Losartan reduced connexin43 expression in left ventricular myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective:To assess the effect of angiotensin II type 1(AT1)receptor antagonist losartan on myocardium con- nexin43(Cx43)gap junction(GJ)expression in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs)and investigate possible mechanisms. Methods:Sixteen 9-week-old male SHRs and 8 age-matched male Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats were included in this study.SHRs were randomly divided into two groups to receive losartan at 30 mg/(kg·d)by oral gavage once daily for 8 weeks(SHR-L)or vehicle(0.9%saline)to act as controls(SHR-V);WKY rats receiving vehicle for 8 weeks served as normotensive controls.At the end of the experiment,rats were sacrificed and the hearts were removed.Expressions of Cx43 and nuclear factor-kappaB p65 (NF-κB p65)proteins in all three groups were observed and further investigations on the effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan(30 mg/(kg·d),8 weeks)on Cx43 expression were conducted with Western blot and immunohistochemistry. NF-κB p65 protein in nuclear extracts was determined by Western blot.Results:Left ventricular(LV)hypertrophy was prominent in SHRs,Cx43 and NF-κB p65 protein expressions were obviously upregulated and Cx43 distribution was dispersed over the cell surface.Treatment with losarton reduced the over-expressions of Cx43 and NF-κB p65 in LV myocardium.The distribution of Cx43 gap junction also became much regular and confined to intercalated disk after losartan treatment.Conclu- sion:Cx43 level was upregulated in LV myocardium of SHR during early stage of hypertrophy.Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan prevented Cx43 gap junction remodeling in hypertrophied left ventricles,possibly through the NF-κB pathway.

Effect of cAMP and cGMP on Connexin43 Expression in Isolated Human and Bovine Ciliary Epithelium

The aim of the study was to assess the distribution of connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin40 (Cx40) in human and bovine ciliary bodies. The effect of the second messengers cAMP and cyclic cGMP on Cx43 protein expression was also investigated. Enucleated human eyes (remnant after corneal transplantation) and bovine eyes were used. Tissue preparations of the anterior segments of the eyes have proceeded for immunohistochemical staining with polyclonal antibodies of Cx43 and Cx40. Isolated ciliary bodies of human and bovine eyes were incubated with cAMP analog 8-Bromo-cAMP or the cGMP analog 8-Bromo-cGMP, the expression of Cx43 protein in the tissues was then assessed by Western blot assay. Both in human and bovine ciliary bodies, strong immunoreactivity of Cx43, but not Cx40, was observed predominantly in the apical cytoplasmic portions of the pigment ciliary epithelial cells and non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells. In human ciliary body both cAMP and cGMP up-regulated Cx43 expression, while in the bovine ciliary body, cGMP increased Cx43 expression but cAMP decreased it. Cx43 is the major component of human and bovine gap junctions in the ciliary epithelium. The regulation on the Cx43 expression by cAMP and cGMP in human and bovine ciliary bodies suggests the possibly different roles of these signal messengers in the intracellular communication.

Activating Connexin43 gap junctions primes adipose tissue for therapeutic intervention

Adipose tissue is a promising target for treating obesity and metabolic diseases.However,pharmacological agents usually fail to effectively engage adipocytes due to their extraordinarily large size and insufficient vascularization,especially in obese subjects.We have previously shown that during cold exposure,connexin43(Cx43)gap junctions are induced and activated to connect neighboring adipocytes to share limited sympathetic neuronal input amongst multiple cells.We reason the same mechanism may be leveraged to improve the efficacy of various pharmacological agents that target adipose tissue.Using an adipose tissue-specific Cx43 overexpression mouse model,we demonstrate effectiveness in connecting adipocytes to augment metabolic efficacy of theβ_(3)-adrenergic receptor agonist Mirabegron and FGF21.Additionally,combing those molecules with the Cx43 gap junction channel activator danegaptide shows a similar enhanced efficacy.In light of these findings,we propose a model in which connecting adipocytes via Cx43 gap junction channels primes adipose tissue to pharmacological agents designed to engage it.Thus,Cx43 gap junction activators hold great potential for combination with additional agents targeting adipose tissue.

Cisplatin-induced premature senescence with concomitant reduction of gap junctions in human fibroblasts

To examine the role of gap junctions in cell senescence,the changes of gap junctions in cisplatin-induced premature senescence of primary cultured fibroblasts were studied and compared with the replicative senescent human fibroblasts.Dye transfer assay for gap junction function and immunofluorescent staining for connexin 43 protein distribution were done respectively. Furthermore,cytofluorimetry and DAPI fluorescence staining were performed for cell cycle and apoptosis analysis. p53 gene expression level was detected with indirect immunofluorescence. We found that cisplatin (10 mM) treatment could block cell growth cycle at G1 and induced premature senescence. The premature senescence changes included high frequency of apoptosis,elevation of p53 expression,loss of membranous gap junctions and reduction of dye-transfer capacity. These changes were comparable to the changes of replicative senescence of human fibroblasts. It was also concluded that cisplatin could induce premature senescence concomitant with inhibition of gap junctions in the fibroblasts. Loss of functional gap junctions from the cell membrane may account for the reduced intercellular communication in the premature senescent fibroblasts. The cell system we used may provide a model useful for the study of the gap junction thus promoting agents against premature senescence.

Improvement of cardiac function and reversal of gap junction remodeling by Neuregulin-1β in volume-overloaded rats with heart failure

Objective We performed experiments using Neuregulin-1β （NRG-1β） treatment to determine a mechanism for the protective role derived from its beneficial effects by remodeling gap junctions （GJs） during heart failure （HF）. Methods Rat models of I-IF were established by aortocaval fistula. Forty-eight rats were divided randomly into the HF （HF, n = 16）, NRG-1β trealanent （NRG, n = 16）, and sham operation （S, n = 16） group. The rats in the NRG group were administered NRG-1β （10 μg/kg per day） for 7 days via the tail vein, whereas the other groups were injected with the same doses of saline, Twelve weeks after operation, Connexin 43 （Cx43） expression in single myocytes obtained from the left ventricle was determined by immunocytochemistry. Total protein was extracted from frozen left ventricular tissues for immunoblotting assay, and the ultrastmcture of myocytes was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results Compared with the HF group, the cardiac fimction of rats in the NRG group was markedly improved, irregular distribution and deceased Cx43 expression were relieved. The ultrastmcture of myocytes was seriously damaged in HF rats, and NRG-1β reduced these pathological damages. Conclusions Short-term NRG-1β treatment can rescue pump failure in experimental models of volume overload-induced HF, which is related to the recovery of GJs structure and the improvement of Cx43 expression.

THE EFFECT OF ALL-TRANS RETINOIC ACID ON GAP JUNCTIONAL INTERCELLULARCOMMUNICATION AND CONNEXIN 43 GENE EXPRESSION IN GLIOMA CELLS

To illuminate the regulating effect of all trans retinoic acid (ATRA ) on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and connexin 43 (Cx43) ge ne expression in glioma cells, which is tissue and organ specific. Method. Rat C6 glioma cells were exposed to ATRA at a concentration of 1, 10, 10 0 μmol/L respectively, and the GJIC function of the cells was examined with scr ape loading dye transfer assay 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after ATRA treat ment. The effect of ATRA on Cx43 gene expression was measured with semiquantitat ive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) 24 hours after ATR A exposure. Results. The GJIC function of C6 glioma cells was significantly increased by ATR A at each concentration applied. The dye passed 4 to 5 rows of cells from the sc raping edge in ATRA treated cells, but only 1 or 2 rows in the control. The augm ent effect was observed 24 hours after each concentration ATRA treatment, and la sted till 72 hours after treatment with 1μmol/L and 10μmol/L ATRA. Forty eigh t hours after exposed to 100μmol/L ATRA, the enhancement of GJIC was less obvi ous. There was no significant increase induced by ATRA on the transcription of C x43 gene, as demonstrated by semiquantitative RT PCR. Conclusion. ATRA turned out to be a potent enhancer on GJIC function in C6 gliom a cells, and the enhancement effect was most probable at post transcriptional l evel.

Effect of Apigenin on Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication in Human Tenon's Capsule Fibroblasts

Purpose:To investigate the effect of apigenin on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) and its underlying mechanism. Methods:After a 48 h treatment of cultured HTFs with apigenin.(80 μmol/L),the GJIC was detected by a scrape-loading/dye transfer technique with Lucifer yellow dye and rhodamine (Rh) dextran. The coupling index represents a quantification of GJIC where a high coupling index is associated with a greater number of cells demonstrating cell-cell communication through gap junction channels.The changes in connexin 43 (Cx43) distribution and the expression of Cx43 at the protein and mRNA levels were statistically compared between the two groups by means of immunocytochemistry, western blotting,and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results:The functioning of GJIC in the HTFs was significantly enhanced after 48 hours by apigenin treatment when compared with the control cells. In the apigenin group, the intercellular dye transfer grade was above 9, while this value was only grade 3-4 in the control group. The coupling index was significantly increased up to 9.205±0.3621 in the apigenin group,compared with 5.1775 ±0.3177 in the control group (F=279.581, P=0.000). The expression of Cx43 at the protein and mRNA levels was significantly up-regulated in the apigenin group compared with the control group. Conclusion:Apigenin can significantly enhance the function of GJIC in HTFs by up-regulating the expression of Cx43 at both the protein and mRNA levels,suggesting that the enhancement of GJIC in HTFs by apigenin probably acts as an important mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of apigenin on HTF proliferation.

Basic Investigations EXPRESSION OF GAP JUNCTION PROTEIN Cx43 IN CULTURED HUMAN NORMAL AND MALIGNANT LUNG CELLS

Gap junctional intercellular communicationexchange of small molecules and ions between contiguous cells through membranous gap junctional channelsis essential for growth control and tissue homecotasis. This work concerns the functional expression of gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) in normal human lung cells and the changes in lung carcinoma cells. By. using Northern blot hybridization analysis and Cx43 immunocytochemical methods, it was otherved that cultured normal human embryonic lung cells expressed a high level of Cx43 in both mRNA and protein levels.The Cx43 immunofluorescence was localized at cell membrane regions corresponding to the location of gap junctions. These normal lung cells were competent of intercellular communication function as detected by Lucifer yellow dye transfer. In contrast to normal celis, Cx43 mRNA and protein was not detectable in the carcinoma PG cell line. These tumor cells were defective of intercellular communication function. These results demonstrate that Cx43 is expressed in normal cultured human embryonic lung cells but not in lung tumor cells. The lack of intercellular communication in the lung tumor cell line correlates with dysfunctional intercellular communication. The suggestive role of Cx as a tumor suppersor gene is discussed.

Effect of zymosan on the expression and function of the gap-junction protein connexin 43 in human corneal fibroblasts

AIM:To study the effect of zymosan,a ligand found on the surface of fungi,on gap junctional intercellular communication(GJIC)in cultured human corneal fibroblasts(HCFs).METHODS:Zymosan was added to the medium of cultured HCFs with or without the administration of mitogenactivated protein kinase(MAPK)inhibitors or the inhibitor kappa B kinase 2(IKK2)inhibitor IV.The protein and m RNA levels of connexin 43(Cx43)in HCFs were measured by Western blot,immunofluorescence,and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR)analyses.The GJIC activity was tested using a dye-coupling assay.RESULTS:The reduction of Cx43 protein and m RNA levels as well as a significant decrease in GJIC activity were observed in cultured HCFs when zymosan was added into the culture medium.Compared with controls(no zymosan),the protein level of Cx43 was reduced by 45%and 54%in the presence of zymosan at 200 and 600μg/m L,respectively(P<0.05);and it was reduced by 45%,48%,and 75%in the presence of zymosan(600μg/m L)for 24,36,and 48 h,respectively(P<0.05).The m RNA expression of Cx43 was reduced by 98%in the presence of zymosan(P<0.05).The effects of zymosan on Cx43 expression and GJIC activity were attenuated by the administration of PD98059[an extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)signaling inhibitor](P<0.05),c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase(JNK)inhibitor II(P<0.05),and IKK2 inhibitor IV(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Zymosan inhibits the activity of GJIC in cultured HCFs.This effect is likely regulated via the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),MAPK/ERK,and JNK signaling pathways.The inhibitory effects of zymosan on Cx43 expression and GJIC activity in HCFs may induce damage of corneal stroma during corneal fungal infection.

Effects of Angiotensin II on Expression of the Gap Junction Channel Protein Connexin 43 in Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Objectives To study the effects of angiotensin Ⅱ, as a mediator of cardiac hypertrophy, on expression of connexin 43 （Cx43） in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes and correlation of expression of Cx43 and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Methods Cardiomyocytes were isolated from newborn SD rats. Angiotensin Ⅱwas added into the media to induce myocyte hypertrophy. Cultures were exposed to 10 ～ 6 mol/L angiotensin Ⅱ for 72 h, Cx43 expression was characterized by RT-PCR and Immunofluorescence methods. Results Immunofluorescence analysis revealed decreased Cx43 immunoreactivity in cells treated for 72 h with angiotensin Ⅱ. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated there was an obvious decrease of Cx43 mRNA level in cells exposed to angiotensin U for 72 h. The changes of expression of connexin 43 were related to its entrance into S phase of the cell cycle. Cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed for 72 h to increase concentrations of angiotensin II （ 1.0 × 10^ -9 ～ 1.0 × 10^ -6mol/L）, resulting in significantly decreased Cx43 expression. Conclusions Angiotensin/I leads to a concentration-dependent decrease in Cx43 protein in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes by decreasing Cx43 mRNA synthesis. Signal transduction pathways activated by angiotensin II under pathophysiologic conditions of cardiac hypertrophy could initiate remodeling of gap junctions.

兔早期心肌缺血不同时段Connexin43的表达

目的 探讨急性心肌缺血不同时间心肌缝隙连接蛋白43的分布特征。方法 结扎兔左冠状动脉造成急性心肌缺血模型,于结扎后不同时间取左心室前壁心肌。用HBFP染色定位心肌缺血区域,用SP法观察心肌缺血区、交界区及非缺血区Cx43的分布,用图像分析系统分析。结果 急性心肌缺血30 min,Cx43阳性面积减少约40％,此后Cx43逐渐降低,大约480 min,Cx43几乎消失。结论 兔急性心肌缺血时,Cx43的减少有时间特点。

基于GR/ERK/CX43研究母代肾精亏虚诱发子代原发性睾丸生精功能减弱的宫内编程机制

目的明确母代肾精亏虚导致子代原发性睾丸生精功能减弱的宫内编程机制。方法制备孕鼠24只,数字随机法均分为空白组,模型组,补肾组;除空白组以外,余下各组孕期采用慢性应激复制母鼠肾精亏虚模型。酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)法检测母鼠血清甲状腺素(T4)、糖皮质激素(GC)、胎产数评估母鼠模型。从孕0天开始,补肾组给予左归丸灌胃填补肾精;孕期20天时,比较母鼠一般情况及体重变化,雄性胎鼠睾丸体质比,ELISA法检测其血清T4、GC、促卵泡生长激素(FSH)含量,并通过苏木素-伊红染色评估睾丸生殖细胞发育状况,免疫荧光双染检测胎鼠睾丸缝隙连接蛋白43(Cx43)、SYR-盒包含蛋白9(Sox9)表达,实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应检测胎鼠睾丸细胞外调节蛋白激酶(ERK1/2)、Cx43基因表达,蛋白免疫印迹法检测胎盘组织GR、胎鼠睾丸ERK1/2、Cx43、促卵泡生长激素受体(FSHR)蛋白表达。结果与空白组母鼠比较,模型组母鼠,产后体重减轻、胎产数减少、血清T4含量降低、血清GC含量升高(P<0.01);与模型组母鼠比较,补肾组母鼠,产后体重增加、胎产数增加、血清T4含量升高、GC降低、(P<0.01)。与空白组雄性胎鼠比较,模型组雄性胎鼠血清T4含量降低、GC、FSH含量均升高、睾丸体质比降低、支持细胞数量、精原细胞数量及曲精小管个数均降低、睾丸Sox9、Cx43蛋白降低,ERK、Cx43 mRNA表达降低、FSHR表达升高(P<0.01或P<0.05),胎盘组织GR蛋白升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,补肾组胎鼠血清T4含量升高、GC、FSH含量均降低、睾丸体质比升高、支持细胞数量、精原细胞数量及曲精小管个数均升高、睾丸ERK、Cx43 mRNA表达升高、Sox9、Cx43蛋白升高、FSHR表达降低(P<0.01或P<0.05),胎盘组织GR蛋白降低(P<0.05)。结论母鼠孕期肾精亏虚是原发性睾丸生精功能障碍的诱因之一,其机制可能与GR/ERK/CX43宫内编程调控支持细胞数量相关。

连接蛋白43半通道介导NLRP3炎症小体激活在脑缺血中的作用

缝隙连接蛋白在脑缺血后的神经炎症扩散中发挥重要作用。连接蛋白43(connexin 43,Cx43)作为中枢神经系统中主要的连接蛋白,通常以寡聚形式形成六聚体的半通道,与相邻细胞上的半通道对接,形成缝隙连接通道。在正常生理条件下,细胞表面的半通道开放维持在正常生理水平;然而,在脑缺血的过程中,Cx43半通道的过度开放导致了大量的离子(Na^(+)、Cl^(−)、Ca^(2+)、K^(+))、谷氨酸、天冬氨酸和三磷酸腺苷(ATP)等物质的释放,引起相邻细胞功能紊乱,从而加重神经细胞的损伤。此外,Cx43半通道的开放还诱导炎症因子的释放,这与脑缺血后NLRP3炎症小体的激活密切相关。因此,通过调控Cx43半通道能够缓解脑缺血后神经炎症,进而减轻脑缺血损伤。本文重点综述了Cx43半通道蛋白与NLRP3炎症小体激活的关系,以及其在脑缺血中的作用,旨在为脑缺血的治疗提供新的思路和方法。

缝隙连接蛋白43经典与非经典作用在疾病治疗中的潜在价值

背景:缝隙连接蛋白43在维持组织代谢稳态平衡中发挥着重要作用,传统观点认为它参与了缝隙连接过程,为细胞与细胞之间建立直接的物质信号交换通道奠定结构基础。而近年来研究对于其独特的半通道作用提出了新的看法,并发现了其亚细胞定位、自身片段等对于细胞生理活动及病理过程的重要意义。目的:综述数据库中相关文献,系统性总结缝隙连接蛋白43分子特征及在多种细胞表达的研究进展,重点阐述通道依赖性与非通道依赖性缝隙连接蛋白43的生理与病理作用,并探讨其在疾病治疗中的潜在价值。方法:分别设置“gap junction,connexin 43(Cx43),hemichannel,channel-dependent Cx43,channel-independent Cx43,extracellular vesicles(EVs),mitochondria,GJA1-20k”为英文关键词,以“缝隙连接,缝隙连接蛋白43,半通道,通道依赖性Cx43,非通道依赖性Cx43,线粒体,细胞外囊泡,GJA1-20k”为中文关键词,分别在PubMed数据库及中国知网数据库进行文献检索,最终共入选81篇文献进行综述分析。结果与结论:(1)缝隙连接蛋白43的经典作用即构成缝隙连接通道,通道依赖性缝隙连接蛋白43主要可通过直接构成缝隙连接通道参与组织器官的生理或病理过程,应充分关注其结构和功能的完整性,而黏附是缝隙连接的重要特性,与屏障障碍类疾病密切相关。(2)缝隙连接蛋白43的非经典作用即非缝隙连接通道依赖性作用,缝隙连接蛋白43六聚体目前被发现定位于质膜、线粒体内膜和细胞外囊泡表面等结构,参与炎性疾病的正向促炎机制、线粒体功能代谢和细胞外囊泡的靶向摄取等,选择性截短片段则参与全长连接蛋白43靶向转运至胞内各结构域过程,并且通过促使线粒体周围肌动蛋白聚合,调控线粒体稳态。(3)以上两种作用为开发靶向治疗药物及基于组织工程技术的治疗手段中种子细胞转化机制等问题的解决提供了新思路,但现存的一些原始研究常不能全面考虑不同形式缝隙连接蛋白43的相互作用,从而混杂地描述了其总体特征,使得研究结果产生偏差。(4)未来研究需要系统地构架不同形式存在的缝隙连接蛋白43的生理特性及在各疾病中的潜在机制,为缝隙连接蛋白43完整性机制探索及多疾病的诊断和治疗提供参考依据。

神经元-胶质细胞缝隙连接与神经环路的相互作用

间隙连接(gap junction,GJ)也称为缝隙连接,广泛存在于神经元及胶质细胞之间,能够连接相邻细胞并介导相邻细胞间电信号的传递。而这种存在于神经元间,能够介导胞间电信号传递的GJ通道,亦可称为电突触。间隙连接蛋白(connexins,Cxs)是构成GJ的分子基础,在不同的神经元及胶质细胞上都有着不同程度的表达。GJ的存在能够介导神经元以及神经胶质细胞间的不同功能建立,进一步去影响各类成熟神经环路的建立,其对于研究神经精神类疾病发病机制有一定意义。该篇综述联系有关于GJ以及不同Cxs对神经元和不同神经胶质细胞作用的影响,去讨论GJ与神经环路之间的关系,为治疗神经精神疾患提供新的研究思路。

缝隙连接蛋白43在阿尔茨海默病中的研究进展

星型胶质细胞的功能异常与多种神经退行性疾病的发生发展关系密切,缝隙连接的异常是其中重要的机制之一。缝隙连接主要是由缝隙连接蛋白(connexin,Cx)构成,是相邻细胞间代谢和离子耦合以及电传递的主要结构。Cx43和Cx30是在脑中含量最多的Cx亚型,其中又以Cx43为主。Cx43在脑中含量或分布与阿尔兹海默病的发生发展关系密切。本文就以Cx43与阿尔兹海默病的关系进行综述。

抑制连接蛋白43介导半通道活性促进脂多糖诱导的人牙髓细胞成牙本质分化

目的:探讨连接蛋白43(connexin 43,Cx43)在脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide,LPS)诱导的人牙髓细胞(human dental pulp cells,hDPCs)成牙本质分化过程中的作用和机制。方法:建立SD大鼠上颌第一磨牙损伤模型,免疫荧光(im munofluorescence,IF)染色检测Cx43在牙髓组织损伤后修复中的表达模式变化。分别采用0、1、10、100和1 000 ng/mL LPS刺激hDPCs 6 h,筛选最适浓度,随后抑制和过表达hDPCs中Cx43的表达。实时定量PCR(qRT-PCR)及免疫印迹法检测Cx43和成牙本质分化相关因子牙本质涎磷蛋白(dentin sialophosphoprotein,DSPP)、牙本质基质蛋白1(dental matrix protein-1,DMP-1)、成骨相关转录因子(osterix,Osx)表达及细胞外信号调节激酶(extracellular signalregulated kinase,ERK)活性变化。进一步对hDPCs施以特异性Cx43通道抑制剂,检测Cx43介导的通道活性在hDPCs成牙本质分化中的作用,初步探讨Cx43调节LPS诱导的hDPCs成牙本质分化的作用和机制。采用SPSS 26.0软件包对数据进行统计学处理。结果:IF结果显示,在健康牙髓组织中,Cx43主要表达于成牙本质细胞层,牙损伤3~24 h,Cx43表达减弱,随后逐渐上调,直至正常水平;损伤后3天~2周,表达呈下调趋势,并且表达于成牙本质细胞层和固有牙髓中。以10 ng/mL LPS刺激hDPCs 6 h,可显著上调DSPP的mRNA表达(P<0.01)。抑制Cx43,可显著上调hDPCs内LPS诱导的DSPP、DMP-1和Osx mRNA表达(P<0.05);过表达Cx43,则显著抑制LPS诱导的成牙本质分化相关因子表达(P<0.01)和DSPP荧光强度。以10 ng/mL LPS激活hDPCs内ERK信号,过表达Cx43可显著减弱LPS诱导的ERK信号活性(P<0.01)。抑制Cx43介导的半通道,促进LPS诱导的hDPCs成牙本质分化相关因子mRNA表达和ERK信号活性(P<0.05);而阻断Cx43介导的细胞间通道,则抑制成牙本质分化。结论:Cx43参与调控牙髓组织的损伤后修复,并且其表达整体呈下调趋势;抑制Cx43或阻断HC,可促进LPS诱导的ERK信号活性和hDPCs成牙本质分化。

低氧预处理对低温缺氧-复氧心肌细胞MMP-2和Cx43表达的影响

背景 再灌注心律失常(reperfusion arrhythmia,RA)是体外循环心内直视手术中心肌缺血再灌注损伤较为常见的并发症,探索其发生机制对预防RA有重要意义。目的 研究低氧预处理H9C2细胞条件培养基对低温缺氧-复氧(hypoxia/reoxygenation,H/R)心肌细胞的保护作用,为预防和减少RA的发生提供实验支持。方法 将H9C2细胞随机分为5组,分别为阴性对照组(C组,以等体积含10%胎牛血清的DMEM培养基培养正常心肌细胞)、低氧组(H组,低氧条件培养基培养低温H/R心肌细胞)、常氧组(N组,常氧条件培养基培养低温H/R心肌细胞)、重组蛋白基质金属蛋白酶-2(matrix metalloproteinase-2,MMP-2)组(MMP-2组,200 ng/mL重组蛋白MMP-2培养基培养低温H/R心肌细胞)和MMP-2抑制剂组(ARP-100组,0.03 mol/L ARP-100培养基培养低温H/R心肌细胞)。CCK-8法检测心肌细胞活力;Hoechst33342染色及流式细胞术Annexin V/PI双染检测心肌细胞凋亡率;划痕标记染料示踪技术检测缝隙连接通讯;明胶酶谱法检测细胞培养液中MMP-2活性;Western blot检测MMP-2、缝隙连接蛋白43 (connexin 43,Cx43)和磷酸化Cx43 (p-Cx43)蛋白表达;免疫荧光检测心肌细胞膜上Cx43表达。结果 与C组相比,N组心肌细胞活力降低(P<0.01),凋亡增加(P<0.01),缝隙连接通讯减弱,MMP-2表达上调(P<0.01),Cx43和p-Cx43表达均下调(P<0.01),心肌细胞膜上Cx43荧光强度减弱(P<0.05)。与N组相比,H组心肌细胞活力升高(P<0.01),凋亡减少(P<0.01),缝隙连接通讯增强,MMP-2活性降低(P<0.05),MMP-2表达下调(P<0.01),Cx43和p-Cx43表达均上调(P<0.01),心肌细胞膜上Cx43荧光强度增强(P<0.05)。与MMP-2组相比,H组和ARP-100组心肌细胞Cx43及p-Cx43表达均上调(P<0.01),心肌细胞膜上Cx43荧光强度增强(P<0.01),缝隙连接通讯增强。结论 低氧预处理H9C2细胞条件培养基通过抑制MMP-2活性介导上调Cx43和p-Cx43表达,从而改善低温H/R心肌细胞间缝隙连接通讯,减少心肌细胞凋亡,提高心肌细胞活性。

美托洛尔对心力衰竭大鼠心肌细胞磷酸化缝隙连接蛋白43表达及心肌细胞凋亡的影响

目的:观察美托洛尔对心力衰竭(HF)大鼠在体心肌组织磷酸化缝隙连接蛋白43(p-Cx43)表达水平和心肌细胞凋亡的影响,并探讨其可能机制。方法:SD大鼠100只随机分为5组(n=20):假手术(sham)组、HF组、小剂量(1.25 mg·kg-1·d-1)美托洛尔治疗(MetoA)组、中剂量(5 mg·kg-1·d-1)美托洛尔治疗(MetoB)组和大剂量(20 mg·kg-1·d-1)美托洛尔治疗(MetoC)组。缩窄腹主动脉建立HF动物模型,术后第4周开始给药至第8周。术后第4周和第8周超声心动图测定血流动力学指标;术后第8周取出心脏,HE和Masson染色观察心脏结构改变和胶原纤维增生情况,Western blotting检测p-Cx43表达水平,TUNEL法检测心肌细胞凋亡,p-Cx43表达水平与心肌细胞凋亡指数进行Pearson相关分析。结果:(1)美托洛尔治疗改善HF大鼠血流动力学,在治疗剂量范围内美托洛尔剂量增加可有效逆转HF时的心肌重塑,呈剂量依赖效应。(2)HF组中p-Cx43表达量显著高于sham组(P<0.01),而随美托洛尔治疗剂量的增加,p-Cx43表达量较HF组逐渐降低,各治疗组间两两比较亦有显著差异(P<0.01)。(3)HF组心肌细胞凋亡指数[(51.17±6.94)%]较sham组[(4.62±1.60)%]明显增加(P<0.01);MetoA组凋亡指数为(40.60±4.15)%,MetoB组凋亡指数为(30.66±4.00)%,MetoC组凋亡指数为(22.24±5.69)%,均显著低于HF组(P<0.01),各治疗组间两两比较亦有显著差异(P<0.01)。(4)大鼠心肌组织p-Cx43表达水平与心肌细胞凋亡指数呈显著正相关(r=0.905,P<0.01)。结论:美托洛尔对抗HF诱导的心肌细胞凋亡的机制可能与其抑制p-Cx43表达有关。

黄连素在A549细胞中对顺铂抗肿瘤作用的影响及其机制

背景与目的以顺铂为基础的化疗方案是晚期非小细胞肺癌的一线化疗方案,但是由于顺铂的不良反应严重及耐药性的产生均限制了它的临床应用,本研究采用联合用药的方式观察黄连素对顺铂抗肿瘤作用的影响,并探讨其可能机制。方法分别观察黄连素对肺腺癌细胞A549细胞中总Cx43蛋白、细胞膜Cx43蛋白的表达以及细胞缝隙连接功能的改变,通过标准细胞集落克隆实验观察黄连素对顺铂细胞毒性的影响;并观察PKC激酶的表达。结果黄连素在0μM-10μM浓度范围内对细胞无毒性,通过增加细胞内总Cx43蛋白和胞膜Cx43蛋白的表达而增强细胞缝隙连接功能,0.1μM、1μM、10μM黄连素可以显著增强细胞间的荧光传递,与空白对照组相比,黄连素预处理后的细胞间荧光传递功能分别增加了33.3%(P=0.002,3)、67.0%(P<0.001)、160.0%(P<0.001),这种作用与PKC的活性被抑制相关,抑制PKC活性可以进一步增加顺铂对A549细胞的毒性作用。结论黄连素可通过增加A549细胞的缝隙连接功能而明显增强顺铂的细胞毒性。