Lenalidomide regulates the CCL21/CCR7/ERK1/2 axis to inhibit migration and proliferation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Background:The prognostic significance of the chemokine receptor CCR7 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)has been reported previously.However,the detailed mechanisms of CCR7 in DLBCL,particularly regarding its interaction with lenalidomide treatment,are not fully understood.Methods:Our study utilized bioinformatics approaches to identify hub genes in SU-DHL-2 cell lines treated with lenalidomide compared to control groups.Immunohistochemical data and clinical information from 122 patients with DLBCL were analyzed to assess the correlation of CCR7 and p-ERK1/2 expression with the prognosis of DLBCL.Furthermore,in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to clarify the role of CCR7 in the response of DLBCL to lenalidomide treatment.Results:Our bioinformatics analysis pinpointed CCR7 as a hub gene in the context of lenalidomide treatment in DLBCL.Notably,31.14%and 36.0%(44/122)of DLBCL cases showed positive expression for CCR7 and ERK1/2 respectively,establishing them as independent prognostic factors for adverse outcomes in DLBCL via multivariate Cox regression analysis.Additionally,our studies demonstrated that the external application of the protein CCL21 promoted proliferation,migration,invasion,and activation of the ERK1/2 pathway in SU-DHL-2 and OCI-LY3 cell lines with high levels of CCR7 expression.This effect was mitigated by CCR7 silencing through siRNA,application of ERK inhibitors,or lenalidomide treatment.In vivo experiments reinforced the efficacy of lenalidomide,significantly reducing tumor growth rate,tumor mass,serum total LDH levels,and expression of CCR7 and p-ERK1/2 in a SUDHL-2 xenograft model in nude mice(p<0.05).Conclusion:Our study clarifies the potential role of the CCL21/CCR7/ERK1/2 axis in the therapeutic effects of lenalidomide in DLBCL treatment.

Prognostic value of BCL2 and TP53 genetic alterations for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with R-CHOP

Objective:Limited data about the prognostic significance of BCL2 mutations and BCL2 copy number variations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)are available.This study aimed to comprehensively describe BCL2 genetic alterations in DLBCL patients,and examine correlation of BCL2,TP53 and other genetic alterations with outcomes in patients treated with R-CHOP.Methods:Probe capture-based high-resolution sequencing was performed on 191 patients diagnosed with de novo DLBCL.MYC,BCL2,and BCL6 protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:The presence of BCL2 alterations significantly correlated with poor progression-free survival(PFS)(5-year PFS:13.7%vs.40.8%;P=0.003)and overall survival(OS)(5-year OS:34.0%vs.70.9%;P=0.036).Importantly,patients who harbored BCL2 gain/amplifications(BCL2GA/AMP)also had a remarkably inferior 5-year PFS(11.1%vs.38.3%;P<0.001)and OS(22.1%vs.69.6%;P=0.009).In contrast,neither BCL2 mutations nor BCL2 translocations were significantly prognostic for survival.Multivariable analyses showed that the presence of BCL2 alterations,especially BCL2GA/AMP,TP53 mutations,and International Prognostic Index(IPI)were significantly associated with inferior PFS and OS.Novel prognostic models for OS were constructed based on 3 risk factors,including BCL2 alterations(Model 1)or BCL2GA/AMP(Model 2),TP53 mutations,and IPI,to stratify patients into 4 risk groups with different survival outcomes.Conclusions:This study showed that DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP,BCL2 alterations,especially BCL2GA/AMP and TP53 mutations were significantly associated with inferior outcomes,which were independent of the IPI.The novel prognostic models we proposed predicted outcomes for DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP,but further validation of the prognostic models is still warranted.

B-cell lymphoma-2 inhibition and resistance in acute myeloid leukemia

Spurred by better understanding of disease biology,improvements in molecular diagnostics,and the development of targeted therapies,the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia(AML)has undergone significant evolution in recent years.Arguably,the most exciting shift has come from the success of treatment with the B-cell lymphoma-2 inhibitor venetoclax.When given in combination with a hypomethylating agent or low dose cytarabine,venetoclax demonstrates high response rates,some of which are durable.In spite of this,relapses after venetoclax treatment are common,and much interest exists in elucidating the mechanisms of resistance to the drug.Alterations in leukemic stem cell metabolism have been identified as a possible escape route,and clinical trials focusing on targeting metabolism in AML are ongoing.This review article highlights current research regarding venetoclax treatment and resistance in AML with a focus on cellular metabolism.

CHOP-like Regimen in Combination with Rituximab and Peginterferon Alpha-2b in Newly-diagnosed Diffuse Large B-cell Non-Hodgkin＇s Lymphoma： Experience in a Chinese Center

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of rituximab combined with CHOP-like regimen with or without IFN in patients newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell Non-Hodgkin＇s lymphoma （DLBCL）.METHODS From January 2003 to July 2008, 51 patients received CHOP-like chemotherapy （cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2, epirubicin 80 mg/m2, vindesine 2.8 mg/m2 on day 1, and prednisolone 100 mg/day on day 1 to day 5）. Thirty-one patients received CHOPR-like treatment （rituximab 375 mg/m2 1 day before CHOP-like chemotherapy）. Twenty patients received CHOP-like regimen in combination with peginterferon （pegIFN） （1μg/kg on day 5） and rituximab （on day 6）.RESULTS -The CR （complete remission） rate in the CHOPR-like （with or without pegIFN） group and in the CHOP-like group was 78.4% and 45.1% （P = 0.005）, respectively. The estimated mean time of overall survival （OS） in the CHOPR-like group and CHOP- like group was 58.7 ± 2.8 and 36.4 ±3.4 months, respectively （P = 0.002）. The rates of CR and OR （overall remission） in CHOPR- like with IFN arm were 85.0% and 95.0%, and the rates of those in CHOPR-like without IFN arm were 74.2% and 87.0% （P 〉 0.05）. The estimated mean time of 4-year-PFS （progression- free survival） in CHOPR-like with IFN arm and in CHOPR-like without IFN arm was 62.9 ±3.0 months and 51.0 ± 4.6 months （P = 0.092）, respectively. In the CHOPR-like with IFN arm, no patient relapsed after achieving CR, while the estimated rate of 4-year- DFS （disease-free survival） in the patients who reached CR in the CHOPR-like without IFN arm was （63.4 ± 19.3）% （P = 0.061）. CONCLUSION Rituximab combined with CHOP-like chemotherapy improved the prognosis of DLBCL patients. The IFN may help to improve the quality and duration of response of DLBCL patients treated with rituximab and CHOP-like regimen.

DETECTION OF BCL-2 GENE MAJOR BREAKPOINT REGION REARRANGEMENT IN HUMAN B-CELL LYMPHOMAS

Objective To investigate the frequency of t(14; 18) in different subtypes of B-cell lymphomas and the ability or the polymerase chain reaction(PCR) to detect this rearrangement in frozen samples. Methods 1o7 cases of B-cell lymphomas were studied uslng DNA extracted from rresh-frozen tissues. The DNA samples were amplified by PCR for bcl-2 MBR/JH. The products of bcl-2/JH rearrangement were hybridized with an internal olignucleotide probe or bcl-2 MBR. Results The rearranged bcl-2MBR/JH gene was detected in 13 of the 25(52. o% ) follicular center lymphomas, according to REAL classification: 8 of 11 (72. 7%) grade 1, 2 of 5(40. 0%) grade I, and 3 of 90 (33. 3%) grade, 17 of 82(2o. 8%) cases or difruse large B-cell lymphomas were found to have detectable bel-2 MBR/J. rearrangement- Conclusion The rrequency or bcl-2 MBR/JH rearrangement in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas is significantly lower than those in follicular center lympkomas(X2= 9. 28, P <o. oo5), suggesting that bcl2/JH rearrangements occur mainly in follicular center lymphomas. in addition, the result of reconstruction experiments suggest that amplification or bcl-2 MBR/JH rearrangements by PCR is both sensitive and specific for detection of t (14; 18 ) translocation.

Effect of rituximab combined with CVAD regimen on serum VEGF and β2-MG levels in patients with primary gastrointestinal B-cell lymphoma

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of rituximab combined with CVAD regimen in patients with primary gastrointestinal B-cell lymphoma and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) andβ2 microglobulin (β2-MG) The impact of the level.Methods:Eighty-four patients with primary gastrointestinal B-cell lymphoma treated from May 2014 to December 2015 were enrolled. Based on the random number table, all the patients were divided into a control group (n=42) and an observation group (n=42). The control group was treated with CVAD. The observation group was treated with rituximab on the basis of the control group. The effect of the patients was evaluated after 3 courses of treatment. The patients were followed up for 3 years after treatment. US RECIST 1.1 was used to evaluate the short-term efficacy on the patients;VEGF, TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and B-cell lymphoma factor-6 (Bcl-6) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;β2-MG level test was implemented to compare the short-term efficacy, biochemical indicators, incidence of toxic side effects and long-term survival rate of the two groups. Results: The short-term efficacy rate of the observation group was 76.19%, which was higher than that of the control group (50.00%) (P<0.05). The levels of VEGF, TRAF6, Bcl-6, andβ2-MG were lower in the observation group after 3 courses of treatment than that in the control group (P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the incidence of neutropenia, gastrointestinal reactions, sepsis, infection, infusion-related reactions and cardiovascular events between the observation group and the control group (P>0.05);The 1-year long-term survival rate after treatment was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The long-term survival rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group at 2 and 3 years after treatment (P<0.05).Conclusion: The combination of rituximab and CVAD in patients with primary gastrointestinal B-cell lymphoma can improve short-term efficacy, lower VEGF andβ2-MG levels, and lower incidence of side effects. It can improve the long-term survival rate of patients and is worthy of promotion and application.

The Expression and Significance of CyclinD2,MPGES-1,Bcl2 in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

Objective:To study the expression and significance of cell cycle proteins CyclinD2,mPGES-1,Bcl2 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.Methods:Choose lymphoma and sexually hyper-plastic lymphoid tissues as control.Immunohistoc-hemical methods were used to detect the expression of CyclinD2,mPGES-1,and Bcl2,and to compare the positive expression rates of CyclinD2,MPGES-1 and Bcl2 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and reactive proliferative lymphoid tissues to compare their diffusion formation.B-cell lymphoma was analyzed for its clinicopathological features.Results:The positive expression rate of CyclinD2,mPGES-1 and Bcl2 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is higher than that in reactive proliferative lymphoid tissue,and the difference between the two is statistically significant.There was no statistical difference in CyclinD2,mPGES-1 and Bcl2 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma between patients according to the age,sex,location,tissue type and degree of differentiation.Conclusion:CyclinD2,mPGES-1 and Bcl2 are highly expressed in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,and can be used as reference indicators for evaluating the malignant degree and efficacy of dysplasia.

Bcl-2蛋白家族在PT孔开放中的作用

PT孔（permeability transition pore，PT孔）是位于线粒体内外膜之间的由多种蛋白组成的复合体。它在线粒体介导的细胞凋亡中起重要作用，开放后会对细胞造成严重后果。PT孔的开放受到多种因素的调节，其中Bcl－2（B－cell lymphoma－2）蛋白家族是重要的调节因子，其可作用于门孔的多个组成蛋白，并均可诱使PT孔开放，从而导致线粒体跨膜电位下降和细胞色素C（CytochromeC，CytC）等物质释放，最终引起细胞凋亡。Bcl-2蛋白家族参与PT孔各组分调控的机制是目前研究的热点，本文就此做一综述。

Bax、Bcl-2和NF-κB在肝再生早期中的表达

目的研究在大鼠大部肝切除(partial hepatectomy,PH)术后细胞凋亡调节基因(Bcl-2 associated X protein Bax)、Bcl-2(B-cell lymphoma-2)及NF-κB(nuclear factor-kappa B)三者的分布和表达,探讨三者在肝再生早期中的调节机制及其相互调控作用。方法采用SD大鼠35只分7组,每组5只构建大鼠肝脏再生模型,并在显微镜下观察肝大部切除后早期(0.5、1、4、6、8、12、24 h)肝组织的形态学变化,采用免疫组织化学SABC法检测Bax、Bcl-2、NF-κB在正常肝组织中的表达,并研究在肝再生早期中的分布及表达变化。结果 Bax、Bcl-2、NF-κB在正常肝组织未见表达,但在PH后30 min,Bax、Bcl-2及NF-κB即在肝细胞和胆管上皮细胞和肝血窦内皮内开始出现表达,PH后6 h表达达到高峰,之后其表达逐渐下降,而Bcl-2的表达一直保持在较高水平。NF-κB于PH后6 h表达出现高峰后其表达逐渐下调,24 h时NF-κB表达上调,出现另一表达高峰。结论肝大部切除后再生早期,存在着凋亡和抑制凋亡的分子调控机制,NF-κB的表达可能与激活Bcl-2、抑制肝细胞的凋亡从而促进肝细胞再生有关。

Combination of fruquintinib with venetoclax for the treatment of colorectal cancer

Background:As a novel blocker of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor(VEGFR),fruquintinib has been approved for treating colorectal cancer(CRC).However,its dosage and therapeutic efficacy are limited by its widespread adverse reactions.Venetoclax,recognized as the initial inhibitor of B-cell lymphoma protein 2(BCL2),has shown potential in boosting the effectiveness of immunotherapy against CRC.This study investigated the efficacy and mechanisms of fruquintinib combined with venetoclax in treating CRC.Methods and Materials:We developed a colon cancer mouse model with the CT26 colon cell line to demonstrate fruquintinib and venetoclax’s efficacy against tumors.Then we employed various techniques to evaluate different aspects of the experimental outcomes.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect cell proliferation and angiogenesis in tumor tissues.Western blot analysis was utilized to examine the occurrence of cell apoptosis,and flow cytometry to quantitate immune cells within the tumor tissues.Moreover,immunofluorescence was employed to measure cytokine levels.Results:The strongest inhibition on tumor growth was achieved by the combination of fruquintinib with venetoclax,as opposed to individual drug use.Venetoclax was found to amplify the impact of fruquintinib,leading to decreased cancer cell proliferation,increased cancer cell apoptosis,lowered angiogenesis,better vascular structure normalization,and improved immune cell infiltration.Conclusion:Our findings indicate that the addition of venetoclax enhances the impact of fruquintinib on vascular normalization and modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment.Our study presents the justification for utilizing the fruquintinib and venetoclax combination in treating CRC.Venetoclax holds promise in being assimilated into anticancer medications for CRC.

携带FLAG标签的人BTG2真核表达载体的构建及其在HeLa细胞中的表达

目的:构建人B细胞易位基因2(BTG2)真核表达载体,并在HeLa细胞中表达携带FLAG标签的BTG2蛋白,为阐明BTG2基因的功能提供实验工具。方法:利用PCR法获得全长BTG2片段,将扩增得到的片段插入真核细胞表达载体pcDNA3.1(+)的多克隆位点;然后按照FLAG序列设计并合成寡核苷酸片段,插入pcDNA3.1(+)-BTG2载体,构建pcDNA3.1(+)-FLAG-BTG2载体;将以上重组质粒转染HeLa细胞,将细胞分为转染pcDNA3.1(+)空载体组、转染pcDNA3.1(+)-BTG2组和转染pcDNA3.1(+)-FLAG-BTG2组,采用抗FLAG抗体的Western blotting法,检测FLAG-BTG2融合蛋白在HeLa细胞中的表达水平。结果:将全长BTG2片段链接于pcDNA3.1(+)质粒,经限制性核酸内切酶BamHⅠ酶切分析及DNA测序证实载体序列准确;该载体转染HeLa细胞后用抗FLAG抗体进行Western blotting法检测,在空载体组和pcDNA3.1(+)-BTG2组HeLa细胞中检测不到FLAG融合蛋白的表达,而在转染pcDNA3.1(+)-FLAG-BTG2组中检测到FLAG-BTG2融合蛋白的表达。结论:成功构建了pcDNA3.1(+)-FLAG-BTG2真核表达载体,并能在HeLa细胞中有效表达携带FLAG标签的BTG2蛋白。

Combined transfection of Bcl-2 siRNA and miR-15a oligonucleotides enhanced methotrexate-induced apoptosis in Raji cells

Objective: B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) is an important member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins that regulate the induction of apoptosis. This study aims to investigate whether Bcl-2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) combined with miR-15a oligonucleotides (ODN) could enhance methotrexate (MTX)-induced apoptosis in Raji cells. Methods: Chemically synthesized miR-15a ODN and Bcl-2 siRNA were transfected in Raji cells by using a HiPerFect Transfection Reagent and then combined with MTX. Expression levels of Bcl-2 protein were detected by Western blot. Cell proliferation was determined by CCK8 assay. The rate of cell apoptosis was determined by Annexin V/PI double staining. The morphology of apoptotic cells was observed by Hoechst-33 258 staining. Results: After the cells were transfected with miR-15a ODN combined with Bcl-2 siRNA, Bcl-2 protein levels were evidently decreased. CCK8 assay showed that cell proliferation was significantly decreased and was significantly lower in miR-15a ODN combined with Bcl-2 siRNA plus MTX group than in miR-15a ODN with methotrexate group, Bcl- 2 siRNA with MTX group, and single MTX group (P<0.05). Hoechst 33258 staining revealed numerous apoptotic cells. AnnexinV/PI double staining showed that the apoptotic rates were (13.13±1.60)%, (34.47±2.96)%, (32.87±3.48)%, and (45.47±2.16)% in MTX, Bcl-2 siRNA plus MTX, miR-15a ODN plus MTX, and miR-15a ODN combined with Bcl- 2 siRNA plus MTX groups, respectively. Among these groups, the apoptotic rate of miR-15a ODN combined with Bcl-2 siRNA plus MTX group was the highest; this apoptotic rate was also significantly different from that of miR-15a ODN or Bcl-2 siRNA plus MTX (P<0.05). Conclusions: Bcl-2 siRNA combined with miR-15a ODN could enhance MTX-induced apoptosis in Raji cells. Bcl-2 siRNA and miR-15a combined with MTX may be a useful approach to improve the treatment effects on lymphoma.

Prognostic Significance of BCL2 Protein in Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma of Head and Neck;Relation to Response to Chemotherapy

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease that displays a highly variable clinical outcome. It is a neoplasm of large transformed B cells with a diffuse growth pattern. DLBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) (31% of all cases). Approximately half of patients with DLBCL are cured with current chemotherapy regimens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate BCl2 expression in 45 patients diagnosed with DLBCL of head and neck region and correlate the level of its immunohistochemical expression with different clinicopathological variables with emphasis upon patients’ age, gender, nodal or extra-nodal location of lymphoma, patients’ response to chemotherapy, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A retrospective analysis of 45 patients diagnosed to have DLBCL. A cut off value of ≥ 50% protein expression denoted BCL2 positivity. Out of 45 cases, 36 cases (80%) revealed BCL2 positive expression and 9 cases (20%) were BCL2 negative. We found statistically significant differences in BCL2 expression regarding different patients’ responses to chemotherapy, patients’ OS and PFS (p ≤ 0.05). No statistically significant differences in BCL2 expression regarding the patients’ Ann Arbor clinical stage, age group and tumor site (nodal or extra-nodal, p > 0.05) using the Chi-square test. BCL2 expression was analyzed in relation to 5 years OS and PFS using Kaplan Meier curves and Log Rank test for survival analysis. Cases that demonstrated BCL2 positivity revealed shortened OS and PFS with highly statistically significant differences among the studied variables (p = 0.000). We also found that patients who respond well to the chemotherapeutic regimen had negative BCL2 expression, the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.015). In conclusion, BCL2 expression could be considered a predictor for patients’ chemotherapeutic response, OS and PFS.

Prognostic Significance of Apoptosis Regulators in B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Background: High levels of MCL-1 and BCL-2 proteins have been found in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), and inversely correlated with response to treatment. BCL-2/Bax ratio is the main director of apoptosis in CLL. The study aimed to clarify the prognostic role of MCL-1, BCL-2 and BCL-2/ Bax ratio in B-CLL. Patients & method: Estimation of MCL-1, BCL-2 and Bax expressions by a flow cytometry in 45 B-CLL patients and the prognostic value of these markers were correlated with other well-known established prognostic markers and treatment response. Results: MCL-1 was expressed in 60% of cases while BCL-2 was expressed in 82.2% of cases. MCL-1 expression was significantly high in male gender, short lymphocyte doubling time (LDT), and high expression of CD 38 (p β2M, CD38 expression), low ZAP-70 expression, splenomegaly and higher Rai stage were significantly increased in patients with high expression of BCL-2 (p β2M, high C-D38 expression, low ZAP-70 expression, the poor cytogenetic and splenomegaly in patients with high expression of BCL-2/ Bax ratio (p In conclusion: MCL-1, BCL-2 expressions and BCL-2/Bax ratio could be useful potential predictive and prognostic markers in B-CLL.

Therapeutic effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells against acute tubular necrosis quantified through measures of iNOS, BMP-7 and Bcl-2

Introduction: Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is the most prevalent cause of acute renal failure (ARF). Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has been studied as a potential treatment for renal dysfunction due to ATN. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) are surrogate markers of renal tubular epithelial regeneration and subsequent recovery of renal function following ATN. Methods: Serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), as well as expression of iNOS, BMP-7 and Bcl-2 in gentamycin-induced ATN rat kidneys was investigated after human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (HUC-MSC) transplantation. Immunohistochemical staining was performed in 3 groups of rats: gentamycin-induced ATN treated with HUC-MSC, gentamycin-induced ATN without HUC-MSC, and untreated rats not receiving any treatments. Results: HUC-MSC transplantation led to a reduction in Scr and BUN in the kidneys of rats with gentamycin-induced ATN. Expression of iNOS in the HUC-MSC treated group occurred later and the expression levels were much lower during gentamycin-induced ATN compared to rats with ATN that were not treated with HUC-MSC. The expression of BMP-7 and Bcl-2 in the MSC-transplanted group was significantly increased compared to both control groups of rats with injured and healthy renal tubules. Conclusions: HUC-MSCs induce renal protection in a rat model of gentamycin-induced ATN, which is associated with reduced iNOS expression and up-regulation of Bcl-2 and BMP-7.

Cardiac differentiation is modulated by anti-apoptotic signals in murine embryonic stem cells

BACKGROUND Embryonic stem cells(ESCs)serve as a crucial ex vivo model,representing epiblast cells derived from the inner cell mass of blastocyst-stage embryos.ESCs exhibit a unique combination of self-renewal potency,unlimited proliferation,and pluripotency.The latter is evident by the ability of the isolated cells to differ-entiate spontaneously into multiple cell lineages,representing the three primary embryonic germ layers.Multiple regulatory networks guide ESCs,directing their self-renewal and lineage-specific differentiation.Apoptosis,or programmed cell death,emerges as a key event involved in sculpting and forming various organs and structures ensuring proper embryonic development.How-ever,the molecular mechanisms underlying the dynamic interplay between diffe-rentiation and apoptosis remain poorly understood.AIM To investigate the regulatory impact of apoptosis on the early differentiation of ESCs into cardiac cells,using mouse ESC(mESC)models-mESC-B-cell lym-phoma 2(BCL-2),mESC-PIM-2,and mESC-metallothionein-1(MET-1)-which overexpress the anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-2,Pim-2,and Met-1,respectively.METHODS mESC-T2(wild-type),mESC-BCL-2,mESC-PIM-2,and mESC-MET-1 have been used to assess the effect of potentiated apoptotic signals on cardiac differentiation.The hanging drop method was adopted to generate embryoid bodies(EBs)and induce terminal differentiation of mESCs.The size of the generated EBs was measured in each condition compared to the wild type.At the functional level,the percentage of cardiac differentiation was measured by calculating the number of beating cardiomyocytes in the manipulated mESCs compared to the control.At the molecular level,quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the mRNA expression of three cardiac markers:Troponin T,GATA4,and NKX2.5.Additionally,troponin T protein expression was evaluated through immunofluorescence and western blot assays.RESULTS Our findings showed that the upregulation of Bcl-2,Pim-2,and Met-1 genes led to a reduction in the size of the EBs derived from the manipulated mESCs,in comparison with their wild-type counterpart.Additionally,a decrease in the count of beating cardiomyocytes among differentiated cells was observed.Furthermore,the mRNA expression of three cardiac markers-troponin T,GATA4,and NKX2.5-was diminished in mESCs overexpressing the three anti-apoptotic genes compared to the control cell line.Moreover,the overexpression of the anti-apoptotic genes resulted in a reduction in troponin T protein expression.CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that the upregulation of Bcl-2,Pim-2,and Met-1 genes altered cardiac differentiation,providing insight into the intricate interplay between apoptosis and ESC fate determination.

Notopterygium Incisum Extract Promotes Apoptosis by Preventing the Degradation of BIM in Colorectal Cancer

Objective Colorectal cancer(CRC),a prevalent malignancy worldwide,has prompted extensive research into anticancer drugs.Traditional Chinese medicinal materials offer promising avenues for cancer management due to their diverse pharmacological activities.This study investigated the effects of Notopterygium incisum,a traditional Chinese medicine named Qianghuo(QH),on CRC cells and the underlying mechanism.Methods The sulforhodamine B assay and colony formation assay were employed to assess the effect of QH extract on the proliferation of CRC cell lines HCT116 and Caco-2.Propidium iodide(PI)staining was utilized to detect cell cycle progression,and PE Annexin V staining to detect apoptosis.Western blotting was conducted to examine the levels of apoptotic proteins,including B-cell lymphoma 2-interacting mediator of cell death(BIM),B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(BAX)and cleaved caspase-3,as well as BIM stability after treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide.The expression of BAX was suppressed using lentivirus-mediated shRNA to validate the involvement of the BIM/BAX axis in QH-induced apoptosis.The in vivo effects of QH extract on tumor growth were observed using a xenograft model.Lastly,APC^(Min+)mice were used to study the effects of QH extract on primary intestinal tumors.Results QH extract exhibited significant in vitro anti-CRC activities evidenced by the inhibition of cell proliferation,perturbation of cell cycle progression,and induction of apoptosis.Mechanistically,QH extract significantly increased the stability of BIM proteins,which undergo rapid degradation under unstressed conditions.Knockdown of BAX,the downstream effector of BIM,significantly rescued QH-induced apoptosis.Furthermore,the in vitro effect of QH extract was recapitulated in vivo.QH extract significantly inhibited the tumor growth of HCT116 xenografts in nude mice and decreased the number of intestinal polyps in the APC^(Min+)mice.Conclusion QH extract promotes the apoptosis of CRC cells by preventing the degradation of BIM.

Decreased b-Cell Function is Associated with Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in Chinese Patients Newly Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

The influence of b-cell function on cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy(CAN), an important diabetesrelated complication, is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between residual b-cell function and CAN in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We enrolled 90 newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients and 37 participants with normal glucose tolerance as controls. The patients were divided into a CAN? group(diabetic patients with CAN, n = 20) and a CAN-group(diabetic patients without CAN, n = 70) according to the standard Ewing battery of tests. Fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide were measured.Homeostasis model assessment-beta cells(HOMA-B) and HOMA-insulin resistance(IR) were calculated. The prevalence of CAN in this population was 22.2%. Compared with the CAN-group, the CAN? group had significantly lower fasting plasma insulin(6.60 ± 4.39 vs 10.45 ± 7.82 l/L, P = 0.029), fasting C-peptide(0.51 ± 0.20 vs0.82 ± 0.51 nmol/L, P = 0.004), and HOMA-B(21.44 ± 17.06 vs 44.17 ± 38.49, P = 0.002). Fasting C-peptide was correlated with the Valsalva ratio(r = 0.24, P = 0.043) and the 30:15 test(r = 0.26,P = 0.023). Further analysis showed that fasting C-peptide(OR: 0.041, 95% CI 0.003–0.501, P = 0.012) and HOMAB(OR: 0.965, 95% CI 0.934–0.996, P = 0.028) were independently associated with cardiovascular autonomic nerve function in this population. The patients with fasting C-peptide values \ 0.67 nmol/L were more likely to have CAN than those with C-peptide levels C0.67 nmol/L(OR:6.00, 95% CI 1.815–19.830, P = 0.003). A high prevalence of CAN was found in patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Decreased b-cell function was closely associated with CAN in this population.

Impaired PI3K/Akt signal pathway and hepatocellular injury in high-fat fed rats

AIM:To determine whether mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from high-fat diet is related to impairment of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt,also known as PKB) pathway. METHODS:Rat models of nonalcoholic fatty liver were established by high-fat diet feeding. The expression of total and phosphorylated P13K and Akt proteins in hepatocytes was determined by Western blotting. Degree of fat accumulation in liver was measured by hepatic triglyceride. Mitochondrial number and size were determined using quantitative morphometric analysis under transmission electron microscope. The permeability of the outer mitochondrial membrane was assessed by determining the potential gradient across this membrane.RESULTS:After Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet for 16 wk,their hepatocytes displayed an accumulation of fat (103.1 ± 12.6 vs 421.5 ± 19.7,P < 0.01),deformed mitochondria (9.0% ± 4.3% vs 83.0% ± 10.9%,P < 0.05),and a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (389.385% ± 18.612% vs 249.121% ± 13.526%,P < 0.05). In addition,the expression of the phosphorylated P13K and Akt proteins in hepatocytes was reduced,as was the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2,while expression of the pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 was increased. When animals were treated with pharmacological inhibitors of P13K or Akt,instead of high-fat diet,a similar pattern of hepatocellular fat accumulation,mitochondrial impairment,and change in the levels of PI3K,Akt,Bcl-2 was observed. CONCLUSION:High-fat diet appears to inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which may lead to hepa-tocellular injury through activation of the mitochondrial membrane pathway of apoptosis.

Role of hydrogen sulfide in portal hypertension and esophagogastric junction vascular disease

AIM: To investigate the association between endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and portal hypertension as well as its effect on vascular smooth muscle cells.