Diabetes and high-glucose could upregulate the expression of receptor for activated C kinase 1 in retina

BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is a major ocular complication of diabetes mellitus,leading to visual impairment.Retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)injury is a key component of the outer blood retinal barrier,and its damage is an important indicator of DR.Receptor for activated C kinase 1(RACK1)activates protein kinase C-ε(PKC-ε)to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in RPE cells,leading to apoptosis.Therefore,we hypothesize that the activation of RACK1 under hypoxic/high-glucose conditions may promote RPE cell apoptosis by modulating PKC-ε/ROS,thereby disrupting the barrier effect of the outer blood retinal barrier and contributing to the progression of DR.AIM To investigate the role and associated underlying mechanisms of RACK1 in the development of early DR.METHODS In this study,Sprague-Dawley rats and adult RPE cell line-19(ARPE-19)cells were used as in vivo and in vitro models,respectively,to explore the role of RACK1 in mediating PKC-εin early DR.Furthermore,the impact of RACK1 on apoptosis and barrier function of RPE cells was also investigated in the former model.RESULTS Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed increased apoptosis and upregulated expression of RACK1 and PKC-εproteins in RPE cells following a prolonged modeling.Similarly,ARPE-19 cells exposed to high glucose and hypoxia displayed elevated mRNA and protein levels of RACK1 and PKC-ε,accompanied by an increases in ROS production,apoptosis rate,and monolayer permeability.However,silencing RACK1 significantly downregulated the expression of PKC-εand ROS,reduced cell apoptosis and permeability,and protected barrier function.CONCLUSION RACK1 plays a significant role in the development of early DR and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for DR by regulating RPE apoptosis and barrier function.

Metformin promotes angiogenesis and functional recovery in aged mice after spinal cord injury by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway

Treatment with metformin can lead to the recovery of pleiotropic biological activities after spinal cord injury.However,its effect on spinal cord injury in aged mice remains unclear.Considering the essential role of angiogenesis during the regeneration process,we hypothesized that metformin activates the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway in endothelial cells,thereby promoting microvascular regeneration in aged mice after spinal cord injury.In this study,we established young and aged mouse models of contusive spinal cord injury using a modified Allen method.We found that aging hindered the recovery of neurological function and the formation of blood vessels in the spinal cord.Treatment with metformin promoted spinal cord microvascular endothelial cell migration and blood vessel formation in vitro.Furthermore,intraperitoneal injection of metformin in an in vivo model promoted endothelial cell proliferation and increased the density of new blood vessels in the spinal cord,thereby improving neurological function.The role of metformin was reversed by compound C,an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor,both in vivo and in vitro,suggesting that the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway likely regulates metformin-mediated angiogenesis after spinal cord injury.These findings suggest that metformin promotes vascular regeneration in the injured spinal cord by activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway,thereby improving the neurological function of aged mice after spinal cord injury.

^(11)C-PIB PET定性及半定量分析在鉴别诊断阿尔茨海默病中的价值

目的探讨通过11 C-匹兹堡化合物B(11 C-Pittsburgh compound B,11 C-PIB)正电子发射计算机断层显像(positron emission tomography,PET)定性及半定量分析脑内β-淀粉样蛋白(β-amyloid,Aβ)沉积程度,评价其对阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer’s disease,AD)、轻度认知障碍(mild cognitive impairment,MCI)及非阿尔茨海默病所致认知障碍(non Alzheimer s disease induced cognitive impairment,NAD)的诊断及鉴别诊断价值。方法回顾性分析首都医科大学宣武医院神经内科2022年收治的AD患者(AD,n=36)、轻度认知障碍患者(MCI,n=20)、非AD所致认知障碍患者(NAD,n=19)及健康对照者(normal control,NC,n=10)作为研究对象。此85例受试者均行11 C-PIB PET显像,首先对脑内是否有Aβ沉积做阴性或阳性定性判断,再以脑干为参考脑区对大脑皮质额、顶、颞、枕叶Aβ沉积最大标准化摄取值比值(maximum standardized uptake value ratio,SUVRmax)半定量测量,并分析AD、MCI、NAD及NC组之间SUVRmax的差异。结果定性判断显示,AD组、NC组与其他各组之间差异有统计学意义,MCI组与NAD组之间差异无统计学意义。半定量分析显示,对于所有的脑区(额叶、顶叶、颞叶、枕叶),AD组的SUVRmax值都明显高于其他3个组,差异有统计学意义。在所有脑区中,NC组的SUVRmax数值最低,但SUVRmax在MCI组、NAD及NC组之间差异无统计学意义。结论11 C-PIB PET显像定性及半定量分析对诊断AD均有较高价值,半定量分析对AD及MCI有一定的鉴别意义。

克罗恩病患者血清CCL11及I-FABP的表达水平与疾病活动指数的相关性研究

目的探究克罗恩病(CD)患者血清嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子(CCL11)及肠脂肪酸结合蛋白(I-FABP)水平表达与疾病活动指数的相关性。方法选取2021年2月至2023年2月于上海市杨浦区中心医院就诊的98例CD患者进行研究(CD组),根据疾病活动指数(CDAI)评分将患者分为缓解期21例、轻度活动期31例、中度活动期28例和重度活动期18例,另选取同期健康者100例作为对照组,采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血清CCL11、I-FABP水平,采用Spearman法分析血清CCL11、I-FABP水平与CDAI评分的相关性,采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析血清CCL11、I-FABP水平对CD患者疾病活动度的评估价值。结果CD组患者的血清CCL11、I-FABP水平分别为(51.33±7.14)pg/mL、(64.85±11.56)ng/mL,明显高于对照组的(28.56±6.61)pg/mL、(31.38±10.35)ng/mL,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);缓解期、轻度、中度、重度活动期CD患者血清CCL11水平分别为(31.47±7.02)pg/mL、(45.52±7.08)pg/mL、(57.83±7.12)pg/mL、(74.41±7.43)pg/mL,I-FABP水平分别为(48.13±10.79)ng/mL、(59.97±11.32)ng/mL、(70.76±11.75)ng/mL、(83.58±12.58)ng/mL,缓解期、轻度活动期、中度活动期、重度活动期CD患者血清CCL11、I-FABP水平依次升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Spearman相关性分析结果显示,血清CCL11、I-FABP水平均与CDAI评分呈正相关(r=0.834、0.620,P<0.01);ROC分析结果显示,血清CCL11、I-FABP水平评估CD患者疾病活动度的AUC分别为0.882、0.889,敏感性为81.82%、80.52%,特异性为85.71%、85.71%。两者联合评估疾病活动度的AUC为0.938,显著高于单项检测(P<0.05),联合检测的敏感性和特异性为93.51%、85.71%。结论CD患者血清CCL11、I-FABP水平升高,与疾病活动指数密切相关,且两者联合评估CD患者疾病活动度具有较高效能。

下调富含脯氨酸蛋白11表达对食管癌耐药细胞EC9706/DDP耐药性的影响及其机制

目的:探讨下调富含脯氨酸蛋白11(PRR11)表达对食管癌耐药细胞耐药性的影响,阐明其相关机制。方法:采用顺铂(DDP)浓度递增间断刺激人食管癌EC9706细胞建立DDP耐药细胞株EC9706/DDP,MTT法检测EC9706/DDP细胞药敏性,实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)法和Western blotting法检测EC9706/DDP细胞及其亲本EC9706细胞中PRR11 mRNA和蛋白表达水平。将EC9706/DDP细胞分为对照组、sh-NC组(转染sh-NC)、sh-PRR11组(转染sh-PRR11)、sh-NC+DDP组(转染sh-NC后用4 mg·L^(-1)DDP处理)和sh-PRR11+DDP组(转染sh-PRR11后用4 mg·L^(-1)DDP处理),RT-qPCR法检测各组细胞中PRR11 mRNA表达水平,Western blotting法检测各组细胞中PRR11、磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)p110α、蛋白激酶B(AKT)、磷酸化AKT(p-AKT)、P-糖蛋白(P-gp)和多药耐药相关蛋白1(MRP1)蛋白表达水平,流式细胞术检测各组细胞凋亡率。结果:成功获得DDP耐药细胞株EC9706/DDP,耐药指数为7.23±0.86。与EC9706细胞比较,EC9706/DDP细胞中PRR11 mRNA和蛋白表达水平升高(P<0.05)。分别与对照组和sh-NC组比较,sh-PRR11组细胞中PRR11 mRNA和蛋白表达水平降低(P<0.05),细胞的DDP半数抑制浓度(IC50)降低(P<0.05)。与sh-NC组比较,sh-NC+DDP组和sh-PRR11组细胞中PI3K p110α、p-AKT、P-gp和MRP1蛋白表达水平降低(P<0.05),细胞凋亡率升高(P<0.05);分别与sh-NC+DDP组和sh-PRR11组比较,sh-PRR11+DDP组细胞中PI3Kp110α、p-AKT、P-gp和MRP1蛋白表达水平降低(P<0.05),细胞凋亡率升高(P<0.05)。结论:下调EC9706/DDP耐药细胞中PRR11基因的表达,可抑制耐药相关蛋白的表达,逆转对DDP耐药,并诱导细胞凋亡,其作用机制可能与抑制PI3K/AKT信号通路激活有关。

Structure-activity Relationship of Phenothiazines for Inhibition of Protein Kinase C and Reversal of Multidrug Resistance

Studies on structure-activity relationship of phenothiazines (PTZs) forinhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) and reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR) has been made invitro. The results showed that the order of potency of reversal effect of PTZs on MDR is as follows:2-COC_3 H_7 > 2-CF_3 > 2-COCH_3 > H. The type of piperazinyl substitution also significantlyaffected potency against MDR. The results show the order: CH_3 > COOC_2 H_5 > C_2 H_4 OH. Inaddition, PKC plays a marked role in diverse cellular process including MDR. Some derivatives of PTZwas tested for inhibition of PKC, of which PTZ11 showed the highest inhibitory effect of MDR andPKC, implying a potential reversal agent of MDR for tumor therapy in the future. We also tried toexplore the possible binding model of PTZs to PKC. Our molecular-modeling study preliminarilysuggests how these PTZs bind to PKC and provides a structural basis for the design of high affinityPKC-modulator. The infor-mation may be used in the rational design of more effective drugs.

Metformin promotes anti-tumor immunity in STK11 mutant NSCLC through AXIN1-dependent upregulation of multiple nucleotide metabolites

Background:Metformin has pleiotropic effects beyond glucose reduction,including tumor inhibition and immune regulation.It enhanced the anti-tumor effects of programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)inhibitors in serine/threonine kinase 11(STK11)mutant non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)through an axis inhibition protein 1(AXIN1)-dependent manner.However,the alterations of tumor metabolism and metabolites upon metformin administration remain unclear.Methods:We performed untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography(LC)-mass spectrometry(MS)/MS system and conducted cell experiments to verify the results of bioinformatics analysis.Results:According to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway database,most metabolites were annotated into metabolism,including nucleotide metabolism.Next,the differentially expressed metabolites in H460(refers to H460 cells),H460_met(refers to metformin-treated H460 cells),and H460_KO_met(refers to metformin-treated Axin1-/-H460 cells)were distributed into six clusters based on expression patterns.The clusters with a reversed expression pattern upon metformin treatment were selected for further analysis.We screened out metabolic pathways through KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and found that multiple nucleotide metabolites enriched in this pathway were upregulated.Furthermore,these metabolites enhanced the cytotoxicity of activated T cells on H460 cells in vitro and can activate the stimulator of the interferon genes(STING)pathway independently of AXIN1.Conclusion:Relying on AXIN1,metformin upregulated multiple nucleotide metabolites which promoted STING signaling and the killing of activated T cells in STK11 mutant NSCLC,indicating a potential immunotherapeutic strategy for STK11 mutant NSCLC.

US-FNA联合血清CCL11、HMGB1对甲状腺乳头状癌淋巴结转移的诊断价值

目的探讨超声引导下细针穿刺细胞学检查(US-FNA)联合血清嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子(CCL11)、高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)对甲状腺乳头状癌(PTC)淋巴结转移的诊断价值。方法选取PTC患者80例(80枚淋巴结具有可疑转移性淋巴结超声征象),分别对患者进行US-FNA检查,并检测患者血清CCL11、HMGB1水平,统计所有患者手术病理学检查结果;以手术病理学检查结果为“金标准”,观察US-FNA诊断PTC淋巴结转移检出情况;比较PTC淋巴结转移与未转移患者血清CCL11、HMGB1水平;受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析US-FNA联合血清CCL11、HMGB1对PTC患者淋巴结转移的诊断价值。结果80枚淋巴结经手术病理学检查淋巴结转移检出率为88.75%(71/80);以手术病理学检查结果为“金标准”,US-FNA检出59例,漏诊12例,淋巴结转移诊断敏感度为83.10%(59/71)、特异度为100%(9/9);PTC淋巴结转移患者的血清CCL11、HMGB1水平均高于未转移患者(P<0.05);ROC结果显示,CCL11、HMGB1对PCI淋巴结转移诊断的最佳截断点分别为63.04 pg/ml、16.36 ng/ml,曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.851、0.814,US-FNA联合血清CCL11、HMGB1对PTC淋巴结转移诊断的AUC为0.901。结论US-FNA联合血清CCL11、HMGB1诊断PTC淋巴结转移的准确度、敏感度、特异度较高,具有较高临床应用价值。

Calycosin improves cognitive function in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by activating the protein kinase C pathway

The major pathological changes in Alzheimer＇s disease are beta amyloid deposits and cognitive impairment. Calycosin is a typical phy- toestrogen derived from radix astragali that binds to estrogen receptors to produce estrogen-like effects. Radix astragali Calycosin has been shown to relieve cognitive impairment induced by diabetes mellitus, suggesting calycosin may improve the cognitive function of Alzhei- mer＇s disease patients. The protein kinase C pathway is upstream of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and exerts a neuropro- tective effect by regulating Alzheimer＇s disease-related beta amyloid degradation. We hypothesized that calycosin improves the cognitive function of a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer＇s disease by activating the protein kinase C pathway. Various doses of calycosin （10, 20 and 40 mg/kg） were intraperitoneally injected into APP/PS1 transgenic mice that model Alzheimer＇s disease. Calycosin diminished hippocampal beta amyloid, Tau protein, interleukin-lbeta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde levels in a dose-dependent manner, and increased acetylcholine and glutathione activities. The administration of a protein kinase C inhibitor, cal- phostin C, abolished the neuroprotective effects of calycosin including improving cognitive ability, and anti-oxidative and anti-inflammato- ry effects. Our data demonstrated that calycosin mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the hippocampus of Alzheimer＇s disease model mice by activating the protein kinase C pathway, and thereby improving cognitive function.

Effect of gastrin on protein kinase C and its subtype in human colon cancer cell line SW480

INTRODUCTIONGastrin is atrophic gastrointestinal hormone whichis secreted by G cell.Gastrin has long beenconsidered a growth stimulatory hormone formucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.The growthresponses of certain colorectal cancer cells,andxenografts,can be stimulated by endogenousgastrin.Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family ofisozymes that plays a crucial role in transducingsignals of many hormones,growth peptides,

Hyperlipidemia intensifies cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis associated with activation of protein kinase C in rats

AIM： To investigate the effects of hyperlipidemia on acute pancreatitis （AP） and the possible mechanisms. METHODS： Rat models of hyperlipidemia and AP were established by Triton WR1339 and cerulein respectively. Human albumin was used to treat AP complicated by hyperlipidemia. In each group, we compared the histological score, volume of ascites, ratio of pancreatic wet/dry weight, serum amylase （AMY） and pancreatic acinar cell apoptosis. The level of protein kinase C （PKC） membrane translocation in pancreatic tissue was detected by Western blot.RESULTS： In the hyperlipidemia model established by Triton WR1339, triglyceride （TG） increased remarkably and reached its peak 6 h after injection, and most rats developed mild acute pancreatitis. Histological score, volume of ascites, ratio of wet/dry weight and serum AMY in AP animals with hyperlipidemia were obviously higher than those in AP animals （P 〈 0.05） and decreased after albumin therapy but not significantly （P 〉 0.05）. Apoptotic cells detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling （TUNEL） increased in AP animals with hyperlipidemia and did not change distinctly after albumin therapy. PKC membrane translocation level increased in AP animals with hyperlipidemia and decreased remarkably after albumin therapy （P 〈 0.05）.CONCLUSION： Hyperlipidemia may induce AP or intensify pancreatic injury. Albumin therapy can not alleviate pancreatic lesion effectively. PKC activation may be one mechanism by which AP is intensified by hyperlipidemia.

Relationship between Invasiveness of Pituitary Somatotrophinomas and Structural Abnormalities of Protein Kinase C Gene in Human

The potential role of the protein kinase C (PKC) transduction systemin controlling proliferation of human pituitary somatotrophinomas was investigat-ed. Twenty somatotrophinomas were studied using PCR and diract sequencing methods. No point mutation within the QPKC gene, previously thought to be as-sociated with invasive pituitary tumors, was found in any of the 20 somatotrophi-nomas. It is concluded that PKC trareduction system may play an important rolein controlling pituitary somatotrophinoma proliferation, but there is no correlation between invasiveness and the previously reported QPKC gene mutation.

GHRP-6 Induces CREB Phosphorylation and Growth Hormone Secretion via a Protein Kinase Cσ-dependent Pathway in GH3 Cells

This study examined the effect of GHRP-6, a known GHSs receptor agonist, on the phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein （CREB） and the tmderly mechanism. GH3 cells were cultured and subjected to different treatments as follows： GHRP-6, GHRP-6 plus GHRH, phorbol ester （PMA）, an activator of PKC, alone or in combination with GHRP-6, G66983, a general inhibitor of PKCs, in the presence or absence of GHRP-6, rottlerin, an inhibitor of PKCs, alone or plus GHRP-6. The cells were transiently transfected with PKCσ-specific siRNA and then treated with GHRP-6. GH level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The expression of phosphor-CREB, PKCσ, PKC0 and phosphor-PKCo was determined by Western blotting. The results showed that GHRP-6 stimulated GH secretion in both time- and dose-dependent manners and enhanced the effect of GHRH on GH secretion. GHRP-6 was also found to induce CREB phosphorylation. Moreover, GH secretion was enhanced by the PKC activator PMA and reduced by the PKC inhibitors （G66983, rottlerin） and knockdown of PKCσ. PKCσ could be activated by GHRP-6. It is concluded that PKC, especialiy PKCσ, mediates CREB phosphorylation and GHRP-6-induced GH secretion.

Bcl-2 over-expression and activation of protein kinase C suppress the Trail-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells

Trail, a tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, is a novel potent endogenous activator of the cell death pathway through the activation of cell surface death receptors Trail-R1 and Trail-R2. Its role, like FasL in activation-induced cell death (AICD), has been demonstrated in immune system. However the mechanism of Trail induced apoptosis remains unclear. In this report, the recombinant Trail protein was expressed and purified. The apoptosis-inducing activity and the regulation mechanism of recombinant Trail on Jurkat T cells were explored in vitro. Trypan blue exclusion assay demonstrated that the recombinant Trail protein actively killed Jurkat T cells in a dose-dependent manner. Trail-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells were remarkably reduced by Bcl-2 over expression in Bcl-2 gene transfected cells. Treatment with PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate), a PKC activator, suppressed Trail-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells. The inhibition of apoptosis by PMA was abolished by pretreatment with Bis, a PKC inhibitor. Taken together, it was suggested that Bcl-2 over-expression and PMA activated PKC actively down-regulated the Trail-mediated apoptosis in Jurkat T cell.

Effects of cell membrane phospholipid level and protein kinase C isoenzyme expression on hepatic metastasis of colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The molecular mechanism of hepaticmetastasis of colorectal cancer is not well understood. Theaim of this study was to assess the relations between phos-pholipid contents of cellular membrane and isoenzyme ex-pression of protein kinase C (PKC) and their effects on he-patic metastasis of colorectal cancer.METHODS: High performance liquid chromatography wasused to detect contents of cell membrane phospholipids:phosphatidylinosital (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), phos-phatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC)in primary foci, paratumor mucosa and hepatic metastaticfoci in patients with colorectal carcinoma. The mRNA ex-pression levels of PKC-α, -δ, -ε, -λ, -ξ isoenzymeswere detected with the QRT-PCR technique.RESULTS: The levels of PI, PC and PE in primary foci andhepatic metastatic foci were higher than those in paratumormucosa. The level of PE in hepatic metastatic foci wasmuch higher than that in primary foci (t =98.88, P <0.01);but the levels of PI and PC were not significantly differentbetween primary foci and hepatic metastatic foci (t =1.73 ,1.36, P>0.05). The expression levels of -δ, -ε,-λ, -ξ were enhanced in primary foci and hepatic metasta-tic foci, but the level of PKC-α in primary foci was de-creased as compared with that in paratumor mucosa. Thelevels of PKC-δ, -ε, -λ, -ξ in hepatic metastatic foci werehigher than those in primary foci. A positive correlationwas observed between the expression levels of PI, PC andand also between those of PE and PKC-δ, -ε, -λ,-ξ. However, there was a close negative correlation be-tween PE and PKC-α.CONCLUSION: Increased levels of PI and PC and de-creased ratio of PKC-α to are related to colorectalcancer genesis. Increased levels of PE, increased expressionof PKC-δ, -ε, -λ, -ξ isoenzymes and decreased level ofPKC-α are related to hepatic metastasis in colorectal carci-noma.

Fungus induces the release of IL- 8 in human corneal epithelial cells, via Dectin-1-mediated protein kinase C pathways

AIM: To identify whether Aspergillus fumigatus(A.fumigatus) hyphae antigens induced the release of interleukin-8(IL-8) in anti-fungal innate immunity of cultured human corneal epithelial cells(HCECs) and determine the involvement of intracellular signalling pathways. METHODS: HCECs were treated with A. fumigatus hyphae antigens with different concentrations and time.The cytoplasmic calcium of HCECs were assessed by fluorescence imaging. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Ca2 +-dependent protein kinase C(PKC). The IL-8 levels were determined by specific human IL-8 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Using a series of pharmacological inhibitors, we examined the upstream signalling pathway responsible for IL-8 expression in response to A.fumigatus hyphae antigens. RESULTS: Cells exposed to A. fumigatus hyphae antigens showed higher level of IL-8 m RNA expression and protein production. We demonstrated here that stimulation of HCECs with A. fumigatus hyphae triggers an intracellular Ca2 +flux and results in the activation of Ca2 +-dependent PKC(α, βⅠ and βⅡ) which can be attenuated by pre-treatment of cells with laminarin,suggesting that Dectin-1 signals pathway induced cytoplasmic calcium and influence the activation of PKC in HCECs. Inhibitors of Ca2 +-dependent PKC(Ro-31-8220 and Go6976) significantly abolished hyphae-induced expression of IL-8.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that A. fumigatushyphae-induced IL-8 expression was regulated by the activation of Dectin-1-mediated Ca2 +-dependent PKC in HCECs.

Hepatic injury in rats with obstructive jaundice: roles of the protein kinase C signal pathway and cytoprotection of fructose

BACKGROUND: Fructose is cytoprotective during bile salt-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes by regulating protein kinase C (PKC). This study was undertaken to explore the regulating mechanism of hepatic injury in rats with obstructive jaundice, and to detect the PKC signal pathway. METHODS: Rat hepatocytes were isolated by in situ colla-genase perfusion and primary culture, and pretreated with various concentrations of PKC agonist phorbol myristate acetale (PMA) and inhibitor chelerythrine for 20 minutes. After pretreatment, 50 μmol/L glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC) was added for additional 24 hours. Subsequently, the cells were detected by FCM and TUNEL. After adding with different concentrations of fructose and 100 μmol GCDC , the hepatocytes were evaluated by FCM and TUNEL. Experimental obstructive jaundice was induced with fructose and without fructose via double ligation of the bile duct for 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. Apoptotic status in the liver of all rats was detected with TUNEL, and PKC protein in the liver of obstructive jaundice ( OJ) with the immunohisto-chemistry method. RESULTS: PMA increased GCDC-induced apoptosis and chelerythrine decreased GCDC-induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Adding with different concentration of fructose and 100 μmol GCDC, the decreased apoptotic rate was related to the concentration of fructose. The apoptotic rate of the liver was related to times of OJ. PKC and apoptosis index (AI) were the highest after a 14-day ligation of the bile duct without use of fructose. AI and PKC were decreasing from a 14-day ligation of the bile duct with fructose. CONCLUSIONS: PKC takes part in the regulation, occurrence , and progression of hepatic injury in OJ. Fructose is cytoprotective during bile salt-induced apoptosis of hepato-cytes by regulating PKC.

Effects of Mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K^+ Channel on Protein Kinase C Pathway and Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation in Asthma

The effects of ATP-sensitive mitochondrial K + channel(mitoK ATP) on mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψm),cell proliferation and protein kinase C alpha(PKCα) expression in airway smooth muscle cells(ASMCs) were investigated.Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were immunized with saline(controls) or ovalbumin(OVA) with alum(asthma models).ASMCs were cultured from the lung of control and asthma rats.ASMCs were treated with diazoxide(the potent activator of mitoK ATP) or 5-hydroxydencanote(5-HD,the inhibitor of mitoK ATP).Rhodamine-123(R-123) was used to detect Δψm.The expression of PKCα protein was examined by using Western blotting,while PKCα mRNA expression was detected by using real-time PCR.The proliferation of ASMCs was measured by MTT assay and cell cycle analysis.In diazoxide-treated normal ASMCs,the R-123 fluorescence intensity,protein and mRNA levels of PKCα,MTT A values and percentage of cells in S phase were markedly increased as compared with untreated controls.The ratio of G 0 /G 1 cells was decreased(P<0.05) in diazoxide-treated ASMCs from normal rats.However,there were no significant differences between the ASMCs from healthy rats treated with 5-HD and the normal control group.In untreated and diazoxide-treated ASMCs of asthmatic rats,the R-123 fluorescence intensity,protein and mRNA levels of PKCα,MTT A values and the percentage of cells in S phase were increased in comparison to the normal control group.Furthermore,in comparison to ASMCs from asthmatic rats,these values were considerably increased in asthmatic group treated with diazoxide(P<0.05).After exposure to 5-HD for 24 h,these values were decreased as compared with asthma control group(P<0.05).In ASMCs of asthma,the signal transduction pathway of PKCα may be involved in cell proliferation,which is induced by the opening of mitoK ATP and the depolarization of Δψm.

Characterization and Expression Analysis of Protein Kinase C Gene from Dunaliella salina

Protein kinase C (PKC) has a crucial role in signal transduction for a variety of biologically active substances which activate cellular functions and proliferation. We previously isolated the full-length PKC gene from Dunaliella salina (DsPKC) using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and RT-PCR methods. And we submitted the mRNA sequence of DsPKC gene to NCBI (Genbank No. JN625213). In the present paper, the DsPKC gene open reading frame obtained by PCR was cloned into pGS-21a vector and transformed into Escherichia coli to generate the fusion protein. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that DsPKC gene was a member of serine/threonine kinase with two conserved domains and highly conserved motifs. The DsPKC was highly expressed upon induction with isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactoside (IPTG) at a final concentration of 0.2 mmol L 1 at 37℃. Under salt stress, the fu- sion protein Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)-DsPKC was transferred from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane. The expression pat- tern of DsPKC gene was analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR, and indicated that DsPKC gene was up-regulated by 3.0 mol L 1 NaCl at 12 h, which was significantly higher than in control values (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the DsPKC gene plays an important role in response to salt stress in D. salina.

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

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