Loss of monopolar spindle-binding protein 3B expression promotes colorectal cancer malignant behaviors by activation of target of rapamycin kinase/autophagy signaling

BACKGROUND Monopolar spindle-binding protein 3B(MOB3B)functions as a signal transducer and altered MOB3B expression is associated with the development of human cancers.AIM To investigate the role of MOB3B in colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS This study collected 102 CRC tissue samples for immunohistochemical detection of MOB3B expression for association with CRC prognosis.After overexpression and knockdown of MOB3B expression were induced in CRC cell lines,changes in cell viability,migration,invasion,and gene expression were assayed.Tumor cell autophagy was detected using transmission electron microscopy,while nude mouse xenograft experiments were performed to confirm the in-vitro results.RESULTS MOB3B expression was reduced in CRC vs normal tissues and loss of MOB3B expression was associated with poor CRC prognosis.Overexpression of MOB3B protein in vitro attenuated the cell viability as well as the migration and invasion capacities of CRC cells,whereas knockdown of MOB3B expression had the opposite effects in CRC cells.At the molecular level,microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 II/I expression was elevated,whereas the expression of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)2,MMP9,sequestosome 1,and phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase(mTOR)was downregulated in MOB3B-overexpressing RKO cells.In contrast,the opposite results were observed in tumor cells with MOB3B knockdown.The nude mouse data confirmed these in-vitro findings,i.e.,MOB3B expression suppressed CRC cell xenograft growth,whereas knockdown of MOB3B expression promoted the growth of CRC cell xenografts.CONCLUSION Loss of MOB3B expression promotes CRC development and malignant behaviors,suggesting a potential tumor suppressive role of MOB3B in CRC by inhibition of mTOR/autophagy signaling.

Effect of Ultraviolet Radiation on Hsp70 Protein Expression in HaCaT Cells

Ultraviolet radiation by its wavelength is divided into: UVA, UVB and UVC. Only UVA and UVB manage to penetrate the ozone layer, but due to anthropological activities, all of them are capable of interacting with humans to a greater or lesser extent, and can generate adverse effects such as cellular stress when interacting with intra-and extracellular biomolecules. The skin is the first organ in contact with UV radiation, and the stress it generates can be analyzed by the expression of a bioindicator of cellular damage such as Hsp70. Therefore, the objective of the project was: to determine the effect of UVA, UVB and UVC radiation on HaCaT epithelial cells, by analyzing the expression of Hsp70. Materials and methods: HaCaT cells were cultured in vitro, which were irradiated with UVA, UVB and UVC light at different doses, to subsequently determine the degree of Hsp70 expression by Immunodetection by PAGE-SDS and Western Blot. Results: Basal expression of Hsp70 was observed in no irradiated HaCaT cells. When HaCaT cells were irradiated with UVA, UVB, UVC, an increase in this Hsp70 protein was observed. With UVA, a higher degree of expression was observed at a time of 30 minutes of irradiation. With UVB the highest expression shifted to a time of 20 minutes. With UVC, overexpression was observed after 10 minutes. Conclusion: UV radiation generates cellular stress on HaCaT cells, evaluated by the stress bioindicator Hsp70. According to the wavelength of UV radiation, those that have a shorter wavelength have a greater potential for cellular damage, such as UVC.

瑞芬太尼调节AKT/GSK-3β/Snail信号通路对肺癌细胞增殖、凋亡和上皮间质转化的影响

目的 探究瑞芬太尼(RF)调节蛋白激酶B(AKT)/糖原合成酶激酶3β(GSK-3β)/Snail信号通路对肺癌细胞增殖、凋亡和上皮间质转化(EMT)的影响。方法 将非小细胞肺癌细胞A549分为低(RF-L)、中(RF-M)、高浓度RF(RF-H)组(10、20、40 nmol/L RF)、高浓度RF+AKT激活剂SC79(RF-H+SC79)组(40 nmol/L RF+4μg/mL SC79)和对照组(Control组)。CCK-8法检测细胞增殖能力。划痕实验检测细胞迁移能力。Transwell实验检测细胞侵袭能力。流式细胞术测量细胞凋亡。实时荧光定量PCR测定AKT、GSK-3β、Snail mRNA水平。Western Blot测定蛋白表达。结果 相较于Control组,RF-M、RF-H组48和72 h的OD450、细胞侵袭数目、划痕愈合率、AKT、GSK-3β、Snail mRNA和蛋白表达、Bcl-2蛋白、EMT相关蛋白N-cadherin、Vimentin表达显著降低(P<0.05),细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白、E-cadherin蛋白表达显著升高(P<0.05)。SC79减弱了RF对肺癌细胞增殖和EMT进程的抑制作用,减弱细胞凋亡。结论 RF可阻碍肺癌细胞EMT和增殖,诱导凋亡,这可能与AKT/GSK-3β/Snail信号通路的抑制相关。

Expression changes of microtubule associated protein 1B in the brain of Fmr1 knockout mice

Objective To explore the regulatory effect of fragile X mental retardation protein （FMRP） on the translation of microtubule associated protein 1B （MAP1B）. Methods The expressions of MAP1B protein and MAP1B mRNA in the brains of 1-week and 6-week old fragile X mental retardation-1 （FmrI） knockout （KO） mice were investigated by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and in situ hybridization, with the age-matched wild type mice （WT） as controls. Results The mean optical density （MOD） of MAP1B was significantly decreased in each brain region in KO6W compared with WT6W, whereas in KO1W, this decrease was only found in the hippocampus and cerebellum. MAP1B in 6-week mice was much less than that in 1-week mice of the same genotype. The results of Western blot and in situ hybridization showed that MAP1B protein and MAP1B mRNA were significantly decreased in the hippocampus of both KO1W and KO6W. Conclusion The decreased MAP1B protein and MAP1B mRNA in the Fmrl knockout mice indicate that FMRP may positively regulate the expression of MAP1B.

Prediction of B Cell Epitope of DMRT Protein in Oreochromis niloticus

[Objective] The research aimed to predict the B cell epitope of DMRT protein in Oreochromis niloticus. [Method] The secondary structure of amino acid sequence of DMRT protein was revealed by Garnier-Robson, Chou-Fasman and Karplus-Schulz methods. The hydrophilicity plot, surface probability and antigenic index were obtained by Kyte-Doolittle, Emini and Jameson-Wolf methods, respectively. Based on the above results, the B cell epitopes for DMRT were predicted. [Result] Both the prediction results from Garnier-Robson, Chou-Fasman methods indicated that the α-helix centers of DMRT protein in O. niloticus were in the N terminal No. 31-56, 68-75, 110-116, 209-211 and 239-243; the β-sheet centers of DMRT protein in O. niloticus were in the N terminal No. 95-99, 177-183, 225-234 and 251-254. With the assistant of Kyte-Doolittle, Emini and Jameson-Wolf methods, the B cell epitopes for DMRT were located in or nearby the N terminal No. 13-16, 35-38, 47-54,84-93, 101-109, 127-156, 166-177 and 198-201. [Conclusion] These results are helpful for preparing the antibody of DMRT protein and revealing the sex determination mechanism of O. niloticus.

TSLC1和DAL-1/4.1B在胰腺癌中的表达及其临床意义

目的:探讨TSLC1和DAL-1/4.1B两种蛋白在胰腺癌中的表达和临床病理意义.方法:采用免疫组织化学S-P法检测42例胰腺癌组织、11例胰腺炎组织和9例正常胰腺组织中TSLC1和DAL-1/4.1B两种蛋白的表达.结果:TSLC1、DAL-1/4.1B蛋白在胰腺癌组织中的阳性表达率均明显低于在正常胰腺组织和胰腺炎组织中的表达(30.95%vs77.78%,81.82%;28.57% vs 66.67%,81.82%,P<0.05或0.01).TSLC1和DAL-1/4.1B蛋白的异常表达均与胰腺癌的分化程度、淋巴结转移和TNM分期相关(P<0.05),而与患者的性别、年龄、部位和病理分型无关.在42例胰腺癌中TSLC1与DAL-1/4.1B蛋白表达呈显著正相关(rs=0.489,P<0.01).结论:胰腺癌中存在TSLC1和DAL-1/4.1B基因的失活和蛋白表达下调,二者可能通过TSLC1-DAL-1/4.1B级联反应共同参与胰腺癌的发生、发展和转移.

The Prediction of B Cell Epitopes for VP73 Protein of African Fever Virus

[Objective] The B cell epitopes for VP73 protein of African swine fever virus was predicted. [ Method] Based on the analysis of the amino acid sequence and the flexible regions of VP73 protein, the B cell epitopes for VP73 protein of African swine fever virus were predicted by method of Kyte-Doolittie, Emini and Jameson-Wolf. [Result] The B cell epitopes were located at or adjacent to the N-terminal No. 11 - 18,26 -48,73 -82,136 - 150,159 - 174,181 - 189,191 - 210,247 - 276,279 - 295,313 - 323 and 382 - 392. [Conclusion] The multi-parameters analytic method was adopted to predict the B cell epitopes for VP73 protein of African swine fever virus, which laid solid foundation for further characterizing the protein of VP73 and researching epitope vaccine.

4.1B蛋白在食管鳞状细胞癌中的异常表达及其分子机制

目的:研究4.1B蛋白在食管鳞状细胞癌组织中的表达及异常表达的分子机制。方法:采用免疫组织化学法检测110例石蜡包埋食管鳞状细胞癌及癌旁组织中4.1B蛋白的表达水平。随机选取其中29例,应用微卫星PCR技术检测4.1B等位基因的杂合子丢失情况。应用甲基化特异PCR技术检测33例新鲜食管鳞状细胞癌手术标本的4.1B基因启动子区域的甲基化状态。结果:食管鳞状细胞癌组织中4.1B蛋白的阳性表达率为60.9%(67/110),癌旁正常组织的阳性表达率为94.5%(104/110),2组之间差异有统计学意义(χ2=35.945,P<0.01)。食管鳞状细胞癌高、中、低分化组的阳性表达率分别为74.4%(29/39)、61.8%(21/34)和45.9%(17/37),3组之间差异有统计学意义(χ2=6.453,P<0.05)。在20.7%(6/29)的食管鳞状细胞癌组织中,分别于D18S481、D18S62和D18S391这3个微卫星位点检测到4.1B等位基因的杂合子缺失。在33例新鲜手术标本中,有69.7%(23/33)的食管鳞状细胞癌组织检测出4.1B基因启动子区域的甲基化。结论:4.1B蛋白在食管鳞癌组织中的阳性表达率明显低于癌旁正常组织,食管鳞状细胞癌的分化程度与其表达量呈正相关;启动子区域的异常甲基化可能是4.1B蛋白阴性表达的重要原因。

灵芝提取物通过PBX3/MAPK通路对胶质瘤细胞恶性生物学行为的作用机制研究

目的探究灵芝提取物(GLE)是否可通过前B细胞白血病同源盒基因3(PBX3)/丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)通路影响U251人胶质瘤细胞恶性生物学行为。方法2022年1月至2023年1月进行该研究。含不同浓度GLE培养液(0、50、100、200 mg/L GLE)培养U251细胞48 h,采用细胞计数试剂盒(CCK-8)法、流式细胞术、平板克隆实验、细胞划痕试验及迁移和侵袭(Transwell)实验来评估细胞的存活率、凋亡情况、集落形成能力、迁移与侵袭特性;实时定量聚合酶链反应(RT-qPCR)检测PBX3、细胞外信号调节酶(ERK)mRNA表达水平;蛋白质印迹法检测PBX3、原癌基因c-RAF(Raf-1)、磷酸化Raf-1(p-Raf-1)、信号通路细胞外信号调节酶1/2(ERK1/2)、磷酸化ERK1/2(p-ERK1/2)蛋白表达情况。结果0、50、100、200 mg/L GLE下U251细胞存活率分别为100%、(86.62±4.26)%、(67.68±3.49)%、(50.84±3.39)%、(40.13±3.25)%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);0、50、100、200 mg/L GLE下U251细胞凋亡率、集落形成数、划痕愈合率、侵袭细胞数、PBX3、ERK mRNA及PBX3、p-Raf-1、p-ERK1/2蛋白相对表达水平比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);随着GLE浓度的增加,U251细胞存活率、划痕愈合率、PBX3与ERK mRNA相对表达水平及RAS、PBX3、p-Raf-1、p-MEK1/2、p-ERK1/2蛋白相对表达水平均降低,集落形成数及侵袭细胞数均减少,细胞凋亡率升高;GLE作用效果呈剂量性依赖(P<0.05)。结论GLE可抑制胶质瘤细胞增殖、克隆形成、迁移及侵袭等恶性生物学特性,并诱导其凋亡,其作用机制可能与阻断PBX3/MAPK通路的激活相关。

基于PI3K/AKT信号通路探讨DJ-1蛋白对抑郁症大鼠海马中神经递质的影响

目的探讨DJ-1蛋白对抑郁症大鼠神经递质的影响。方法TUNEL(terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling)试剂盒检测细胞凋亡率。酶联免疫吸附法测定血清中肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)和白细胞介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)的含量,海马区中5-羟色胺(5-hydroxytryptamine,5-HT)、5-羟吲哚乙酸(5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid,5-HIAA)、多巴胺(dopamine,DA)的水平;蛋白质印迹检测海马区DJ-1、磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase,PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(protein kinase B,AKT)、p-PI3K、p-AKT、Bcl-2和Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bcl-2 associated X protein,Bax)的表达。结果过表达DJ-1后能明显降低中细胞凋亡率和血清中TNF-α和IL-6的含量,上调海马区5-HT、5-HIAA、DA的水平,上调p-PI3K、p-AKT和Bcl-2的表达,抑制Bax的表达,但PI3K抑制剂LY294002可部分解除过表达DJ-1对神经元细胞的保护作用。结论过表达DJ-1后能明显抑制抑郁症大鼠炎症性应激,降低细胞的凋亡率,上调中5-HT、5-HIAA和DA的含量,这可能与激活PI3K/AKT信号有关。

PI3K/AKT signaling and neuroprotection in ischemic stroke:molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives

It has been reported that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.As a result,the development of drugs targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway has attracted increasing attention from researchers.This article reviews the pathological mechanisms and advancements in research related to the signaling pathways in ischemic stroke,with a focus on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.The key findings include the following:(1)The complex pathological mechanisms of ischemic stroke can be categorized into five major types:excitatory amino acid toxicity,Ca^(2+)overload,inflammatory response,oxidative stress,and apoptosis.(2)The PI3K/AKT-mediated signaling pathway is closely associated with the occurrence and progression of ischemic stroke,which primarily involves the NF-κB,NRF2,BCL-2,mTOR,and endothelial NOS signaling pathways.(3)Natural products,including flavonoids,quinones,alkaloids,phenylpropanoids,phenols,terpenoids,and iridoids,show great potential as candidate substances for the development of innovative anti-stroke medications.(4)Recently,novel therapeutic techniques,such as electroacupuncture and mesenchymal stem cell therapy,have demonstrated the potential to improve stroke outcomes by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,providing new possibilities for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with ischemic stroke.Future investigations should focus on the direct regulatory mechanisms of drugs targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and their clinical translation to develop innovative treatment strategies for ischemic stroke.

APP转基因小鼠脑组织中4.1B蛋白的表达研究

目的检测4.1B蛋白在阿尔茨海默病模型APP转基因小鼠脑组织中的表达。方法 PCR鉴定APP转基因阳性[APP(+)]小鼠和APP转基因阴性[APP(﹣)]小鼠,分别取不同脑区用免疫组织化学法和免疫印迹法检测4.1B蛋白的表达。结果免疫组织化学法显示在APP(+)鼠和APP(-)鼠的大脑皮层和海马均可见4.1B阳性细胞,APP(+)组小鼠的4.1B蛋白表达明显高于APP(-)组小鼠。免疫印迹法检测APP(+)组和APP(-)组小鼠脑组织海马、皮层和小脑中均有4.1B蛋白的表达,APP(+)组各脑区4.1B蛋白表达均明显高于APP(-)组。结论 APP高表达引起脑组织内4.1B蛋白的表达增高。

Variation of Cyclin B1-like Protein During the Cell Cycle of Physarum polycephalum

Physarum polycephalum L., a naturally synchronized myxomycophyta, was demonstrated to contain a cyclin B1-like protein by Western blot and immunoelectron microscopy. The content and subcellular location of the protein varied during the cell cycle. The cyclin B1-like protein was first detected in the plasmodia of S phase while it did not appear in the nuclei until late G2 phase. The content of the protein in both the plasmodia and nuclei rose gradually onwards, peaked at metaphase and disappeared abruptly at ana-telophase. The protein was found to be distributed in both the cytoplasm and nuclei in late G2 phase and metaphase. In nuclei, the protein was mainly located in the chromosomal and nucleolar areas. The results suggest that the cyclin B1-like protein of P. polycephalum begins to be synthesized at S phase, enters the nuclei at late G2 phase, accumulates in both cytoplasm and nuclei onwards and breaks down at ana-telophase. The results also suggest that the cyclin B1-like protein acts as a cytoplasmic-nuclear protein during certain phases of the cell cycle.

4.1B蛋白的抑制肿瘤作用

4.1R和Merlin是4.1蛋白超家族中两个功能比较清楚的成员,前者通过结合肌动蛋白和血影蛋白维持红细胞骨架结构的完整性;后者为抑癌蛋白,其缺失与脑膜瘤发生有关。4.1B蛋白是4.1R和Merlin的同源蛋白,与二者的结构和功能具有相似性。4.1B蛋白由三个保守的结构域构成,即FERM、SABD和CTD,通过这三个结构域,能与一系列蛋白质相互作用。4.1B蛋白表达缺失与脑膜瘤、乳腺癌和非小细胞肺癌的发生相关,而过量表达则可激活JNK信号途径,促进细胞凋亡;此外,4.1B蛋白还具有抑制肿瘤转移的功能。因此,目前多认为4.1B基因可能是一个抑癌基因。

Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles protect against ischemic stroke by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles exhibit analogous functions to their parental cells,and can thus be used as substitutes for stem cells in stem cell therapy,thereby mitigating the risks of stem cell therapy and advancing the frontiers of stem cell-derived treatments.This lays a foundation for the development of potentially potent new treatment modalities for ischemic stroke.However,the precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles remain unclear,presenting challenges for clinical translation.To promote the translation of therapy based on human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles from the bench to the bedside,we conducted a comprehensive preclinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the treatment of ischemic stroke.We found that administration of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to an ischemic stroke rat model reduced the volume of cerebral infarction and promoted functional recovery by alleviating neuronal apoptosis.The human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles reduced neuronal apoptosis by enhancing phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase,mammalian target of rapamycin,and protein kinase B,and these effects were reversed by treatment with a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor.These findings suggest that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles play a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke through activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway.Finally,we showed that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles have a good in vivo safety profile.Therefore,human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles are a promising potential agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

TSLC1和4.1B在非小细胞肺癌中的表达及临床意义

背景与目的肺癌肿瘤抑制物1(tumor suppressor in lung cancer-1,TSLC1)属于细胞粘附分子中免疫球蛋白超家族成员,肺腺癌差异表达基因(di erentially expressed in adenocarcinoma of the lung,4.1B)属于NF2/ERM/4.1蛋白超家族成员之一,两者可能通过构建相邻细胞间稳定的粘附作用而抑制恶性肿瘤的发生。本研究通过检测TSLC1和4.1B在非小细胞肺癌中的表达及其与患者临床特征的关系,分析两种基因表达的相关性,以期为临床诊断与治疗提供理论基础。方法采用RT-PCR的方法检测52例非小细胞肺癌组织以及52例相应癌旁正常肺组织中TSLC1和4.1B的表达。结果 TSLC1和4.1B在癌组织中的表达量明显低于癌旁正常肺组织(0.349±0.008vs0.555±0.010;0.209±0.040vs0.721±0.071)(P<0.01)。TSLC1和4.1B的表达与非小细胞肺癌的分化程度、TNM分期有关(P<0.05),而与患者性别、年龄、病理分型无关(P>0.05)。TSLC1与4.1B的表达呈正相关(r=0.471,P<0.001)。结论 TSLC1和4.1B在非小细胞肺癌的发生中起抑制作用,两者可能通过级联反应共同参与了非小细胞肺癌的发生和发展。TSLC1和4.1B有望成为非小细胞肺癌基因诊断与治疗的靶点。

TSLC1、DAL-1/4.1B和MPP3在大肠癌中的表达及其临床意义

目的:研究肺癌肿瘤抑制物1(tumor suppressor i n lung cancer-1,TSLC1)、肺腺癌差异表达因子4.1B(differentially expressed in adenocarcinoma of the lung/4.1B,DAL-1/4.1B)和果蝇肿瘤抑制因子同源分子-3(membraneprotein palmitoylated 3,MPP3)在大肠癌中的表达及其相互关系,并探讨其临床病理意义.方法:采用免疫组织化学EnVisionTM法检测76例大肠癌和22例正常肠黏膜组织中TSLC1、DAL-1/4.1B、MPP3的表达,并结合其临床病理特征分析.结果:正常肠黏膜组织中TSLC1、DAL-1/4.1B和MPP3均呈清晰的棕黄色染色定位在上皮细胞质和/或细胞膜.TSLC1、DAL-1/4.1B和MPP3蛋白在大肠癌中的阳性表达率均明显低于其在正常肠黏膜组织中的表达(32.89%vs81.81%,27.63%vs 63.64%,35.53%vs 68.18%;P<0.05).TSLC1、DAL-1/4.1B和MPP3蛋白在大肠癌的表达缺失与肿瘤的分化程度、浸润深度、淋巴结转移和Dukes'分期密切相关(P<0.05),而与患者的性别、年龄和肿瘤大小无关.结论:大肠癌中存在TSLC1、DAL-1/4.1B和MPP3基因的表达缺失,TSLC1与DAL-1/4.1B及MPP3之间的相互作用可能是其发挥肿瘤抑制作用的主要分子机制,三者可能通过TSLC1级联反应共同参与大肠癌的发生、发展和转移.

Salvianolate increases heat shock protein expression in a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model

Stroke remains a worldwide health problem. Salvianolate exerts a protective effect in various mi- crocirculatory disturbance-related diseases, but studies of the mechanisms underlying its protective action have mainly focused on the myocardium, whereas little research has been carried out in brain tissue following ischemia-reperfusion. We assessed the neuroprotective effects of salvianolate in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury induced using the suture method. At onset and 24 and 48 hours after reperfusion, rats were intraperitoneally injected with salvianolate （18 mg/kg） or saline. Neurological deficit scores at 72 hours showed that the neurological functions of rats that had received salvianolate were significantly better than those of the rats that had received saline. 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride was used to stain cerebral tissue to determine the extent of the infarct area. A significantly smaller infarct area and a significantly lower number of apoptotic cells were observed after treatment with salvianolate compared with the saline treatment. Expression of heat shock protein 22 and phosphorylated protein kinase B in ischemic brain tissue was significantly greater in rats treated with salvianolate compared with rats treated with saline. Our findings suggest that salvianolate provides neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by upregulating heat shock protein 22 and phosphorylated protein kinase B expression.

Yinchenhao decoction attenuates obstructive jaundice-induced liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis by suppressing protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase-induced pathway

BACKGROUND Chronic biliary obstruction results in ischemia and hypoxia of hepatocytes,and leads to apoptosis.Apoptosis is very important in regulating the homeostasis of the hepatobiliary system.Endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress is one of the signaling pathways that induce apoptosis.Moreover,the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)-induced apoptotic pathway is the main way;but its role in liver injury remains unclear.Yinchenhao decoction(YCHD)is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that alleviates liver injury and apoptosis,yet its mechanism is unknown.We undertook this study to investigate the effects of YCHD on the expression of ER stress proteins and hepatocyte apoptosis in rats with obstructive jaundice(OJ).AIM To investigate whether YCHD can attenuate OJ-induced liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the PERK-CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP)-growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 34(GADD34)pathway and B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 related X protein(Bax)/B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2(Bcl-2)ratio.METHODS For in vivo experiments,30 rats were divided into three groups:control group,OJ model group,and YCHD-treated group.Blood was collected to detect the indicators of liver function,and liver tissues were used for histological analysis.For in vitro experiments,30 rats were divided into three groups:G1,G2,and G3.The rats in group G1 had their bile duct exposed without ligation,the rats in group G2 underwent total bile duct ligation,and the rats in group G3 were given a gavage of YCHD.According to the serum pharmacology,serum was extracted and centrifuged from the rat blood to cultivate the BRL-3A cells.Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end-labelling(TUNEL)assay was used to detect BRL-3A hepatocyte apoptosis.Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate transaminase(AST)levels in the medium were detected.Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)analyses were used to detect protein and gene expression levels of PERK,CHOP,GADD34,Bax,and Bcl-2 in the liver tissues and BRL-3A cells.RESULTS Biochemical assays and haematoxylin and eosin staining suggested severe liver function injury and liver tissue structure damage in the OJ model group.The TUNEL assay showed that massive BRL-3A rat hepatocyte apoptosis was induced by OJ.Elevated ALT and AST levels in the medium also demonstrated that hepatocytes could be destroyed by OJ.Western blot or qRT-PCR analyses showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels of PERK,CHOP,and GADD34 were significantly increased both in the rat liver tissue and BRL-3A rat hepatocytes by OJ.The Bax and Bcl-2 levels were increased,and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was also increased.When YCHD was used,the PERK,CHOP,GADD34,and Bax levels quickly decreased,while the Bcl-2 levels increased,and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio decreased.CONCLUSION OJ-induced liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis are associated with the activation of the PERK-CHOP-GADD34 pathway and increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.YCHD can attenuate these changes.

Hepatitis B virus X protein up-regulates tumor necrosis factor-α expression in cultured mesangial cells via ERKs and NF-κB pathways

Objective:To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV)X protein(HBx)on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)and the underlying intracellular signal pathways.Methods:The plasmid pCI-neo-X that carries the X gene of hepatitis B virus was transfected into cultured GMCs.HBx expression in the transfected GMCs was assessed by Western-blot.TNF-αprotein and mRNA were assessed by ELISA and semi-quantitative RT-PCR,respectively.Three kinase inhibitors-U0126,an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERKs);lactacvstin,an inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB);and SB203580,a selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase(p38 MAPK)were used to determine which intracellular signal pathways may underlie the action of HBx on TNF-αexpression in transfected GMCs.Results:A significant increase in HBx expression in pCI-neo-X transfected GMCs was detected at 36 h and 48 h,which was not affected by any of those kinase inhibitors mentioned above.A similar increase in the expression of both TNF-αprotein and mRNA was also observed at 36 h and 48 h,which was significantly decreased in the presence of U0126 or lactacytin,but not SB203580.Conclusions:HBx upregulates TNF-αexpression in cultured GMCs,possibly through ERKs and NF-κB pathway,but not p38 MAPK pathway.