Effect of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 on calcium distribution in apoptosis of HL-60 cells

Apoptosis manifests in two major execution programs downstream of the death signal: the caspase pathway and organelle dysfunction. An important antiapoptosis factor, Bcl-2 protein, contributes in caspase pathway of apoptosis. Calcium, an important intracellular signal element in cells, is also observed to have changes during apoptosis, which maybe affected by Bcl-2 protein. We have previously reported that in Harringtonine (HT) induced apoptosis of HL-60 cells, there’s a change of intracellular calcium distribution, moving from cytoplast especially Golgi’s apparatus to nucleus and accumulating there with the highest concentration. We report here that caspase-3 becomes activated in HT-induced apoptosis of HL-60 cells, which can be inhibited by overexpression of Bcl-2 protein. No sign of apoptosis or intracellular calcium movement from Golgi’s apparatus to nucleus in HL-60 cells overexpressing Bcl-2 or treated with Ac-DEVD-CHO, a specific inhibitor of caspase-3. The results indicate that activated caspase-3 can promote the movement of intracellular calcium from Golgi’s apparatus to nucleus, and the process is inhibited by Ac-DEVD-CHO (inhibitor of caspase-3), and that Bcl-2 can inhibit the movement and accumulation of intracellular calcium in nucleus through its inhibition on caspase3. Calcium relocalization in apoptosis seems to be irreversible, which is different from the intracellular calcium changes caused by growth factor.

Inhibition of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injuryinduced apoptosis:nicotiflorin and JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Nicotiflorin is a flavonoid extracted from Carthamus tinctorius.Previous studies have shown its cerebral protective effect,but the mechanism is undefined.In this study,we aimed to determine whether nicotiflorin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced apoptosis through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.The cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion.Nicotiflorin（10 mg/kg） was administered by tail vein injection.Cell apoptosis in the ischemic cerebral cortex was examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d UTP nick end labeling assay.Bcl-2 and Bax expression levels in ischemic cerebral cortex were examined by immunohistochemial staining.Additionally,p-JAK2,p-STAT3,Bcl-2,Bax,and caspase-3 levels in ischemic cerebral cortex were examined by western blot assay.Nicotiflorin altered the shape and structure of injured neurons,decreased the number of apoptotic cells,down-regulates expression of p-JAK2,p-STAT3,caspase-3,and Bax,decreased Bax immunoredactivity,and increased Bcl-2 protein expression and immunoreactivity.These results suggest that nicotiflorin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced apoptosis via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Effects of acupoint versus non-acupoint electroacupuncture on cerebral cortical neuronal Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 expression in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia

BACKGROUND： Several studies have demonstrated that electroacupuncture by acupoint selection can inhibit cerebral cortical neuronal apoptosis following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. OBJECTIVE： To validate the effects of electroacupuncture by acupoint selection on the expression level of cortical neuronal anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and the apoptotic executive protein, caspase-3, in rat models of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized grouping, neural cell and molecular biology animal experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Laboratory Animal Center of Henan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine between November 2006 and May 2007. MATERIALS： Atotal of 40 healthy male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and evenly divided into four groups： sham-operated, model, electroacupuncture and non-aeupoint control. G6895 electro-acupuncture instruments were purchased from Shanghai Huayi Instrument Factory, China. Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax kits were provided by Wuhan Boster Bioengineering Co., Ltd., China. METHODS： Middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in the model, electroacupuncture and non-acupoint groups. In the electroacupuncture group, the acupoints Jianyu （LII5）, Waiguan （S J5）, Biguan （ST31）, and Zusanli （ST36） were given electroacupuncture. In the non-acupoint control group, at each time point （immediately after ischemia and after reperfusion, or 2 hours after reperfusion）, electroacupuncture was performed at the midpoints of Tianquan （PC2）-Quze （PC 3） line, Quze （PC 3）-Ximen （PC4） line, Zuwuli （LR10）-Yinbao （LR9） line, and Xiguan （LR7）-Zhongdu （LR6） line. Electroacupuncture parameters were set with a continuous wave with a frequency of 10 Hz, wave width 0.6 ms, voltage 1.5-3.0 V, and a duration of 10 minutes. The sham-operated and model groups received only animal fixation without electroacupuncture procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Five rats were selected from each group for specimen preparation. A brain tissue block comprising the frontal lobe and the occipital lobe was cut into five coronal sections of equal-thickness. Neuronal apoptosis was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling technique. Expression levels of caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased Bcl-2 expression （P 〈 0.01）, and significantly increased Bax protein expression, number of apoptotic cells, and caspase-3 expression （P 〈 0.01）. In the electroacupuncture group, Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly increased （P 〈 0.01） compared with the model group, and the Bax protein expression, number of apoptotic cells, and caspase-3 expression were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01）; the above-mentioned changes were not significant in the non-acupoint group compared with the model group （ P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Electroacupuncture by acpoint selection can up-regulate Bcl-2 expression and concomitantly inhibit caspase-3 and Bax expression, inhibiting neuronal poptosis in rat cerebral cortex following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.

三氧化二砷对人肝癌细胞凋亡及Bcl-2、caspase-3蛋白表达的影响

目的研究三氧化二砷(arsenic trioxide,As2O3)诱导HepG2细胞凋亡及其机制。方法采用MTT法、形态学观察及流式细胞术方法检测As2O3对HepG2细胞的生长抑制、凋亡作用的影响,用Western blot检测As2O3处理后HepG2细胞内凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2和caspase-3的表达。结果As2O3对HepG2细胞有明显的抑制增殖作用,且呈浓度和时间依赖性,细胞呈典型的凋亡形态学改变,As2O3呈时间依赖性诱导HepG2细胞凋亡。As2O3处理不同时间后,Bcl-2蛋白表达水平下调,caspase-3蛋白表达水平升高。结论As2O3具有诱导人肝癌HepG2细胞凋亡的作用,其机制可能与其下调Bcl-2蛋白的表达,促进caspase-3活化有关。

Gambogic acid induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis by modulation of Bcl-2 and Bax in mantle cell lymphoma JeKo-1 cells

Objective： To study the mechanisms in gambogic acid （GA） -induced JeKo-1 human Mantle Cell Lymphoma cell apoptosis in vitro. Methods： The proliferation of GA-treated JeKo-1 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay and Ki-67 immunocytochemical detection. Apopt0sis, cell cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometric analysis. Caspase-3, -8 and -9 were detected by colorimetric assay. Bcl-2 and Bax were analyzed by Western blotting. Results： GA inhibited cell growth in a time- and dose- dependent manner. GA induces apoptosis in JeKo- 1 cells but not in normal bone marrow cells, which was involved in reducing the membrane potential of mitochondria, activating caspases-3, -8 and -9 and decreasing the ratio of Bd-2 and Bax without cell cycle arresting. Conclusions： GA induced apoptosis in human MCL JeKo-1 cells by regulating Bcl-2/Bax and activating caspase-3, -8 and -9 via mitochondrial pathway without affecting cell cycle.

Exogenous phosphatidylethanolamine induces apoptosis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells via the bcl-2/bax pathway

AIM: To investigate the signaling pathways implicated in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)-induced apoptosis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. METHODS: Inhibitory effects of PE on human hepatoma HepG2 cells were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell cycle, apoptosis and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Immunocytochemical assay and Western blotting were used to examine Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 protein levels in HepG2 cells treated with PE. RESULTS: PE inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in a doseand timedependent manner. It did notaffect the cell cycle, but induced apoptosis. PE significantly decreased ΔΨm at 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mmol/L, respectively, suggesting that PE induces cell apoptosis by decreasing the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The Bcl-2 expression level induced by different concentrations of PE was lower than that in control groups. However, the Bax expression level induced by PE was higher than that in the control group. Meanwhile, PE increased the caspase-3 expression in a doseand time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Exogenous PE induces apoptosis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells via the bcl-2/bax pathway.

Bcl-2 cleavages at two adjacent sites by different caspases promote cisplatin-induced apoptosis

The protein encoded by bcl-2 proto-oncogene plays an important role in the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway. Although the general role of Bcl-2 is anti-apoptotic, previous work showed that Bcl-2 fragments cleaved by caspases could promote apoptotic process. We report herein that Bcl-2 protein was cleaved to produce two fragments of around 23 kDa in human hepatocarcinoma BEL-7404 cells or in Bcl-2 overexpressing CHO cells induced by cisplatin. Treating cells with the general caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk blocked the induced cleavage of Bcl-2. Mutagenesis analyses showed that Bcl-2 was cleaved by caspases at two adjacent recognition sites in the loop domain （YEWD31↓AGD34↓V）, which could be inhibited by caspase-8 and -3 inhibitors, respectively. Overexpression of the carboxyl terminal 23 kDa fragments increased the sensitivity of CHO cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. These results indicate that Bcl-2 can be cleaved into two close fragments by different caspases during cisplatin-induced apoptosis, both of which contribute to the acceleration ofapoptotic process.

Regulatory Effect of Bcl-2 Family Proteins in CPB-induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis in Dog Hearts

Summary: Whether conventional hypothermic CPB induces myocyte apoptosis in dog hearts and modulation of bcl-2, bcl-xl, bax, bad, and caspase-3 pathways in this setting was investigated. Ten healthy adult dogs were randomized into sham-operated and CPB groups. Samples of left ventricle were obtained before, during and 3 h after CPB. In situ TUNEL was used to detect apoptotic myocytes. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were employed for detection of expressions of bcl-2, bcl-xl, bax and bad proteins. Z-DEVD-AMC substrate cleavage and TBARS methods were used to measure the activity of caspase-3 and the content of lipid peroxide in LV myocardium, respectively. After CPB, the number of apoptotic myocytes in CPB group was significantly increased. The results of immunohistichemistry demonstrated that bcl-2, bcl-xl, bax and bad proteins were constitutionally present on the sarcolemma of the LV myocytes. FACS results showed that, after CPB, expressions of bax and bad in CPB group were significantly upregulated, while the expressions of bcl-2 and bcl-xl were not significantly changed in both groups. The activity of caspase-3 and the content of lipid peroxide in LV myocardium in CPB group were also significantly increased after CPB. The present study shows that there exists myocardiocyte apoptosis in dog hearts undergoing conventional hypothermic CPB and the myocyte apoptosis is initiated by ischemia and performed during reperfusion. Moreover, the CPB-induced myocyte apoptosis was associated with upregulation of expressions of bax and bad proteins, activation of caspase-3 and increase of oxidative stress.

Effects of AZT and RNA-protein complex (FA-2-b-β) extracted from Liang Jin mushroom on apoptosis of gastric cancer cells

To investigate the synergistic effects of 3′-azido-3′- deoxythymidine （AZT） and FA-2-b-β extracted from Ling Jin mushroom on apoptosis of gastric cancer cells MKN45 in vitro. METHODS： Ml-I- analysis was made to examine the inhibition rate of MKN45 cells treated with AZT （2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/L） and FA-2-b-13 （5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/L） singly and combinatively for 24, 48 and 72 h. Apoptotic effects were evaluated by morphological methods, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry, respectively. Telomerase activity was estimated by TRAP- ELISA. The mRNA expression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS： AZT and FA-2-b-13 could significantly inhibit MKN45 cell proliferation and induce its apoptosis. MKN45 cells were inhibited in dose- and time- dependent manner. The inhibition effect of AZT combined with FA-2- b-β was obviously better than that used singly （0.469 ＋ 0.022 vs 1.075 4- 0.055, P 〈 0.05, 0.325 4- 0.029 vs 0.469 ＋ 0.022 P 〈 0.01）. AZT used singly and combination of FA-2-b-β could decrease the activity of tumor cell telomerase, and AZT has synergistic function with FA- 2-b-β. A certain concentration of AZT could up-regulate the expression of caspase-3 mRNA （r = 0.9969, P 〈 0.01）, which was positively related to apoptosis rate, and could down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA, which was negatively related to apoptosis rate （r = 0.926, P 〈 0.01）. Furthermore, the effect of AZT combined with FA-2-b-13 was significantly higher than that used singly. CONCLUSION： Combination of AZT and FA-2-b-β has an obviously synergetic effect in the gastric cancer cells MKN45, which has provided a new approach to the treatment of gastric cancer clinically.

Harmine induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells via mitochondrial signaling pathway

BACKGROUND:Harmine has antitumor and antinociceptive effects,and inhibits human DNA topoisomerase.However no detailed data are available on the mechanisms of action of harmine in hepatocellular carcinoma.This study aimed to investigate the effects of harmine on proliferation and apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2.METHODS:The proliferation of HepG2 cells was determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and the clone formation test.The morphology of HepG2 cells was examined using fluorescence microscopy after Hoechst 33258 staining Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) was used to analyze apoptosis and PI to analyze the cell cycle.Western blotting was used to assess expression of the apoptosis-regulated genes Bcl-2,Bax,Bcl-xl,Mcl-1,caspase-3,and caspase-9 Mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Ψ m) was determined using JC-1.RESULTS:Harmine inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner.Hoechst 33258 staining revealed nuclear fragmentation and chromosomal condensation,cell shrinkage,and attachment loss in HepG2 cells treated with harmine.The percentage of the sub/G1 fraction was increased in a concentration-dependent manner,indicating apoptotic cell death.PI staining showed that harmine changed the cell cycle distribution,by decreasing the proportion of cells inG0/G1 and increasing the proportion in S and G2/M.Harmine induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner,with rates of 20.0%,32.7% and 64.9%,respectively.JC-1 revealed a decrease in Ψ m.Apoptosis of HepG2 cells was associated with caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation,down-regulation of Bcl-2,Mcl-1,and Bcl-xl,and no change in Bax.CONCLUSIONS:Harmine had an anti-proliferative effect in HepG2 cells by inducing apoptosis.Mitochondrial signal pathways were involved in the apoptosis.The cancer-specific selectivity shown in this study suggested that harmine is a promising novel drug for human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Lateral intracerebroventricular injection of Apelin-13 inhibits apoptosis after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Apelin- 13 inhibits neuronal apoptosis caused by hydrogen peroxide, yet apoptosis following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury has rarely been studied. In this study, Apelin-13 （0.1 μg/g） was injected into the lateral ventricle of middle cerebral artery occlusion model rats. TTC, TUNEL, and immuno- histochemical staining showed that compared with the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion group, infarct volume and apoptotic cell number at the ischemic penumbra region were decreased in the Apelin-13 treatment group. Additionally, Apelin-13 treatment increased Bcl-2 immtmoreactivity and decreased caspase-3 immunoreactivity, Our findings suggest that Apelin-13 is neuroprotective against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through inhibition of neuronal apoptosis.

^(103)Pd-induced apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in bile ducts of dogs:significance and effects on related genes

BACKGROUND:With the objective of developing a locally- produced radioactive stent,the present study used in vivo animal experiments to explore apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells resulting from facilitation of the expression of genes caused byγ-radiation in order to prevent bile duct restenosis.We therefore explored the effects and significance ofγ-radiation on the activity of caspase-3,Fas and Bcl-2 genes in apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the bile duct walls of dogs. METHODS:Twelve dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups(6 in each group).A postinjury bile duct stenosis model was established and radioactive 103 Pd( 103 palladium) or ordinary bile duct stents were implanted into the bile ducts.HE staining,RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of bile duct smooth muscle cells in proliferative endomembrane and the expression of related caspase-3,Bcl-2 and Fas genes. RESULTS:The expression of caspase-3 and Fas genes in the bile duct tissues of dogs with radioactive stents was higher than that of dogs with ordinary stents.There was significant apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the bile ducts.The expression of the Bcl-2 gene in the bile duct tissues of dogs with radioactive stents was lower than that in those with ordinary stents.There was significant apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the dogs with low Bcl-2 gene expression. CONCLUSIONS:Radiation increases the activity of caspase-3 and Fas genes and is associated with apoptosis. The radioactive 103 Pd stent may facilitate apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the bile ducts of dogs by activating these genes.The Bcl-2 gene expression level is correlated with the occurrence of apoptosis and the radiosusceptibility of cells.

8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin intervenes with neural cell apoptosis following diffuse axonal injury

Previous studies have reported a neuroprotective effect of 8-hydroxy-2-（di-n-propylamino）tetralin （8-OH-DPAT） against traumatic brain injury. In accordance with the Marmarou method, rat models of diffuse axonal injury were established. 8-OH-DPAT was intraperitoneally injected into model rats. 8-OH-DPAT treated rats maintained at constant temperature served as normal temperature controls TUNEL results revealed that neural cell swelling, brain tissue necrosis and cell apoptosis occurred around the injured tissue. Moreover, the number of Bax-, Bcl-2- and caspase-3-positive cells increased at 6 hours after diffuse axonal injury, and peaked at 24 hours. However, brain injury was attenuated, the number of apoptotic cells reduced, Bax and caspase-3 expression decreased, and Bcl-2 expression increased at 6, 12, 24, 72 and 168 hours after diffuse axonal injury in normal temperature control and in 8-OH-DPAT-intervention rats. The difference was most significant at 24 hours. All indices in 8-OH-DPAT-intervention rats were better than those in the constant temperature group. These results suggest that 8-OH-DPAT inhibits Bax and caspase-3 expression, increases Bcl-2 expression, and reduces neural cell apoptosis, resulting in neuroprotection against diffuse axonal injury. This effect is associated with a decrease in brain temperature.

Protective effects of Purendan superfine powder on retinal neuron apoptosis in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus

This study sought to investigate the effects of Purendan superfine powder comprised of Momordica charantia, Radix Ginseng, and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhiae on neuronal apoptosis and expression of bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3, which are retinal apoptosis-associated factors in rats with diabetes mellitus induced by continuous intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The results showed that Purendan superfine powder could upregulate the expression of bcl-2 protein and mRNA, and downregulate the expression of bax and caspase-3 in the retina of diabetes mellitus rats. In addition, Purendan superfine powder was shown to reduce the number of apoptotic neurons. Our experimental findings indicate that Purendan superfine powder can inhibit neuronal apoptosis in the retina of diabetes mellitus rats and has protective effects on diabetic retinopathy.

Effects of ATRA, Acitretin and Tazarotene on Growth and Apoptosis of Tca8113 Cells

Summary：To investigate the effects of ATRA, acitretin and tazarotene on the growth and apoptosis of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line Tca8113. The effect of retinoids on growth of Tca8113 cells in vitro was examined by MTT assay and Trypan blue exclusion assay. Cell cycle analysis, early apoptosis analysis with double staining with Annexin V-FITC and PI, and active caspase-3 analysis with the staining of FITC-conjugated monoclonal rabbit anli-active caspase-3 antibody were made by flow cytometer. Streptavidin-biotin complex （SABC） immunocytochemical assays were employed for the detections of Bax/Bcl-2 proteins expressions. Our results showed that the retinoids inhibited growth of Tca8113 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner with maximal inhibition 24 h after treatment of 10 5 mol/L. 10^-5 mol/L retinoids altered cell cycle distribution of Tca8113 cells, revealing an increase in G0/G1-phase population, a decrease in S-phase population and the inhibition of G1/S switching. 10^-5 mol/L retinoids significantly induced apoptosis of Tca8113 cells （all P〈0.05）, elevated the cells population with detectable active caspase-3 （P〈 0.05 for all）, increased the number of cells forming Bax and decreased the number of cells forming Bcl-2 significantly （all P〈0.05）. Acitretin played a most prominent role among the retinoids. It is concluded that the inhibition of cell cycle progress of Tca8113 cells by ATRA, acitretin and tazarotene is one of the possible mechanisms for proliferation arrest of TcaS113 cells elicited by the retinoids. The retinoids mediate apoptosis in TcaS113 cells that may be caspase-dependent through mitochondria pathway. High concentration retinoids inhibit growth of Tca8113 cells in vitro by interfering with proliferation and inducing apoptosis of cells. Acitretin may be an alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Niuhuang(Bovis Calculus)-Shexiang(Moschus)combination induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Objective To investigate the effects of Niuhuang(Bovis Calculus,BC)and Shexiang(Moschus)(BC-Moschus)on human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells SMMC-7721 and a nude mouse model of subcutaneous xenografts,and to explore its anti-HCC mechanism.Methods The BC-Moschus combination was applied to two liver cancer models in vivo and in vitro.SMMC-7721 was divided into the BC-Moschus group and the control group,and different doses(rude drug dosage 0.625,1.25,2.5,and 5 mg/m L)of BC-Moschus extract were used for the intervention.The proliferation ability of HCC cells was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay,and the migration ability was detected by a wound healing assay.A subcutaneous xenograft model was prepared using nude mice with human HCC.Specific pathogen-free-grade BALB/c nude mice(5-week-old)were randomly divided into the following groups(n=6 per group):control(0.9%physiological saline 0.2 m L/d),BC-Moschus[BC 45.5 mg/(kg·d)+Moschus 13 mg/(kg·d)],and cisplatin(DDP,intraperitoneal injection5 mg/kg per week)groups.All groups were administered for 14 d.The volume and mass of the subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice were observed.The expression levels of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/AKT/mTOR)pathway,apoptosis-associated factor p70 S6 Kinase(S6K),Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,and caspase-9 in nude mice subcutaneous xenografts were measured by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blot.Terminal Deoxynucleotidy Transferase-Mediated d UTP NickEnd Labeling(TUNEL)was used for quantitative analysis of apoptotic cells.Results The CCK-8 assay demonstrated that the BC-Moschus combination inhibited HCC cell proliferation in a superior manner to the use of BC and Moschus alone,and the inhibition effect was dose-and time-dependent(P<0.01).The wound healing assay showed that the BC-Moschus combination inhibited HCC cell migration(P<0.01).In the subcutaneous xenograft model of nude mice with human HCC,we found that the tumor volume and weight of the BC-Moschus group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.01).The levels of the PI3K/AKT/m TOR signaling pathway and S6K protein in the BC-Moschus and DDP groups were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The expression level of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 was downregulated(P<0.05),and the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Baxand apoptosis-related factors caspase-3 and caspase-9 were significantly upregulated(P<0.01).The TUNEL assays further confirmed that the combination of the BC-Moschuas could promote HCC(P<0.01).Conclusion The BC-Moschus combination inhibited the proliferation and migration ability of HCC cells SMMC-7721 and effectively inhibited the growth of subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice.The mechanism may be closely related to the downregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway,regulation of apoptosis-related protein caspase-3,caspase-9,Bcl-2,and Bax expression,and promotion of apoptosis.

Effects of histamine on growth and apoptosis of human melanoma cells A375

Objective: To investigate the effects of histamine on growth and apoptosis of human melanoma cells A375. Methods: The effect of histamine on growth of A375 cells in vitro was examined by MTT assay and Trypan blue exclusion assay. Cell cycle analysis, early apoptosis analysis by double staining with Annexin V-FITC and PI, and active caspase-3 analysis by staining FITC-conjugated monoclonal rabbit anti-active caspase-3 antibody were made by flow cytometer. StreptAvidin-Biotin Complex (SABC) immunocytochemical assays were adopted to detect Bax/Bcl-2 protein expressions.Results: Histamine inhibited proliferation of A375 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and altered cell cycle distribution of A375 cells revealing an increase in G0/G1-phase population, a decrease in S-phase population and the inhibition of G1/S switching. Histamine induced apoptosis of A375 cells (P<0.05), elevated the cells population with detectable active caspase-3 (P<0.05), increased the number of cells forming Bax and decreased the number of cells forming Bcl-2 significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: That histamine inhibits cell cycle progress of A375 cells is one of the possible mechanisms of proliferation arrest of A375 cells elicited by histamine. Histamine mediates apoptosis in A375 cells that may be caspase-dependent through mitochondria routine. Histamine with high concentration inhibits growth of A375 cells in vitro by interfering proliferation and inducing apoptosis of cells.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects spiral ganglion neurons against amikacin-induced apoptosis

Morphology of spiral ganglion neurons （SGNs） in Sprague-Dawley rats before and after amikacin treatment was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Amikacin induced cochlear SGN apoptosis. Immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR revealed a decrease in Bcl-2 protein ex-pression, and an increase in Bax protein, caspase-3 protein and caspase-6 mRNA expression fol-lowing amikacin treatment. （-）-Epigallocatechin-（3）-gallate （EGCG） inhibited SGN Bax protein, caspase-3 protein and caspase-6 mRNA expression, and enhanced Bcl-2 protein expression, thereby decreasing SGN apoptosis. Results demonstrated that EGCG can protect SGNs against amikacin-induced injury.

珠子参总皂苷对H_2O_2诱导新生大鼠心肌细胞凋亡的抑制作用

目的:观察珠子参总皂苷对H2O2诱导新生大鼠心肌细胞凋亡的抑制作用,并探讨其作用机制。方法:Wistar乳鼠心肌细胞原代培养,用H2O2建立氧化应激损伤模型,然后用珠子参总皂苷(100,200μg/mL)孵育24h后,MTT法检测珠子参总皂苷对细胞活力的影响,流式细胞仪和Hoechst33258染色检测珠子参总皂苷对氧化应激诱导细胞凋亡及胞内ROS含量的影响,比色法测定心肌细胞Caspase-3、Caspase-9的活性,荧光定量PCR测定心肌细胞Bcl-2和Bax mRNA表达,并计算Bcl-2与Bax的比值。结果:珠子参总皂苷(100,200μg/mL)能显著改善心肌细胞活性,有效保护线粒体膜电位的稳定,抑制心肌细胞凋亡和改善细胞形态,降低细胞内活性氧(ROS)含量;下调Bax mRNA表达,上调Bcl-2mRNA表达及Bcl-2与Bax的比值;降低H2O2所致新生大鼠心肌细胞中Caspase-3、Caspase-9的活性。结论:珠子参总皂苷对H2O2诱导心肌细胞凋亡有显著的抑制作用,其机制可能与其稳定心肌细胞膜、清除ROS及调节心肌细胞Bcl-2、Bax和Caspase-3、Caspase-9表达有关。

Effects of electroacupuncture on conjunctival cell apoptosis and the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3,Fas and Bcl-2 in rabbits with dry eye syndrome

Objective:By observing the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)on the apoptosis of conjunctival cells of rabbits with dry eye syndrome(DES)and the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3,Fas and Bcl-2,to discuss the mechanism of EA in the treatment of DES from the perspective of cell apoptosis.Methods:Male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group(NG),a model group(MG),an EA group(EAG)and a sham EA group(SEAG).DES rabbit model was developed by eye drop of 0.1%benzalkonium chloride.The rabbit tear secretion and tear film break-up time(BUT)were measured;terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)assay was used to detect the apoptosis of conjunctival cells;the expressions of Caspase-3,Fas and Bcl-2 proteins in conjunctival cells were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:Compared with the NG,the rabbit tear secretion decreased and the BUT was shortened in the MG(both P<0.01);compared with the MG and the SEAG,the rabbit tear secretion increased and the BUT was prolonged in the EAG(all P<0.05).Compared with the NG,the apoptosis of rabbit conjunctival cells increased(P<0.01),the expressions of Caspase-3 and Fas proteins increased(both P<0.05),and the expression of Bcl-2 protein decreased(P<0.01)in the MG;compared with the MG and the SEAG,the apoptosis of rabbit conjunctival cells decreased(both P<0.01),the expressions of Caspase-3 and Fas proteins decreased(all P<0.05),and the expression of Bcl-2 protein increased(both P<0.01)in the EAG.Conclusion:EA can inhibit the apoptosis of rabbit conjunctival cells,down-regulate the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3 and Fas,and up-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 protein,which may be one of the mechanisms of EA in treatment of DES.