Roles of Smad3 and Smad7 in rat pancreatic stellate cells activated by transforming growth factor-beta 1

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a major role in promoting pancreatic fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is a critical mediator of this process. This study aimed to determine the expression of the Smad3 and Smad7 genes in the process of PSC activation, and explore the mechanisms of chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: The expressions of Smad3 and Smad7 in PSCs before and after TGF-beta 1 treatment were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. Smad3 expression was detected in PSCs after treatment with 5 ng/ml of TGF-beta 1 for 24 hours. RESULTS: Smad7 expression was decreased in TGF-beta 1 -activated PSCs (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. When TGF-beta 1 concentration reached 10 ng/ml, the expression of p-Smad3, Smad3, and Smad7 was inhibited (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta 1 promotes the expression of Smad3 and inhibits the expression of Smad7 during the activation of PSCs. In contrast, high-dose TGF-beta 1 downregulates the expression of Smad3 in completely activated PSCs.

Tanshinone IIA Could Inhibit Pancreatic Cancer BxPC-3 Cells through Increasing PERK, ATF6, Caspase-12 and CHOP Expression to Induce Apoptosis

Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA) is extracted from Dan-Shen. Tan-IIA could inhibit human pancreatic cancer BxPC-3 cells through decreasing TCTP, Mcl-1 and Bcl-xl expression in vitro. Our previous study showed that Tan-IIA can inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma hep-J5 cells and human breast cancer BT-20 cells through inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In the present study, we investigated the ER stress related protein expressions in human pancreatic cancer BxPC3 cells were treated with Tan-IIA. The ER stress related protein expressions in human pancreatic cancer BxPC-3 cells were evaluated by western blotting. The results showed that Tan-IIA can increase the protein expressions of PERK, ATF6, Caspase-12 and CHOP, but decrease Bip, PDI, Calnexin, Calreticulin and Bcl-2 expression. These findings indicated that Tan-IIA can inhibit human pancreatic cancer BxPC-3 cells by inducing ER stress to induce apoptosis.

Pancreatic stellate cells promote proliferation and invasiveness of human pancreatic cancer cells via galectin-3

AIM: To investigate the role of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and galectin-3 (GAL-3) in the proliferation and infiltration of pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990. METHODS: Human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 and PSCs were cultured in vitro . Supernatant fluid of cultured PSCs and SW1990 cells was collected. Expression of GAL-3 in SW1990 cells and PSCs was detected by ELISA, RT-PCR and Western blotting. Proliferation of cultured PSCs and SW1990 cells was measured by 3-(4, 5-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry. Infiltration of SW1990 cells was detected by a cell infiltration kit. RESULTS: SW1990 cells expressed GAL-3 and this was up-regulated by the supernatant fluid of cultured PSCs. PSCs did not express GAL-3. SW1990 cells stimulated proliferation of PSCs via GAL-3. GAL-3 antibody inhibited SW1990 cell proliferation, while the supernatant fluid of PSCs stimulated proliferation of SW1990 cells through interaction with GAL-3 protein. The supernatant fluid of PSCs enhanced the invasiveness of SW1990 cells through interaction with GAL-3. CONCLUSION: GAL-3 and PSCs were involved in the proliferation and infiltration process of pancreatic cancer cells.

Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate blocks PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of rat pancreatic stellate cells

AIM: To clarify the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BBinduced proliferation and migration of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs).METHODS: PSCs were isolated from rat pancreas tissue and used in their culture-activated, myofibroblast-like phenotype. Cell proliferation was assessed by measuring the incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine. Cell migration was assessed using modified Boyden chambers. CyclinD1, p21waf1, and p27kip1 expression and phosphorylation of PDGF β-receptor, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and Akt were examined by Western blotting. Activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase was examined by kinase assay using phosphatidylinositol as a substrate. Cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry after staining with propidium iodide. RESULTS: EGCG at non-cytotoxic concentrations inhibited PDGF-induced proliferation and migration. This effect was associated with the inhibition of cell cycle progression beyondthe G1 phase, decreased cyclin D1 and increased p27Kip1 expression. EGCG inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation of PDGF β-receptor and downstream activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/ Akt pathways.CONCLUSION: EGCG inhibited PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of PSCs through the inhibrdon of PDGF-mediated signaling pathways.

Involvement of M3 Cholinergic Receptor Signal Transduction Pathway in Regulation of the Expression of Chemokine MOB-1, MCP-1 Genes in Pancreatic Acinar Cells

Whether M3 cholinergic receptor signal transduction pathway is involved in regulation of the activation of NF-κB and the expression of chemokine MOB-1, MCP-1genes in pancreatic acinar cells was investigated. Rat pancreatic acinar cells were isolated, cultured and treated with carbachol, atropine and PDTC in vitro. The MOB-1 and MCP-1 mRNA expression was detected by using RT-PCR. The activation of NF-κB was monitored by using electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The results showed that as compared with control group, M3 cholinergic receptor agonist (10 -3 mol/L, 10 -4 mol/L carbachol) could induce a concentration-dependent and time-dependent increase in the expression of MOB-1, MCP-1 mRNA in pancreatic acinar cells. After treatment with 10 -3 mol/L carbachol for 2 h, the expression of MOB-1, MCP-1 mRNA was strongest. The activity of NF-κB in pancreatic acinar cells was significantly increased (P<0.01) after treated with M3 cholinergic receptor agonist (10 -3 mol/L carbachol) in vitro for 30 min. Either M3 cholinergic receptor antagonist (10 -5 mol/L atropine) or NF-κB inhibitor (10 -2 mol/L PDTC) could obviously inhibit the activation of NF-κB and the chemokine MOB-1, MCP-1 mRNA expression induced by carbachol (P<0.05). This inhibitory effect was significantly increased by atropine plus PDTC (P<0.01). The results of these studies indicated that M3 cholinergic receptor signal transduction pathway was likely involved in regulation of the expression of chemokine MOB-1 and MCP-1genes in pancreatic acinar cells in vitro through the activation of NF-κB.

ROLE OF PANCREATIC STELLATE CELLS AND GALECTIN-3 ON PROLIFERATION AND INFILTRATION OF HUMAN PANCREATIC CANCER CELL LINE SW1990

Objective To investigate the role of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and galectin-3 (GAL-3) on the proliferation and infiltration of pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990. Methods Human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 and PSCs were cultured in vitro. Supernatant of cultured PSCs and SW1990 cells was collected. Expressions of GAL-3 in SW1990 cells and PSCs were detected by ELISA, RT-PCR and Western blot. The proliferation of those cultured PSCs and SW1990 cells were measured by MTT assay and flowcytometry. Infiltration of SW1990 cells was detected by cell infiltration kit. Results SW1990 cells expressed GAL-3 and the expression was up-regulated by the supernatant fluid of cultured PSCs. PSCs did not express GAL-3. SW1990 cells could stimulate the proliferation of PSCs via GAL-3. GAL-3 antibody could inhibit SW1990 cells proliferation and infiltration, which indicated that supernatant of PSCs might stimulate the proliferation of SW1990 cells through the interaction with GAL-3 protein. The supernatant fluid of PSCs could enhance the invasiveness of SW1990 cells through the interaction with GAL-3. Conclusion GAL-3 and PSCs was involved in the proliferation and infiltration process of pancreatic cancer.

Effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on growth and migration of pancreatic cancer cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on the human pancreatic cancer cell line Bxpc-3.METHODS:The human pancreatic cancer cell line Bxpc-3 was cultured in vitro and treated with or without ginsenoside Rh2.Growth rates for Bxpc-3 cells were assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) and colony formation assays.Cell cycle changes were analyzed by flow cytometry.Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining.A scratch assay and a Matrigel invasion assay were used to detect cell migration and invasion.Expression of Bax,Bcl-2,survivin,cyclin D1,matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2,MMP-9,cleaved caspase-3,caspase-8,and caspase-9 mRNA were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Bax,Bcl-2,survivin,cyclin D1,cleaved caspase-3,caspase-8 and caspase-9 protein levels were examined by western blotting.Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins in culture supernatants were determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS:Rh2 significantly inhibited Bxpc-3 cell proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner,as evaluated by the MTT(P < 0.05) and colony formation assays(P < 0.05).Compared to the control group,Rh2 significantly increased the percentage of Bxpc-3 cells in the G 0 /G 1 phase from 43.32% ± 2.17% to 71.32% ± 1.16%,which was accompanied by a decrease in S phase(from 50.86% ± 1.29% to 28.48% ± 1.18%) and G 2 /M phase(from 5.81% ± 1.19% to 0.20% ± 0.05%) in a dose-dependent manner(P < 0.05),suggesting that Rh2 arrested cell cycle progression at the G 0 /G 1 phase,as measured by flow cytometry.Compared to the control group,cells treated with Rh2 showed significantly higher apoptosis ratios in a dosedependent manner(percentage of early apoptotic cells:from 5.29% ± 2.28% to 38.90% ± 3.42%(F = 56.20,P < 0.05);percentage of late apoptotic cells:from 4.58% ± 1.42% to 36.32% ± 2.73%(F = 86.70,P < 0.05).Rh2 inhibited Bxpc-3 cell migration and invasion,as detected by scratch wound healing assay and Matrigel invasion assay [percentages of scratch wound healing for 12 h,24 h and 48 h(control vs experimental group):37.3% ± 4.8%vs 18.30% ± 1.65%,58.7% ± 3.5% vs 38.00% ± 4.09% and 93.83% ± 4.65% vs 65.50% ± 4.09%,respectively;t = 6.489,t = 6.656 and t = 7.926,respectively,P < 0.05;the number of cells invading at various concentrations(0 μmol/L,35 μmol/L,45 μmol/L and 55 μmol/L):81.10 ± 9.55,46.40 ± 6.95,24.70 ± 6.88 and 8.70 ± 3.34,respectively(F = 502.713,P < 0.05)].RT-PCR,western blotting or ELISA showed that mRNA and protein expression of Bax,cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 were upregulated(P < 0.05),while mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2,survivin,cyclin D1,MMP-2 and MMP-9 were downregulated(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits proliferation,migration and invasion and induces apoptosis of the human pancreatic cancer cell line Bxpc-3.

Antifibrogenic effects of vitamin D derivatives on mouse pancreatic stellate cells

AIM To study the molecular effects of three different D-vitamins, vitamin D2, vitamin D3 and calcipotriol, in pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs).METHODS Quiescent PSCs were isolated from mouse pancreas and activated in vitro by seeding on plastic surfaces. The cells were exposed to D-vitamins as primary cultures(early-activated PSCs) and upon re-culturing(fullyactivated cells). Exhibition of vitamin A-containing lipid droplets was visualized by oil-red staining. Expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), a marker of PSC activation, was monitored by immunofluorescence and immunoblot analysis. The rate of DNA synthesis was quantified by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine(Brd U) incorporation assays. Real-time PCR was employed to monitor gene expression, and protein levels of interleukin-6(IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Uptake of proline was determined using 18 F-proline.RESULTS Sustained culture of originally quiescent PSCs inducedcell proliferation, loss of lipid droplets and exhibition of stress fibers, indicating cell activation. When added to PSCs in primary culture, all three D-vitamins diminished expression of α-SMA(to 32%-39% of the level of control cells; P < 0.05) and increased the storage of lipids(scores from 1.97-2.15 on a scale from 0-3; controls: 1.49; P < 0.05). No such effects were observed when D-vitamins were added to fully-activated cells, while incorporation of Brd U remained unaffected under both experimental conditions. Treatment of re-cultured PSCs with D-vitamins was associated with lower expression of IL-6(-42% to-49%; P < 0.05; also confirmed at the protein level) and increased expression of the vitamin D receptor gene(209%-321% vs controls; P < 0.05). There was no effect of D-vitamins on the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and collagen type 1(chain α1). The lowest uptake of proline, a main component of collagen, was observed in calcipotriol-treated PSCs.CONCLUSION The three D-vitamins inhibit, with similar efficiencies, activation of PSCs in vitro, but cannot reverse the phenotype once the cells are fully activated.

1-MT Enhances Potency of Tumor Cell Lysate-pulsed Dendritic Cells against Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma by Downregulating the Percentage of Tregs

This study examined whether 1-methyl-tryptophan [1-MT,an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase(IDO) inhibitor] could reduce CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells(Tregs) proliferation and improve the anti-tumor efficacy of dendritic cells(DCs) pulsed with tumor cell lysate in the mice bearing pancreatic adenocarcinoma.The models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma were established in C57BL/6 mice by subcutaneous injection of Pan02 cells.Eight mice which were subcutaneously injected with PBS served as control.The expression of IDO was determined in tumor draining lymph nodes(TDLNs) and spleens of the murine pancreatic adenocarcinoma models.The prevalence of Tregs was measured in the TDLNs and spleens before and after 1-MT administration.The dendritic cells were pulsed with tumor cell lysate for preparing DC vaccine.The DC vaccine,as a single agent or in combination with 1-MT,was administered to pancreatic adenocarcinoma mice.The anti-tumor efficacy was determined after different treatments by regular observation of tumor size.The results showed that the levels of IDO mRNA and protein in tumor-bearing mice were significantly higher than those in the normal control mice.The percentage of Tregs in the spleen and TDLNs was also higer in tumor-bearing mice than in normal control mice(P<0.05).Foxp3 expression was significantly lower in the TDLNs and spleens of tumor-bearing mice administrated with 1-MT than that in normal control mice.Furthemore,in the mice that were administered 1-MT plus DC vaccine,the tumor was increased more slowly than in mice treated with DC vaccine or 1-MT alone,or PBS on day 36(P<0.01).Our results indicated that 1-MT may enhance anti-tumor efficacy of dendritic cells pulsed with tumor cell lysate by downregulating the percentage of Tregs.

Glucocorticoid receptor regulates expression of microRNA-22 and downstream signaling pathway in apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells

AIM To elucidate the underlying mechanism that microRNA-22(miR-22) promotes the apoptosis of rat pancreatic acinar cells(AR42 J) and the elements that regulate the expression of miR-22.METHODS One hundred nanomoles per liter of caerulein(Cae)was administrated to induce the apoptosis of AR42 J cells and the apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry analysis. An amylase assay kit was used to measure the amylase expression level in the supernatant. Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)was adopted to measure miR-22 expression. We used online tools to predict the potential transcription promoter of miR-22 and the binding sites, which was further identified by using luciferase reporter analysis,chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP) and ChIPqP CR assays. Then, a mimic of miR-22, Nr3 c1 plasmid encoding the glucocorticoid receptor(GR), and siNr3 c1 were used to transfect AR42 J cells, respectively.The mRNA expression of miR-22, Nr3 c1, and Erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 3(ErbB3) was confirmed by qRT-PCR and the apoptosis rate of AR42 J cells was detected by flow cytometry analysis. Western blot was used to detect the expression of ErbB3, GR, PI3 k, PI3 kp85α, Akt, p-Akt, Bad, Bax, Bcl-xl, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase3.RESULTS After inducing apoptosis of AR42 J cells in vitro, the expression of miR-22 was significantly increased by2.20 ± 0.26 and 4.19 ± 0.54 times, respectively, at3 h and 6 h in comparison with the control group.As revealed by qRT-PCR assay, the expression of miR-22 was 78.25 ± 6.61 times higher in the miR-22 mimic group relative to the miRNA control group,accompanied with an obviously increased acinar cell apoptosis rate(32.53 ± 1.15 vs 18.07 ± 0.89, P =0.0006). The upregulation of miR-22 could suppress its target gene, ErbB3, and the phosphorylation of PI3 k and Akt. Furthermore, we predicted the potential transcription promoter of miR-22 and the binding sites using online tools. Luciferase reporter analysis and sitedirected mutagenesis indicated that the binding site(GACAGCCATGTACA) of the GR, which is encoded by the Nr3 c1 gene. Downregulation of the expression of GR could upregulate the expression of miR-22, which further promoted the apoptosis of AR42 J cells.CONCLUSION GR transcriptionally represses the expression of miR-22,which further promotes the apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells by downregulating the downstream signaling pathway.

ELMO3在胰腺癌中的表达及临床意义研究

目的探讨吞噬和运动蛋白3(ELMO3)在胰腺癌中的表达及临床意义。方法收集2000年1月至2007年12月于新疆军区总医院(63例)及郑州大学附属洛阳中心医院(65例)经胰腺癌切除术获得的标本128例,另取癌旁(约3 cm)正常胰腺组织标本11例作为对照。采用Western blot法及免疫组织化学染色法检测ELMO3在胰腺癌组织及癌旁正常胰腺组织中的表达情况,分析ELMO3表达与胰腺癌患者临床病理指标及预后的关联性。结果胰腺癌组织ELMO3阳性率高于癌旁正常胰腺组织,差异有统计学意义(83.59%vs 27.27%;χ^(2)=16.199,P<0.001)。Western blot检测结果显示,胰腺癌组织ELMO3表示水平显著高于癌旁正常胰腺组织(t=1.205,P=0.001)。ELMO3表达与肿瘤直径、分化程度、TNM分期及淋巴结转移存在显著关联(P<0.05)。ELMO3阳性组中位生存时间短于ELMO3阴性组(11个月vs 35个月),ELMO3阴性组生存预后优于ELMO3阳性组(log-rank检验:χ^(2)=58.602,P<0.001)。Cox回归分析结果显示,ELMO3阳性表达、远处转移以及TNM分期为Ⅲ/Ⅳ期是胰腺癌患者生存预后不佳的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。结论ELMO3阳性表达与胰腺癌恶性临床病理特征及预后不良有关。

急性胰腺炎继发器官功能衰竭患者凝血功能及外周血TIM-3 TAT ACE2水平变化分析

目的:本研究旨在探究急性胰腺炎继发器官功能衰竭患者凝血功能的变化,并分析外周血中T细胞免疫球蛋白黏蛋白分子3(TIM-3)、凝血酶-抗凝血酶复合物(TAT)以及血管紧张素转换酶2(ACE2)水平的变化。方法:本研究开展时间为2020年8月至2022年8月,研究对象为在我院接受诊疗的118例急性胰腺炎患者,根据亚特兰大分级标准对患者的病情严重程度进行评价,并据此进行分组:轻度组(n=72)和重度组(n=46),对两组患者间的凝血功能指标及外周血TIM-3、TAT、ACE2水平进行比较,并探究患者继发器官功能衰竭与各指标的联系。结果:重度组患者的凝血功能指标(PT、INR、APTT和FIB)和外周血中TIM-3和TAT水平均高于轻度组,ACE2水平低于轻度组(P<0.05);继发组患者的凝血功能指标(PT、INR、APTT和FIB)和外周血中TIM-3和TAT水平均高于未继发组,ACE2水平低于未继发组(P<0.05);经多因素分析可知,PT、INR、APTT、FIB、TIM-3、TAT、ACE2均会影响患者继发器官功能衰竭,其预测患者继发器官功能衰竭的AUC值分别为0.846、0.926、0.819、0.862、0.751、0.847、0.858。结论:在急性胰腺炎患者中,凝血功能异常以及外周血中TIM-3、TAT的升高和ACE2的降低与疾病的严重程度密切相关,对急性胰腺炎继发器官功能衰竭风险有潜在的预测价值。

Cis-hydroxyproline-induced inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell growth is mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress

瞄准：在老鼠上调查 cis-hydroxyproline (CHP ) 的生物效果，并且检验内在的分子的机制胰腺的癌房间线 DSL6A。方法：DSL6A 房间增长上的 CHP 的效果被使用 BrdU 加入估计。焦点的粘附激酶(FAK ) 的表示被西方的弄污和免疫荧光描绘。endoplasmic 感应(嗯) 应力被使用 RT-PCR 并且为葡萄糖相关的 protein-78 (GRP78 ) 和生长拘捕和 DNA 的西方的弄污调查可诱导的基因(GADD153 ) 。房间生存能力通过基于 DSL6A 房间的减小潜力测量新陈代谢的活动被决定。Apoptosis 被 caspase-3 激活的察觉和多形核白细胞(自动数据处理核糖) 的劈开分析象 DNA laddering 一样的聚合酶(PARP ) 。结果：除了增长的抑制，有 CHP 的孵化从焦点的粘附导致了 FAK 的解朊的劈开和酶的 delocalisation，由房间坚持的损失列在后面。同时，我们能显示出 GRP78 和 GADD153 的增加的表情，显示在 DSL6A 房间线的 ER 压力串联的调停 CHP 的激活。有 CHP 的 DSL6A 房间的延长孵化最后导致了 apoptotic 细胞死亡。在 L 脯氨酸旁边，由一个广谱朊酶禁止者的增加的细胞内部的解朊作用的抑制能在细胞的功能和分子的过程上废除 CHP 的效果。相反，阻碍执行 apoptosis caspases 的活动没在调停 CHP 的房间损坏上有影响。结论：我们的数据建议开始嗯由 CHP 的压力机械导致细胞内部的解朊的进程的激活包括 caspase 独立的 FAK 降级，导致损坏胰腺的癌房间。

Pdx-1、Ngn3联合MafA诱导干细胞分化为胰岛素分泌细胞移植治疗1型糖尿病大鼠的效果

目的通过胰十二指肠同源盒1(Pdx-1)、神经元素3(Ngn3)联合V型肌腱膜纤维肉瘤癌基因同源基因A(MafA)共转染大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)诱导分化为胰岛素分泌细胞(IPCs),移植治疗1型糖尿病大鼠并观察其疗效。方法Pdx-1、Ngn3和MafA共转染BMSCs诱导为IPCs,链脲佐菌素(STZ)制备45只1型糖尿病SD大鼠模型,BMSCs组(15只)肾被膜下移植2×10^(6) BMSCs,IPCs组(15只)大鼠肾被膜下移植2×10^(6) IPCs,sham-operation组(15只)大鼠肾被膜下注入等量生理盐水,另取15只健康SD大鼠肾被膜下注入等量生理盐水作为normal组。监测各组大鼠移植第0、7、14、21、28 d空腹血糖及体重;第21天对各组大鼠均行葡萄糖耐量试验;第28天取各组大鼠肾脏组织进行免疫组化。结果BMSCs和IPCs组大鼠血糖随时间下降,移植第21天两组大鼠空腹血糖低于移植第0天,且均低于同期sham-operation组(P<0.05),移植第28天IPCs组大鼠空腹血糖低于BMSCs组(P<0.05)。糖尿病大鼠中IPCs组和BMSCs组腹腔葡萄糖耐量实验曲线下面积小于sham-operation组,且IPCs组曲线下面积最小(P<0.05)。BMSCs组和IPCs组大鼠肾脏组织可见棕色荧光的胰岛素表达,且IPCs组胰岛素荧光光密度高于BMSCs组(P<0.05)。结论Pdx-1-Ngn3联合MafA诱导BMSCs形成的IPCs移植后在糖尿病大鼠体内可降低糖尿病大鼠的空腹血糖。

Sustained heavy ethanol drinking affects CD4⁺cell counts in HIV-infected patients on stavudine (d4T), lamivudine (3TC) and nevirapine (NVP) treatment regimen during 9 months follow-up period

Sustained heavy ethanol drinking is a common problem globally and ethanol is one of the most abused drugs among individuals of different socio-economic status including the HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral drugs. Ethanol is reward drug and a CNS depressant especially at high doses. The study determined the effect of sustained heavy ethanol drinking by HIV-infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP regimen on CD4+ cell counts in Uganda using WHO AUDIT tool and chronic alcohol-use biomarkers. A case control study using repeated measures design with serial measurements model was used. The patients on stavudine (d4T) 30 mg, lamivudine (3TC) 150 mg and nevirapine (NVP) 200 mg and chronic alcohol use were recruited. A total of 41 patients (20 in alcohol group and 21 in control group) were screened for chronic alcohol use by WHO AUDIT tool and chronic alcohol use biomarkers. They were followed up for 9 months with blood sampling done at 3 months intervals. CD4+ cell count was determined using Facscalibur Flow Cytometer system. Results were then sorted by alcohol-use biomarkers (GGT, MCV and AST/ ALT ratio). Data were analysed using SAS 2003 version 9.1 statistical package with repeated measures fixed model and the means were compared using student t-test. The mean CD4+ cell counts in all the groups were lower than the reference ranges at baseline and gradually increased at 3, 6 and 9 months of follow-up. The mean CD4+ cell counts were higher in the control group as compared to the chronic alcohol use group in both WHO AUDIT tool group and chronic alcohol-use biomarkers group though there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). Chronic alcohol use slightly lowers CD4+ cell count in HIV-infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP treatment regimen.

CYP3A5 unexpectedly regulates glucose metabolism through the AKT-TXNIP-GLUT1 axis in pancreatic cancer

CYP3A5 is a cytochrome P450(CYP)enzyme that metabolizes drugs and contributes to drug resistance in cancer.However,it remains unclear whether CYP3A5 directly influences cancer progression.In this report,we demonstrate that CYP3A5 regulates glucose metabolism in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.Multi-omics analysis showed that CYP3A5 knockdown re-sults in a decrease in various glucose-related metabolites through its effect on glucose trans-port.A mechanistic study revealed that CYP3A5 enriches the glucose transporter GLUT1 at the plasma membrane by restricting the translation of TXNIP,a negative regulator of GLUT1.Notably,CYP3A5-generated reactive oxygen species were proved to be responsible for atten-uating the AKT-4EBP1-TXNIP signaling pathway.CYP3A5 contributes to cell migration by maintaining high glucose uptake in pancreatic cancer.Taken together,our results,for the first time,reveal a role of CYP3A5 in glucose metabolism in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and identify a novel mechanism that is a potential therapeutic target.

Conophylline Promotes the Proliferation of Immortalized Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Fetal Porcine Pancreas (iPMSCs)

Conophylline, is a bis （indole） alkaloid consisting of two pentacyclic aspidosperma skeletons, isolated from Tabernaemontana divaricata, which has been found to induce β-cell differentiation in rat pancreatic acinar carcinoma cells and in cultured rat pancreatic tissue. However, the precise role of conophylline in the growth and survival of immortalized pancreatic mesenchymal stem cells （iPMSCs） derived from fetal porcine pancreas were not understood at present. To determine whether this molecule is involved in controlling the proliferation of iPMSCs, we examined the effects of conophylline on iPMSCs. We found that conophylline can robustly stimulate iPMSCs proliferation, even promote their potential differentiation into islet-like clusters analyzed by cell counting, morphology, RT-PCR and real-time PCR, Western blotting, glucose-stimulated insulin release and insulin content analysis. The effects of conophylline were inhibited by LY294002, which is the inhibitor of the PI3K pathway. These results suggest that conophylline plays a key role in the regulation of cell mass proliferation, maintenance of the undifferentiated state of iPMSCs and also promotes iPMSCs differentiated into insulin-producing cells.

Role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis

A large body of experimental and clinical data supports the notion that inflammation in acute pancreatitis has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of local and systemic damage and is a major determinant of clinical severity.Thus,research has recently focused on molecules that can regulate the inflammatory processes,such as phosphoinositide 3-kinases(PI3Ks),a family of lipid and protein kinases involved in intracellular signal transduction.Studies using genetic ablation or pharmacologic inhibitors of different PI3 K isoforms,in particular the class I PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ,have contributed to a greater understanding of the roles of these kinases in the modulation of inflammatory and immune responses.Recent data suggest that PI3 Ks are also involved in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.Activation of the PI3K signaling pathway,and in particular of the class IB PI3Kγ isoform,has a significant role in those events which are necessary for the initiation of acute pancreatic injury,namely calcium signaling alteration,trypsinogen activation,and nuclear factor-κB transcription.Moreover,PI3Kγ is instrumental in modulating acinar cell apoptosis,and regulating local neutrophil infiltration and systemic inflammatory responses during the course of experimental acute pancreatitis.The availability of PI3 K inhibitors selective for specific isoforms may provide new valuable therapeutic strategies to improve the clinical course of this disease.This article presents a brief summary of PI3 K structure and function,and highlights recent advances that implicate PI3 Ks in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.

ECT2通过调控PI3K/AKT信号通路对胰腺癌细胞恶性行为、糖酵解及TH细胞分化的影响

目的探讨上皮细胞转化序列2(ECT2)通过调控PI3K/AKT信号通路对胰腺癌细胞恶性行为、糖酵解及TH细胞分化的影响。方法RT⁃qRCR检测人脐静脉内皮细胞系HUVEC及胰腺癌细胞中ECT2 mRNA表达,将胰腺癌Panc⁃1细胞株分为胰腺癌组(Panc⁃1细胞株正常培养)、NC组(Panc⁃1细胞株转染ECT2阴性对照)、ECT2 siRNA组(Panc⁃1细胞株转染ECT2 siRNA)、抑制剂组(Panc⁃1细胞株转染加入PI3K/AKT抑制剂LY294002),ECT2 siRNA+抑制剂组(Panc⁃1细胞株转染ECT2 siRNA加入PI3K/AKT抑制剂LY294002),采用RT⁃qRCR各组细胞中ECT2 mRNA表达;Transwell法检测各组Panc⁃1细胞侵袭能力;划痕实验检测迁移;流式细胞仪检测各组细胞IFN⁃γ及IL⁃4表达;免疫印迹分别检测糖酵解代表蛋白及PI3K/AKT表达。结果胰腺癌组、NC组、ECT2 siRNA组、抑制剂组及ECT2 siRNA+抑制剂组的ECT2 mRNA比较分别为1.00±0.00、0.95±0.03、0.41±0.08、0.65±0.05及0.20±0.04,组间比较,差异有统计学意义(F=310.700,P<0.05);胰腺癌组、NC组、ECT2 siRNA组、抑制剂组及ECT2 siRNA+抑制剂组Panc⁃1细胞侵袭数目分别为(256.30±28.36)个、(241.18±24.05)个、(155.48±17.56)个、(178.90±18.44)个及(95.15±12.10)个,组间比较,差异有统计学意义(F=59.310,P<0.01);胰腺癌组、NC组、ECT2 siRNA组、抑制剂组及ECT2 siRNA+抑制剂组Panc⁃1细胞迁移距离分别为(14.02±1.36)mm、(13.42±1.29)mm、(9.25±0.85)mm、(8.50±0.45)mm及(4.25±0.53)mm,组间比较差异有统计学意义(F=101.200,P<0.05);ECT2 siRNA组细胞IFN⁃γ升高及IL⁃4占比降低,与NC组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),与抑制剂组相比,ECT2 siRNA+抑制剂组细胞IFN⁃γ升高及IL⁃4占比降低,组间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);ECT2 siRNA组细胞HIF⁃1α、GLUT1、HK⁃Ⅱ和PFK蛋白均降低,与抑制剂组无意义(P>0.05),与抑制剂组相比,ECT2 siRNA+抑制剂组细胞HIF⁃1α、GLUT1、HK⁃Ⅱ和PFK蛋白降低,组间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);ECT2 siRNA组细胞HIF⁃1α、GLUT1、HK⁃Ⅱ和PFK蛋白均降低,与NC组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),与抑制剂组相比,ECT2 siRNA+抑制剂组细胞HIF⁃1α、GLUT1、HK⁃Ⅱ和PFK蛋白降低,组间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论抑制ECT2可通过降低胰腺癌细胞糖酵解,提高Th细胞中IFN⁃γ表达而抑制恶性侵袭及迁移,其机制可能与抑制PI3K/AKT信号通路活性相关。

山姜素介导NF-κB信号通路对胰腺癌细胞BXPC-3增殖、侵袭和炎症反应的影响

目的探讨山姜素介导核因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路对胰腺癌细胞BXPC-3增殖、侵袭能力和炎症反应的影响。方法将人胰腺癌细胞BXPC-3分为对照组(0μmol/L山姜素)和不同浓度(25、50、100、200、400μmol/L)山姜素处理组,细胞计数试剂盒-8(CCK-8)法、克隆形成实验检测细胞增殖能力,流式细胞术检测细胞周期,Transwell小室法检测细胞侵袭,蛋白免疫印迹法检测相关蛋白表达,酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法检测炎症因子表达情况。结果CCK-8实验结果显示,与对照组比较,不同浓度(25、50、100、200、400μmol/L)山姜素处理后,胰腺癌细胞BXPC-3的细胞活力显著下降(P<0.05);且山姜素浓度越高、处理时间越长,对BXPC-3细胞活性的抑制作用越明显(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,经50、100、200μmol/L山姜素溶液处理后,细胞的克隆形成率、细胞侵袭能力、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、神经-钙黏素(N-cadherin)、纤维连接蛋白(Fibronectin)、NF-κB亚基p65、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、细胞周期蛋白D1(cyclin D1)蛋白表达水平均明显下降,转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)、IL-10、上皮-钙黏素(E-cadherin)及NF-κB抑制蛋白(IκBα)蛋白表达水平明显上升(P<0.05)。加入激活剂脂多糖(LPS)后,细胞活力、细胞侵袭能力、TNF-α、IL-6、p65、MMP-9、cyclin D1蛋白表达水平明显上升,TGF-β、IL-10、IκBα蛋白表达水平明显下降(P<0.05);而加入NF-κB通路抑制剂Sulfasalazine后上述指标变化相反。结论山姜素可抑制胰腺癌细胞BXPC-3的增殖、侵袭能力和炎症反应,其机制可能与介导NF-κB信号通路有关。