Phycocyanin for protecting brain ischemia-reperfusion injury and its effect on the expression of Caspase-3 mRNA

BACKGROUND ; Phycecyanin can anti-oxidize and clear free radial. Whether its protective effect on brain is related to Caspase-3, the promoter and operator of apoptosis, is highly concerned. OBJECTIVE： To observe phycocyanin for protecting nerve function and reducing the size of cerebral infarction of rats with brain ischemia-reperfusion and its effect on the expression of Cespese-3 mRNA. DESIGN ： A randomized controlled experiment. SETTING ： Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University MATERIALS： Totally 84 adult healthy female Wistar rats, weighing 210 to 250 g, of clean grade, were provided by the Animal Experimental Center of Shandong University. Phycocyanin （Institute of Oceanography of Chinese Academy of Sciences） was used. METHODS： This experiment was carried out in the Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Brain Diseases during May to December 2005. ① The rats were randomized into sham-operation group （n=4）, control group （n=-40） and phycocyanin-treated group （n=-40）. Middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion （MACO/R） models were created on the rats of control and phycocyanin-treated groups with suture-occluded method by inserting a thread into left side extemal-internal carotid artery. In the sham-operatien group, inserting suture was omitted. After ischemia for 1 hour and reperfusion for 2 hours, suspension of phycocyanin was intragastdcaUy administrated into the rats of the phycocyanin-treated group at 100 mg/kg , and the same volume of normal saline was isochrenously administrated into the rats of control group as the same. ② Six rats were chosen respectively from the control group and phycocyanin-treated group, then neurologic impairment degrees of rats were evaluated according to Bederson＇s grading. ③ Six rats were chosen respectively from the control and phycocyanin-treated groups. The isolated brain tissue was stained with tdphenyltetrazolium chloride, and then the size of cerebral infarction was calculated with HPIAS-1000 image analytical system by calculating the ratio of cerebral infarction size at each layer and contralateral hemisphere size of the same layer. ④ Twenty--eight rats were chosen respectively from the control and phycocyanin-treated groups, Brain tissue was harvested at reperfusion for 6,12,24 hours and for 2,3,7 and 14 days after ischemia for 1 hour, respectively, 4 rats at each time point. Brain tissue of 4 rats of sham-opera- tion group was harvested at the 24^th hour after operation. Brain tissue sections were performed in situ hybridization detection of Cespase-3 mRNA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Comparison of neurologic impairment degree, cerebral infarction size and the expression of brain tissue Caspase-3 mRNA of rats between two groups RESULTS： Totally 84 rats entered the stage of result analysis. ① Bederson＇s scores at ischemia and reperfusion for 24 and 48 hours were significantly lower in the phycocyanin-treated group than in the control group（P 〈 0.05）. ② After brain ischemia and reperfusion, the infarction area was the largest in the 3^rc layer in both control and phycocyanin-treated group, which was（25.23±0,47）% and（23.09±120） %, respectively, and the size of infarction area in the 2^nd layer to the 5^th layer was significantly smaller in the phycocyanin-treated group than in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. ③Positive cell counts of brain tissue Caspase-3 mRNA： The number of positive cells of Caspase-3 mRNA of control group was increased from cerebral ischemia and reperfusion 6 hours, reached the peak at ischemia and reperfusion 24 hours, began to decrease 2 days later and positive cells of Caspese-3 mRNA were still expressed on the 14^th day after reperfusion. At ischemia and reperfusion 6,12 and 24 hours as well as 2,3,7 and 14 days, positive cell counts of Caspase-3 at peripheral ischemic area were significantly lower in the phycocyanin-treated greup[（70.67 ±3.65）, （85.06±4.79）, （119.54±5.37）,（74.26±2.19）, （62.06±3.34）, （23.11±1.89）, （10.75±2.63）/visual field] than in the control group [（94.38±8 28）, （108.81 ±16.11）, （140.88±14.47）, （98.13±11.31）, （81.03±9.31）, （31.22±8.86）, （16.06±5.96）Nisual field] （ P 〈 0.05）; and those at central ischemic area were also significantly lower in the phycocyanin-treated group [（33.86±4.01）, （39.51±3.46）, （50.96 ±2.53）, （43.07±4.09）, （36.25 ±3.72）, （9.03±3.87）, （4.91±5.59）/visual field ]than in the control group [（51.35±2.13）, （54.87±3.42）, （61.77±4.94）, （55.69±6.06）, （49.01 ±5.73） ,（12.84±3.37）, （7.32±2.39）/visual field]（P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION ： Phycocyanin can obviously improve the neurologic function, reduce the size of brain infarction and down-regulate the expression of Caspase-3 mRNA of rats with ischemia and reperfusion injury, thus protect brain.

Effects of mild hypothermia on the ROS and expression of caspase-3 m RNA and LC3 of hippocampus nerve cells in rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation

BACKGROUND: Cardiac arrest(CA) is a common and serious event in emergency medicine. Despite recent improvements in resuscitation techniques, the survival rate of patients with CA is unchanged. The present study was undertaken to observe the effect of mild hypothermia(MH) on the reactive oxygen species(ROS) and the effect of neurological function and related mechanisms.METHODS: Sixty-five healthy male Sprague Dawley(SD) adult rats were randomly(random number) divided into 2 groups: blank control group(n=5) and CPR group(n=60). CA was induced by asphyxia. The surviving rats were randomly(random number) divided into two groups: normothermia CPR group(NT) and hypothermia CPR group(HT). Normothermia of 37 °C was maintained in the NT group after return of spontaneous circulation(ROSC), hypothermal intervention of 32 °C was carried out in the HT group for 4 hours immediately after ROSC. Both the NT and HT groups were then randomly divided into 2 subgroups 12 hours and 24 hours after ROSC(NT-12, NT-24, HT-12, HT-24 subgroups). During observation, the neurological defi cit scores(NDSs) was recorded, then the bilateral hippocampi were obtained from rats' head, and monoplast suspension of fresh hippocampus tissue was made immediately to determine the level of intracellular ROS by flow cytometry. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultramicro changes of cellular nucleus and mitochondria. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was used to determine the expression of caspase-3 m RNA, and western-blotting(WB) was used to determine the level of LC3 in frozen hippocampus tissue. Measured data were analyzed with paired sample t test and One-Way ANOVA.RESULTS: Of 60 rats with CA, 44(73%) were successfully resuscitated and 33(55%) survived until the end of the experiment. The NDSs of rats in the NT and HT groups were more signifi cantly reduced than those in the BC group(F=8.107, P<0.05), whereas the NDSs of rats in the HT-12 and HT-24 subgroups were significantly increased in comparison with those NDSs of rats in the NT-12 and NT-24 subgroups, respectively(t=9.692, P<0.001; t=14.374, P<0.001). The ROS in hippocampus nerve cells in the NT and HT groups signifi cantly increased compared to the BC group(F=16.824, P<0.05), whereas the ROS in the HT-12 and HT-24 subgroups significantly reduced compared with that ROS in the NT-12 and NT-24 subgroups, respectively(t=9.836, P<0.001; t=7.499, P<0.001). The expression of caspase-3 m RNA in hippocampus nerve cells in the NT and HT groups were signifi cantly increased compared to the BC group(F=24.527, P<0.05), whereas the expression of caspase-3 m RNA in rats of the HT-12 and HT-24 subgroups was signifi cantly reduced compared to the NT-12 and NT-24 subgroups, respectively(t=6.935, P<0.001; t=4.317, P<0.001). The expression of LC3B-II/I in hippocampus nerve cells of rats in the NT and HT groups signifi cantlyincreased compared to the BC group(F=6.584, P<0.05), whereas the expression of LC3B-II/I in rats of the HT-12 and HT-24 subgroups significantly reduced compared to the NT-12 and NT-24 subgroups, respectively(t=10.836, P<0.001; t=2.653, P=0.02). Ultrastructure damage of nucleus and mitochondria in the NT group was more evident than in the BC group, and eumorphism of nucleus and mitochondria were maintained in rats of the HT group compared with the NT group.CONCLUSION: Mild hypothermia lessened the injury of nerve cells and improved the neurological function of rats that survived from cardiac arrest by reducing the ROS production of nerve cells and inhibiting the expression of caspase-3 m RNA and LC3, leading to cellular apoptosis and massive autophagy in rats that survived from cardiac arrest after CPR.

Effects of Losartan on Cell Apoptosis and Expression of Caspase-3 and JNK Proteins in Kidney Tissue in Renal Interstitial Fibrosis Rats

[Objectives]To investigate the effects of losartan on cell apoptosis and the expression of caspase-3 and JNK proteins in kidney tissue in the adenine-induced renal fibrosis rats.[Methods]Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups:control group(n=10),model group(n=10)and losartan group(n=10).The rats in the control group received saline,while those in the model group and losartan group both received adenine by gavage,for 21 d.After the renal interstitial fibrosis model was established,the rats in the losartan group were treated with losartan[10 mg/(kg·d)],while the rats in the control group and the model group rats were administered with the same amount of saline.The course of treatment was 30 d.Finally,the renal function,blood urea nitrogen(BUN),serum creatinine(Scr),creatinine clearance rate(Ccr)and the pathological morphology of the rats were detected.The apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells was tested by TUNEL.The caspase-3 and JNK protein expression was tested by Western blotting.[Results]After administering adenine for 21 d,the BUN,24 MTP and kidney/body weight in the model group were increased,significantly higher than the control group(P<0.01),and the Ccr was remarkably decreased(P<0.01),signifying that the renal interstitial fibrosis model was successfully built.After treating with losartan for 30 d,the Scr,BUN,and 24 MTP were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the Ccr was significantly increased in the losartan group(P<0.01).In addition,in comparison to the model group,renal tubular epithelial apoptosis was decreased and caspase-3 and JNK expression was downregulated in the losartan group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Losartan can reduce the adenine-induced elevation of Scr,BUN and 24 hMPT,increase Ccr,improve general condition of renal interstitial fibrosis in rats and ameliorate the progression of chronic kidney failure(CKD).The effectiveness of losartan is probably due to its ability to regulate caspase-3,JNK protein expression and attenuate renal cell apoptosis.

Expression of caspase-3 and hypoxia inducible factor 1αin hepatocellular carcinoma complicated by hemorrhage and necrosis

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a malignant tumor that occurs in the liver.Its onset is latent,and it shows high heterogeneity and can readily experience intrahepatic metastasis or systemic metastasis,which seriously affects patients’quality of life.Numerous studies have shown that hypoxia inducible factor1α(HIF-1α)plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of tumors,as it promotes the formation of intratumoral vessels and plays a key role in their metastasis and invasion.Some studies have reported that caspase-3,which is induced by various factors,is involved in the apoptosis of tumor cells.AIM To investigate the expression of caspase-3 and HIF-1αand their relationship to the prognosis of patients with primary HCC complicated by pathological changes of hemorrhage and necrosis.METHODS A total of 88 patients with HCC complicated by pathological changes of hemorrhage and necrosis who were treated at our hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were selected.The expression of caspase-3 and HIF-1αin HCC and paracancerous tissues from these patients was assessed.RESULTS The positive expression rate of caspase-3 in HCC tissues was 27.27%,which was significantly lower than that in the paracancerous tissues(P<0.05),while the positive expression rate of HIF-1αwas 72.73%,which was significantly higher than that in the paracancerous tissues(P<0.05).The positive expression rates for caspase-3 in tumor node metastasis(TNM)stage III and lymph node metastasis tissues were 2.78%and 2.50%,respectively,which were significantly lower than those in TNM stage I-II and non-lymph node metastasis tissues(P<0.05).The positive expression rates of HIF-1αin TNM stage III,lymph node metastasis,and portal vein tumor thrombus tissues were 86.11%,87.50%,and 88.00%,respectively,and these values were significantly higher than those in TNM stage I-II,non-lymph node metastasis,and portal vein tumor thrombus tissues(P<0.05).The expression of caspase-3 and HIF-1αin HCC tissues were negatively correlated(rs=−0.426,P<0.05).The median overall survival time of HCC patients was 18.90 mo(95%CI:17.20–19.91).The results of the Cox proportional risk regression model analysis showed that TNM stage,portal vein tumor thrombus,lymph node metastasis,caspase-3 expression,and HIF-1αexpression were the factors influencing patient prognosis(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The expression of caspase-3 decreases and HIF-1αincreases in HCC tissues complicated by pathological changes of hemorrhage and necrosis,and these are related to clinicopathological features and prognosis.

Adenoviral vector mediated-expression of caspase-3 siRNA on apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide

Objective： To construct the recombinant adenovirus expressing small RNA of rats caspase-3 and observe the down-regulation effect of caspase-3 in neurons induced by lipopolysaccharide（LPS） in vitro. Methods： pShuttleHl-siCas3 containing Oligo DNA of the targeting sequences and pEGFPC1-Cas3 containing caspase-3 and EGFP sequences were constructed respectively, pShuttleH 1-siCas3 and pEGFPC 1-Cas3 were co-transfected to the 293 cells by liposomes to determine interfering efficacy by flow cytometry, pShuttleHl-siCas3 was linearized and transformed into E. coli B J5183 cells containing backbone plasmid pAdEasy-1. The recombinant plasmid was transfected into 293 cells to package the adenovirus Ad-siCas3. The titers of adenovirus were determined by the specific 50% tissue culture infection dosage method. After virus infected the cultured hippocampus neurons, LPS-induced apoptosis and caspase-3 mRNA expression were observed. Results： It was identified that the sequence of target gene was correctly inserted into the genome of virus. The expression of green fluorescence protein was reduced by pShuttleHl-siCas3 in 293 cells. The titer of recombinant adenovirus was 1.06×10^10pfu/ml. After virus infection, caspase-3 mRNA was greatly reduced and neurons apoptosis was suppressed. Conclusion： The recombinant adenovirus expressing rats caspase-3 siRNA were successfully constructed, which may probably be further used in pain therapy by its anti-apoptosis effect.

Expression of caspase-3 and TRAIL receptors in CD4^+ and CD8^+ T cells of SLE patients

Objective: To study the expression of caspase-3 and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosisinducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors in the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of systemic lupus enythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods: RT-PCR was used to analyze the expression of caspase-3 and TRAIL receptors in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of SLE patients and normal subjects. Results: The death domain-containing TRAIL-R1/R2 as well as 'decoy' TRAIL-R3/R4 were co-expressed in majority of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in both SLE patients and normal subjects. The CD8+ T cells from SLE patients showed significantly higher expression of caspase-3 and TRAIL-R2 than those from normal subjects,and the expression was correlated with the activity of the disease. Conclusion: The TRAIL-R2 signal pathway might contribute to the apoptosis of T cells in SLE.

Effect of X-rays on Expression of Caspase-3 and p53 in EL-4 Cells and Its Biological Implications

Objective To investigate the effect of X-rays on expression of caspase-3 and p53 protein in EL-4 cells and its implications in induction of apoptosis and polyploid cells. Methods Mouse lymphoma cell line （EL-4 cells） was used. Fluorescent staining and flow cytometry analysis were employed for measurement of protein expression, apoptosis, cell cycle, and polyploid cells. Results The expression of caspase-3 protein increased significantly at 8 h and 12 h, compared with that of sham-irradiated control （P〈0.05, respectively） and the expression of p53 protein increased significantly at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h, compared with that of sham-irradiated control （P〈0.05-P〈0.01） in EL-4 cells after 4.0 Gy X-irradiation. Apoptosis of EL-4 cells was increased significantly at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after 4.0Gy exposure, compared with that of sham-irradiated control （P〈0.05-P〈0.001）. G2 phase cells were increased significantly at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h （P〈0,05-P〈0.001）. However, no marked change in the number of 8 C polyploid cells was found from 2 to 48 h after 4.0 Gy exposure. Conclusion The expressions of caspase-3 and p53 protein in EL-4 cells are induced by X-rays, which might play an important role in the induction of apoptosis, and the molecular pathway for polyploid formation might be p53-independent.

The Effects of Magnesium Sulfate on Fetal Rats of FGR and the Expression of Caspase-3 in the Placenta of Maternal Rat

To investigate the effect of magnesium sulfate on the fetal rats of FGR and the expression of caspase-3 in the placenta of maternal rat ; To explore the mechanism of using magnesium sulfate to cure the FGR. Establish model of FGR by a way of passive smoking： giving the maternal rats different agent of magnesium sulfate by subcutaneous injection： low agent group （300 mg/kg）, high agent group （600 mg/kg）. Concentration of magnesium sulfate was monitored. The expression of caspase-3 was measured by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry technology. Both of the concentrations of magnesium sulfate in high and low agents group are higher than the FGR group （P〈0.01）;the weight of the placenta and fetal rat in high agent group are higher than the FGR group （P〈0.05 and P〈0. 01） ; the expression of mRNA and protein of caspase-3 in the two agent group is higher than the FGR group （P〈0.05 respectively） ; concentration of magnesium sulfate in the maternal rat blood correlate to the weight of fetal rat （r=0. 899, P=0. 038） and the expression of caspase-3 in the placenta of maternal rat （r=-0. 747, P=0. 033; r=-0. 915, P=0. 001）. The research suggests that the weight of fetal rat could be increased by treatment of magnesium sulfate. Because it would imfrmove the placental function by depressing the expression of caspase-3.

EFFECTS OF ANTISENSE OLIGODEOXYNUCLEOTIDES ON EXPRESSION OF CASPASE-3 IN Γ-RADIATION INDUCED APOPTOTIC HL-60 CELLS

Objective To study the inhibitory effects of caspase-3 mRNA antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASODN) on expressions of caspase-3 and it's mRNA in γ-radiation induced apoptotic HL-60 cells, and screen the effective ASODN. Methods ASODN-1 and ASODN-2 targeting 5′-noncoding region and initial translation region of caspase-3 mRNA were respectively designed, synthesized and introduced into HL-60 cells by means of liposome-mediated transfection followed by 10Gy γ-radiation exposures. TUNEL assay was conducted to investigate the morphologic change and apoptotic percentage of HL-60 cells 18 h later. Immunocytochemical staining and one step RT-PCR were respectively performed to detect the expressions of caspase-3 and it's mRNA. Mismatched oligodeoxynucleotide (MODN) transfected and un-transfected HL-60 cells were taken as control. Results TUNEL assay found that the apoptotic percentages in ASODN-1 and ASODN-2 groups were significantly reduced compared with the control groups (P<0.01) when the final concentration of both ASODNs was ≥3μmol/L. Immunocytochemistry showed that caspase-3 positive cell percentages were reduced but the average gray values increased significantly compared with the control groups (P<0.01). RT-PCR showed expressions of caspase-3 mRNA was decreased after ASODN transfection. Furthermore, ASODN-1 proved more effective in inhibiting HL-60 cell apoptosis than ASODN-2 (P<0.01). Conclusion Caspase-3 mRNA ASODNs can prevent HL-60 cells from apoptosis induced by γ-radiation and reduce expression of caspase-3 and its mRNA. These effects are dose dependent in a certain range.

Tranylcypromine upregulates Sestrin 2 expression to ameliorate NLRP3-related noise-induced hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is the primary non-genetic factor contributing to auditory dysfunction.However,there are currently no effective pharmacological interventions for patients with noise-induced hearing loss.Here,we present evidence suggesting that the lysine-specific demethylase 1 inhibitor–tranylcypromine is an otoprotective agent that could be used to treat noise-induced hearing loss,and elucidate its underlying regulatory mechanisms.We established a mouse model of permanent threshold shift hearing loss by exposing the mice to white broadband noise at a sound pressure level of 120 d B for 4 hours.We found that tranylcypromine treatment led to the upregulation of Sestrin2(SESN2)and activation of the autophagy markers light chain 3B and lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 1 in the cochleae of mice treated with tranylcypromine.The noise exposure group treated with tranylcypromine showed significantly lower average auditory brainstem response hearing thresholds at click,4,8,and 16 k Hz frequencies compared with the noise exposure group treated with saline.These findings indicate that tranylcypromine treatment resulted in increased SESN2,light chain 3B,and lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 1 expression after noise exposure,leading to a reduction in levels of 4-hydroxynonenal and cleaved caspase-3,thereby reducing noise-induced hair cell loss.Additionally,immunoblot analysis demonstrated that treatment with tranylcypromine upregulated SESN2 expression via the autophagy pathway.Tranylcypromine treatment also reduced the production of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domaincontaining 3(NLRP3)production.In conclusion,our results showed that tranylcypromine treatment ameliorated cochlear inflammation by promoting the expression of SESN2,which induced autophagy,thereby restricting NLRP3-related inflammasome signaling,alleviating cochlear hair cell loss,and protecting hearing function.These findings suggest that inhibiting lysine-specific demethylase 1 is a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing hair cell loss and noise-induced hearing loss.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 expression affects clinicopathological features and prognosis of aflatoxin B1-related hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND The dysregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3(TIMP3)was positively correlated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,it is not clear whether TIMP3 expression is associated with the clinico-pathological features and prognosis of aflatoxin B1(AFB1)-related HCC(AHCC).A retrospective study,including 182 patients with AHCC,was conducted to explore the link between TIMP3 expression in cancerous tissues and the clinico-pathological characteristics and prognosis of AHCC.TIMP3 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and its effects on the clinicopathological features and prognosis of AHCC were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression survival analysis.Odds ratio,hazard ratio(HR),median overall survival time(MST),median tumor recurrence-free survival time(MRT),and corresponding 95%confidential interval(CI)was calculated to RESULTS Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that compared with high TIMP3 expression,low TIMP3 expression in tumor tissues significantly decreased the MST(36.00 mo vs 18.00 mo)and MRT(32.00 mo vs 16 mo)of patients with AHCC.Multivariate Cox regression survival analysis further proved that decreased expression of TIMP3 increased the risk of death(HR=2.85,95%CI:2.04-4.00)and tumor recurrence(HR=2.26,95%CI:1.57-3.26).Furthermore,decreased expression of TIMP3 protein in tissues with AHCC was significantly correlated with tumor clinicopatho-logical features,such as tumor size,tumor grade and stage,tumor microvessel density,and tumor blood invasion.Additionally,TIMP3 protein expression was also negatively associated with amount of AFB1-DNA adducts in tumor tissues.CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the dysregulation of TIMP3 expression is related to AHCC biological behaviors and affects tumor outcome,suggesting that TIMP3 may act as a prognostic biomarker for AHCC.

miR-421靶向调控Menin/Caspase-3影响抑郁症的机制

目的探讨miR-421影响抑郁症发生发展的作用机制。方法采取单次腹腔注射脂多糖(LPS)方法建立抑郁大鼠模型,采用糖水偏好度测试和旷场实验进行抑郁行为检测。通过miRNA微阵列芯片和RT-PCR分析miR-421在抑郁大鼠海马组织中的表达量,运用TargetScan数据库和mi RDB数据库进行预测miR-421的靶基因,采用双荧光素酶报告基因实验观察其与靶基因的结合情况,观察过表达和抑制miR-421对靶基因的影响,随后过表达和抑制靶基因,观察其对下游因子的影响,最终探究miR-421影响抑郁症的相关机制。结果miRNA微阵列芯片和RT-PCR检测表明miR-421在抑郁大鼠海马组织中呈高表达(P<0.001),抑制miR-421的表达可显著恢复抑郁大鼠的体重和运动能力(P<0.001)。TargetScan数据库预测得到Menin与miR-421存在结合靶点,双荧光素酶报告基因实验表明Menin与miR-421具有相互作用;当miR-421过表达时,Menin表达量会下调(P<0.001),相反,当抑制miR-421表达时,Menin表达量会上调(P<0.001)。qPCR检测提示,Menin下游因子Caspase-3、NF-κB在抑郁大鼠模型海马组织中的表达显著提高(P<0.001),IL-1β在抑郁大鼠模型海马组织中的表达明显提高(P<0.01),当抑制Menin表达时,Caspase-3、NF-κB、IL-1β表达量会升高(P<0.001),当过表达Menin时,Caspase-3、NF-κB、IL-1β表达量则降低(P<0.001)。结论抑制miR-421表达可升高Menin表达,降低Caspase-3含量,减少神经炎症反应,从而改善抑郁症状。

有氧运动训练影响阿尔茨海默症小鼠海马Notch1、Caspase-3的表达

背景:β-淀粉样蛋白和Tau蛋白会对阿尔茨海默症患者的认知功能产生不良影响,研究发现Notch1及Caspase-3能够调控β-淀粉样蛋白和Tau蛋白的表达。Notch1及Caspase-3是否介导了有氧运动改善阿尔茨海默症患者认知能力的过程还不清楚,目前缺乏长期有氧运动影响阿尔茨海默症小鼠海马中Notch1及Caspase-3表达的研究。目的:观察长期有氧运动干预阿尔茨海默症小鼠的空间学习记忆情况及其海马中Notch1及Caspase-3的表达,探讨Notch1及Caspase-3对阿尔茨海默症小鼠的影响。方法:将3月龄野生型及APP/PS1双转基因阿尔茨海默症小鼠随机分为4组:野生对照组、野生运动组、阿尔茨海默症对照组、阿尔茨海默症运动组,每组20只。对照组小鼠不进行运动,运动组小鼠进行5个月的有氧运动干预。运动干预结束后,采用Morris水迷宫检测小鼠空间学习记忆能力;采用Real-timePCR、免疫荧光及Westernblot检测各组小鼠海马组织Aβ_(1-42)、Tau、Notch1及Caspase-3蛋白的表达。结果与结论:①阿尔茨海默症小鼠空间学习记忆能力显著差于野生组(P<0.05);运动组小鼠空间学习记忆能力显著优于对照组(P<0.05);②阿尔茨海默症对照组小鼠海马Aβ_(1-42)、Tau、Notch1及Caspase-3表达均显著高于野生对照组(P<0.05);阿尔茨海默症运动组小鼠海马Aβ_(1-42)、Tau、Notch1及Caspase-3表达显著低于阿尔茨海默症对照组(P<0.05);③提示:长期有氧运动干预能够改善阿尔茨海默症小鼠的空间学习记忆能力,而这可能与有氧运动降低阿尔茨海默症小鼠海马Notch1、Caspase-3、Aβ_(1-42)及Tau蛋白表达有关。

电针联合神经减压/地塞米松对面神经受损家兔面神经病变及神经生长因子、Caspase-3表达的影响

目的观察电针联合神经减压/地塞米松对面神经损伤家兔面神经病变及血清神经生长因子(NGF)水平、面神经纤维组织中Caspase-3蛋白表达的影响,探讨其作用机制。方法将120只健康家兔随机分为假手术组、假手术+西医组、假手术+中医组、假手术+中西医组、模型组、模型+西医组、模型+中医组、模型+中西医组,每组15只。除假手术各组外,其余组均制备面神经损伤模型。术后假手术组、模型组不给予干预,假手术+西医组和模型+西医组均每天给予地塞米松1 mg/kg肌肉注射及面神经减压,假手术+中医组和模型+中医组均每天给予电针治疗(每次30 min,连续电针5 d休息2 d为1个周期),假手术+中西医组和模型+中西医组均每天给予地塞米松肌肉注射、面神经减压及电针治疗,各组均干预至术后第21天。分别于术后第1,7,21天检测外周血中NGF水平,HE染色观察面神经病变情况,免疫组化法检测面神经组织中Caspase-3阳性表达情况。结果术后第1,7,21天,模型各组血清NGF水平均明显低于假手术各组(P均<0.05);模型+中西医组血清NGF水平均明显高于模型组、模型+西医组、模型+中医组(P均<0.05),模型+西医组、模型+中医组均明显高于模型组(P均<0.05),模型+西医组与模型+中医组比较差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。术后第1天,模型各组的Caspase-3阳性表达强度评分均明显高于假手术各组(P均<0.05);模型各干预组术后第1,7,21天的Caspase-3阳性表达强度评分均明显高于相应假手术各干预组(P均<0.05);模型+中西医组术后第1天和第7天的Caspase-3阳性表达强度评分均明显低于同期模型组和模型+西医组(P均<0.05),与模型+中医组比较差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05);模型各组间术后第21天的Caspase-3阳性表达强度评分比较差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。结论电针联合神经减压/地塞米松有促进面神经损伤修复的作用,其机制可能与上调血清NGF水平、下调面神经组织中Caspase-3蛋白的表达有关。

基于Caspase-3/Bcl-2/Bax信号通路探究加味旋覆代赭汤治疗食管癌前病变的作用机制

目的:探究加味旋覆代赭汤对食管癌前病变大鼠Caspase-3/Bcl-2/Bax信号通路的调控作用机制。方法:将48只雄性SD大鼠随机分为4组,空白组、模型组、中药组、西药组,每组各12只。除空白组外均采用复合造模法制作食管癌前病变大鼠模型,造模成功后,分别进行药物灌胃干预,空白组、模型组用生理盐水灌胃,中药组和西药组分别给予加味旋覆代赭汤、西药(雷贝拉唑+莫沙必利)灌胃,给药8周取材。利用光学显微镜观察食管上皮组织的形态学变化;分别应用蛋白质印迹法(Western-blot)及聚合酶链式反应(PCR)检测食管上皮组织Caspase-3、Bcl-2及Bax的表达水平。结果:与空白组比较,模型组大鼠食管上皮病理积分升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较,中药组、西药组大鼠食管上皮病理积分均降低(P<0.01)。PCR及Western-blot检测结果显示,与空白组比较,模型组大鼠Caspase-3、Bax mRNA、蛋白表达均降低(P<0.01);与模型组比较,中药、西药组大鼠Caspase-3、Bax mRNA、蛋白表达均增高(P<0.05)。与空白组比较,模型组大鼠食管组织中Bcl-2 m RNA及蛋白表达水平均升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,中药组和西药组Bcl-2 mRNA及蛋白表达水平均降低(P<0.05)。结论:加味旋覆代赭汤可能通过下调Bcl-2/Bax比值,增加线粒体外膜通透性,释放凋亡因子,激活Caspase-3,使病变组织发生凋亡,扭转食管上皮异型增生,从而起到治疗食管癌前病变的作用。

基于NLRP3/Caspase-1细胞焦亡通路研究金匮肾气丸治疗慢性肾衰竭大鼠的疗效机制

目的以NOD样受体蛋白3(nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like protein3,NLRP3)/半胱氨酸蛋白酶-1(cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1,Caspase-1)细胞焦亡通路为切入点,研究金匮肾气丸改善慢性肾衰竭大鼠的疗效机制。方法将80只7周龄雄性Wistar大鼠以随机的方式抽取正常组和假手术组各20只,其中正常组不行手术干预,假手术组仅行手术剥离双肾被膜;40只造模组大鼠依据文献方法行5/6肾切除术制备慢性肾衰竭模型,4周后将造模组造模成功并存活的34只大鼠随机平均分为金匮肾气丸组17只及模型组17只。其中金匮肾气丸组予金匮肾气丸药液,正常组、假手术组及模型组予等量生理盐水进行灌胃56 d。期间观察大鼠一般情况。第57天取材检测大鼠的红细胞(red blood cell,RBC)、血红蛋白(hemoglobin,Hb)、血清肌酐(serum creatinine,Scr)、血尿素氮(blood urea nitrogen,BUN)值。并测定左肾组织NLRP3、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白[apoptosis-associ-ated speck-like protein containing caspase recruitment domain(CARD),ASC]、Caspase-1、白细胞介素(interleukin,IL)-18及IL-1β的mRNA及蛋白含量表达情况及肾组织病理形态。结果正常组和假手术组大鼠各项指标无明显差别(P>0.05)。金匮肾气丸组大鼠的RBC、Hb水平相对模型组显著升高(P<0.05)。金匮肾气丸组大鼠的Scr、BUN水平相对模型组显著降低(P<0.05)。金匮肾气丸组大鼠相对于模型组大鼠NLRP3、ASC、Caspase-1、IL-18、IL-1β的mRNA和蛋白表达含量则显著降低(P<0.05),光学显微镜及透射电镜观察显示:正常组及假手术组结构形态正常。金匮肾气丸组大鼠病变程度明显轻于模型组大鼠。结论金匮肾气丸可明显改善CRF大鼠的贫血状态、肾功能情况,升高RBC、Hb水平,降低Scr、BUN水平。金匮肾气丸可明显减轻慢性肾衰竭大鼠炎症反应情况,延缓肾衰竭进展。金匮肾气丸延缓慢性肾衰竭进展的机制可能与抑制NLRP3/Caspase-1细胞焦亡信号通路,下调NLRP3、ASC、Caspase-1、IL-18、IL-1β的表达有关。

三黄连合剂通过NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1通路对哮喘患儿气道炎症的机制研究

目的探讨三黄连合剂通过NOD样受体蛋白3(NOD-like receptor protein domain associated protein 3,NLRP3)/凋亡相关颗粒样蛋白(apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD,ASC)/半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶1(cysteine aspartic acid specific protease-1,Caspase-1)通路对哮喘患儿气道炎症的作用及机制。方法选取2021年1月—2023年10月就诊的90例哮喘患儿,采用数字表法随机分为观察组与对照组,各45例。观察2组哮喘患儿不良反应、1 s用力呼气容积(forced expiratory volume in the first second,FEV_(1)%)、最大呼气流量(peak expiratory flow,PEF)、用力肺活量(forced vital capacity,FVC)、白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)及TNF-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)表达水平差异。结果观察组不良反应发生率为6.66%,对照组为11.11%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组总有效率为95.56%,高于对照组的80.00%(P<0.05)。治疗后FEV_(1)%、PEF、FVC、哮喘控制测试表(asthma control test,ACT)评分高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后观察组血清IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8、IL-17、IL-18水平低于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后观察组患儿血清NLRP3、ASC、Caspase-1、IL-1β蛋白表达水平低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论三黄连合剂治疗能减轻哮喘患儿气道炎症反应,降低炎症因子水平,改善肺功能,减轻病情,提高疗效,其可能通过NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1通路发挥作用。

α-细辛醚上调细胞色素C及Caspase-3表达影响食管癌Eca-109细胞的生物学行为

目的:分析α-细辛醚上调细胞色素C(cytochrome C,cytC)及Caspase-3表达对食管癌Eca-109细胞生物学行为的影响。方法:将食管癌Eca-109细胞随机等量分为4组,即低、中及高剂量(分别给予25、50及100 mg/L的α-细辛醚),另随机取等量细胞加入等体积培养液作为空白组,培养48 h后通过平板克隆实验检测4组细胞增殖情况,Annexin V/PI法检测细胞凋亡情况,RT-qPCR及Western Blot法检测细胞中cytC及Caspase-3 mRNA及蛋白表达。结果:(1)细胞克隆数在空白组最高,低剂量组显著高于高剂量组;凋亡率在空白组最低,低剂量组显著低于高剂量组。(2)4组细胞迁移至小室下的细胞数空白组>低剂量组>中剂量组>高剂量组。(3)CytC及Caspase-3蛋白在高剂量组表达显著高于空白组及低剂量组,且中剂量组表达高于空白组。(4)CytC及Caspase-3 mRNA的表达:高剂量组>中剂量组>低剂量组>空白组,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论:α-细辛醚抑制Eca-109细胞增殖及侵袭,并且可能通过上调cytC及Caspase-3表达促进调亡。

芩百清肺浓缩丸对感染后咳嗽大鼠NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β信号通路的影响

目的:探讨芩百清肺浓缩丸(芩百)对感染后咳嗽(PIC)大鼠NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3/半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白水解酶1/白细胞介素1β(NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β)信号通路的调节作用。方法:40只SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、阳性对照组(阿斯美)及芩百清肺浓缩丸(芩百)组,每组10只。采用烟熏联合LPS滴鼻法及辣椒素雾化吸入法构建PIC模型。于造模后第18天开始灌胃给药,芩百组给予芩百清肺浓缩丸水溶液1.65 g/kg,阳性对照组给予阿斯美25.11 mg/kg,每日1次,连续给药10 d。末次干预后,ELISA检测BALF中IL-1β含量,、Western blot检测肺组织NLRP3、Caspase-1蛋白表达。结果:与正常组相比,模型组BALF中IL-1β含量以及肺组织NLRP3、Caspase-1蛋白表达均显著升高(P<0.05);与模型组相比,阳性对照组和芩百组上述指标均显著降低(P<0.05);芩百组BALF中IL-1β水平和肺组织NLRP3蛋白表达均显著低于阳性对照组(P<0.05)。结论:芩百清肺浓缩丸能够显著减轻PIC大鼠的气道炎症和气道高反应性,其作用机制可能与抑制NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β信号通路有关。

桂枝加龙骨牡蛎汤对魄不安于肺不寐大鼠脑组织Caspase-3、Bcl-2、Bax水平的影响

目的:探讨桂枝加龙骨牡蛎汤对魄不安于肺不寐大鼠脑组织Caspase-3、Bcl-2、Bax表达的影响及其治疗魄不安于肺不寐可能的作用机制。方法:32只雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、中药组和西药组,每组8只。采用水环境小平台法干预9 d建立魄不安于肺不寐大鼠模型,造模成功后,中药组予以桂枝加龙骨牡蛎汤7.6 g·kg-1·d-1灌胃,西药组予以右佐匹克隆片0.1 mg·kg-1·d-1灌胃,对照组和模型组给予等体积生理盐水灌胃,连续14 d,测量体质量。采用免疫组织化学法及蛋白质免疫印迹法检测脑组织中Caspase-3、Bcl-2、Bax表达水平。结果:与对照组比较,模型组大鼠体质量减轻(P<0.01),免疫组化检测结果显示,大鼠脑组织Bcl-2的表达显著减少(P<0.01),Caspase-3、Bax表达显著增加(P<0.01),Bcl-2/Bax比率显著减少(P<0.01);Western blot结果显示大鼠脑组织Bcl-2相对表达量显著减少(P<0.01),Bax、Caspase-3相对表达量显著增加(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,中药组及西药组大鼠体质量显著增加(P<0.01),免疫组化检测结果显示,大鼠脑组织Bcl-2表达增加(P<0.05),Caspase-3、Bax表达减少(P<0.05),Bcl-2/Bax比率显著升高(P<0.01);Western blot结果显示大鼠脑组织中Bcl-2相对表达量增加(P<0.05),Bax、Caspase-3相对表达量显著减少(P<0.01)。结论:桂枝加龙骨牡蛎汤改善魄不安于肺不寐大鼠的睡眠可能与增加其脑组织Bcl-2、降低Caspase-3、Bax表达水平有关。