Effects of Low Concentrations of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) and Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Steroidogenesis Pathways and Apoptosis in the Murine Leydig Tumor Cell Line MLTC-1

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low concentrations of DEHP and MEHP on steroidogenesis in a murine Leydig tumor cell line （MLTC-1） in vitro. The result of flow cytometry analysis revealed that the proportion of apoptotic cells was significantly increased after the exposure to DEHP. All three genes （P450scc, P450c17, and 38HSD） under study showed an increased expression following exposure to DEHP or MEHP, although some insignificant inhibitory effects appeared in the 10μmol/L treatment group as compared with the controls. It was also found that DEHP or MEHP stimulated INSL3 mRNA and protein especially in the 0.001 μmol/L treatment group. Testosterone secretions were stimulated after the exposure to DEHP or MEHP. Alterations of steroidogenic enzymes and INSL3 in MLTC-1 cells might be involved in the biphasic effects of DEHP/MEHP on androgen production.

Modulating effects of survivin antisense oligonucleotide on changes of apoptosis and cell cycle of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721

To investigate the modulating effects of survivn antisense oligonucletode (ASODN) on the cell cycle and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721 and explore its mechanism.Methods Survivin ASODN was transfected into SMMC-7721 cells mediated by DOTAP liposomal reagent.Electron microscopy,flow cytometry and RT-PCR were used to detect the changes in cell ultrastructure,apoptosis,cell cycle and the expression of cyclinB1 mRNA,respectively.Results After transfection of survivin ASODN,the expression of cyclinB1 mRNA in the cells significantly increased and increase in G2-M arrest and apoptosis appeared.Meanwhile,the cell ultrastructure had apoptotic changes such as chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation.Conclusion Survivin ASODN can induce the expression of cyclinB1 that may result in G2-M arrest.Consequently,apoptosis is triggered.Survivin ASODN transfection might be an improtant new treatment for HCC.14 refs,2 figs,1 tab.

Effect of adenovirus-mediated p27 gene expression on the proliferation and apoptosis of HL-60 and Raji cell lines

Background p27 is an essential mediator of cell cycle control,which plays a key negative role in the proliferation and tumorigenesis of certain cell types. Here, we designed this study to explore the possible effects of p27 on the proliferation and apoptosis of HL-60 and Raji cell lines.Methods HL-60 and Raji cells were transfected with p27 via an adenovirus-mediated approach. The efficiency of Adp27 infection and the expression of p27 mRNA and protein were evaluated by X-gal staining, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry. The proliferation and apoptosis of HL-60 and Raji cells were estimated by means of trypan blue staining, MTT assay, Annexin V/PI, and DNA ladder electrophoresis. Results The infection efficiencies in HL-60 and Raji cells were 40.3% and 32.0%, respectively. RT-PCR and flow cytometry showed that there was significant expression of p27 mRNA and protein in HL-60 and Raji cells infected with Adp27; on the other hand, uninfected HL-60 cells showed faint traces of p27 mRNA and protein and Raji cells showed nearly no signs of p27 mRNA and protein. As demonstrated by a cell growth curve and by an MTT assay, strong time-dependent proliferation inhibition was apparent in HL-60 and Raji cells infected by Adp27. After 72 hours of infection, the Annexin V+/PI- apoptotic cell rates in HL-60 and Raji cell lines were 46.9% and 35.7%, respectively, significantly higher than in the control groups (4.7% and 5.6%, respectively). Typical DNA ladder bands were detectable in HL-60 and Raji cells after 48 hours of Adp27 infection. Conclusions Adenoviral vector-mediated p27 gene transfection of HL-60 and Raji cells leads to the inhibition of cellular proliferation and the promotion of cell apoptosis. This technique may provide an approach to gene therapy for leukemia or lymphoma.