Prophylactic Anti-inflammation Inhibits Cigarette Smoke-induced Emphysema in Guinea Pigs

In this study, the effect of prophylactic anti inflammation on the development of smoke induced emphysema was investigated. Young male guinea pigs aged 1.5 - 2 months (weighing 198.3±26.9 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A (cigarette smoke exposure only), group B (cigarette smoke exposure plus pentoxifylline rich (PTX, 10 mg/d) forage feeding), group C (cigarette smoke exposure plus intermittent cortical steroid injection (Triamcinolone acetonide, 3 mg, im, every three weeks) and control group (group D: animals with sham smoke exposure, raised under the same conditions). Animals in group A, B and C were exposed to smoke of cigarettes for 1 to 1.5 h twice a day, 5 days a week. All animals were killed at the 16th week and followed by morphometrical analysis of the midsagittal sectioned lung slices. Smoke exposure of 16 weeks resulted in visible emphysematous development in Group A but not in Group B and C. It was evidenced by the indicator of air space size, mean linear intercept (L m): 120.6±16.0 μm in Group A; 89.8±9.2 μm in Group B and 102.4±17.7 μm in Group C. The average L m in either group B or group C was shorter than that in Group A (ANOVA and Newman Keuls test, F=8.80, P =0.0002) but comparable to that (94.8±13.2 μm) in group D ( P >0.05). It is concluded that long term prophylactic anti inflammation inhibits pulmonary emphysema induced by cigarette smoking in the guinea pigs.

Effects of Puerarin on Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling and Protein Kinase C-α in Chronic Cigarette Smoke Exposure Smoke-exposed Rats

In order to investigate the effects of puerarin on pulmonary vascular remodeling and protein kinase C-α （PKC-α） in chronic exposure smoke rats, 54 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 groups： control group （C group）, smoke exposure groups （S4w group, S8w group）, puerarin groups （P4w group, P8w group）, propylene glycol control groups （PC4w group, PC8w group）. Rats were exposed to cigarette smoke or air for 4 to 8 weeks. Rats in puerarin groups also received puerarin. To evaluate vascular remodeling, alpha-smooth muscle actin （α-SM-actin） staining was used to count the percentage of completely muscularised vessels to intraacinar pulmonary arteries （CMA/IAPA） which was determined by morphometric analysis of histological sections. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell （PASMC） apoptosis was detected by in situ end labeling technique （TUNEL）, and proliferation by proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） staining. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis were done to detect the PKC-α mRNA and protein expression in pulmonary arteries. The results showed that in cigarette smoke-exposed rats the percentage of CMA/IAPA and α-SM-actin expression were increased greatly, PASMC apoptosis was increased and proliferation was markedly increased; Apoptosis indices （AI） and proliferation indices （PI） were higher than in C group; AI and PI were correlated with vascular remodeling indices; The expression of PKC-α mRNA and protein in pulmonary arteries was significantly higher than in C group. In rats treated with puerarin, the percentage of CMA/IAPA and cell proliferation was reduced, whereas PASMC apoptosis was increased; The expression levels of PKC-α mRNA and protein were lower than in smoke exposure rats. There was no difference among all these data between S groups and PC groups. These findings suggested that cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling was most likely an effect of the imbalance of PASMC proliferation and apoptosis. Puerarin appears to be able to reduce cell proliferation and vascular remodeling possibly through PKC signaling transduction pathway.

Vascular and Morphogenetic Abnormalities Associated with Exposure of Cigarette Smoke Condensate during Chicken and Murine Embryogenesis

Objective Embryonic movements （EM） and angiogenesis pathways are evolutionarily conserved mechanisms which are essential for proper embryonic development. Deviations in these processes by exposure to cigarette smoke condensate （CSC） may cause vascular and morphogenetic disorders. Methods Using chicken and mouse embryos, we have demonstrated the in vivo effects of CSC on EM, vascular development, and organogenesis. Results Examination of the CSC exposed chicken embryos revealed a significant reduction in EM, stunted growth, deviated pattern of blood vessels, hemorrhages, and localized necrosis. Likewise, mouse embryos that were exposed to CSC at E8.5 and E9.5 died between E11.5 and E12.5, respectively. These mouse embryos showed defects in morphogenesis and remodeling of the embryonic vasculature, while littermate controls showed normal development. Conclusion Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is fatal for growing embryos. CSC may induce the remodeling of embryonic vasculature, leading to various pathologies.

Effect of Cigarette Smoke Extract on the Role of Protein Kinase C in the Proliferation of Passively Sensitized Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells

To investigate the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the proliferation of passively sensitized human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). After synchronization of cultured HASMCs, they were divided into a group A and Group B. The group A was treated with normal human serum and served as controls and the group B was treated with the serum of asthma patients. The group A was further divided into group of A_1, A_2 and A_3 and the group B was sub-divided into the group of B_1, B_2, B_3, B_4 and B_5. No other agents were added to the group A_1 and B_1. The cells of group A_2 and B_2 were stimulated with 5 % CSE for 24 h. HASMCs from group A_3 and B_3 were treated with PKC agonist PMA (10 nmol/L) and CSE (5 %) for 24 h. PKC inhibitor Ro-31-8220 (5 μmol/L) was added to the HASMCs of group B_4 for 24 h. The cells from group B_5 were stimulated with Ro-31-8220 (5 μmol/L) and CSE (5 %) for 24 h. The proliferation of HASMCs isolated from group A and B was examined by cell cycle analysis, MTT colorimetric assay and 3H-TdR incorporation test. The expression of PKC-α in each group was observed by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. The results showed that the percentage of S phase, absorbance (A) value, the rate of 3H-TdR incorporation, the ratios of A value of PKC-α mRNA and the A value of PKC-α protein in HASMCs from group B_1, B_2 and B_3 were significantly increased compared to those of group A_1, A_2 and A_3 correspondingly and respectively (P<0.01). The proliferation of HASMCs of group A_2 and B_2 stimulated with CSE and group A_3 and B_3 stimulated with CSE and PMA were also significantly enhanced when group A_1, A_2 and A_3 and group B_1, B_2 and B_3 compared to each other (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively). The percentage of S phase, absorbency (A) value, 3H-TdR incorporation rate, the ratios of A value of PKC-α mRNA and the A value of PKC-α protein in HASMCs from group B_4 treated with Ro-31-8220 and group B_5 treated with CSE and Ro-31-8220 were significantly decreased as compared to those of group B_1 and B_2 correspondingly and respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). It was concluded that CSE can enhance the passively sensitized HASMC proliferation and the expression of PKC alpha. PKC and its alpha subtype may contribute to this process. Our results suggest cigarette may play an important role in ASMCs proliferation of asthma through PKC signal pathway.

Injury of Mouse Brain Mitochondria Induced by Cigarette Smoke Extract and Effect of Vitamin C on It in vitro

Objective To investigate the toxicity of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and nicotine on mouse brain mitochondria as well as the protective effect of vitamin C in vitro. Method Mouse brain mitochondria in vitro was incubated with CSE or nicotine in the absence or presence of vitamin C for 60 minutes, and the changes of mitochondrial function and structure were measured. Results CSE inhibited mitochondrial ATPase and cytochrome C oxidase activities in a dose-dependent manner. However, no significant changes in the peroxidation indices were observed when mitochondrial respiratory enzymes activity was inhibited, and protection of mitochondria from CSE-induced injury by vitamin C was not displayed in vitro. The effect of CSE on mouse brain mitochondria swelling response to calcium stimulation was dependent on calcium concentrations. CSE inhibited swelling of mitochondria at 6.5μmol/L Ca2+, but promoted swelling response at 250μmol/L Ca2+. Nicotine, the major component of cigarette smoke, showed no significant damage in mouse brain mitochondria in vitro. The CSE treatment induced mitochondrial inner membrane damage and vacuolization of the matrix, whereas the outer mitochondrial membrane appeared to be preserved. Conclusion The toxic effect of CSE on brain mitochondria may be due to its direct action on enzymatic activity rather than through oxygen free radical injury. Nicotine is not the responsible component for the toxicity of CSE to brain mitochondria.

Roles of TGF-β Signaling Pathway in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Endothelial Cells Stimulated with Cigarette Smoke Extract

To investigate the role of signaling pathway in the effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress（ER stress） in endothelial cells stimulated with cigarette smoke extract（CSE）. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells（HUVECs） were cultured and divided into 3 groups： CSE-stimulated group, CSE-stimulated with 4-PBA group, and negative control group. HUVECs were cultured and stimulated with CSE at concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20%, respectively, mR NA of CXCL-8 and GRP78 was detected by real-time PCR. ELISA was performed to test the expression of CXCL-8 protein, and neutrophils migration was detected by Transwell board test. The NF-κB, ERK, p38 MAPK and transforming growth factor beta（TGF-β） were detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA of CXCL-8 and GRP78 increased in CSE-stimulated HUVECs（P〈0.05）. Furthermore, it was concentration-dependent. 4-PBA significantly reduced the expression of CXCL-8 protein（P〈0.05） and neutrophil migration（P〈0.05）. The TGF-β, rather than the NF-κB, ERK and P38 MAPK pathway might be involved in ER stress stimulated by CSE. CSE induced neutrophils migration by increasing the expression of CXCL-8 in endothelial cells. ER stress might play a role in the effect of neutrophils migration stimulated with CSE, and TGF-β pathway may contribute to the ER stress in HUVECs.

Genotoxicity and Reduced Heat Shock Protein 70 in Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells Exposed to Cigarette Smoke Extract

Cigarette smoke is associated with the development of several diseases, such as chronic ob- structive pulmonary disease （COPD）. The purpose of this study was to investigate genotoxicity and heat shock protein 70 （Hsp70） in human airway smooth muscle cells （HASMCs） exposed to cigarette smoke extract （CSE）. HASMCs was exposed to CSE with different doses for 24 h. The level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine （8-OHdG） was determined by using HPLC-ECD, the DNA damage was ana- lyzed by using comet assay, and apoptosis was examined by using Annexin-FITC/PI staining. The pro- duction of Hsp70 after CSE stimulation was tested. Results indicated that CSE significantly increased the level of 8-OHdG, DNA damage and cell apoptosis, and reduced the production of Hsp70. In par- ticular, levels of Hsp70 were inversely correlated with 8-OHdG, DNA damage and cell apoptosis. It was concluded that cigarette smoke induced genotoxicity and decreased the production of cell protective protein Hsp70, which may contribute to the development of some airway diseases.

Cigarette smoke‑induced malignant transformation via STAT3 signalling in pulmonary epithelial cells in a lung‑on‑a‑chip model

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)is a severe public health problem.Cigarette smoke(CS)is a risk factor for COPD and lung cancer.The underlying molecular mechanisms of CS-induced malignant transformation of bronchial epithelial cells remain unclear.In this study,we describe a lung-on-a-chip to explore the possible mechanistic link between cigarette smoke extract(CSE)-associated COPD and lung cancer.Methods An in vitro lung-on-a-chip model was used to simulate pulmonary epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells with CSE.The levels of IL-6 and TNF-αwere tested as indicators of inflammation using an enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay.Apical junction complex mRNA expression was detected with qRT-PCR as the index of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT).The effects of CSE on the phosphorylation of signal transduction and transcriptional activator 3(STAT3)were detected by Western blotting.Flow cytometry was performed to investigate the effects of this proto-oncogene on cell cycle distribution.Results Inflammation caused by CSE was achieved in a lung-on-a-chip model with a mimetic movement.CSE exposure induced the degradation of intercellular connections and triggered the EMT process.CSE exposure also activated the phosphorylation of proto-oncogene STAT3,while these effects were inhibited with HJC0152.Conclusions CSE exposure in the lung-on-a-chip model caused activation of STAT3 in epithelial cells and endothelial cells.HJC0152,an inhibitor of activated STAT3,could be a potential treatment for CS-associated COPD and lung cancer.

Cigarette Smoke Extract Inhibits the Proliferation of Alveolar Epithelial Cells and Augments the Expression of P21^(WAF1)

Cigarette smoking is intimately related with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and alveolar epithelium is a major target for the exposure of cigarette smoke extract. In order to investigate the effect of cigarette smoke extract on the proliferation of alveolar epithelial cell type Ⅱ and its relationship with P21^WAF1, the alveolar epithelial type Ⅱ cell line （A549） cells were chosen as surrogate cells to represent alveolar epithelial type Ⅱ cells. MTT assay was used to detect cell viability after interfered with different concentrations of cigarette smoke extract. It was observed cigarette smoke extract inhibited the growth of A549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The morphological changes, involving the condensation and margination of nuclear chromatin, even karyorrhexis, were observed by both Hoechst staining and electronic microscopy. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated the increased cell percentages in G1 and subG1 phases after the cells were incubated with cigarette smoke extract. The expression of p21^WAF1 protein and mRNA was also significantly increased as detected by the methods of Western blot or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction respectively. In conclusion, cigarette smoke extract inhibits the proliferation of alveolar epithelial cell type Ⅱ and blocks them in G1/S phase. The intracelhilar accumulation of P21^WAF1 may be one of the mechanisms which contribute to cigarette smoke extract-induced inhibition of cell proliferation.

Involvement of TRPC1 and Cyclin D1 in Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation Induced by Cigarette Smoke Extract

Cigarette smoking contributes to the development of pulmonary artery hypertension(PAH).As the basic pathological change of PAH,pulmonary vascular remodeling is considered to be related to the abnormal proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells(PASMCs).However,the molecular mechanism underlying this process remains not exactly clear.The aim of this research was to study the molecular mechanism of PASMCs proliferation induced by smoking.Human PASMCs(HPASMCs)were divided into 6 groups:0%(control group),cigarette smoking extract(CSE)-treated groups at concentrations of 0.5%,1%,2%,5%,10%CSE respectively.HPASMCs proliferation was observed after 24 h.HPASMCs were divided into two groups:0(control group),0.5%CSE group.The mRNA and protein expression levels of transient receptor potential channel 1(TRPC1)and cyclin D1 in HPASMCs after CSE treatment were respectively detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.The intracellular calcium ion concentration was measured by the calcium probe in each group.In the negative control group and TRPC1-siRNA transfection group,the proliferation of HPASMCs and the expression of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein were detected.Data were compared with one-way ANOVA(for multiple-group comparison)and independent t-test(for two-group comparison)followed by the least significant difference(LSD)test with the computer software SPSS 17.0.It was found that 0.5%and 1%CSE could promote the proliferation of HPASMCs(P<0.05),and the former was more effective than the latter(P<0.05),while 3%and above CSE had inhibitory effect on HPASMCs(P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPC1 and cyclin D1 in 0.5%and 1%CSE groups were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05),while those in 3%CSE group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Moreover,the proliferation of HPASMCs and the expression of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein in TRPC1-siRNA transfection group were significantly reduced as compared with those in the negative control group(P<0.05).It was concluded that low concentration of CSE can promote the proliferation of HPASMCs,while high concentrations of CSE inhibit HPASMCs proliferation.These findings suggested that CSE induced proliferation of HPASMCs at least in part via TRPC1-mediated cyclin D1 expression.

N-acetylcyteine and flavonoid rich diet:The protective effect of 15 different antioxidants on cigarette smoke-damaged primary human osteoblasts

Cigarette consumption increases oxidative stress in many organs. Increased oxidative stress harms bone cells, which negatively affects bone-matter and -stability. This leads to an increased fracture risk and delayed fracture healing in smokers. A supporting therapy with antioxidants could be of great benefit for surgeons dealing with delayed fracture healing due to increased oxidative stress. In this article we complement and compare our published data with hitherto unpublished data and show the protective effect of 15 different antioxidants on cigarette smoke induced damage in primary human osteoblasts. Exposure to cigarette smoke medium (CSM) rapidly induces formation of ROS in osteoblasts in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Massive cell damage is seen already after 4 h (EC50 ≈ 0.75 OD320). Pre-, co- and post-incubation with the different antioxidants reduces the formation of ROS and consequently improves the viability of the CSM exposed osteoblasts. Small compounds, e.g. N-acetylcysteine, proved highly effective if pre- or co-incubated before exposure to the CSM. Thus, they are good candidates for acute therapy support as they can be administered in high doses. However, our data suggest that a balanced daily diet could lead to an accumulation of various natural antioxidants (flavonoids) that effectively protect osteoblasts from oxidative stress-induced damage in all three settings investigated. Together with their partly phytoestrogenic properties this may even abate alterations in bone and thus reduce fracture risk on the long run.

GENOTOXIC EFFECT OF CIGARETTE SMOKE CONDENSATE (CSC) ON HUMAN DIPLOID CELL 2BS STRAIN

A series of bioassays such as sister chromatid exchange frequencies ( SCE.), chromosomal aberration ( CA ), micronuclel rate (MN) and cell-cycle delay have been used to detecting the genotoxic effect of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) on human diploid cell 2BS strain. The results suggested that a higher SCE, ( 17. 0/ cell) was observed In 2BS cells treated with CSC at 100 μg/ml, as compared with 6. 9/cell of the background (P<0. 001). CA rate was significantly increased from 4% to 36% In cells treated with 10 μg/ml CSC (P< 0.001). MN rate varied from 9 -26‰ In cells treated with CSC compared to that of control (6‰). Meanwhile, the cell-cycle of cells was markedly delayed by CSC. The survival rate of 2BS cells declined to 59. 6% for treatment with CSC at 200 μg/ ml. There was a dose-effect response In SCE., CA, MN rate. We proposed that active oxygen might responsible for genotoxiclty of CSC on cells.

Effect of Cigarette Smoke Extract on the Proliferation of Human Airway Epithelial Cells and Expression and Activation of FAK

The effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on the proliferation of human airway epithelial cells and the possible mechanism was studied. After airway epithelial cells were treated with different concentrations of CSE for 24 h, the cell proliferation was measured by MTT and the distribution of different cell cycles by flow cytometry. The FAK expression level was detected by Western blot and the degree of tyrosine phosphorylation by immunoprecipitation. The results showed that CSE could inhibit the proliferation of human airway epithelial cells, arrest the epithelial cells in G1 phase of cell cycle, dramatically decrease the number of epithelial cells in S and G2 phases; Meanwhile CSE could decrease the expression level of FAK and the degree of its tyrosine phosphorylation. The above effects of CSE were concentration-dependent. The expression of FAK and the degree of its phosphorylation was positively correlated to the increased number of epithelial cells in G1 phase, and negatively to the number of epithelial cells in S and G2 phases. It was concluded that the mechanism by which CSE could inhibit the proliferation of human epithelial cells was contributed to the increased expression and activation of FAK.

The Differential Effects of Chronic Alcohol and Cigarette Smoke Exposures on Cognitive-Behavioral Dysfunction in Long Evans Rats

Background and Objective: Chronic heavy alcohol consumption and daily cigarette smoking are the most prevalent substance use problems in the U.S., including Veterans. Excessive alcohol use causes neurocognitive and behavioral deficits that can be linked to neurodegeneration. Similarly, preclinical and clinical data suggest that smoking also leads to brain atrophy. This study examines the differential and additive effects of alcohol and cigarette smoke (CS) exposures on cognitive-behavioral function. Methods: A 4-way experimental model of chronic alcohol and CS exposures was generated using 4-week-old male and female Long Evans rats that were pair-fed with Lieber-deCarli isocaloric liquid diets containing 0% or 24% ethanol for 9 weeks. Half of the rats in the control and ethanol groups were exposed to CS for 4 hours/day and 4 days/week for 9 weeks. All rats were subjected to Morris Water Maze, Open Field, and Novel Object Recognition testing in the last experimental week. Results: Chronic alcohol exposure impaired spatial learning as shown by significantly increased latency to locate the platform, and it caused anxiety-like behavior marked by the significantly reduced percentage of entries to the center of the arena. Chronic CS exposure impaired recognition memory as suggested by significantly less time spent at the novel object. Combined exposures to alcohol and CS did not show any significant additive or interactive effect on cognitive-behavioral function. Conclusion: Chronic alcohol exposure was the main driver of spatial learning, while the effect of secondhand CS exposure was not robust. Future studies need to mimic direct CS exposure effects in humans.

Cigarette smoke extract-induced 16HBE-derived exosomal miR-186 significantly promoted the proliferation of COPD MRC-5 cell

Objective:To study the effect of cigarette extract(CSE)on the expression of exosomal miR-186 derived from 16HBE cells and the effects of 16HBE-derived exosomal miR-186 on the proliferation of MRC-5 cells.Methods:To collect the exosomal miR-186 in the supernatant of CSE-treated 16HBE cells for MRC-5 cell culture;the expression of exosomal miR-186 was detected by qPCR;the proliferation of MRC-5 cell was detected by CCK-8;dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment was used to detect the targeted regulation relationship between miR-186 and Bcl2L11;the expression of Bcl2L11 was detected by Western blot.Results:The morphology of 16HBE cells about 100 nm in diameter were observed by TEM;CSE treatment significantly promoted the expression of exosomal miR-186;CSE-induced exosomal miR-186 promoted the proliferation of MRC-5 cells;Bcl2L11 is a target gene of miR-186;miR-186 mimics significantly decreased Bcl2L11 expression.Conclusion:CSE-induced 16HBE-derived exosomal miR-186 promoted the proliferation of MRC-5 cells by targeting Bcl2L11 genes.

Membrane and Subcellular Muscle Injury Are Induced by Single or Multiple Exposure to Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoking is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Diaphragm injury is observed in patients with COPD. However, the potential role of smoking in triggering or perpetuating muscle injury is unknown. The present study was aimed at evaluating the potential role of commercial tobacco smoke as a direct cause of skeletal muscle injury in experimental conditions. Seventy Wistar rats (170 - 250 g) were assigned to smoking (n = 49) or non-smoking (n = 21) groups. The smoking groups were submitted to a single or multiple (i.e., five or thirty) daily sessions of cigarette smoking in an inhalatory chamber (time length: 2 h each session). The level of exposure was constant and assessed by CO concentrations (50 ppm) and serum cotinine analysis. Animals submitted to a single smoke exposure and the corresponding controls were euthanized in groups at 0 h, 2 h, 4 h, 24 h or 48 h after completing the exposure. Animals submitted to multiple exposures were euthanized at 0 h after smoking. Samples from vastus lateralis muscle were obtained and processed for assessing cell injury and selected protein expression. Monoclonal anti-albumin antibodies were used to identify muscle fibers with sarcolemmal (membrane) injury. Subcellular muscle injury was assessed using transmission electron microscopy (EM). MyoD, myogenin and α-tubulin were immunodetected using western blot techniques. Exposure to cigarette smoke associated with significant membrane damage (mean relative difference (MRD) with controls: +181%, p = 0.004) and sarcomere disruptions (MRD: +226%, p = 0.001). Expression of MyoD and myogenin (normalized to α-tubulin) were significantly increased at 4 h and remained increased at 48 h post-exposure. We conclude that not only a single but also consecutive exposure to tobacco smoke have acute deleterious effects on peripheral muscle structure. A rapid induction of subrogate markers of skeletal muscle stress and repair processes associates to sarcolemmal and sarcomere damage.

Effects of simvastatin on cigarette smoke extract induced tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Background Cigarette smoking has an influence on both arterial-type and venous-type thrombosis. However, little is known about the direct effect of cigarette smoke extract （CSE） on fibrinolytic activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs）. Most recently, simvastatin has been marked in its effect on endothelial cells protection and anticoagulation. In this study, the effect of CSE on the expression of tissue-type plasminogen activator （t-PA） and plasminogen activator inhibitor-l（PAl-1） in HUVECs was addressed. The role of simvastatin in CSE-induced fibrinolytic activity changes was investigated as well. Methods The fourth to fifth generation of HUVECs were incubated respectively with 0, 5%, 10% and 20% CSE for 6 hours or exposed to 5% CSE for 0, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 hours to determine the expression changes of t-PA and PAl-1 protein. Meanwhile, cells were also accordingly exposed either to 5% CSE alone or simvastatin pre-treated and 5% CSE for 24 hours to assess the role of simvastatin in CSE-induced t-PA and PAl-1 protein and mRNA expression in HUVECs. RT-PCR and ELISA techniques were used for detecting the t-PA or PAl-1 mRNA and protein. Results After 6-hour exposure to CSE, the expression levels of t-PA protein in 10% and 20% CSE-treated groups reduced significantly （（0.0365±0.0083） ng/ml, （0.0255±0.0087） ng/ml） when compared with that of control group （（0.0660±0.0120） ng/ml） （P 〈0.05）. In contrast, the levels of PAl-1 protein in 5%, 10% and 20% CSE-treated groups increased remarkably （（13.3225±0.5680） ng/ml, （14.2675±1.5380） ng/ml, （14.4292±1.6230） ng/ml） when compared with that of control group （（8.5193_±0.7537）ng/ml） （P〈0.05）. After stimulation with 5% CSE for 0, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 hours, the levels of PAl-1 protein increased over time and reached the peak at 24 hours （（14.6400±1.0651） ng/ml）, which was significantly higher than that of control group （（12.0656±0.6148） ng/ml） （P 〈0.05）. Additionally, CSE could up-regulate PAl-1 expression at both the mRNA and the protein levels. The levels of PAl-1 mRNA and protein increased significantly in 5% CSE-treated group （（8.8030±0.4745） ng/ml, （1.8155±0.0412） ng/ml） compared with those of control groups （（5.0588±0.2315） ng/ml, （1.3030±0.0647） ng/ml） （P 〈0.01）, and decreased after 2-hour simvastatin pre-treatment （（5.4875±0.3166） ng/ml, （1.3975-±0.0297） ng/ml） （P 〈0.01）. No significant difference was found at the levels of t-PA protein and mRNA （P 〉0.05）. Conclusions CSE inhibits the fibrinolytic activity of HUVECs in vitro. Simvastatin plays a protective role in CSE-induced fibrinolytic malfunction.

Effect of cigarette smoke extraction on the expression of found in inflammatory zone 1 in rat lung epithelial L2 cells

Background Found in inflammatory zone 1 （FIZZ1） protein increased in pulmonary epithelial cells and in limited amounts of other lung cells.FIZZ1 increased in murine model of smoke induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.However,the direct role of FIZZ1 produced by pulmonary epithelium stimulated with cigarette smoke extraction has not been determined.We examined the expression and function of FIZZ1 in rat lung epithelial L2 cells.Methods The rat lung epithelial L2 cells （CCL 149） were exposed to cigarette smoke extraction,expression of FIZZ1 mRNA was investigated by RT-PCR.Levels of FIZZ1 protein were detected by Western blotting and laser confocal microscope.CCL 149 cells were treated with different concentrations and for different time of recombinant protein FIZZ1.After treatment,the expression levels of interleukin 8 （IL-8） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）.Results When CCL 149 cells were exposed to cigarette smoke extraction,FIZZ1 mRNA and protein levels expressed significantly higher than control group.Recombinant protein FIZZ1 promoted the expression of IL-8 in a dose and time dependent manner in a certain range.Conclusions Cigarette smoke extraction activates FIZZ1 at mRNA and protein levels in CCL 149 cells.Recombinant protein FIZZ1 induces the expression of IL-8 and may thus participate in the process of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease airway inflammation and airflow obstruction.Generally,immune cells such as macrophages,neutrophils and lymphocytes are unavoidably involved in airway inflammatory and immune responses to cigarette smoke,but it is still unclear whether their involvement in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is based on the specific expression in lung epithelial cells of FIZZ1.