Expression of p53,Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in hepatocytes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM: To analyze the protein expression essential for apoptosis in liver steatosis. METHODS: The expression of proapoptotic proteins p53, Bax, and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 in hepatocytes with steatosis (SH) and without steatosis (NSH) was evaluated in 84 patients at various stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining of liver tissue showed the activation of p53 protein in SH and NSH with increased liver steatosis, diminished Bcl-2 and slightly decreased Bax protein. Positive correlation was found between the stage of liver steatosis with p53 expression in SH (r = 0.54, P < 0.01) and NSH (r = 0.49, P < 0.01). The antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was diminished together with the advancement of liver steatosis, especially in non-steatosed hepatocytes (r =0.43, P < 001). CONCLUSION: Apoptosis is one of the most important mechanisms leading to hepatocyte elimination in NAFLD. The intensification of inflammation in NAFLD induces proapoptotic protein p53 with the inhibition of antiapoptotic Bcl-2.

The molecular cell death machinery in the simple cnidarian Hydra includes an expanded caspase family and pro-and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins

The fresh water polyp Hydra belongs to the phylum Cnidaria, which diverged from the metazoan lineage before the appearance of bilaterians. In order to understand the evolution of apoptosis in metazoans, we have begun to elucidate the molecular cell death machinery in this model organism. Based on ESTs and the whole Hydra genome assembly, we have identified 15 caspases. We show that one is activated during apoptosis, four have characteristics of initiator caspases with N-terminal DED, CARD or DD domain and two undergo autoprocessing in vitro. In addition, we describe seven Bcl-2-1ike and two Bak-like proteins. For most of the Bcl-2 family proteins, we have observed mitochondrial localization. When expressed in mammalian cells, HyBak-like 1 and 2 strongly induced apoptosis. Six of the Bcl-2 family members inhibited apoptosis induced by camptothecin in mammalian ceils with HyBcl-2-1ike 4 showing an especially strong protective effect. This protein also interacted with HyBak-like 1 in a yeast two-hybrid assay. Mutation of the conserved leucine in its BH3 domain abolished both the interaction with HyBak-like 1 and the anti-apoptotic effect. Moreover, we describe novel Hydra BH-3-only proteins. One of these interacted with Bcl-2-1ike 4 and induced apoptosis in mammalian cells. Our data indicate that the evolution of a complex network for cell death regulation arose at the earliest and simplest level of multicellular organization, where it exhibited a substantially higher level of complexity than in the protostome model organisms Caenorhabditis and Drosophila.

Discovery of novel inhibitors of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins derived from Bim BH3 domain

The BH3 mimetics targeting the interaction between the BH3-only proteins and their prosurvival Bcl-2family proteins have shown enormous potential as cancer therapeutics. Herein, seven analogues targeting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins derived from the Bim BH3 domain via sequence simplification and/or modification are described. The in vitro binding affinity on anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and cell killing activity were evaluated. The results showed that analogues could significantly bind to target proteins and exhibited anti-cancer effect against three cancer cell lines. Of particular interest were the analogue SM-5（KD= 9.48 nmol/L for Bcl-2） and SM-6（KD= 0.08 nmol/L for Bcl-xL）, which exhibited improved binding affinity compared with the lead Bim（KD= 16.90 nmol/L for Bcl-2 and 22.2 nmol/L for Bcl-xL, respectively）. These results indicated that the peptide sequence containing the four hydrophobic side chains occupying pockets within the BH3-recognition cleft of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins might be the minimum sequence required for the bioactivity and the active core region of Bim. Promising inhibitors of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins with high bioactivity might be designed based on the active core.

Exploration of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory peptides from walnut dreg proteins based on in silico and in vitro analysis

Walnut dreg protein hydrolysates(WDPHs)exhibit a variety of biological activities,however,the cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)inhibitory peptide of WDPHs remain unclear.The aim of this study was to rapidly screen for such peptides in WDPHs through a combination of in silico and in vitro analysis.In total,1262 peptide sequences were observed by nano liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry(nano LC-MS/MS)and 4 novel COX-2 inhibitory peptides(AGFP,FPGA,LFPD,and VGFP)were identified.Enzyme kinetic data indicated that AGFP,FPGA,and LFPD displayed mixed-type COX-2 inhibition,whereas VGFP was a non-competitive inhibitor.This is mainly because the peptides form hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with residues in the COX-2 active site.These results demonstrate that computer analysis combined with in vitro evaluation allows for rapid screening of COX-2 inhibitory peptides in walnut protein dregs.

Signal transduction mediated by Bid,a pro-death Bcl-2 family proteins, connects the death receptor and mitochondria apoptosis pathways

Two major apoptosis pathways have been defined in mammalian cells, the Fas/TNF-R1 death receptor pathway and the mitochondria pathway. The Bcl-2 family proteins consist of both anti-apoptosis and pro- apoptosis members that regulate apoptosis, mainly by controlling the release of cytochrome c and other mitochondrial apoptotic events. However, death signals mediated by Fas/TNF-R1 receptors can usually activate caspases directly, bypassing the need for mitochondria and escaping the regulation by Bcl-2 family proteins. Bid is a novel pro-apoptosis Bcl-2 family protein that is activated by caspase 8 in response to Fas/TNF-R1 death receptor signals. Activated Bid is translocated to mitochondria and induces cytochrome c release, which in turn activates downstream caspases. Such a connection between the two apoptosis pathways could be important for induction of apoptosis in certain types of cells and responsible for the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases.

Effects of Ethyl Pyruvate on Myocardial Apoptosis and Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax Proteins after Ischemia-reperfusion in Rats

In order to study the effects of ethyl pyruvate on cardiomyocyte apoptosis following ischemia/reperfusion （I/R） in vitro and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins, isolated rat hearts were perfused in a Langendorff model. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into 3 groups （n=8 in each group）： control group was perfused for 120 min. In the I/R group, after 30 min stabilization the injury was induced by 30 min global ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion. Ethyl pyruvate （EP） group was set up with the same protocol as I/R group except that it was supplied with 2 mmol/L EP 15 rain before ischemia and throughout reperfusion. Myocardial malonaldehyde （MDA） content was measured. Myocardial apoptotic index （AI） was tested by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） method. The expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic protein Bax in cardiac myocytes was detected by immunohistochemistry. As compared with control group, the content of MDA, myocardial AI and the expression of Bcl-2, Bax proteins were increased significantly in I/R group, but the content of MDA, myocardial AI and the expression of Bax protein were decreased obviously and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was up-regulated in EP group （P〈0.05）. These results demonstrate that EP could inhibit apoptosis of cardiac myocytes possibly via alleviating oxidative stress, up-regulating Bcl-2 and down-regulating Bax proteins.

Presence of Fas and Bcl-2 proteins in BEL-7404 human hepatoma cells

AIM To study the expression of Fas and Bcl 2 proteins in BEL 7404 human hepatoma cells in order to analyze the possible relationship between cell growth regulation by alpha fetoprotein(AFP) and Fas/Bcl 2 proteins. METHODS BEL 7404 human hepatoma cells were maintained in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% new born calf serum. Cells adhered to coverslips were used to detect Fas and Bcl 2 protein expression by the avidin biotin complex (ABC) immunocytochemical assay. RESULTS Immunocytochemical study showed that essentially all the BEL 7404 human hepatoma cells could express Fas and Bcl 2 proteins, although in various amounts. No positive staining for Fas and Bcl 2 proteins was observed when cells were incubated with non relevant sera to establish the specificity. CONCLUSION Fas apoptosis signals and Bcl 2 rescue/survival signals from apoptosis are expressed in BEL 7404 human hepatoma cells. The finding strongly implys that AFP mediated cell apoptosis and growth enhancement are potentially associated with Fas and Bcl 2 proteins present in those cells.

Function of apoptosis and expression of the proteins Bcl-2,p53 and C-myc in the development of gastric cancer

INTRODUCTIONIn China ,the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer rank the second among all cancers. Recent development of cancer [1-20].The aim of this study was investigat the insight of apoptosis and bcl-2, p53 and C-myc protein expression in the development of gastric cancer .

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.

How the Bcl-2 family of proteins interact to regulate apoptosis

Commitment of cells to apoptosis is governed largely by protein-protein interactions between members of the Bcl-2 protein family. Its three sub-families have distinct roles： the BH3-only proteins trigger apoptosis by binding via their BH3 domain to pro-survival relatives, while the pro-apoptotic Bax and Bak have an essential downstream role involving disruption of organellar membranes and induction of caspase activation. The BH3-only proteins act as damage sensors, held inert until their activation by stress signals. Once activated, they were thought to bind promiscuously to pro-survival protein targets but unexpected selectivity has recently emerged from analysis of their interactions. Some BH3-only proteins also bind to Bax and Bak. Whether Bax and Bak are activated directly by these BH3-only proteins, or indirectly as a consequence of BH3-only proteins neutralizing their pro-survival targets is the subject of intense debate. Regardless of this, a detailed understanding of the interactions between family members, which are often selective, has notable implications for designing anti-cancer drugs to target the Bcl-2 family.

Relationship between expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins and apoptosis in radiation compound wound healing of rats

Objective: To study the relationship between the expression of Bax, Bcl 2 proteins, and apoptosis in radiation compound wound healing of rats. Methods: Apoptosis, Bax and Bcl 2 proteins were estimated by in situ terminal labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemical methods. Results: (1) Changes of the apoptosis in wound healing showed three typical characteristics: early occurrence, high frequency and delayed disappearance after radiation to rats when compared with those of simple wound group, which might be an important reason for radiation induced delayed wound healing. (2) The expression of Bax protein increased evidently with the increment of apoptosis and showed a good corresponding relationship with the apoptotic frequency in the process of wound healing. While the expression of Bcl 2 protein decreased obviously as the apoptosis reached a maximum and showed increasing tendency up to normal level when the apoptosis decreased distinctively. Conclusions: Bax and Bcl 2 proteins play an important role in the apoptotic regulation of radiation compound wound healing in rats.

Effects of genistein on neuronal apoptosis,and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats

Genistein is one of several isoflavones that has a structure similar to 17β-estradiol, has a strong antioxidant effect, and a high affinity to estrogen receptors. At 15 weeks after ovariectomy, the expression of Bcl-2 in the hippocampus of rats decreased and Bax expression increased, with an obvious upregulation of apoptosis. However, intraperitoneal injection of genistein or 17β-estradiol for 15 consecutive weeks from the second day after operation upregulated Bcl-2 protein expression downregulated Bax protein expression, and attenuated hippocampal neuron apoptosis. Our experimental findings indicate that long-term intervention with genistein can lead to a decrease in apoptosis in hippocampal neurons following ovadectomy, upregulate the expression of Bcl-2, and downregulate the expression of Bax. In addition, genistein and 17β-estradiol play equal anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective roles.

THE EXPRESSION OF BCL-2 AND BAX PROTEINS IN GASTRIC CARCINOMA AND PRECANCEROUS LESIONS

Objective To investigate the variance of expression of bcl-2 and bax genes in the genesis or gastric carcinoma as well as their relationship. Methods Thirty-five cases of early-stage gastric carcinoma and Twenty-four cases ot chronic atrophic gastritis were studied by immunohistochemical method. Results There were no statistical differences of bcl-2 expression levels between gastric carcinoma and atypical hyperplasia or paracancerous intestinal- epithelial metaplasia(IEM) (P>0.05).There were statistical differences of bcl-2 expression between normal epithe- lial tissues (or non-cancerous IEM) and the other three groups(P<0.05), but no statistical difference between the normal epithelial and the non-cancerous IEM group was observed(P>0.05). The expressions or bax protein were found in the normal epithelial and the other groups in varying degrees,but there were no statistical differences be- tween either two of the groups (P>0.05). The bcl-2/bax ratio was higher in early-stage gastric carcinoma,atypical hy- perplasia and paracancerous intestinal-metaplasia than in the non-cancerous intestinal-metaplasia (P<0.05) and nor- mal epithelial tissues(P<0.01). Conclusion The abnormal expression of bcl-2 protein and bax protein,especially the increased bcl-2/bax ratio, probably play an important role in the course of carcinogenesis or gastric carcinoma.

Effect of PAMd on proteins expression of Bax and Bcl-2 of nerve cells in the brain tissue of ischemia-reperfusion mice

AIM : To study the effects of PAMd ( Phenolic alkaloids from Menispermum dauricum on Brain ischemia and ischemic reperfusion injury in mice. METHODS : Bilateral carotid arteries of mice were ligated and 0. 3ml blood was letted from post-eyeball venous jungle, one hour later the carotid arteries were loosed. After cerebral ischemia-reperfusion,

电针对骶上脊髓损伤后神经源性膀胱大鼠尿流动力学及脊髓组织ERK/CREB/Bcl-2通路表达的影响

目的观察电针“次髎”“中极”“三阴交”“大椎”对骶上脊髓损伤后神经源性膀胱大鼠尿流动力学及脊髓组织ERK/CREB/Bcl-2通路表达的影响。方法60只雌性SD大鼠随机选取24只分为空白组和假手术组各12只,其余36只采用脊髓横断法造模,将成模大鼠随机分为模型组和电针组,每组12只。电针组取单侧“次髎”“中极”“三阴交”“大椎”进行电针刺激,每次30 min,1次/d,连续7 d。干预结束后行尿流动力学检测,HE染色观察大鼠膀胱逼尿肌组织形态,TUNEL法检测脊髓组织细胞凋亡情况,Western blot测定脊髓组织p-ERK1/2、p-CREB、p-p90Rsk、CRE、Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达。结果与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠膀胱基础压力、最大压力及漏尿点压明显增加(P<0.01),膀胱最大容量及顺应性明显降低(P<0.01);膀胱平滑肌细胞结构严重破坏、排列紊乱,伴大量炎性细胞浸润;脊髓组织细胞凋亡率明显升高(P<0.01),脊髓组织p-ERK1/2、p-p90Rsk、p-CREB、CRE、Bcl-2蛋白表达明显降低,Bax蛋白表达明显升高(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,电针组大鼠膀胱基础压力、最大压力及漏尿点压均明显降低(P<0.05),膀胱最大容量及顺应性明显增加(P<0.05,P<0.01);膀胱平滑肌细胞完整性增强,细胞水肿程度降低,炎性细胞浸润减轻;脊髓组织细胞凋亡率明显降低(P<0.05),脊髓组织p-ERK1/2、p-p90Rsk、p-CREB、CRE、Bcl-2蛋白表达明显升高,Bax蛋白表达明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论电针可促进骶上脊髓损伤后神经源性膀胱大鼠膀胱逼尿肌组织修复,增加膀胱最大容量及顺应性,缓解膀胱内高压状态,其机制与激活ERK/CREB/Bcl-2通路、减少受损神经元继发性凋亡、改善膀胱的神经支配、保护膀胱功能有关。

Melatonin modulates the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins in liver after thermal injury in rats

Melatonin, the principal secretory product of the pineal gland, functions as a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Additionally, the antiapoptotic effect of melatonin has been observed both in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of melatonin against burn-induced injury in rat liver and whether these changes were associated with oxidative stress and changes in the expression of apoptosis related genes Bcl-2 and Bax. Melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was applied immediately after 30% of total body surface area (TBSA) burns of male Wistar rats. Malondialdehyde (MDA) as marker of oxidative stress and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) as inflammatory marker were assayed by biochemical methods. The hepatic apoptosis related genes Bcl-2 and Bax using light immunоchistochemistry were investigated, too. Hepatic TNF-α and MDA levels were increased significantly following severe burn. Thermal trauma increased the Bax expression without any changes of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein in sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) of burn-treated animals compared with the control group animals as well as elevated ratio Bax/Bcl-2 suggesting the susceptibility of these cells to apoptosis. Melatonin significantly decreased the MDA and TNF-α levels in the liver tissue. It decreased also expression of Bax, increased expression of Bcl-2 and reduced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. In conclusion, experimental data show that melatonin modulates the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins by increasing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, inhibits apoptosis and restricts the burn-induced damage.

华蟾素对肝癌患者介入术后外周血Bcl-2和cyclinD1蛋白表达水平的影响

目的观察华蟾素对肝癌患者介入术后外周血Bcl-2和细胞周期蛋白(cyclinD1)表达水平的影响。方法本次研究对象在2020年5月—2021年5月于医院进行介入术治疗的肝癌患者中选择100例,随机分为两组,50例患者给予患者常规介入治疗(常规介入组),50例患者在常规化疗的基础上加用华蟾素治疗(华蟾素组)。检测患者的Bax、Bcl-2、cyclinD1水平及肝功能指标[甲胎蛋白(AFP)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、总胆红素(TBIL)、谷草转氨酶(AST)]、免疫功能指标[免疫球蛋白G(IgG)、自然杀伤(NK)细胞、T淋巴细胞亚群(CD_(4)^(+)、CD_(4)^(+)/CD_(8)^(+))],比较两组卡氏(KPS)评分、肝功能分级标准(Child-Pugh)评分,评价疗效,观察两组不良反应发生情况。结果华蟾素组患者治疗后的Bax水平高于常规介入组(P<0.05),Bcl-2、cyclinD1水平低于常规介入组(P<0.05);华蟾素组患者治疗后的AFP、TBIL、AST水平低于常规介入组(P<0.05),ALT水平高于常规介入组(P<0.05);华蟾素组患者治疗后的IgG、NK细胞、CD_(4)^(+)水平高于常规介入组(P<0.05),CD_(4)^(+)/CD_(8)^(+)水平低于常规介入组(P<0.05);华蟾素组患者治疗后的KPS评分高于常规介入组(P<0.05),Child-Pugh评分低于常规介入组(P<0.05);华蟾素组患者治疗有效率为92.00%,高于常规介入组的74.00%(P<0.05);华蟾素组患者的不良反应发生率为20.00%,低于常规介入组的44.00%(P<0.05)。结论华蟾素可以下调肝癌患者介入术后外周血Bcl-2和cyclinD1蛋白表达水平,上调Bax水平,促进肿瘤细胞凋亡;同时可以增强患者的肝功能和免疫功能,提高生活质量,改善预后;还能提高肝癌介入治疗疗效,降低发生不良反应的风险。

Effects of Low Dose Radiation on Tumor Apoptosis, Cell Cycle and Apoptosis-Related Protein Bcl-2 in Tumor-Bearing Mice

To study the effects of low dose radiation (LDR) on tumor apoptosis, cellcycle progression and changes of apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 in tumor-bearing mice. Methods:Male mice of Kunming strain were implanted subcutaneously with S180 sarcoma cells in the left inguenas an in situ experimental animal model. Seven days later, the mice were subjected to 75 mGywhole-body γ-irradiation. At 24 and 48 h after the irradiation, all mice were sacrificed. The tumorsizes were measured, and tumor cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression were analyzed by flowcytometry. The expression of apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 and the apoptotic rate of tumor cellswere observed by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Results: Tumors grew significantlyslower after LDR (P 【 0.05). The tumor cells were arrested in G1 phrase and the expression of Bcl-2protein decreased at 24 h. Apoptotic rate of tumor cells was increased significantly at 48 h afterLDR (P 【 0.01). Conclusion: LDR could cause a G1-phase arrest and increase the apoptosis of tumorcells through the low level of apoptosis-related protein bcl-2 in the tumor-bearing mice. Theorganized immune function and anti-tumor ability are markedly increased after LDR. Our studyprovides practical evidence of clinical application to cancer treatment.

黄芪多糖调控Bcl-2/Bax信号通路抑制卵巢腺癌Caov-3细胞生长的实验研究

目的研究黄芪多糖调控Bcl-2/Bax信号通路对卵巢腺癌Caov-3细胞生长的影响。方法将黄芪多糖分为低、中、高剂量组,分别加入10、50、100 mg/mL黄芪多糖,流式细胞术检测10、50、100 mg/mL黄芪多糖作用Caov-3细胞后对细胞周期的影响,显微镜下观察Caov-3细胞凋亡情况和形态变化,Western blot法检测3组药物作用Caov-3细胞后对Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达水平及对Bcl/Bax的影响;同时,比较阿司匹林联合黄芪多糖与单用黄芪多糖对Caov-3细胞的抑制率。结果黄芪多糖低、中、高剂量组对Caov-3细胞的抑制率分别为40%、50%、65%,黄芪多糖的IC_(50)为50 mg/mL,与对照组比较,黄芪多糖高剂量组对Caov-3细胞的抑制效果最为明显,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);黄芪多糖联合阿司匹林的抑制效果优于单纯使用黄芪多糖(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,黄芪多糖高剂量组对Caov-3细胞周期的影响更为显著,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,黄芪多糖高剂量组Caov-3细胞凋亡的数目显著增加,Bcl-2蛋白表达水平显著降低,Bax蛋白表达水平显著升高,Bcl-2/Bax降低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论黄芪多糖能有效抑制Caov-3细胞的生长,联合阿司匹林效果更好。其机制可能与黄芪多糖调控Bcl-2/Bax信号通路,促进细胞凋亡有关。

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。