Quantitative analysis of hepatic hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and its abnormal gene expression during the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND:Hepatic hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1) is activated in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).This study aimed to investigate the dynamic alterations of HIF-1αand its gene expression so as to explore the relationship between HIF-1αexpression and hepatocarcinogenesis at the early stage of HCC. METHODS:A hepatoma model was made with 2-fluorenyl- acetamide(2-FAA)in male Sprague-Dawley rats.Morphological changes of rat hepatocytes were assessed pathologically (HE staining).The dynamic expression of hepatic and circulating HIF-1αwas quantitatively analyzed by ELISA. The gene fragments of hepatic HIF-1αmRNA were amplified by RT-PCR and confirmed by sequencing.The cellular distribution of hepatic HIF-1αexpression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS:Histological examination confirmed granulelike degeneration to atypical hyperplasia and HCC development in rat hepatocytes and progressive increases in the levels of hepatic and circulating HIF-1αand its gene expression during the course.The levels of HIF-1α expression in the liver and blood of rats with hepatoma were significantly higher than those in normal ratsand those with degeneration.Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the positive expression and hepatocyte distribution of HIF-1αin the development of rat hepatoma. A positive relationship was found between HIF-1α expression in the liver and blood(P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:The above observations support the hypothesis that the overexpression of HIF-1αand its gene are closely associated with the malignant transformation of hepatocytes and play an important role at the stage of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1αaccumulation in steatotic liver preservation:Role of nitric oxide

AIM:To examine the relevance of hypoxia inducible factor(HIF-1)and nitric oxide(NO)on the preservation of fatty liver against cold ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI). METHODS:We used an isolated perfused rat liver model and we evaluated HIF-1αin steatotic and non-steatotic livers preserved for 24 h at 4℃in University of Wisconsin and IGL-1 solutions,and then subjected to 2 h of normothermic reperfusion.After normoxic reperfusion,liver enzymes,bile production,bromosulfophthalein clearance,as well as HIF-1αand NO[endothelial NO synthase(eNOS)activity and nitrites/nitrates]were also measured.Other factors associated with the higher susceptibility of steatotic livers to IRI,such as mitochondrial damage and vascular resistance were evaluated. RESULTS:A significant increase in HIF-1αwas found in steatotic and non-steatotic livers preserved in IGL-1 after cold storage.Livers preserved in IGL-1 showed a significant attenuation of liver injury and improvement in liver function parameters.These benefits were enhanced by the addition of trimetazidine(an antiischemic drug),which induces NO and eNOS activation, to IGL-1 solution.In normoxic reperfusion,the presence of NO favors HIF-1αaccumulation,promoting also the activation of other cytoprotective genes,such as hemeoxygenase-1. CONCLUSION:We found evidence for the role of the HIF-1α/NO system in fatty liver preservation,especially when IGL-1 solution is used.

Prognostic value of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha and prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta polypeptide overexpression in gastric cancer

AIM To investigate the relationship between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta(P4 HB) expression, and clinicopathologic parameters, as well as the prognostic value of these genes for patients with gastric cancer(Gc).METHODS Hypoxia is a critical factor that shapes the Gc microenvironment. In previous reports, we have demonstrated that P4 HB is a potential target of HIF-1α. In the present study, gene expression profiling interactive analysis(GEPIA) was used to analyze the relationship between P4 HB and hypoxia-associated genes. To this end, 428 Gc tissue samples were used to analyze the expression of HIF-1α and P4 HB via immunohistochemical staining. Patient samples were classified as having weak-expression or over-expression both in terms of HIF-1α and P4 HB. Correlations between biomarkers and clinicopathological factors were analyzed to predict survival. RESULTS P4 HB demonstrated a positive correlation with hypoxiaassociated genes(P < 0.05). HIF-1α and P4 HB overexpression have a significant correlation with TNM staging(χ2 = 23.32, P = 0.00; χ2 = 65.64, P = 0.00) and peritoneum cavity metastasis(χ2 = 12.67, P = 0.00; χ2 = 39.29, P = 0.00). In univariate analysis, patients with a high HIF-1α expression trend had a shorter disease-free survival(DFS: 44.80 mo vs 22.06 mo) and overall survival(OS: 49.58 mo vs 39.92 mo). P4 HB overexpression reflected similar results: patients with over-expression of P4 HB had a shorter survival time than those with weak-expression(DFS: 48.03 mo vs 29.64 mo, OS: 52.48 mo vs 36.87 mo). Furthermore, HIF-1α is also a clinicopathological predictor of dismal prognosis according to multivariate analysis(DFS, 95%c I: 0.52-0.88, P < 0.00; OS, 95%c I: 0.50-0.85, P < 0.00). However, P4 HB was meaningful in DFS(95%c I: 0.58-1.00, P < 0.05) but not in OS(95%c I: 0.72-1.23, P > 0.05).CONCLUSION Overexpression of HIF-1α and P4 HB is associated with poor prognosis in patients with Gc. Thus, these genes may be potential prognostic biomarker candidates in GC.

Meta-analysis of immunohistochemical expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α as a prognostic role in gastric cancer

AIM:To conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)expression in gastric cancer.METHODS:The PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science databases were searched systematically for all articles published in English before August,2013.Pooled effect was calculated from the available data to evaluate the association between HIF-1αexpression and 5-year overall survival and tumor clinicopathological features in gastric cancer patients.Pooled odds ratios(ORs)with95%CIs were calculated using either a fixed-effects or a random-effects model.RESULTS:Nine studies matched the selection criteria,which reported on 1103 subjects,548 of whom had HIF-1αpositive expression(50%).This meta-analysis indicated that HIF-1αpositive expression in gastric cancer correlated with lower 5-year overall survival(OR=0.36;95%CI:0.21-0.64),worse tumor differentiation(OR=0.38;95%CI:0.23-0.64),deeper invasion(OR=0.42;95%CI:0.32-0.57),higher rates of lymph node metastasis(OR=2.23;95%CI:1.46-3.40),lymphatic invasion(OR=2.50;95%CI:1.46-4.28),and vascular invasion(OR=1.80;95%CI:1.29-2.51),and higher TNM stage(Ⅲ+Ⅳ)(OR=0.31;95%CI:0.15-0.60).CONCLUSION:HIF-1αpositive expression indicates a poor prognosis for patients with gastric cancer.Further studies are required to confirm these results.

Metabolic shift in liver: Correlation between perfusion temperature and hypoxia inducible factor-1α

AIM: To study at what temperature the oxygen carried by the perfusate meets liver requirements in a model of organ perfusion. METHODS: in this study, we correlated hypoxia induciblefactor(Hi F)-1α expression to the perfusion temperature and the hepatic oxygen uptake in a model of isolated perfused rat liver. Livers from Wistar rats were perfused for 6 h with an oxygenated medium at 10, 20, 30 and 37 ℃. Oxygen uptake was measured by an oxygen probe; lactate dehydrogenase activity, lactate release and glycogen were measured spectrophotometrically; bile flow was gravitationally determined; p H of the perfusate was also evaluated; Hi F-1α m RNA and protein expression were analyzed by real time-polymerase chain reaction and ELi SA, respectively. RESULTS: Livers perfused at 10 and 20 ℃ showed no difference in lactate dehydrogenase release after 6 h of perfusion(0.96 ± 0.23 vs 0.93 ± 0.09 m U/min per g) and had lower hepatic damage as compared to 30 and 37 ℃(5.63 ± 0.76 vs 527.69 ± 45.27 m U/min per g, respectively, P s < 0.01). After 6 h, tissue ATP was significantly higher in livers perfused at 10 and 20 ℃than in livers perfused at 30 and 37 ℃(0.89 ± 0.06 and 1.16 ± 0.05 vs 0.57 ± 0.09 and 0.33 ± 0.08 nmol/mg, respectively, P s < 0.01). No sign of hypoxia was observed at 10 and 20 ℃, as highlighted by low lactate release respect to livers perfused at 30 and 37 ℃(121.4 ± 12.6 and 146.3 ± 7.3 vs 281.8 ± 45.3 and 1094.5 ± 71.7 nmol/m L, respectively, P s < 0.02), and low relative Hi F-1α m RNA(0.40 ± 0.08 and 0.20 ± 0.03 vs 0.60 ± 0.20 and 1.47 ± 0.30, respectively, P s < 0.05) and protein(3.72 ± 0.16 and 3.65 ± 0.06 vs 4.43 ± 0.41 and 6.44 ± 0.82, respectively, P s < 0.05) expression.CONCLUSION: Livers perfused at 10 and 20 ℃ show no sign of liver injury or anaerobiosis, in contrast to livers perfused at 30 and 37 ℃.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha stabilization for regenerative therapy in traumatic brain injury

Mild traumatic brain injury（TBI）, also called concussion, initiates sequelae leading to motor deficits, cognitive impairments and subtly compromised neurobehaviors. While the acute phase of TBI is associated with neuroinflammation and nitroxidative burst, the chronic phase shows a lack of stimulation of the neurorepair process and regeneration. The deficiency of nitric oxide（NO）, the consequent disturbed NO metabolome, and imbalanced mechanisms of S-nitrosylation are implicated in blocking the mechanisms of neurorepair processes and functional recovery in the both phases. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha（HIF-1α）, a master regulator of hypoxia/ischemia, stimulates the process of neurorepair and thus aids in functional recovery after brain trauma. The activity of HIF-1α is regulated by NO via the mechanism of S-nitrosylation of HIF-1α. S-nitrosylation is dynamically regulated by NO metabolites such as S-nitrosoglutathione（GSNO） and peroxynitrite. GSNO stabilizes, and peroxynitrite destabilizes HIF-1α. Exogenously administered GSNO was found not only to stabilize HIF-1α and to induce HIF-1α-dependent genes but also to stimulate the regeneration process and to aid in functional recovery in TBI animals.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha mediates protection of DL-3-n-butylphthalide in brain microvascular endothelial cells against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury

Studies have demonstrated that DL-3-n-butylphthalide can significantly alleviate oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells at least partly associated with its enhancement on oxygen glucose deprivation-induced hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression.In this study,we hypothesized that DL-3-n-butylphthalide can protect against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury of newborn rat brain microvascular endothelial cells by means of upregulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression.MTT assay and Hoechst staining results showed that DL-3-n-butylphthalide protected brain microvascular endothelial cells against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury in a dose-dependent manner.Western blot and immunofluorescent staining results further confirmed that the protective effect was related to upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α.Real-time RT-PCR reaction results showed that DL-3-n-butylphthalide reduced apoptosis by inhibiting downregulation of pro-apoptotic gene caspase-3 mRNA expression and upregulation of apoptosis-executive protease bcl-2 mRNA expression;however,DL-3-n-butylphthalide had no protective effects on brain microvascular endothelial cells after knockdown of hypoxia inducible factor-1α by small interfering RNA.These findings suggest that DL-3-n-butylphthalide can protect brain microvascular endothelial cells against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury by upregulating bcl-2 expression and downregulating caspase-3 expression though hypoxia inducible factor-1α pathway.

Expression of Nerve Growth Factor and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α and Its Correlation with Angiogenesis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Summary： In order to investigate the expression of nerve growth factor （NGF） and hypoxia inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） and its correlation with angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 20 patients with NSCLC were examined. Twenty corresponding para-cancerous lung tissue specimens were obtained to serve as a control. The expression of NGF, HIF-1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the NSCLC tissues was detected by using immunohistochemistry. The microvascular density （MVD） was determined by CD31 staining. The resuits showed that the expression levels ofNGF, HIF-1α and VEGF in the NSCLC tissues were remarkably higher than those in the para-cancerous lung tissues （P〈0.05）. There was significant difference in the MVD between the NSCLC tissues （9.19±1.43） and para-cancerous lung tissues （2.23±1.19） （P〈0.05）. There were positive correlations between NGF and VEGF, between HIF-1α and VEGF, and between NGF and HIF-1α in NSCLC tissues, with the spearman correlation coefficient being 0.588, 0.519 and 0.588, respectively. In NSCLC tissues, the MVD had a positive correlation with the three factors （P〈0.05）. Theses results suggest that NGF and HIF-1α are synergically involved in the angiogenesis of NSCLC.

Expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha and ischemic erythropoietin tolerance in the brain of cerebral ischemic tolerance model rats

BACKGROUND： Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha （HIF-1 （x） and erythropoietin（EPO）, possessing neuroprotective effect in the cerebral ischemia, might play an important role in the formation of cerebral ischemic tolerance （IT）. OBJECTIVE：To observe the neuroprotective effect of cerebral ischemic preconditioning（IPC） of rats, and the expression and mechanism of HIF-1α and target gene erythropoietin in the brain tissue following the formation of cerebral IT. DESIGN ： A randomized and controlled observation SETTING： Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University MATERIALS： Totally 84 enrolled adult healthy male Wistar rats of clean grade, weighing 250 to 300 g, were provided by the Animal Experimental Department, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Ready-to-use SABC reagent kit and rabbit anti-rat HIF-1α monoclonal antibody were purchased from Boshide Bioengineering Co.Ltd （Wuhan）; Rabbit anti-rat EPO monoclonal antibody was purchased from Santa Cruz Company （USA）. METHODS： This experiment was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Medical College, Qingdao University during March 2005 to March 2006. ① The 84 rats were divided into 3 groups by a lot： IPC group （n=40）, sham-operation group （n=40） and control group （n=4）. In the IPC group, middle cerebral artery was occluded for 2 hours respectively on the 1^st, 3^rd, 7^th, 14^th and 21^st days of the reperfusion following 10-minute preischemia was made using a modified middle cerebral artery second suture method from Zea-Longa. The rats were sacrificed 22 hours after reperfusion in the end of middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）. That was to say, after 10-minute preischemia, suture was exited to the extemal carotid artery and embedded subcutaneously. Middle cerebral artery was occluded again to form the second reperfusion at the set time point after reperfusion. Twenty-two hours later, rats were sacrificed; In the sham-operation group,the preischemia was substituted by sham-operation（only common carotid artery and crotch were exposed, and MCAO by suture was omitted）, and the other procedures were the same as those in the IPC group. In the control group, rats were given sham-operation twice at an interval of one day, and they were sacrificed 24 hours after the second sham-operation. ② Brain tissue was taken from the rats in each group. Cerebral infarction area of each layer was measured with TTC staining, and total cerebral infarction volume （The total cerebral infarction area of each layerxinterspace ） was calculated. After brain tissue was stained by haematoxylin-esoin （HE）, the form of nerve cells was observed under an optical microscope, and the expressions of HIF-1α（and EPO protein in the brain tissue were detected with immunohistochemical method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： ①Cerebral infarction volume;②form of nerve cell; ③ the expression of HIF-1α and EPO protein in the brain tissue. RESULTS：Totally 84 rats were enrolled in the experiment. The dead rats were randomly supplied during the experiment, and finally 84 rats entered the stage of result analysis. ① Detection of cerebral infarction volume of rats in each group： Cerebral infarction volume in the IPC group was significantly smaller than that in the sham-operation group on the 1^st, 3^rd and 7^th days after reperfusion respectively [（161.2±6.9） mm^3 vs （219.9±11.2） mm^3, （134.9±9.0） mm^3 vs （218.6±13.0） mm^3, （142.9±13.7） mm^3 vs （221.3±14.2） mm^3, t=-8.924, 10.587,7.947, P〈 0.01]. ② Observation of nerve cell form of brain tissue： HE staining showed that the ischemic degree, range and cerebral edema degree of IPC group were significantly milder than those of sham-operation group. ③ The expressions of HIF-1α and EPO protein in cerebral cortex and hippocampus ： The expression of HIF-1αof IPC group was significantly higher than that of sham-operation group on the 1^st, 3^rd and 7^th days after reperfusion respectively （125.93±3.79 vs 117.65±5.60, 140.63±4.64 vs 119.33±4.26, 131.15±2.74 vs 107.60±3.89, t=2.449, 6.763,9.899,P 〈 0.05-0.01）. The expression of EPO of IPC group was significantly higher than that of sham-operation group on the 3^rd and 7^th days after perfusion respectively （141.68±3.29 vs 126.33±4.51, 138.88±2.59 vs 125.58±6.18,t=5.499,3.970, P〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION ： ①IPC can protect the never cells in rat brain and the best time to onset of cerebral IT induced by IPC is 1 to 7 days after reperfusion. ② Neuroprotective effect of cerebral IT might be related to the expression of HIF-1α and its target gene EPO.

Sirolimus increases the anti-cancer effect of Huai Er by regulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α-mediated glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Glycolysis caused by hypoxia-induced abnormal activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)in the immune microenvironment promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),leading to enhanced drug resistance in cancer cells.Therefore,altering the immunosuppressive microenvironment by improving the hypoxic state is a new goal in improving cancer treatment.AIM To analyse the role of HIF-1α,which is closely related to tumour proliferation,invasion,metastasis,and angiogenesis,in the proliferation and invasion of liver cancer,and to explore the HIF-1αpathway-mediated anti-cancer mechanism of sirolimus(SRL)combined with Huai Er.METHODS Previous studies on HCC tissues identified the importance of HIF-1α,glucose transporter 1(GLUT1),and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)expression.In this study,HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines were treated,under hypoxic and normoxic conditions,with a combination of SRL and Huai Er.The effects on proliferation,invasion,cell cycle,and apoptosis were analysed.Proteomics and genomics techniques were used to analyze the HIF-1α-related signalling pathway during SRL combined with Huai Er treatment and its inhibition of the proliferation of HCC cells.RESULTS High levels of HIF-1α,LDHA,and GLUT-1 were found in poorly differentiated HCC,with lower patient survival rates.Hypoxia promoted the proliferation of HepG2 and Huh7 cells and weakened the apoptosis and cell cycle blocking effects of the SRL/Huai Er treatment.This was achieved by activation of HIF-1αand glycolysis in HCC,leading to the upregulation of LDHA,GLUT-1,Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),and Forkhead box P3 and downregulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten(PTEN)and p27.The hypoxia-induced activation of HIF-1αshowed the greatest attenuation in the SRL/Huai Er(S50+H8)group compared to the drug treatments alone(P<0.001).The S50+H8 treatment significantly downregulated the expression of mTOR and HIF-1α,and significantly reduced the expression of VEGF mRNA.Meanwhile,the combined blocking of mTOR and HIF-1αenhanced the downregulation of Akt/mTOR,HIF-1α,LDHA,and GLUT-1 mRNA and resulted in the downregulation of PTEN,p27,and VEGF mRNA(P<0.001).CONCLUSION SRL increases the anti-cancer effect of Huai Er,which reduces the promotion of hypoxia-induced HIF-1αon the Warburg effect by inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR-HIF-1αand HIF-1α-PTEN signalling pathways in HCC.

Expression and Implication of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α in Prostate Neoplasm

Summary: To study the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein in prostate cancer (Pca) and its biological significance, the expression of HIF-1α was assayed by means of immunohistochemical technique in 42 prostate cancer, 12 prostatic intraepithelial neoplasm (PIN) and 9 normal prostate tissue (NP) specimens. Western blot was used to examine the expression of HIF-1α in prostate cancer cell line (PC-3M) induced by different oxygen tension. HIF-1α expression was positive in 33 Pca and 9 PIN specimens, and the positive rate of HIF-1α was higher in distant metastasis patients than in patients without metastasis of prostate cancer (P<0.05), while there was no expression of HIF-1α in NP. The level of HIF-1α in PC-3M significantly increased with the decrease of oxygen tension (P<0.01). Overexpression of HIF-1α is the preliminary event of the formation of Pca, which may induce carcinoma into malignant phenotype. Thus it may serve as an early diagnosis marker and the novel target for Pca treatment.

The Expression of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1-alpha in Lung Cancer and Its Correlation with P53 and VEGF

To investigate the expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and its correlation with P53 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), immunohistochemical technique was employed to detect the protein expressions of HIF-1α, P53 and VEGF in specimens from 57 patients with lung cancer. The results indicated that the total positive proportion of HIF-1α expression was 63 % and the HIF-1α expression was more frequent in bronchiole-alveolar carcinoma (86 %) than in other lung cancer. There was a strong association of HIF-1α with VEGF and P53 protein expressions. It is concluded that HIF-1α overexpression is a common event in lung cancer, which may be related to the up-regulation of the angiogenic factor VEGF and oncogene mutant P53 protein.

Forskolin Modulates the Inhibitory Effect of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide on Hypoxia-Induced Atrial Dynamics and Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha Activity

Our study investigated effects of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on atrial dynamics and hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) activity in perfused beating rat atria, under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia significantly increased the levels of HIF-1α, concomitant with decreased trial dynamics. CNP (0.1 μmol/L) further decreased atrial dynamics under hypoxia and suppressed hypoxia-induced stimulation of HIF-1α expression. An adenylylcyclase (AC) activator, forskolin (0.1 μmol/L), significantly up-regulated atrial phosphodiesterase subtype 3A (PDE 3A) protein without affecting hypoxia-induced dynamics. In the presence of forskolin, the inhibitory effects of CNP on hypoxia-induced atrial dynamics and HIF-1α levels were significantly attenuated. Forskolin also prevented hypoxia-induced downregulation of PDE3A protein. These findings suggested that CNP inhibited atrial dynamics and HIF-1α activity in the isolated perfused beating rat atria under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, both effects were modulated by the AC activator forskolin, through activation of CNP-PDE 3A signaling.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α related mechanism and TCM intervention in process of early fracture healing

As a common clinical disease, fracture is often accompanied by pain, swelling, bleeding as well as other symptoms and has a high disability rate, even threatening life, seriously endangering patients’ physical and psychological health and quality of life. Medical practitioners take many strategies for the treatment of fracture healing, including Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM). In the early stage of fracture healing,the local fracture is often in a state of hypoxia, accompanied by the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), which is beneficial to wound healing. Through literature mining, we thought that hypoxia, HIF-1α and downstream factors affected the mechanism of fracture healing, as well as dominated this process. Therefore, we reviewed the local characteristics and related signaling pathways involved in the fracture healing process and summarized the intervention of TCM on these mechanisms,in order to inspirit the new strategy for fracture healing, as well as elaborate on the possible principles of TCM in treating fractures based on the HIF molecular mechanism.

益气升清方调节HIF-1α/NLRP3信号通路对缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡的影响

目的 探究益气升清方调节缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)/NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)信号通路对缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡的影响。方法 将SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(S组),模型组(M组),益气升清方低、中、高剂量组(3.465、6.930、13.860 g/kg)及益气升清方高剂量+HIF-1α激活剂DMOG组(13.860 g/kg益气升清方+40 mg/kg DMOG),每组15只。采用线栓法构建脑卒中模型。造模成功后进行神经功能缺陷评估;TTC染色评估脑梗死体积;ELISA法检测血清白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-18水平;HE染色检测缺血皮质区病理变化;TUNEL染色检测神经元凋亡;Western blot检测焦亡及HIF-1α/NLRP3通路相关蛋白表达。结果 与S组比较,M组神经功能缺陷评分、梗死体积、IL-1β含量、IL-18含量、神经细胞凋亡率、胞膜穿孔蛋白D-N端(GSDMD-N)、胱天蛋白酶1(Caspase-1)、HIF-1α、NLRP3蛋白水平均上升(P<0.05);与M组比较,低、中、高剂量益气升清方组神经功能缺陷评分、梗死体积、IL-1β含量、IL-18含量、神经细胞凋亡率、GSDMD-N、Caspase-1、HIF-1α、NLRP3蛋白水平均下调(P<0.05);DMOG减弱了高剂量益气升清方对缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡的改善作用。结论 益气升清方可能通过下调HIF-1α/NLRP3信号通路减轻缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡。

不同方法联合放疗治疗薄型瘢痕疙瘩的疗效及对MMPs、HIF-1α、TGF-β1的影响

目的探讨不同方法联合放疗治疗薄型瘢痕疙瘩的疗效及对基质金属蛋白酶(MMPs)、缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)及转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)的影响。方法回顾性选取2020年10月至2022年9月内蒙古医科大学附属肿瘤医院(内蒙古自治区肿瘤医院)整形外科收治的胸腹部瘢痕疙瘩患者62例(瘢痕疙瘩数94个),依据治疗方法不同分为激光联合放疗(LCR)组(30例,瘢痕疙瘩数47个)、手术联合放疗(SCR)组(32例,瘢痕疙瘩数47个)。LCR组行CO 2点阵LCR,SCR组行SCR。观察两组治疗12个月后临床疗效、复发情况。比较两组治疗前、治疗12个月后的患者与观察者瘢痕评估量表(POSAS)评分、温哥华瘢痕量表(VSS)评分、瘢痕组织基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-2、MMP-9、HIF-1α、TGF-β1等细胞因子水平的变化。结果LCR组总有效率(93.62%)大于SCR组(76.60%),复发率(4.26%)小于SCR组(19.15%),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗12个月后,LCR组POSAS、VSS评分分别为(23.96±2.64)、(5.28±0.54)分,均低于SCR组[(33.96±3.59)、(6.55±0.68)分],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。LCR组瘢痕组织MMP-2、MMP-9及HIF-1α、TGF-β1表达量分别为111.65±13.55、106.76±12.68、1.24±0.14、1.10±0.12,均低于SCR组(127.96±14.71、121.08±14.33、1.55±0.17、1.22±0.13),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组不良反应发生率比较(38.30%vs.46.81%),差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论LCR和SCR均可改善薄型瘢痕疙瘩症状,抑制瘢痕疙瘩复发,但LCR的治愈率更高,复发率更低,对瘢痕组织MMPs及HIF-1α、TGF-β1表达抑制作用更强,且安全性较高,值得临床推荐。

MiR-181c-5p对卵巢癌干细胞样细胞肿瘤血管生成拟态的作用及其机制

目的探讨miR-181c-5p对卵巢癌干细胞样细胞(OCS-LCs)肿瘤血管生成拟态(VM)的作用及其机制。方法采用无血清悬浮培养法将人卵巢癌细胞系OVCAR3细胞诱导形成OCS-LCs。将OVCAR3细胞分为A~C组,各组分别转染NC-miR-181c-5p、siRNA-miR-181c-5p和pRNA-miR-181c-5p。通过成球实验评估A~C组细胞成球能力。采用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)方法检测A~C组细胞miR-181c-5p的相对表达量,采用Western blot实验检测A~C组细胞Oct-4、Nanog、HIF-1α和VEGF蛋白相对表达量。采用CCK-8实验检测A~C组细胞的活性,采用三维立体培养实验检测A~C组的血管形成率。结果OVCAR3细胞成功被诱导形成OCS-LCs。RT-qPCR实验结果显示,B组细胞的miR-181c-5p相对表达量显著低于A组,C组高于A组(t=2.25、8.68,P<0.05)。成球实验结果显示,B组与A组、A组与C组相比,细胞的成球周期显著缩短,最大的细胞球直径显著增大,成球率显著增加(t=5.56~33.66,P<0.05)。Western blot实验结果表明,B组与A组、A组与C组相比,Oct-4、Nanog、HIF-1α和VEGF蛋白相对表达量显著升高(t=4.51~56.15,P<0.05)。CCK-8实验结果显示,B组的细胞活性高于A组,C组低于A组(F=97.70~281.80,P<0.05)。三维立体培养实验结果显示,B组与A组、A组与C组相比较,血管形成率显著性提高(t=3.70、18.67,P<0.05)。结论miR-181c-5p可能通过降低细胞中HIF-1α和VEGF蛋白的表达,从而抑制OCS-LCs的VM形成。

丁苯酞软胶囊联合瑞舒伐他汀治疗急性脑梗死患者的临床观察及对血清HIF-1α、Lp-PLA、Sestrin2水平的影响

目的探究丁苯酞软胶囊联合瑞舒伐他汀治疗急性脑梗死患者的疗效及对血清缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)、脂蛋白相关磷脂酶A2(Lp-PLA)、应激诱导蛋白2(Sestrin2)水平的影响。方法前瞻性选取2021年1月至2022年12月在秦皇岛市第一医院治疗的急性脑梗死患者101例作为研究对象,按照信封法将患者分为对照组(n=50)和研究组(n=51)。对照组行常规治疗并瑞舒伐他汀治疗,研究组在对照组基础上联合丁苯酞软胶囊治疗。统计分析两组患者治疗前及治疗14 d后的美国国立卫生研究院脑卒中量表(NIHSS)评分、FuglMeyer评测法(FMA)评分、改良Rankin量表(mRS)评分、血流动力学指标(血浆黏度、全血高切黏度、低切黏度、红细胞压积、红细胞变形指数)、血清HIF-1α、Lp-PLA、Sestrin2水平并比较临床疗效的组间差异。结果治疗14 d后,两组患者的NIHSS评分和mRS评分均较治疗前降低,FMA较治疗前升高,且研究组患者的NIHSS评分和mRS评分分别为(4.03±0.38)、(3.01±0.45)分,均低于对照组,FMA为(80.64±9.16)分,高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗14 d后,两组患者的血浆黏度、全血高切黏度、低切黏度、红细胞压积均较治疗前降低,红细胞变形指数均较治疗前升高,且研究组的血浆黏度、全血高切黏度、低切黏度、红细胞压积分别为(1.56±0.33)mPa·s、(4.78±0.31)mPa·s、(9.81±0.64)mPa·s、(0.37±0.05)%,均低于对照组,红细胞变形指数为0.78±0.11,高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗14 d后,两组患者的血清HIF-1α、Lp-PLA、Sestrin2水平均降低,且研究组患者血清HIF-1α、Lp-PLA、Sestrin2水平分别为(690.56±65.12)ng/mL、(13.65±2.13)μg/L、(11.33±1.45)ng/mL,均显著低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组近期疗效比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);研究组总有效率为90.20%,高于对照组(64.00%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论采用丁苯酞软胶囊联合瑞舒伐他汀治疗急性脑梗死患者可显著提高患者临床治疗效果,提高肢体活动能力,缓解神经功能损伤,降低血清HIF-1α、Lp-PLA、Sestrin2水平,具有较高的临床应用潜力。

急性呼吸窘迫综合征患儿外周血单个核细胞中CD73、HIF-1α的表达及其临床意义

目的探究急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)患儿外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs)中5′胞外核苷酸酶(CD73)、缺氧诱导因子1α(HIF-1α)的表达及其临床意义。方法选取2022年2月至2023年4月广安市人民医院收治的117例ARDS患儿为研究对象,根据病情严重程度分为轻症组(n=27)、中症组(n=38)和重症组(n=52)。比较3组患儿PBMCs中CD73、HIF-1α表达水平及肺部感染指数(CPIS)评分。采用Pearson相关系数分析CD73、HIF-1α表达水平与CPIS评分的相关性。治疗后随访3个月,根据患儿生存状况分为生存组(n=34)和死亡组(n=83),比较两组患儿PBMCs中CD73、HIF-1α表达水平,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估PBMCs中CD73、HIF-1α表达水平对ARDS患儿预后的诊断价值。结果轻症组PBMCs中CD73、HIF-1α表达水平分别为0.44±0.06、0.60±0.11、(4.82±0.81)分,均显著低于中症组[0.53±0.10、0.76±0.14、(6.33±1.02)分]、重症组[0.62±0.07、0.89±0.08、(7.03±1.14)分],中症组PBMCs中CD73、HIF-1α表达水平均显著低于重症组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Pearson相关系数分析结果显示,CD73、HIF-1α相对表达水平与CPIS评分均呈显著正相关(r=0.623、0.687,P<0.05)。生存组PBMCs中CD73、HIF-1α表达水平分别为0.53±0.08、0.74±0.15,显著低于死亡组(0.60±0.08、0.88±0.09),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,CD73、HIF-1α单独及联合预测ARDS患儿预后的敏感度分别为79.41%、85.29%、94.12%,曲线下面积(AUC)为0.746、0.801、0.843,联合检测预测价值更高。结论ARDS患儿PBMCs中CD73、HIF-1α表达水平随疾病严重程度增加而升高,且与患儿肺部感染呈显著相关性,检测患儿PBMCs中CD73、HIF-1α表达水平对预后具有较高的诊断价值。

miR-519d-3p靶向HIF-1α抑制高糖诱导的人视网膜微血管内皮细胞功能障碍及血管生成

目的:明确miR-519d-3p对高糖诱导的人视网膜微血管内皮细胞(HRMEC)功能障碍与血管生成的影响,并阐明其对低氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)的调控机制。方法:通过5、30mmol/L葡萄糖分别诱导HRMEC建立正常(NG)和高糖(HG)细胞模型。将HRMEC分为对照组(HG细胞模型转染阴性对照模拟物)、甘露醇组(对照组加入25mmol/L甘露醇)、miR-519d-3p过表达组(HG细胞模型转染miR-519d-3p模拟物)、miR-519d-3p联合HIF-1α过表达组(HG细胞模型共转染miR-519d-3p模拟物和HIF-1α过表达载体)。实时荧光定量PCR法检测各组miR-519d-3p的表达情况。Western blotting法检测各组HIF-1α蛋白的表达情况。荧光素酶报告基因实验检测miR-519d-3p和HIF-1α的结合位点情况。CCK-8法检测各组细胞增殖情况。Hoechst 33342染色法检测各组细胞凋亡情况。ELISA法检测各组细胞外液炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-6蛋白的表达情况。小管形成实验检测各组新生毛细血管管腔样结构形成情况。结果:与NG相比,HG细胞模型中miR-519d-3p表达显著减少,而HIF-1α蛋白表达显著增加(均P<0.01)。与对照组比较,miR-519d-3p过表达组中HIF-1α蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.01)。miR-519d-3p中“CGUGAAA”序列可以与HIF-1α3'-非编码区(3'-UTR)中“GCACUUU”序列特异性结合。与对照组比较,miR-519d-3p过表达组细胞24、48、72h吸光度值均显著增加,细胞凋亡率显著减少,细胞外液TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6浓度均显著减少,新生毛细血管管腔样结构数量显著减少(均P<0.01)。与miR-519d-3p过表达组比较,miR-519d-3p联合HIF-1α过表达组细胞24、48、72h吸光度值均显著减少,细胞凋亡率显著增加,细胞外液TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6浓度均显著增加,新生毛细血管管腔样结构数量显著增加(均P<0.01)。对照组和甘露醇组中上述各指标比较无差异(均P>0.05)。结论:高糖诱导HRMEC模型中miR-519d-3p表达下调,而HIF-1α蛋白表达上调。HIF-1α是miR-519d-3p的靶基因,miR-519d-3p靶向HIF-1α增加细胞增殖并降低细胞凋亡和炎症反应,从而减轻高糖诱导的HRMEC功能障碍并抑制血管生成。