.05); the expression of pro-IL-1β mRNA in hRMEC in the PGE2+EP3R inhibitor group was significantly increased (t=4.113, P＜0.01). The protein content of IL-1β in the cell culture supernatant of the PGE2 group, EP1R agonist group and EP2R agonist group was significantly higher than that of the control group (t=5.155, 4.136, 4.817; P＜0.01). Compared with PGE2 group, the protein content of IL-1β in the cell culture supernatant of the PGE2+EP2R inhibitor group and the PGE2+EP4R inhibitor group were significantly lower than that of the PGE2 group (t=1.964, 4.765; P＜0.05). The expression of cleaved Caspase-1 in hRMEC in the PGE2 group and EP2R agonist group was significantly higher than that in the control group (t=5.332, 4.889; P＜0.05). The expression of cleaved Caspase-1 in hRMEC in the PGE2+EP2R inhibitor group was significantly lower than that of the PGE2 group (t=6.699, P＜0.01). The LDH activity in the cell culture supernatant of the PGE2 group and the EP2R agonist group was significantly higher than that of the control group (t=4.908, 4.225; P＜0.05). The activity of LDH in the cell culture supernatant of the PGE2+EP2R inhibitor group was significantly lower than that of the PGE2 group (t=5.301, P＜0.01). Compared with the control group, the LDH activity in the culture supernatant of hRMEC cells in the high glucose environment was significantly increased (t=3.499, P＜0.05).ConclusionsThe four receptors of PGE2 can activate NLRP3 and its effector molecules to varying degrees. EP2R mainly mediates hRMEC damage under high glucose environment.
Objective To investigate the expression of transcription factors including nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） and activator protein-1 （AP-1） in vascular endothelial cells （ECs） in different flow fields， and provide experimental evidence for mechanical signal effects on gene regulation pattern of ECs. Methods Cultured human umbilical vein ECs were loaded into steady flow chambers of laminar flow or turbulent flow and observed at 6 time points （0.5 h， 1 h， 2 h， 3 h， 4 h and 5 h） based on different load time. Spacial and temporal characteristics of NF-κB and AP-1 expression in ECs in different flow chambers were detected at a protein level by laser confocal microscope. Results In laminar flow， NF-κB expression rose to peak at 1 hour （26.49±1.63， P＜0.05）and then declined. In turbulent flow， NF-κB expression rose to peak at 3 hours （34.41±6.43， P＜0.05）. In laminar flow， c-Jun/AP-1 expression was transiently elevated， reached its peak at 0.5 hour （18.95±5.38，P＜0.05）and then fell to its baseline level. In turbulent flow， c-Jun/AP-1 expression rose slowly but steady to peak（P＜0.05） . Conclusion The effects of turbulent flow on NF-κB and AP-1 expression in ECs are different from those of laminar flow. Up-regulation and activation of NF-κB and AP-1 expression in ECs induced by turbulent flow may cause pathological changes in morphological structure and functional behavior of ECs.
Objective To study the differenation of adult marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) into vascular endothelial cells in vitro and to explore inducing conditions. Methods MSCs were isolated from adult marrow mononuclear cells by attaching growth. MSCs were divided into 4 groups to induce: the cells seeded at a density of 5×103/cm2 in 2% and 15% FCS LDMEM respectively (group1 and group 2)， at a density of 5×104/cm2 in 2% and 15% FCS LDMEM respectively (group 3 and group 4); vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) supplemented with Bovine pituitary extract was used to induce the cell differentiation. The differentiated cells were identified by measuring surfacemarks (CD34, VEGFR2, CD31 and vWF ) on the 14th day and 21st day and performed angiogenesis in vitroon the 21st day.The cell proliferation index（PI）of different inducing conditions were measured. Results After induced in VEGF supplemented with Bovine pituitary extract, the cells of group 3 expressed the surface marks CD34, VEGFR-2, CD31 and vWF on the 14th day, the positive rates were 8.5%, 12.0%, 40.0% and 30.0% respectively, and on the 21st day the positive ratesof CD34 and VEGFR2 increased to 15.5％ and 20.0％, while the other groups did not express these marks; the induced cells of group 3 showed low proliferating state(PI was 10.4%) and formed capillary-like structure in semisolid medium. Conclusion Adult MSCs can differentiate into vascular endothelial cellsafter induced by VEGF and Bovine pituitary extract at high cell densities and low proliferatingconditions，suggesting that adult MSCs will be ideal seed cells forthe therapeutic neovascularization and tissue engineering.
Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) has long been used as a biomarker for the liver, kidney, and bone. Currently, increasing evidence suggests a correlation between serum ALP and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Research has shown that serum ALP affects endothelial cell function and induces changes in pyrophosphate through various mechanisms to accelerate vascular calcification and promote cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, this article reviews the potential value of serum ALP in CVD through relevant research, revealing the specific relationship between serum ALP and CVD, in order to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of CVD.
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of NDRG1 on proliferation, migration and lumen formation of retinal vascular endothelial cells (RF/6A cells) in monkeys under high glucose condition. MethodsRF/6A cells were divided into normal group, mannitol group, high glucose group, small interfering RNA (siRNA) negative control group without target gene (siRNA group), 30 nmol/L siRNA down-regulated NDRG1 genome (siNDRG1 group) and 50 nmol/L siNDRG1 group. Normal group cells were cultured conventionally. The mannitol group was added with 25 mmol/L mannitol, and the high-glucose group was added with 25 mmol/L glucose. In the siRNA group, 25 mmol/L glucose was added, and then blank siRNA was added for induction. The 30 and 50 nmol/L siNDRG1 groups were added with 25 mmol/L glucose and induced with 30 and 50 nmol/L siRNDRG1, respectively. All cells were incubated for 24 h for follow-up experiments. Cell proliferation was observed by 4', 6-diaminidine 2-phenylindole staining. Cell counting kit-8 staining was used to detect cell activity. The expression level of NDRG1 mRNA and protein was detected by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell migration was observed by cell scratch assay. Cell lumen formation assay was used to detect lumen formation. The two-tailed Student t test was used to compare the two groups. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare groups. ResultsThere were significant differences in cell proliferation rate (t=36.659, 57.645) mobility rate (t=24.745, 33.638) and lumen formation number (t=41.276, 22.867) between high glucose group and normal group and mannitol group (P＜0.01). Compared with normal group and mannitol group, the relative expression levels of NDRG1gene mRNA and protein in high glucose group were significantly decreased, with statistical significance (t=46.145, 21.541, 36.738, 32.976; P＜0.001). Compared with the siRNA negative group, the relative expression levels of NDRG1gene mRNA and protein in 30 nmol/L siNDRG1 group and 50 nmol/L siNDRG1 group were significantly decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (t=44.275, 40.7577, 57.167, 25.877; P＜0.01). Compared with normal group and siRNA group, cell mobility in 30 nmol/LsiNDRG1 group was increased, and the difference was statistically significant (t=57.562, 49.522; P＜0.01). Compared with normal group and siRNA group, the number of cell lumen formation in 30 nmol/LsiNDRG1 group was significantly increased in the same field of vision, and the difference was statistically significant (t=63.446, 42.742; P＜0.01). ConclusionDown-regulation of NDRG1 gene can improve the activity, migration and lumen formation of RF/6A cells under hyperglycemia.
Objective To compare the effects of flap delay and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the viability of the rat dorsal flap. Methods Thirty rats were divided into 3 groups: saline group, flap delay group and VEGF group. The rats in flap delay group underwent flap delay by keeping bipedicle untouched, and the cranial pedicle was cut 7 days later. The rats in VEGF group were given VEGF solution locally when the flaps were elevated in the operation. The ratsin saline group were given saline solution in the same way. Five days after thesingle pedicle flaps were performed, the flap survival rate was measured. Theflap tissues were collected to measure and analyze the microvascular density, diameter and sectional area by immunochemical method. Results The flap survival rate of flap delay group was similar to that of VEGF group andthere is no statistically significant difference(Pgt;0.05). The vascular diameter of flap delay group was much larger than that of saline group and VEGF group, showing statistically significant difference (Plt;0.05). The vascular density of VEGF group was much higher than that of saline group and flap delay group, showing statistically significant difference (Plt;0.05). The vascular sectional area of flap delay group was similar to that of VEGF group(Pgt;0.05). Conclusion The change in the flap after flap delayis manifested as obvious dilatation of microvessels, while the change in the flap after the injection of VEGF is manifested as obvious vascular proliferation. Both flap delay and VEGF can increase the vascular sectional area and the viability of the flap, but the mechanism is different.
Objective To study the biological behavior of osteoblast and vascular endothelial cell culture. Methods The osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells were obtained from calvarial bone and renal cortox of 2-week rabbits respectively. The experiment were divided into group A (osteoblasts), group B (vascular endothelial cells) and group C(co-cultured osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells). The cells were identified with cytoimmunochemical staining. The cellular biological behavior and compatibilitywere observed under inverted phase contrast microscope and with histological staining. The cells viability and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity were measured. Results The cytoimmunochemical staining showed that the cultured cells were osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells .The cellular compatibility of osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells was good. The ALP activity was higher in group C than in group A and group B(P＜0.01), and it was higher in group A than in group B(P＜0.05). In group C, the cellproliferation were increased slowly early, but fast later. Conclusion Thecellular compatibility of osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells were good. The vascular endothelial cells can significantly increased the osteoblast viability and ALP activity,and the combined cultured cells have greater proliferation ability.
ObjectiveTo investigate relationship between liver non-parenchymal cells and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI).MethodThe relevant literatures on researches of the relationship between HIRI and liver non-parenchymal cells were analyzed and reviewed.ResultsDuring HIRI, hepatocytes could be severely damaged by aseptic inflammatory reaction and apoptosis. The liver non-parenchymal cells included Kupffer cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, and dendritic cells, which could release a variety of cytokines and inflammatory mediators to promote the damage, and some liver non-parenchymal cells also had effect on reducing HIRI, for example: Kupffer cells could express heme oxygenase-1 to reduce HIRI, and hepatic stellate cells may participate in the repair process after HIRI. The role of liver non-parenchymal cells in HIRI was complex, but it also had potential therapeutic value.ConclusionLiver non-parenchymal cells can affect HIRI through a variety of mechanisms, which provide new goals and strategies for clinical reduction of HIRI.
The lymphatic system is the main way of tumor metastasis and diffusion. Esophageal cancer is one of the typical cancers that are prone to metastasis through the lymphatic system. At present, an increasing number of studies show that the interaction between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells is the first step in tumor lymphatic metastasis, but the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. This article reviews the role and changes of tumor-related lymphatic vessels and lymphatic endothelial cells in the process of tumor lymphatic metastasis, which lays a foundation for further study of the specific molecular mechanism of esophageal cancer lymphatic metastasis and provides a new treatment direction for esophageal cancer patients.
ObjectiveTo compare the different effects of ubiquitin(UB) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and macrophages under normal circumstances,and analyze whether UB could protect HUVECs from lipopolysaccharide(LPS) induced injury.
MethodsThe morphologic changes of HUVECs in vitro with up-rising concentrations of UB interventions were observed. HUVECs and human macrophages in vitro were divided into 4 groups according to UB concentration (0.01 μg/mL,0.1 μg/mL, 1 μg/mL, and 10 μg/mL). Supernatant and cells of each group were collected in 24 h after UB intervention. The levels of TNF-α and VCAM-1 in supernatant were measured by ELISA while NF-κB protein level in cells was detected by Western blot. HUVECs were divided into a LPS group(LPS 10 μg/mL) and an UB+LPS group(UB 0.1 μg/mL,LPS 10 μg/mL). The supernatant of the two groups were collected in 8,16 and 24 h after LPS and UB intervention. The levels of TNF-α and VCAM-1 in supernatant were measured by ELISA.
ResultsThe injury of HUVECs got worse with the ascending concentrations of UB.At the concentration of 50 μg/mL,UB induced HUVECs got ballooned and died massively. With the increase of UB concentration,the levels of TNF-α and VCAM-1 in HUVECs' supernatant ascended firstly and then descended,while those in human macrophages' supernatant ascended gradually. zHowever,the tendency of the NF-κB protein level in the two kinds of cells was similar when the concentration of UB increased.At the consentration of 0.1 μg/mL or 1 μg/mL,ubiquitin induced NF-κB protein level obviously increased.At the concentration of 0.01 μg/mL or 10 μg/mL,UB induced the protein level was similar with those of the control group and even decreased slightly. There was no significant difference in TNF-α or VCAM-1 levels at each time point between the LPS group and the UB+LPS group.
ConclusionsUB injuries HUVECs obviously at a low concentration but injuires human macrophages at much higher concentraton. UB can not protect HUVECs from LPS-induced injury in vitro.
