The synthesis of new 4-imino-4H-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(5H)-amine in four steps including one step under microwave dielectric heating is reported. The structural identity of the synthesized compounds was establishe...The synthesis of new 4-imino-4H-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(5H)-amine in four steps including one step under microwave dielectric heating is reported. The structural identity of the synthesized compounds was established according to their spectroscopic analysis, such as FT-IR, NMR and mass spectroscopy. These new compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activities on seven representative human tumoral cell lines (Huh7 D12, Caco2, MDA-MB231, MDA-MB468, HCT116, PC3 and MCF7) and also on fibroblasts. Among them, only the compounds 6c showed micromolar cytotoxic activity on tumor cell lines (1.8 50 50 > 25 μM). Finally, in silico ADMET studies ware performed to investigate the possibility of using of the identified compound 6c as potential anti-tumor compound.展开更多
AIM: To construct the recombinant lentivirus expression plasmid, pLenti6/V5-NT4 p53(N 15)-antennapedia (Ant), and study its effect on HepG2 cells. METHODS: Plasmid pLenti6/V5-NT4 p53(N15)-Ant was constructed i...AIM: To construct the recombinant lentivirus expression plasmid, pLenti6/V5-NT4 p53(N 15)-antennapedia (Ant), and study its effect on HepG2 cells. METHODS: Plasmid pLenti6/V5-NT4 p53(N15)-Ant was constructed incorporating the following functional regions, including signal peptide sequence and proregion of neurotrophin 4, N-terminal residues 12-26 of p53 and 17 amino acid drosophila carrier protein, Ant. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells were used for transfection. 3-[4,5-climethyl-thiazol-2yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MI-I) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometric analysis (FCM) were employed to investigate the effects of LV-NT4(Si)- p53(N15)-Ant in vitro on HepG2 cells. In vivo experiment was also performed to investigate the inhibitory effect of LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant on tumor growth in nude mice.RESULTS: LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant significantly suppressed the growth of HepG2 cells. MTT assay showed that the growth of HepG2 cells was mucj more significantly inhibited by LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant than by LV-EGFP. The inhibition rate for HepG2 cell growth in the two groups was 46.9% and 94.5%, respectively, 48 h after infection with LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant, and was 33.9% and 95.8%, respectively, 72 h after infection with LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant (P 〈 0.01). Light microscopy and TEM showed morphological changes in HepG2 cells infected with LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant, but no significant changes in HepG2 cells infected with LV-EGFR Changes were observed in ultra-structure of HepG2 cells infected with LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant, with degraded membranes, resulting in necrosis. LDH release from HepG2 cells was analyzed at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after infection with LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant and LV-EGFP, which showed that LDH release was significantly higher in LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant treatment group (682 IU/L) than in control group (45 IU/L, P 〈 0.01). The longer the time was after infection, the bigger the difference was in LDH release. FCM analysis showed that LV-NT4(Si)- p53(N15)-Ant could induce two different kinds of cell death: necrosis and apoptosis, with apoptosis being the minor type and necrosis being the main type, suggesting that LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant exerts its anticancer effect on HepG2 cells by inducing necrosis. The in vivo study showed that LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant significantly inhibited tumor growth with an inhibition rate of 66.14% in terms of tumor size and weight. CONCLUSION: LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant is a novel recombinant lentivirus expression plasmid and can be used in gene therapy for cancer.展开更多
Objective:To analyze the p16INK4a genomic alteration and expression status in 3 human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines with different potential of metastasis. Methods:Using PCR-SSCP, Dot-blot and immunohistochemistry, ...Objective:To analyze the p16INK4a genomic alteration and expression status in 3 human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines with different potential of metastasis. Methods:Using PCR-SSCP, Dot-blot and immunohistochemistry, the p16INK4a genomic mutation and expression were analyzed on DNA, mRNA and protein levels in 3 human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines Patu8902, Patu8988 and SW1990, which had different potential of metastasis. Results: (1) On DNA level: there was no deletion of p16INK4a Exon Ⅰ in 3cell lines; p16INK4a Exon Ⅱ was only deleted in Patu8902 while no deletion in Patu8988 and SW1990. No insertion, microdeletion and point mutation were found in the 3 cell lines. (2) On RNA level: the expression of p16INK4a protein was negative in Patu8902, low expressed in SW1990, but highly expressed in Patu8988.(3) On protein level: P16 protein was strongly stained in Patu8988, much lower in SW1990, but not stained in Patu8902. Conclusion:The genomic type and expression of p16INK4a are quite different in 3 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines which have different potential of metastasis. It is suggested that genomic homozygous deletion and low expression of mRNA might relate to the potential of metastasis of pancreatic cell lines. In other words, dysfunction of p16INK4a might be an important mechanism in the metastasis of pancreatic carcinoma.展开更多
In order to detect molecular markers for the epidermal growth factor inhibitor 4-(3-chloro-benzyl)- 6,7-dimethoxy-quinazoline (tyrphostin), we investigated the kinetics of p120-catenin and periplakin in the human bucc...In order to detect molecular markers for the epidermal growth factor inhibitor 4-(3-chloro-benzyl)- 6,7-dimethoxy-quinazoline (tyrphostin), we investigated the kinetics of p120-catenin and periplakin in the human buccal mucosa squamous cancer cell line BICR 10 treated with 3 nM tyrphostin. Growth of BICR 10 cells was inhibited by treatment with tyrphostin. Although changes were not observed in the expression of EGFR and p120-catenin, expression of Akt, Src and periplakin in BICR 10 treated with 3 nM tyrphostin tended to decrease. In addition, phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt and Src was inhibited by treatment with tyrphostin. On immunocytochemical staining, immunoreactions with phosphorylated EGFR, phosphorylated Akt and phosphorylated p120-catenin were weak in BICR 10 treated with tyrphostin. There was a slight immunocy to chemical reaction to periplakin in BICR 10 cells induced by tyrphostin. In conclusion, the decrease in phosphorylation in EGFR and p120-catenin by tyrphostin, following the decrease in Src or Akt phosphorylation, may inhibit expression of several growth factors associated with the proliferation and migration of cancer cells.展开更多
Objective This study investigated the role of the STAT3/survivin signaling pathway in the EML4-ALK- positive lung adenocarcinoma cell line H2228 before and after crizotinib-induced resistance. The mecha- nism of resis...Objective This study investigated the role of the STAT3/survivin signaling pathway in the EML4-ALK- positive lung adenocarcinoma cell line H2228 before and after crizotinib-induced resistance. The mecha- nism of resistance was studied. Methods Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. Crizotinib-induced apoptosis in H2228 and H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells treated with the indicated doses of crizotinib was measured at different times (24 h, 48 h, 72 h) using flow cytometry. The levels of p-ALK, ALK, p-STAT3, STAT3, and survivin after treatment of cells with 0, 0.3, and 1 pM crizotinib for 72 h were determined using Western blot analysis. DNA sequencing was used to identify mutations in H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells. Results The crizotinib IC50 values in H2228 and H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells at 72 h were 334.5 nM and 3418 nM, respectively. The resistance index of 1-12228 crizotinib-resistant cells was 10.20. Crizotinib induced apoptosis in H2228 cells and reduced the levels of p-ALK, p-STAT3, and survivin. In contrast, no changes in the levels of p-ALK, p-STAT3, and survivin were observed in H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells. The mutations 2067G--,A and 2182G--,C in EML4-ALK were present in the H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells. Conclusion Crizotinib decreased the viability of H2228 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In the STAT3/survivin pathway, downregulation of p-ALK, p-STAT3, and survivin might contribute to crizo- tinib-induced apoptosis in H2228 ceils. However, the STAT3/survivin pathway in H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells was unaffected by crizotinib treatment. Acquired resistance in H2228 cells might be related to ALK mutations.展开更多
Nanopharmaceuticals containing quantum dot nanoparticles (Q-Dot NPs) for treating serious cancers such as breast cancer have made fantastic proposals. In this study, ZnO quantum dot NPs are formulated via ZnO@PVP nano...Nanopharmaceuticals containing quantum dot nanoparticles (Q-Dot NPs) for treating serious cancers such as breast cancer have made fantastic proposals. In this study, ZnO quantum dot NPs are formulated via ZnO@PVP nanopolymer as co-assistants coordinating with efficacious suitable wetting agents, PEG-binding compound, and W/O emulsifier for producing eco-friendly water-based nanodrug. Several characterization techniques containing SEM, TEM, FTIR, photoluminescence, zeta potential, and UV-Vis absorption were employed for ZnO Q-Dot NPs in nanodrug. This work aims to investigate the anti-tumor effects of such nanomedicine on the 4T1 breast cancer cell line in BALB/c mice, being elaborated through intraperitoneal, injection (IVP) and oral therapy. The impressive findings showed that ZnO nanodrug caused changes in blood factors, having the most effectiveness at 40 μg/ml concentration after two weeks of oral treatments. The significant increase in white blood cells (WBC) neutrophils and meaningful decreases in lymphocytes and especially cholesterol were powerful simultaneous impacts, successfully treating malignant breast cancer masses. In this significant animal model research for breast cancer, the sick mice recovered entirely and even had a safe space to mate. Histopathological results showed no evidence of breast tumor formation or metastasis in the group treated with nanodrug and their children. This nanomedicine has a therapeutic effect, and is ready to be applied for treating volunteer breast cancer patients. However, its prevention (inhibitory) effect can also be analyzed and added to current data in future studies.展开更多
Objective To construct Cox7a2 fluorescent vector and study its effect on cytochrome C oxidase ( COX) activity in mouse Sertoli cell line TM4. Methods The coding region of CoxTa2 was amplified from mouse Sertoli cell l...Objective To construct Cox7a2 fluorescent vector and study its effect on cytochrome C oxidase ( COX) activity in mouse Sertoli cell line TM4. Methods The coding region of CoxTa2 was amplified from mouse Sertoli cell line TM4 by RT-PCR. PCR product was展开更多
Aim: To evaluate the antiproliferative activity of contragestazol (DL111-IT) on the human prostate cancer cell line PC3 in vitro and in vivo and to elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. Methods: The cell k...Aim: To evaluate the antiproliferative activity of contragestazol (DL111-IT) on the human prostate cancer cell line PC3 in vitro and in vivo and to elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. Methods: The cell killing ability of DL111-IT was measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthia-zol,2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reagent assay method and the tumor xenograft model. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry and protein expression, including retinoblastoma (pRb), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and cyclin D 1, was detected by Western blotting. Results: DL111-IT exhibited high efficiency on cell growth inhibition of the human androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line PC3. The drug concentration that yielded 50 % cell inhibition (IC50 value) was 9.9 mg/mL. In the PC3 tumor xenograft study, DL111-IT (1.25 mg/kg-20.0 mg/kg) given once a day for 10 days significantly inhibited tumor growth, with the inhibition rate ranging from 21% to 50 %. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that DL111-IT could cause GI arrest in the PC3 cell line, but not apoptosis. DL111-IT enhanced pRb expression and down-regulated CDK4 and cyclin D 1 expression, suggesting that cell cycle regulation might contribute to the anticancer property of DL 111- IT. Conclusion: DL111-1T inhibits the proliferation of human androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line PC3 in vitro and in vivo by a cell cycle regulation pathway.展开更多
AIM To investigate the potential of implanting pseudoislets formed from human insulin-releasing β-cell lines as an alternative to islet transplantation. METHODS In this study, the anti-diabetic potential of novel hum...AIM To investigate the potential of implanting pseudoislets formed from human insulin-releasing β-cell lines as an alternative to islet transplantation. METHODS In this study, the anti-diabetic potential of novel human insulin releasing 1.1B4 β-cells was evaluated by implanting the cells, either as free cell suspensions, or as three-dimensional pseudoislets, into the subscapular region of severe combined immune deficient mice rendered diabetic by single high-dose administration of streptozotocin. Metabolic parameters including food and fluid intake, bodyweight and blood glucose were monitored throughout the study. At the end of the study animals were given an intraperitoneal glucosetolerance test. Animals were then culled and blood and tissues were collected for analysis. Insulin and glucagon contents of plasma and tissues were measured by insulin radioimmunoassay and chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbance assay respectively. Histological analyses of pancreatic islets were carried out by quantitative fluorescence immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS Both pseudoislet and cell suspension implants yielded well vascularised β-cell masses of similar insulin content. This was associated with progressive amelioration of hyperphagia(P < 0.05), polydipsia(P < 0.05), body weight loss(P < 0.05), hypoinsulinaemia(P < 0.05), hyperglycaemia(P < 0.05- P < 0.001) and glucose tolerance(P < 0.01). Islet morphology was also significantly improved in both groups of transplanted mice, with increased β-cell(P < 0.05- P < 0.001) and decreased alpha cell(P < 0.05- P < 0.001) areas. Whereas mice receiving 1.1B4 cell suspensions eventually exhibited hypoglycaemic complications, pseudoislet recipients displayed a more gradual amelioration of diabetes, and achieved stable blood glucose control similar to non-diabetic mice at the end of the study. CONCLUSION Although further work is needed to address safety issues, these results provide proof of concept for possible therapeutic applicability of human β-cell line pseudoislets in diabetes.展开更多
Aim The present study developed a CYP3A4-expressed Caco-2 monolayer model at which effects of the efflux-metabolism alliance on the transport and uptake of clausenamide(CLA) enantiomers as CYP3A4 substrates were inv...Aim The present study developed a CYP3A4-expressed Caco-2 monolayer model at which effects of the efflux-metabolism alliance on the transport and uptake of clausenamide(CLA) enantiomers as CYP3A4 substrates were investigated. The apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) of ( - ) and ( + )CLA were higher in the ab- sorptive direction than those in the secretory direction with efflux ratios(ER) of 0. 709 ± 0.411 and 0. 867± 0. 250 ( Х10^-6 -1 cm · s ), respectively. Their bidirectional transports were significantly reduced by (75.6 ± 87.5)% af- ter treatment with verapamil ( a P-glycoprotein inhibitor) that increased the rate of metabolism by CYP3 A4, whereas the CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole treatment markedly enhanced the basolateral to apical flux of ( - ) and ( + ) CLA with ERs being 2. 934 ± 1. 432 and 1. 877 ± 0. 148 ( Х 10^-6 cm/s) respectively. These changes could be blocked by the duel CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein inhibitor cyclosporine A, consequently, Papp values for CLA enanti- omers in both directions were significantly greater than those obtained by using verapamil or ketoconazole, and their ERs were similar to those following ( - ) or ( + )-isomer treatment alone. Furthermore, the uptake of ( - )CLA was more than that of ( + )CLA in the transfected cells. Incubation with ketoeonazole decreased the intracellular concentrations of the two enantiomers. This effect disappeared in the presence of a CYP3A4 inducer dexametha- sone. These results indicated that CYP3A4 could influence P-gp efflux, transport and uptake of CLA enantiomers as CYP3A4 substrates and that a duel inhibition to CYP3A4/ P-glycoprotein could enhance their absorption and bioavailability, which provides new insight into the efflux-metabolism alliance and will benefit the clinical pharma- cology of (?) CLA as a candidate drug for treatment of Alzheimer' s disease.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate whether realgar could down-regulate human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene expression and telomerase activity in acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line-NB4 cells. Methods: The expre...Objective: To evaluate whether realgar could down-regulate human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene expression and telomerase activity in acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line-NB4 cells. Methods: The expression of hTERT-mRNA was analyzed by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Telomerase activity was determined by polymerase chain reaction enzyme-linked immunoassay (PCR-ELISA). Flow cytometry using PI staining was applied to analyze the cell cycle and apoptosis. Results: Treatment of NB4 cells with 155, 300, 600 μg/L realgar reduced telomerase activity significantly accompanying with decrease of hTERT-mRNA and increasing cell apoptosis. G2/M phase arrest appeared when treated with realgar in 300, 600 μg/L. Conclusion: It is suggested that telomerase activity of NB4 cells can be specifically inhibited by realgar through the down-regulation of hTERT gene expression. G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis by realgar in NB4 cells might be related to the reduction of telomerase activity and hTERT-mRNA expression.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide.Although targeted therapies such as antibodies against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 or vascular endothelial growt...BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide.Although targeted therapies such as antibodies against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 have been widely used in the treatment of metastatic cancer,the overall outcomes are poor.Therefore,elucidation of the mechanism underlying cancer progression is important to improve prognosis.Overexpression of the Rab5a gene has been confirmed to correlate with tumorigenesis of many cancers,but the mechanism underling,especially of GC,is still unclear.AIM To investigate the effects of Rab5a overexpression on the tumorigenesis of GC.METHODS First,the expression levels of Rab5a and Rab4a in primary tumorous tissues of GC patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed.Then we constructed HGC-27 cell lines overexpressing green fluorescent protein-Rab5a or red fluorescent protein-Rab4a and investigated the interaction between Rab5a or Rab4a using Western blotting,co-immunoprecipitation,confocal microscopy,and colocalization analysis.Finally,epidermal growth factor-stimulated proliferation of these cell lines was analyzed using cell counting kit-8 cell viability assay.RESULTS Compared with normal gastric tissues,the expression levels of Rab5a and Rab4a increased progressively both in paracancerous tissues and in advanced cancerous tissues.Epidermal growth factor could promote the proliferation of HGC-27 cells,especially Rab5a-overexpressing HGC-27 cells.Notably,Rab5a and Rab4a cooverexpression promoted the proliferation of HGC-27 cells to the greatest extent.Further analysis identified a direct interaction between Rab5a and Rab4a in HGC-27 cells.CONCLUSION Co-overexpression of Rab5a and Rab4a in GC may promote the endosomal recycling of epidermal growth factor receptor,which in turn contributes to poor prognosis and tumor progression in GC patients.Inhibition of Rab5a or Rab4a expression might be a promising therapy for refractory GC.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Substantia nigra is deep in position and limited in range, the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) injection directly into substantia nigra has relatively greater damages with higher diff...BACKGROUND: Substantia nigra is deep in position and limited in range, the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) injection directly into substantia nigra has relatively greater damages with higher difficulty. GDNF injection into striatum, the target area of dopaminergic neuron, may protect the dopaminergic neurons in the compact part of substantia nigra through retrograde transport. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of intrastriatal GDNF on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of mice with Parkinson disease (PD), and analyze the action pathway. DESIGN: A controlled observation. SETTING: Neurobiological Laboratory of Xuzhou Medical College. MATERIALS: Twenty-four male Kunming mice of 7 - 8 weeks old were used. GDNF, 1-methy1-4-pheny1-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) were purchased from Sigma Company (USA); LEICAQWin image processing and analytical system. METHODS: The experiments were carded out in the Neurobiological Laboratory of Xuzhou Medical College from September 2005 to October 2006. The PD models were established in adult KunMing mice by intraperitoneal injection of MPTP. The model mice were were randomly divided into four groups with 6 mice in each group: GDNF 4-day group, phosphate buffer solution (PSB) 4-day group, GDNF 6-day group and PSB 6-day group. Mice in the GDNF 4 and 6-day groups were administrated with 1 μ L GDNF solution (20 μ g/L, dispensed with 0.01 mol/L PBS) injected into right striatum at 4 and 6 days after model establishment. Mice in the PSB 4 and 6-day groups were administrated with 0.01 mol/L PBS of the same volume to the same injection at corresponding time points. ② On the 12^th day after model establishment, the midbrain tissue section of each mice was divided into 3 areas from rostral to caudal sides. The positive neurons of tyroxine hydroxylase (TH) and calcium binding protein (CB) with obvious nucleolus and clear outline were randomly selected for the measurement, and the number of positive neurons in unit area was counted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of positive neurons of TH and CB in midbrain substantia nigra of mice in each group. RESULTS: All the 24 mice were involved in the analysis of results. The numbers of TH^+ and CB^+ neurons in the GDNF 4-day group (54.33±6.92, 46.33±5.54) were obviously more than those in the PBS 4-day group (27.67±5.01, 21.50±5.96, P 〈 0.01). The numbers of TH^+ and CB^+ neurons in the GDNF 6-day group (75.67±5.39, 69.67±8.69) were obviously more than those in the PBS 6-day group (27.17±4.50, 21.33 ±5.72, P 〈 0.01) and those in the GDNF 4-day group (P 〈 0.01 ). CONCLUSION: Intrastriatal GDNF can protect dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra of PD mice, and it may be related to the increase of CB expression.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the effects of anti-PML (promyelocytic leukemia) or anti-PML/RAR( (promyelocytic leukemia/retionic acid receptor() antisense oligonucleotides on cell growth, expression of PML-RAR( mRNA and P...Objective: To investigate the effects of anti-PML (promyelocytic leukemia) or anti-PML/RAR( (promyelocytic leukemia/retionic acid receptor() antisense oligonucleotides on cell growth, expression of PML-RAR( mRNA and PML-RAR(/PML protein location of NB4 cell lines. Methods: RT-PCR was used for detecting PML-RAR( mRNA expression, trypan blue exclusion for cell count, methylcellose assay for leukemic colony forming unit detection, immuno- fluorescence for PML-RAR(/PML protein location. Results: Both anti-PML start codon region antisence (STAS) and anti-PML-RAR( fusion region antisence (FUAS) could inhibit cell growth and the formation of acute myelocytic colony forming unit of cells(AML-CFU). Cells become partial differentiated at days 5, being more obvious in FUAS-treated cells than in STAS ones. Down regulation of PML-RAR( mRNA expression occurred at 24 hours in STAS and FUAS-treated cells and maintained for up to 72 hours. Immuno-fluorescence analysis with anti-PML monoclonal antibody showed a remarkable decrease even complete disappearance of microgranules. The residual granules became enlarged as discrete dots (<10 per cell), similar to normal POD structure in some STAS-treated cells at 24 hours. At 72 hours, nearly all the granules disappeared. Similar changes were observed in FUAS-treated cells. Conclusion: Both PML and PML-RAR( antisence oligonucleotides can specially block the expression of PML-RAR( at mRNA and protein levels. PML protein is implicated in the regulations of cell differentiation.展开更多
Objective: To examine the influence of Glyphaea (G.) brevis twig extract on the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, integrity of the tight junctions between adjacent cells, mitochondria, apoptosis, nucleus and expre...Objective: To examine the influence of Glyphaea (G.) brevis twig extract on the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, integrity of the tight junctions between adjacent cells, mitochondria, apoptosis, nucleus and expression of inhibin-β, stem cell factor, and androgen binding protein in TM4 Sertoli cells. Methods: TM4 cell line was used in this study as it exhibited properties similar to the Sertoli cells. TM4 Sertoli cells were exposed to G. brevis twig extract (0.1, 1.0, 10.0, 100.0, or 1000.0μg/mL) for 24, 48 and 72 h. Parameters studied included cell viability [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay], mitochondrial membrane potential (tetra methyl rhodamine ethyl ester dye), transepithelial electrical resistance, apoptosis (Annexin V Alexa Fluor?488/propidium iodide assay) and mRNA expression (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). Results: G. brevis twig extract had no cytotoxic impact on cell viability, thus, considerably increasing the activity of mitochondrial dehydrogenase enzyme after 24 and 72 h exposure. Transepithelial electrical resistance values revealed substantial (P<0.05) rise in treated groups, especially after 72 h of treatment. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in mitochondrial depolarization of TM4 Sertoli cells exposed to G. brevis twig extract when compared to controls. In addition, G. brevis twig extract significantly reduced necrosis and apoptosis of TM4 Sertoli cells when compared to control. Nevertheless, fluorescence microscopy revealed that the nuclei were egg-shaped and marked uniformly with consistent cell shape at the middle of the TM4 Sertoli cells. Significant stimulatory effects were observed on mRNA levels of inhibin-β, androgen binding protein and stem cell factor. Conclusions: G. brevis twig extract may increase the secretory roles of TM4 Sertoli cells, cells proliferation, as well as cell-cell tight junction integrity. Thus, G. brevis twig may enhance spermatogenesis.展开更多
文摘The synthesis of new 4-imino-4H-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(5H)-amine in four steps including one step under microwave dielectric heating is reported. The structural identity of the synthesized compounds was established according to their spectroscopic analysis, such as FT-IR, NMR and mass spectroscopy. These new compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activities on seven representative human tumoral cell lines (Huh7 D12, Caco2, MDA-MB231, MDA-MB468, HCT116, PC3 and MCF7) and also on fibroblasts. Among them, only the compounds 6c showed micromolar cytotoxic activity on tumor cell lines (1.8 50 50 > 25 μM). Finally, in silico ADMET studies ware performed to investigate the possibility of using of the identified compound 6c as potential anti-tumor compound.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30471942the Key Science Research Project of Shaanxi Province,No.2004k11-G3
文摘AIM: To construct the recombinant lentivirus expression plasmid, pLenti6/V5-NT4 p53(N 15)-antennapedia (Ant), and study its effect on HepG2 cells. METHODS: Plasmid pLenti6/V5-NT4 p53(N15)-Ant was constructed incorporating the following functional regions, including signal peptide sequence and proregion of neurotrophin 4, N-terminal residues 12-26 of p53 and 17 amino acid drosophila carrier protein, Ant. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells were used for transfection. 3-[4,5-climethyl-thiazol-2yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MI-I) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometric analysis (FCM) were employed to investigate the effects of LV-NT4(Si)- p53(N15)-Ant in vitro on HepG2 cells. In vivo experiment was also performed to investigate the inhibitory effect of LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant on tumor growth in nude mice.RESULTS: LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant significantly suppressed the growth of HepG2 cells. MTT assay showed that the growth of HepG2 cells was mucj more significantly inhibited by LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant than by LV-EGFP. The inhibition rate for HepG2 cell growth in the two groups was 46.9% and 94.5%, respectively, 48 h after infection with LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant, and was 33.9% and 95.8%, respectively, 72 h after infection with LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant (P 〈 0.01). Light microscopy and TEM showed morphological changes in HepG2 cells infected with LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant, but no significant changes in HepG2 cells infected with LV-EGFR Changes were observed in ultra-structure of HepG2 cells infected with LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant, with degraded membranes, resulting in necrosis. LDH release from HepG2 cells was analyzed at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after infection with LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant and LV-EGFP, which showed that LDH release was significantly higher in LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant treatment group (682 IU/L) than in control group (45 IU/L, P 〈 0.01). The longer the time was after infection, the bigger the difference was in LDH release. FCM analysis showed that LV-NT4(Si)- p53(N15)-Ant could induce two different kinds of cell death: necrosis and apoptosis, with apoptosis being the minor type and necrosis being the main type, suggesting that LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant exerts its anticancer effect on HepG2 cells by inducing necrosis. The in vivo study showed that LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant significantly inhibited tumor growth with an inhibition rate of 66.14% in terms of tumor size and weight. CONCLUSION: LV-NT4(Si)-p53(N15)-Ant is a novel recombinant lentivirus expression plasmid and can be used in gene therapy for cancer.
文摘Objective:To analyze the p16INK4a genomic alteration and expression status in 3 human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines with different potential of metastasis. Methods:Using PCR-SSCP, Dot-blot and immunohistochemistry, the p16INK4a genomic mutation and expression were analyzed on DNA, mRNA and protein levels in 3 human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines Patu8902, Patu8988 and SW1990, which had different potential of metastasis. Results: (1) On DNA level: there was no deletion of p16INK4a Exon Ⅰ in 3cell lines; p16INK4a Exon Ⅱ was only deleted in Patu8902 while no deletion in Patu8988 and SW1990. No insertion, microdeletion and point mutation were found in the 3 cell lines. (2) On RNA level: the expression of p16INK4a protein was negative in Patu8902, low expressed in SW1990, but highly expressed in Patu8988.(3) On protein level: P16 protein was strongly stained in Patu8988, much lower in SW1990, but not stained in Patu8902. Conclusion:The genomic type and expression of p16INK4a are quite different in 3 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines which have different potential of metastasis. It is suggested that genomic homozygous deletion and low expression of mRNA might relate to the potential of metastasis of pancreatic cell lines. In other words, dysfunction of p16INK4a might be an important mechanism in the metastasis of pancreatic carcinoma.
文摘In order to detect molecular markers for the epidermal growth factor inhibitor 4-(3-chloro-benzyl)- 6,7-dimethoxy-quinazoline (tyrphostin), we investigated the kinetics of p120-catenin and periplakin in the human buccal mucosa squamous cancer cell line BICR 10 treated with 3 nM tyrphostin. Growth of BICR 10 cells was inhibited by treatment with tyrphostin. Although changes were not observed in the expression of EGFR and p120-catenin, expression of Akt, Src and periplakin in BICR 10 treated with 3 nM tyrphostin tended to decrease. In addition, phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt and Src was inhibited by treatment with tyrphostin. On immunocytochemical staining, immunoreactions with phosphorylated EGFR, phosphorylated Akt and phosphorylated p120-catenin were weak in BICR 10 treated with tyrphostin. There was a slight immunocy to chemical reaction to periplakin in BICR 10 cells induced by tyrphostin. In conclusion, the decrease in phosphorylation in EGFR and p120-catenin by tyrphostin, following the decrease in Src or Akt phosphorylation, may inhibit expression of several growth factors associated with the proliferation and migration of cancer cells.
基金Supported by grants from the Bureau of Science and Technology,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Zone,China(No.201017)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81060188 and 81260357)
文摘Objective This study investigated the role of the STAT3/survivin signaling pathway in the EML4-ALK- positive lung adenocarcinoma cell line H2228 before and after crizotinib-induced resistance. The mecha- nism of resistance was studied. Methods Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. Crizotinib-induced apoptosis in H2228 and H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells treated with the indicated doses of crizotinib was measured at different times (24 h, 48 h, 72 h) using flow cytometry. The levels of p-ALK, ALK, p-STAT3, STAT3, and survivin after treatment of cells with 0, 0.3, and 1 pM crizotinib for 72 h were determined using Western blot analysis. DNA sequencing was used to identify mutations in H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells. Results The crizotinib IC50 values in H2228 and H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells at 72 h were 334.5 nM and 3418 nM, respectively. The resistance index of 1-12228 crizotinib-resistant cells was 10.20. Crizotinib induced apoptosis in H2228 cells and reduced the levels of p-ALK, p-STAT3, and survivin. In contrast, no changes in the levels of p-ALK, p-STAT3, and survivin were observed in H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells. The mutations 2067G--,A and 2182G--,C in EML4-ALK were present in the H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells. Conclusion Crizotinib decreased the viability of H2228 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In the STAT3/survivin pathway, downregulation of p-ALK, p-STAT3, and survivin might contribute to crizo- tinib-induced apoptosis in H2228 ceils. However, the STAT3/survivin pathway in H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells was unaffected by crizotinib treatment. Acquired resistance in H2228 cells might be related to ALK mutations.
文摘Nanopharmaceuticals containing quantum dot nanoparticles (Q-Dot NPs) for treating serious cancers such as breast cancer have made fantastic proposals. In this study, ZnO quantum dot NPs are formulated via ZnO@PVP nanopolymer as co-assistants coordinating with efficacious suitable wetting agents, PEG-binding compound, and W/O emulsifier for producing eco-friendly water-based nanodrug. Several characterization techniques containing SEM, TEM, FTIR, photoluminescence, zeta potential, and UV-Vis absorption were employed for ZnO Q-Dot NPs in nanodrug. This work aims to investigate the anti-tumor effects of such nanomedicine on the 4T1 breast cancer cell line in BALB/c mice, being elaborated through intraperitoneal, injection (IVP) and oral therapy. The impressive findings showed that ZnO nanodrug caused changes in blood factors, having the most effectiveness at 40 μg/ml concentration after two weeks of oral treatments. The significant increase in white blood cells (WBC) neutrophils and meaningful decreases in lymphocytes and especially cholesterol were powerful simultaneous impacts, successfully treating malignant breast cancer masses. In this significant animal model research for breast cancer, the sick mice recovered entirely and even had a safe space to mate. Histopathological results showed no evidence of breast tumor formation or metastasis in the group treated with nanodrug and their children. This nanomedicine has a therapeutic effect, and is ready to be applied for treating volunteer breast cancer patients. However, its prevention (inhibitory) effect can also be analyzed and added to current data in future studies.
文摘Objective To construct Cox7a2 fluorescent vector and study its effect on cytochrome C oxidase ( COX) activity in mouse Sertoli cell line TM4. Methods The coding region of CoxTa2 was amplified from mouse Sertoli cell line TM4 by RT-PCR. PCR product was
基金This study received financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30000209).
文摘Aim: To evaluate the antiproliferative activity of contragestazol (DL111-IT) on the human prostate cancer cell line PC3 in vitro and in vivo and to elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. Methods: The cell killing ability of DL111-IT was measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthia-zol,2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reagent assay method and the tumor xenograft model. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry and protein expression, including retinoblastoma (pRb), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and cyclin D 1, was detected by Western blotting. Results: DL111-IT exhibited high efficiency on cell growth inhibition of the human androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line PC3. The drug concentration that yielded 50 % cell inhibition (IC50 value) was 9.9 mg/mL. In the PC3 tumor xenograft study, DL111-IT (1.25 mg/kg-20.0 mg/kg) given once a day for 10 days significantly inhibited tumor growth, with the inhibition rate ranging from 21% to 50 %. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that DL111-IT could cause GI arrest in the PC3 cell line, but not apoptosis. DL111-IT enhanced pRb expression and down-regulated CDK4 and cyclin D 1 expression, suggesting that cell cycle regulation might contribute to the anticancer property of DL 111- IT. Conclusion: DL111-1T inhibits the proliferation of human androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line PC3 in vitro and in vivo by a cell cycle regulation pathway.
基金Supported by University of Ulster Research Strategic fundingthe award of a Northern Ireland Department of Employment and Learning Research Studentship to Alastair D Green
文摘AIM To investigate the potential of implanting pseudoislets formed from human insulin-releasing β-cell lines as an alternative to islet transplantation. METHODS In this study, the anti-diabetic potential of novel human insulin releasing 1.1B4 β-cells was evaluated by implanting the cells, either as free cell suspensions, or as three-dimensional pseudoislets, into the subscapular region of severe combined immune deficient mice rendered diabetic by single high-dose administration of streptozotocin. Metabolic parameters including food and fluid intake, bodyweight and blood glucose were monitored throughout the study. At the end of the study animals were given an intraperitoneal glucosetolerance test. Animals were then culled and blood and tissues were collected for analysis. Insulin and glucagon contents of plasma and tissues were measured by insulin radioimmunoassay and chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbance assay respectively. Histological analyses of pancreatic islets were carried out by quantitative fluorescence immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS Both pseudoislet and cell suspension implants yielded well vascularised β-cell masses of similar insulin content. This was associated with progressive amelioration of hyperphagia(P < 0.05), polydipsia(P < 0.05), body weight loss(P < 0.05), hypoinsulinaemia(P < 0.05), hyperglycaemia(P < 0.05- P < 0.001) and glucose tolerance(P < 0.01). Islet morphology was also significantly improved in both groups of transplanted mice, with increased β-cell(P < 0.05- P < 0.001) and decreased alpha cell(P < 0.05- P < 0.001) areas. Whereas mice receiving 1.1B4 cell suspensions eventually exhibited hypoglycaemic complications, pseudoislet recipients displayed a more gradual amelioration of diabetes, and achieved stable blood glucose control similar to non-diabetic mice at the end of the study. CONCLUSION Although further work is needed to address safety issues, these results provide proof of concept for possible therapeutic applicability of human β-cell line pseudoislets in diabetes.
文摘Aim The present study developed a CYP3A4-expressed Caco-2 monolayer model at which effects of the efflux-metabolism alliance on the transport and uptake of clausenamide(CLA) enantiomers as CYP3A4 substrates were investigated. The apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) of ( - ) and ( + )CLA were higher in the ab- sorptive direction than those in the secretory direction with efflux ratios(ER) of 0. 709 ± 0.411 and 0. 867± 0. 250 ( Х10^-6 -1 cm · s ), respectively. Their bidirectional transports were significantly reduced by (75.6 ± 87.5)% af- ter treatment with verapamil ( a P-glycoprotein inhibitor) that increased the rate of metabolism by CYP3 A4, whereas the CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole treatment markedly enhanced the basolateral to apical flux of ( - ) and ( + ) CLA with ERs being 2. 934 ± 1. 432 and 1. 877 ± 0. 148 ( Х 10^-6 cm/s) respectively. These changes could be blocked by the duel CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein inhibitor cyclosporine A, consequently, Papp values for CLA enanti- omers in both directions were significantly greater than those obtained by using verapamil or ketoconazole, and their ERs were similar to those following ( - ) or ( + )-isomer treatment alone. Furthermore, the uptake of ( - )CLA was more than that of ( + )CLA in the transfected cells. Incubation with ketoeonazole decreased the intracellular concentrations of the two enantiomers. This effect disappeared in the presence of a CYP3A4 inducer dexametha- sone. These results indicated that CYP3A4 could influence P-gp efflux, transport and uptake of CLA enantiomers as CYP3A4 substrates and that a duel inhibition to CYP3A4/ P-glycoprotein could enhance their absorption and bioavailability, which provides new insight into the efflux-metabolism alliance and will benefit the clinical pharma- cology of (?) CLA as a candidate drug for treatment of Alzheimer' s disease.
基金Supported by Xi'an Foundation of Science and Technology Program(200016)
文摘Objective: To evaluate whether realgar could down-regulate human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene expression and telomerase activity in acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line-NB4 cells. Methods: The expression of hTERT-mRNA was analyzed by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Telomerase activity was determined by polymerase chain reaction enzyme-linked immunoassay (PCR-ELISA). Flow cytometry using PI staining was applied to analyze the cell cycle and apoptosis. Results: Treatment of NB4 cells with 155, 300, 600 μg/L realgar reduced telomerase activity significantly accompanying with decrease of hTERT-mRNA and increasing cell apoptosis. G2/M phase arrest appeared when treated with realgar in 300, 600 μg/L. Conclusion: It is suggested that telomerase activity of NB4 cells can be specifically inhibited by realgar through the down-regulation of hTERT gene expression. G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis by realgar in NB4 cells might be related to the reduction of telomerase activity and hTERT-mRNA expression.
基金The Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission,No.20154Y0141Shanghai"Rising Stars of Medical Talent"Youth Development Program(Youth Medical Talents–Clinical Laboratory Practitioners Program)the Project of Huashan Hospital North,Fudan University,No.HSBY2019020.
文摘BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide.Although targeted therapies such as antibodies against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 have been widely used in the treatment of metastatic cancer,the overall outcomes are poor.Therefore,elucidation of the mechanism underlying cancer progression is important to improve prognosis.Overexpression of the Rab5a gene has been confirmed to correlate with tumorigenesis of many cancers,but the mechanism underling,especially of GC,is still unclear.AIM To investigate the effects of Rab5a overexpression on the tumorigenesis of GC.METHODS First,the expression levels of Rab5a and Rab4a in primary tumorous tissues of GC patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed.Then we constructed HGC-27 cell lines overexpressing green fluorescent protein-Rab5a or red fluorescent protein-Rab4a and investigated the interaction between Rab5a or Rab4a using Western blotting,co-immunoprecipitation,confocal microscopy,and colocalization analysis.Finally,epidermal growth factor-stimulated proliferation of these cell lines was analyzed using cell counting kit-8 cell viability assay.RESULTS Compared with normal gastric tissues,the expression levels of Rab5a and Rab4a increased progressively both in paracancerous tissues and in advanced cancerous tissues.Epidermal growth factor could promote the proliferation of HGC-27 cells,especially Rab5a-overexpressing HGC-27 cells.Notably,Rab5a and Rab4a cooverexpression promoted the proliferation of HGC-27 cells to the greatest extent.Further analysis identified a direct interaction between Rab5a and Rab4a in HGC-27 cells.CONCLUSION Co-overexpression of Rab5a and Rab4a in GC may promote the endosomal recycling of epidermal growth factor receptor,which in turn contributes to poor prognosis and tumor progression in GC patients.Inhibition of Rab5a or Rab4a expression might be a promising therapy for refractory GC.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Department of Education, No. 02KJB310009
文摘BACKGROUND: Substantia nigra is deep in position and limited in range, the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) injection directly into substantia nigra has relatively greater damages with higher difficulty. GDNF injection into striatum, the target area of dopaminergic neuron, may protect the dopaminergic neurons in the compact part of substantia nigra through retrograde transport. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of intrastriatal GDNF on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of mice with Parkinson disease (PD), and analyze the action pathway. DESIGN: A controlled observation. SETTING: Neurobiological Laboratory of Xuzhou Medical College. MATERIALS: Twenty-four male Kunming mice of 7 - 8 weeks old were used. GDNF, 1-methy1-4-pheny1-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) were purchased from Sigma Company (USA); LEICAQWin image processing and analytical system. METHODS: The experiments were carded out in the Neurobiological Laboratory of Xuzhou Medical College from September 2005 to October 2006. The PD models were established in adult KunMing mice by intraperitoneal injection of MPTP. The model mice were were randomly divided into four groups with 6 mice in each group: GDNF 4-day group, phosphate buffer solution (PSB) 4-day group, GDNF 6-day group and PSB 6-day group. Mice in the GDNF 4 and 6-day groups were administrated with 1 μ L GDNF solution (20 μ g/L, dispensed with 0.01 mol/L PBS) injected into right striatum at 4 and 6 days after model establishment. Mice in the PSB 4 and 6-day groups were administrated with 0.01 mol/L PBS of the same volume to the same injection at corresponding time points. ② On the 12^th day after model establishment, the midbrain tissue section of each mice was divided into 3 areas from rostral to caudal sides. The positive neurons of tyroxine hydroxylase (TH) and calcium binding protein (CB) with obvious nucleolus and clear outline were randomly selected for the measurement, and the number of positive neurons in unit area was counted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of positive neurons of TH and CB in midbrain substantia nigra of mice in each group. RESULTS: All the 24 mice were involved in the analysis of results. The numbers of TH^+ and CB^+ neurons in the GDNF 4-day group (54.33±6.92, 46.33±5.54) were obviously more than those in the PBS 4-day group (27.67±5.01, 21.50±5.96, P 〈 0.01). The numbers of TH^+ and CB^+ neurons in the GDNF 6-day group (75.67±5.39, 69.67±8.69) were obviously more than those in the PBS 6-day group (27.17±4.50, 21.33 ±5.72, P 〈 0.01) and those in the GDNF 4-day group (P 〈 0.01 ). CONCLUSION: Intrastriatal GDNF can protect dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra of PD mice, and it may be related to the increase of CB expression.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No. 39590291).
文摘Objective: To investigate the effects of anti-PML (promyelocytic leukemia) or anti-PML/RAR( (promyelocytic leukemia/retionic acid receptor() antisense oligonucleotides on cell growth, expression of PML-RAR( mRNA and PML-RAR(/PML protein location of NB4 cell lines. Methods: RT-PCR was used for detecting PML-RAR( mRNA expression, trypan blue exclusion for cell count, methylcellose assay for leukemic colony forming unit detection, immuno- fluorescence for PML-RAR(/PML protein location. Results: Both anti-PML start codon region antisence (STAS) and anti-PML-RAR( fusion region antisence (FUAS) could inhibit cell growth and the formation of acute myelocytic colony forming unit of cells(AML-CFU). Cells become partial differentiated at days 5, being more obvious in FUAS-treated cells than in STAS ones. Down regulation of PML-RAR( mRNA expression occurred at 24 hours in STAS and FUAS-treated cells and maintained for up to 72 hours. Immuno-fluorescence analysis with anti-PML monoclonal antibody showed a remarkable decrease even complete disappearance of microgranules. The residual granules became enlarged as discrete dots (<10 per cell), similar to normal POD structure in some STAS-treated cells at 24 hours. At 72 hours, nearly all the granules disappeared. Similar changes were observed in FUAS-treated cells. Conclusion: Both PML and PML-RAR( antisence oligonucleotides can specially block the expression of PML-RAR( at mRNA and protein levels. PML protein is implicated in the regulations of cell differentiation.
文摘Objective: To examine the influence of Glyphaea (G.) brevis twig extract on the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, integrity of the tight junctions between adjacent cells, mitochondria, apoptosis, nucleus and expression of inhibin-β, stem cell factor, and androgen binding protein in TM4 Sertoli cells. Methods: TM4 cell line was used in this study as it exhibited properties similar to the Sertoli cells. TM4 Sertoli cells were exposed to G. brevis twig extract (0.1, 1.0, 10.0, 100.0, or 1000.0μg/mL) for 24, 48 and 72 h. Parameters studied included cell viability [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay], mitochondrial membrane potential (tetra methyl rhodamine ethyl ester dye), transepithelial electrical resistance, apoptosis (Annexin V Alexa Fluor?488/propidium iodide assay) and mRNA expression (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). Results: G. brevis twig extract had no cytotoxic impact on cell viability, thus, considerably increasing the activity of mitochondrial dehydrogenase enzyme after 24 and 72 h exposure. Transepithelial electrical resistance values revealed substantial (P<0.05) rise in treated groups, especially after 72 h of treatment. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in mitochondrial depolarization of TM4 Sertoli cells exposed to G. brevis twig extract when compared to controls. In addition, G. brevis twig extract significantly reduced necrosis and apoptosis of TM4 Sertoli cells when compared to control. Nevertheless, fluorescence microscopy revealed that the nuclei were egg-shaped and marked uniformly with consistent cell shape at the middle of the TM4 Sertoli cells. Significant stimulatory effects were observed on mRNA levels of inhibin-β, androgen binding protein and stem cell factor. Conclusions: G. brevis twig extract may increase the secretory roles of TM4 Sertoli cells, cells proliferation, as well as cell-cell tight junction integrity. Thus, G. brevis twig may enhance spermatogenesis.