One of our previous studies showed that Yizhijiannao Granule,a compound Chinese medicine, effectively improved the clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.In the present study,we established a model of Alzheimer’s ...One of our previous studies showed that Yizhijiannao Granule,a compound Chinese medicine, effectively improved the clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.In the present study,we established a model of Alzheimer’s disease using beta-amyloid(25-35)in PC12 cells,and treated the cells with Yizhijiannao Granule and its four monomers,i.e.,icariin,catechin,Panax notoginseng saponins,and eleutheroside E.Flow cytometry showed that Yizhijiannao Granule-containing serum, icariin,Panax notoginseng saponins,and icariin+Panax notoginseng saponins were protective against beta-amyloid(25-35)-induced injury in PC12 cells.Icariin in combination with Panax notoginseng saponins significantly inhibited early apoptosis of PC12 cells with beta-amyloid (25-35)-induced injury compared to icariin or Panax notoginseng saponins alone.The effects of icariin+Panax notoginseng saponins were similar to the effects of Yizhijiannao Granule.The findings indicate that two of the effective monomers of Yizhijiannao Granule,icariin and Panax notoginseng saponins,can synergistically inhibit early apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by beta-amyloid(25-35).展开更多
BACKGROUND: Numerous current studies have suggested that human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene has neuroprotective effects and can inhibit apoptosis induced by various cytotoxic stresses; however, the...BACKGROUND: Numerous current studies have suggested that human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene has neuroprotective effects and can inhibit apoptosis induced by various cytotoxic stresses; however, the mechanism of action remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the neuroprotective effects and possible mechanism of action of hTERT gene transfection in human embryonic cortical neurons treated with beta-amyloid fragment 25-35 (AI325-35). DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The randomized, controlled and molecular biological studies were performed at the Department of Anatomy and Brain Research, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, China, from September 2005 to June 2008. MATERIALS: AdEasy-1 Expression System was gifted by Professor Guoquan Gao from Sun Yat-Sen University, China. Human cortical neurons were derived from 12-20 week old aborted fetuses, obtained from the Guangzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, China. Mouse anti-Odk5 and mouse anti-p16 monoclonal antibodies (Lab Vision, USA), and mouse anti-hTERT monoclonal antibody (Epitomics, USA), were used in this study. METHODS: (1) Recombinant adenovirus vectors, encoding hTERT (Ad-hTERT) and green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP), were constructed using the AdEasy-1 Expression System. Human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-hTERT group were transfected with Ad-hTERT for 1-21 days. Likewise, human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-GFP group were transfected with Ad-GFP for 1-21 days. Human embryonic cortical neurons in the control group were cultured as normal. (2) Human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-hTERT group were treated with 10 pmol/L Aβ25-35 for 24 hours. Normal human embryonic cortical neurons treated with 10 pmol/Lβ25.35 for 24 hours served as a model group. Human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-GFP and control groups were not treated with Aβ25-35. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Expression of hTERT in human embryonic cortical neurons was evaluated by immunocytochemical staining and Western blot assay. Telomerase activity was measured using a PCR-based telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) ELISA kit. Neural activity in human embryonic cortical neurons was examined by MTT assay; apoptosis was measured using TUNEL assay; and Cdk5 and p16 protein expressions were measured by Western blot. RESULTS: Expression of hTERT protein was significantly increased and peaked at day 3 post-transfection in the Ad-hTERT group. No hTERT expression was detected in the Ad-GFP and control groups. Telomerase activity was significantly greater in the Ad-hTERT group compared with the Ad-GFP and control groups (P 〈 0.01). Compared with the control group, cell activity was significantly decreased (P 〈 0.05), and cell apoptotic rate, Cdk5 and p16 expression were significantly increased (P 〈 0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, cell activity was increased in the Ad-hTERT group, and peaked at day 3 post-transfection (P 〈 0.05). Neuroprotective effects also peaked at day 3 post-transfection; and the apoptotic rate, Cdk5 and p16 expression significantly decreased (P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: Expression of hTERT in human embryonic cortical neurons can relieve Aβ25-35-induced neuronal apoptosis. The possible mechanism by which hTERT produces these neuroprotective effects may be associated with inhibition of Cdk5 and p16 expression.展开更多
BACKGROUND: L-3-n-butylphthalide (L-NBP) can inhibit phosphorylation of tau protein and reduce the neurotoxicity of beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 (Aβ1-42). OBJECTIVE: To observe the neuroprotective effects of L-NBP...BACKGROUND: L-3-n-butylphthalide (L-NBP) can inhibit phosphorylation of tau protein and reduce the neurotoxicity of beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 (Aβ1-42). OBJECTIVE: To observe the neuroprotective effects of L-NBP on caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF- K B) expression in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A cell experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University between January 2008 and August 2008. MATERIALS: L-NBP (purity 〉 98%) was provided by Shijiazhuang Pharma Group NBP Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Aβ1-42, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazolo-2]-2,5 iphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), and rabbit anti-Caspase-3 polyclonal antibody were provided by Cell Signaling, USA; goat anti-choactase and rabbit anti-NF- kB antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz, USA. METHODS: Primary cultures were generated from rat basal forebrain and hippocampal neurons at 17 or 19 days of gestation. The cells were assigned into five groups: the control group, the Aβ1-42 group (2 μmol/L), the Aβ1-42 + 0.1 μmol/L L-NBP group, the Aβ1-42 + 1 μ mol/L L-NBP group, and the Aβ1-42 + 10μmol/L L-NBP group. The neurons were treated with Aβ1-42 (2 μmol/L) alone or in combination with L-NBP (0.1, 1, 10 μmol/L) for 48 hours. Cells in the control group were incubated in PBS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morphologic changes were evaluated using inverted microscopy, viability using the M-I-I- method, and the changes in caspase-3 and NF- k B expression using Western blot. RESULTS: Induction with Aβ1-42 for 48 hours caused cell death and soma atrophy, and increased caspase-3 and NF- K B expression (P 〈 0.05). L-NBP blocked these changes in cell morphology, decreased caspase-3 and NF- k B expression (P 〈 0.05), and improved cell viability, especially at the high dose (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION: AI3^-42 is toxic to basal forebrain and hippocampal primary neurons; L-NBP protects against this toxicity and inhibits the induction of caspase-3 and NF- K B expression.展开更多
Objective: To examine the protective effect of ecdysterone (ECR) against beta-amyloid peptide fragment25-35 (Aβ25-35)-induced PC12 cells cytotoxicity, and to further explore its mechanism. Methods: Experimental...Objective: To examine the protective effect of ecdysterone (ECR) against beta-amyloid peptide fragment25-35 (Aβ25-35)-induced PC12 cells cytotoxicity, and to further explore its mechanism. Methods: Experimental PC12 cells were divided into the Aβ group (treated by Aβ25-35 100μmol/L), the blank group (untreated), the positive control group (treated by Vit E 100 μmol/L after induction) and the ECR treated groups (treated by ECR with different concentrations of 1, 50 and 100 μmol/L). The damaged and survival condition of PC12 cells in various groups was monitored by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and MTT assay. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by fluorometric assay to indicate the lipid peroxidation. And the antioxidant enzymes activities in PC12 cells, including superoxide dismutases(SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), were detected respectively. Results: After PC12 cells were treated with Aβ25-35 (100 μmol/L) for 24 hrs, they revealed a great decrease in MTT absorbance and activity of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT and GSH-Px as well as a significant increase of LDH activity and MDA content in PC12 cells (P〈0.01). When the cells was pretreated with 1-100 μmol/L ECR for 24 hrs before Aβ25-35 treatment, the above-mentioned cytotoxic effect of Aβ25-35 could be significantly attenuated dose-dependently, for ECR 50 μmol/L, P〈0.05 and for ECR 100 μmol/L, P〈0.01. Moreover, ECR also showed significant inhibition on the Aβ25-35 induced decrease of SOD and GSH-Px activity, but not on that of CAT. Conclusion: ECR could protect PC12 cells from cytotoxicity of Aβ25-35, and the protective mechanism might be related to the increase of SOD and GSH-Px activities and the decrease of MDA resulting from the ECR-pretreatment.展开更多
After binding to the estrogen receptor, estrogen can alleviate the toxic effects of beta-amyloid protein, and thereby exert a therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's disease patients. Estrogen can increase the incidence of...After binding to the estrogen receptor, estrogen can alleviate the toxic effects of beta-amyloid protein, and thereby exert a therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's disease patients. Estrogen can increase the incidence of breast carcinoma and endometrial cancer in post-menopausal women, so it is not suitable for clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease. There is recent evidence that the estrogen receptor can exert its neuroprotective effects without estrogen dependence. Real-time quantitative PCR and flow cytometry results showed that, compared with non-transfected PC12 cells, adenovirus-mediated estrogen receptor β gene-transfected PC12 cells exhibited lower expression of tumor necrosis factor a and interleukin 1β under stimulation with beta-amyloid protein and stronger protection from apoptosis. The Akt-specific inhibitor Abi-2 decreased the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of estrogen receptor β gene-transfection. These findings suggest that overexpression of estrogen receptor β can alleviate the toxic effect of beta-amyloid protein on PC12 cells, without estrogen dependence. The Akt pathway is one of the potential means for the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of the estrogen receptor.展开更多
This study aims to determine and compare the protective effects of Gengnianchun recipe drug serum and compounds of its representative drug monotherapies against sympathetic nerve pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 cells ...This study aims to determine and compare the protective effects of Gengnianchun recipe drug serum and compounds of its representative drug monotherapies against sympathetic nerve pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 cells damaged by beta-amyloid 25-35 at the cellular apoptosis and related signal pathway levels. PC12 cells cultured with medicated rat serum showed enhanced cell viability and reduced cellular apoptosis rates compared with those of monotherapies and their compounds. Furthermore, Gengnianchun recipe up-regulated expressions of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, estrogen receptor-beta and phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2; and down-regulated expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3. Gengnianchun recipe was superior to representative drug monotherapies, such as paeoniflorin, berberine, timosaponin A-III, icariine and their compounds in protecting PC12 cells. Mitogen-activated protein kinase blocker and estrogen receptor antagonist were found to reverse the above effects of Gengnianchun recipe. The experimental findings indicate that, Gengnianchun recipe protects PC12 cells from beta-amyloid 25-35 insult; its inhibitory effect on apoptosis may be achieved through the mitogen-activated protein kinase and estrogen receptor pathways.展开更多
Previous studies have confirmed that telencephalin (TLN) is a neural glycoprotein that protects axonal disruption induced by the beta-amyloid protein (Aβ42/35) in the neural crest-derived tumor cell line Paju. Th...Previous studies have confirmed that telencephalin (TLN) is a neural glycoprotein that protects axonal disruption induced by the beta-amyloid protein (Aβ42/35) in the neural crest-derived tumor cell line Paju. The present study investigated the effects of TLN on neuronal degeneration induced by Aβ42 in the differentiated Paju cell line. Results demonstrated that after cultivating cells in Aβ42 medium, the survival rate of Paju-TLN cells was significantly higher than that of Paju-neo cells, and that apoptotic rate was noticeably reduced. These results indicate that TLN reduces Paju cell apoptosis induced by Aβ42.展开更多
BACKGROUND: In vitro cultures of neural stem cells have shown that estrogen can regulate beta-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) metabolism and reduce amyloid-beta production. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects...BACKGROUND: In vitro cultures of neural stem cells have shown that estrogen can regulate beta-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) metabolism and reduce amyloid-beta production. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long-term oral administration of compound nylestriol or low-dose 17beta-estradiol on β-APP and mRNA expression in the hippocampus of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: This randomized and controlled experiment was performed at the Animal Laboratory and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University between April 2003 and May 2004. MATERIALS: According to body mass, 50 six-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10 per group): normal control, sham operation, OVX model, 17beta-estradiol (Sigma, USA), and compound nylestriol tablet (Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University) groups. METHODS: Rats in OVX plus 17beta-estradiol and OVX plus compound nylestriol tablet groups underwent ovariectomy. On the second day after surgery, rats were intragastrically given 17beta-estradiol (100 μg/kg), once per day or compound nylestriol tablet (0.5 mg/kg) and levonorgestrel (0.15 mg/kg) every 2 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: β-APP expression in the hippocampus of OVX rats was determined using immunohistochemistry (SABC method) and β-APP mRNA expression was analyzed by in situ hybridization. The results were quantitatively analyzed using cell counting and average optical density. RESULTS: The number and optical density of β-APP-positive neurons in every subregion of the hippocampus of OVX rats was dramatically increased compared with normal and sham operation groups following 35 weeks of administration (P 〈 0.05). Levels of β-APP were decreased following oral administration of compound nylestriol or 17beta-estradiol. In situ hybridization showed that long-term estrogen deficiency and oral administration of compound nylestriol or 17beta-estradiol did not alter the number of β-APP mRNA-positive neurons. CONCLUSION: The results show that long-term estrogen deficiency results in an increase of expression of β-APP though no changes in the expression of β-APP mRNA are detected. Replacement of estrogen with low-dose 17 beta-estradiol or compound nylestriol tablet inhibits the expression of β-APP in the hippocampus to the same extent.展开更多
BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of many neurodegenerative disorders depends primarily on clinical symptoms together with imaging methods. Recently, increased importance has been placed on the use of biomarkers...BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of many neurodegenerative disorders depends primarily on clinical symptoms together with imaging methods. Recently, increased importance has been placed on the use of biomarkers for diagnosing various neurodegenerative disorders. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of tau-protein, phosphorylated tau-protein, beta-amyloid 42 (Aβ42), and 14-3-3 protein as biomarkers for diagnosing several neurodegenerative diseases complicated by cognitive deficits. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A non-randomized, concurrent, case-control investigation was performed in three medical centers in the Czech Republic (Department of Neurology at the University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Department of Neurology at the 2rd Medical Faculty, and the University Hospital Motol) between October 2000 and November 2006. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen patients with probable AIzheimer's disease, 4 patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, 10 patients with frontotemporal dementia, 9 patients with clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of multiple sclerosis, and 7 patients with multiple sclerosis, as well as 38 race-, nationality-, and age-matched cognitively intact controls, were included in the study. Diagnoses were established based on the following criteria: the criteria for Alzheimer's disease proposed by the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, WHO criteria for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Neary criteria for frontotemporal dementia, and McDonald's criteria for multiple sclerosis. All included patients were confirmed to suffer from various degrees of dementia. METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure concentrations of tau-protein, phosphorylated tau-protein, and Aβ42 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected by standard lumbar puncture from each patient. Moreover, 14-3-3 protein was assessed by Western blot in CSF of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease patients. Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini Mental Scale Examination (MMSE) in all subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Establishment of biomarkers with greatest specificity and sensitivity for the investigated disorders according to Receiver Operating Characteristic curves, which were based on values from patients and controls; correlation between concentrations of given biomarkers and demographic parameters, diagnosis, duration of disease, and level of cognitive deficit. RESULTS: Increased concentrations of total tau protein and phosphorylated tau protein, and decreased levels of Aβ42, in CSF of Alzheimer's disease patients reached the required sensitivity/specificity ratio of 80% or greater. A marked elevation in CSF concentrations of total tau protein showed even greater sensitivity than 14-3-3 protein in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. There was no association between selected biomarkers and frontotemporal dementia or multiple sclerosis. Phosphorylated tau-protein was the only biomarker that noticeably correlated with MMSE scores for Alzheimer's disease.CONCLUSION: Levels of total tau protein, phosphorylated tau protein, and A!342 in the CSF could differentiate patients with Alzheimer's disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease from healthy controls and patients with other neurodegenerative disorders. The diversity of absolute values demonstrates the necessity to establish a specific standard for each laboratory.展开更多
Several studies have demonstrated that the amount of beta-amyloid (Aβ) protein in the brain can be lowered by down-regulating Aβ production, promoting Aβ degradation, reducing Aβ oligomerization or deposition, ...Several studies have demonstrated that the amount of beta-amyloid (Aβ) protein in the brain can be lowered by down-regulating Aβ production, promoting Aβ degradation, reducing Aβ oligomerization or deposition, thereby alleviating symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin has been known to be a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARy) agonist and can obviously inhibit Aβ production and oligomerization. This study investigated the effects of curcumin on the G-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) activity and PPARy expression in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and validated the inhibitory effects of curcumin on Aβ40/42 expression in the brain. Results revealed that PPARy mRNA and protein expression in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells significantly increased with increasing curcumin concentration and time course (P 〈 0.05); BACE1 mRNA and protein expression and Aβ40/42 production significantly decreased with increasing curcumin concentration and time course (P 〈 0.05). The changes in PPARy and BACE1 expression during Aβ production could be reversed by the PPARy antagonist GW9662. These findings indicate that curcumin reduced Aβ production by activating PPARy expression and inhibiting BACE1 expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.展开更多
The spatial structure of beta-amyloid Aβ1-40 in complex with sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles as a model membrane system was investigated by 1H-1H two-dimensional NMR (TOCSY, NOESY) spectroscopy and molecular dynamic ...The spatial structure of beta-amyloid Aβ1-40 in complex with sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles as a model membrane system was investigated by 1H-1H two-dimensional NMR (TOCSY, NOESY) spectroscopy and molecular dynamic method calculations. On the basis of NOE and chemical shifts changes data, spatial structure of the complex beta-amyloid-model of the cell surface membrane was obtained.展开更多
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been utilized as a therapeutic tool for neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. However, the precise mechanisms of its clinical effects rem...Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been utilized as a therapeutic tool for neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. However, the precise mechanisms of its clinical effects remain unknown. β-amyloid (Aβ) exhibits direct neurotoxic effects and is closely related to neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that the neuroprotective effects of rTMS are related to the mechanisms of protection against Aβ neurotoxicity. Organotypic hippocampal slices were prepared from 8-day old, Sprague Dawley rats. The tissue slices were exposed to 100 μmol/L Al3142 since day 12 in vitro with and without high-frequency (20 Hz) magnetic stimulation. Magnetic stimulation efficacy was evaluated by measuring neuronal nuclei (NeuN) protein expression and by observing cultures following propidium iodide fluorescence staining and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was detected in the culture media to evaluate hippocampal neuronal damage. Our results demonstrated that high-frequency magnetic stimulation significantly reversed the reduction of NeuN protein expression because of Aβ1-42 exposure (P 〈 0.05) and significantly reduced the number of damaged cells in the hippocampal slices (P 〈 0.05). However, lactate dehydrogenase levels and anti-BrdU staining results did not reveal any statistical differences These findings indicate that high-frequency magnetic stimulation might have protective effect on hippocampal neurons from Aβ1-42 neurotoxicity.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), a characteristic pathological product of Alzheimer's disease (AD), results in neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). However, the mech...BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), a characteristic pathological product of Alzheimer's disease (AD), results in neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). However, the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine against ERS in AD are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To measure expression levels of protective proteins (GRP78 and GRP94) of ER molecular partners and pro-apoptotic Caspase-12 ER membrane expression following application of traditional Chinese medicine natural cerebrolysin (NC) to treat Aβ1-40-induced ERS. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A parallel-controlled study was performed at the Institute of Integrated Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University between September 2006 and November 2008. MATERIALS: Sprague Dawley male rats, 6-8 weeks old, were used to harvest tibial and femoral bone marrow. Isolation and purification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were established from the whole bone marrow by removing non-adherent cells in primary and passage cultures. Aβ1-40 was provided by Sigma, USA. NC was provided by Shenzhen Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, China. NC was predominantly composed of Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Tianma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae), and Yinxingye (Ginkgo Leaf) in a proportion of 1 : 2: 2. Following conventional water extraction technology, an extract (1 : 20) was prepared. Six adult, male, New Zealand rabbits underwent intragastric administration of NC extract (0.976 g/kg per day) for 1 month to prepare NC-positive serum, and the remaining 6 rabbits received intragastric administration of physiological saline to prepare normal blank serum. METHODS: A total of 500 nmol/L Aβ1-40 was used to establish ERS models of primary cultured MSCs. AD cell models were incubated with different doses of NC-positive serum (2.5%, 5%, and 10%). MSCs treated with normal blank serum served as normal blank controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and fluorescent immunocytochemistry were respectively used to measure mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78, GRP94, and Caspase-12 in MSCs. RESULTS: Following Aβ1-40 exposure, mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and GRP94, as well as Caspase-12, significantly increased (P 〈 0.05), suggesting successful establishment of ERS models. Following NC-positive serum application, mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and GRP94 in MSCs significantly increased (P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01). However, mRNA and protein expression levels of Caspase-12 significantly decreased (P 〈 0.05, or P 〈 0.01) compared with the ERS model group. These effects were dose-dependent. CONCLUSION: NC downregulated Caspase-12 expression and upregulated GRP78 and GRP94 expression in MSCs in a dose-dependent manner under the state of Aβ1-40-induced ERS.展开更多
Three-month-old Alzheimer's disease model transgenic mice were immunized with Aβ1-42, Plp-Adenovirus [Ad]-X-CMV-(Aβ3-10)lo-CpG [AdCpG-(Aβ3-10)1] or AdCpG virus fluid via na- sal mucosal inhalation, respectivel...Three-month-old Alzheimer's disease model transgenic mice were immunized with Aβ1-42, Plp-Adenovirus [Ad]-X-CMV-(Aβ3-10)lo-CpG [AdCpG-(Aβ3-10)1] or AdCpG virus fluid via na- sal mucosal inhalation, respectively. ELISA analysis of serum showed Aβ42 antibody titers were significantly increased in mice immunized with Aβ1-42 and AdCpG-(Aβ3-10)10. Concanavalin A and AdCpG-(Aβ3-10)10 stimulation significantly increased the number of proliferating spleen cells cultured from AdCpG(Aβ3-10)Io and Aβ42 groups compared with the control group. In the AdCp- G(Aβ3-10)10 group, levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 were increased, while those of IL-2 and interferon-y were decreased. In the A[342 group, levels of IL-4, IL-10, IL-2 and interferon-y were all increased. Experimental findings indicate that AdCpG-(Aβ3-10)10 vaccine can produce strong T helper 2 (Th2) humoral immune responses in addition to the production of Aβ42 antibody. The cellular immunologic response was weak and avoided Aβ1-42-mediated cytotoxicity.展开更多
目的探讨虎杖苷对β淀粉样蛋白25~35(Aβ_(25~35))诱导的原代培养大鼠皮质神经元损伤的保护作用及可能的作用机制。方法原代培养SD大鼠皮质神经元,分为对照组、虎杖苷组、Aβ_(25~35)组和联合组(Aβ_(25~35)+虎杖苷)。采用四甲基偶氮唑...目的探讨虎杖苷对β淀粉样蛋白25~35(Aβ_(25~35))诱导的原代培养大鼠皮质神经元损伤的保护作用及可能的作用机制。方法原代培养SD大鼠皮质神经元,分为对照组、虎杖苷组、Aβ_(25~35)组和联合组(Aβ_(25~35)+虎杖苷)。采用四甲基偶氮唑盐检测皮质神经元活力,2,7-二氯荧光素二乙酸酯探针或红色线粒体超氧化物荧光探针染色检测细胞内和线粒体活性氧水平,线粒体膜通透性转换孔(MPTP)试剂盒检测MPTP开放程度,蛋白免疫印记法检测细胞色素C及线粒体转录因子A(TFAM)表达。另外,测定细胞内电子传递链复合物(包括复合物Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ)活性和三磷酸腺苷(ATP)水平。采用高效液相色谱法测定线粒体中8-羟基脱氧鸟苷(8-OHdG)。结果与对照组比较,Aβ_(25~35)组皮质神经元细胞活力、线粒体荧光强度、线粒体呼吸链酶活性(复合物Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ)、细胞内ATP、线粒体内TFAM表达明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01);与Aβ_(25~35)组比较,虎杖苷组线粒体荧光强度、线粒体呼吸链酶活性(复合物Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ)、细胞内ATP、线粒体内TFAM表达明显增高,皮质神经元暴露3、6、12、24h细胞内和线粒体内活性氧明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),联合组细胞色素C细胞质/线粒体比值、线粒体内8-OHdG水平明显低于Aβ_(25~35)组[3.02±0.28 vs 5.73±0.45,P<0.05;(8.07±1.45)×10^(6)dG vs(16.07±2.29)×10^(6)dG,P<0.05]。结论虎杖苷可有效地保护皮质神经元免受Aβ_(25~35)诱导的损伤,至少部分作用是通过抑制线粒体氧化应激和改善线粒体功能实现。展开更多
文摘One of our previous studies showed that Yizhijiannao Granule,a compound Chinese medicine, effectively improved the clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.In the present study,we established a model of Alzheimer’s disease using beta-amyloid(25-35)in PC12 cells,and treated the cells with Yizhijiannao Granule and its four monomers,i.e.,icariin,catechin,Panax notoginseng saponins,and eleutheroside E.Flow cytometry showed that Yizhijiannao Granule-containing serum, icariin,Panax notoginseng saponins,and icariin+Panax notoginseng saponins were protective against beta-amyloid(25-35)-induced injury in PC12 cells.Icariin in combination with Panax notoginseng saponins significantly inhibited early apoptosis of PC12 cells with beta-amyloid (25-35)-induced injury compared to icariin or Panax notoginseng saponins alone.The effects of icariin+Panax notoginseng saponins were similar to the effects of Yizhijiannao Granule.The findings indicate that two of the effective monomers of Yizhijiannao Granule,icariin and Panax notoginseng saponins,can synergistically inhibit early apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by beta-amyloid(25-35).
基金the National Key Basic Research Program of China,No. 2006cb500700the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30470904the Natural Science and Technology Foundation of Guangdong Province,No. 04009356, 2008B030301320
文摘BACKGROUND: Numerous current studies have suggested that human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene has neuroprotective effects and can inhibit apoptosis induced by various cytotoxic stresses; however, the mechanism of action remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the neuroprotective effects and possible mechanism of action of hTERT gene transfection in human embryonic cortical neurons treated with beta-amyloid fragment 25-35 (AI325-35). DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The randomized, controlled and molecular biological studies were performed at the Department of Anatomy and Brain Research, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, China, from September 2005 to June 2008. MATERIALS: AdEasy-1 Expression System was gifted by Professor Guoquan Gao from Sun Yat-Sen University, China. Human cortical neurons were derived from 12-20 week old aborted fetuses, obtained from the Guangzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, China. Mouse anti-Odk5 and mouse anti-p16 monoclonal antibodies (Lab Vision, USA), and mouse anti-hTERT monoclonal antibody (Epitomics, USA), were used in this study. METHODS: (1) Recombinant adenovirus vectors, encoding hTERT (Ad-hTERT) and green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP), were constructed using the AdEasy-1 Expression System. Human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-hTERT group were transfected with Ad-hTERT for 1-21 days. Likewise, human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-GFP group were transfected with Ad-GFP for 1-21 days. Human embryonic cortical neurons in the control group were cultured as normal. (2) Human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-hTERT group were treated with 10 pmol/L Aβ25-35 for 24 hours. Normal human embryonic cortical neurons treated with 10 pmol/Lβ25.35 for 24 hours served as a model group. Human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-GFP and control groups were not treated with Aβ25-35. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Expression of hTERT in human embryonic cortical neurons was evaluated by immunocytochemical staining and Western blot assay. Telomerase activity was measured using a PCR-based telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) ELISA kit. Neural activity in human embryonic cortical neurons was examined by MTT assay; apoptosis was measured using TUNEL assay; and Cdk5 and p16 protein expressions were measured by Western blot. RESULTS: Expression of hTERT protein was significantly increased and peaked at day 3 post-transfection in the Ad-hTERT group. No hTERT expression was detected in the Ad-GFP and control groups. Telomerase activity was significantly greater in the Ad-hTERT group compared with the Ad-GFP and control groups (P 〈 0.01). Compared with the control group, cell activity was significantly decreased (P 〈 0.05), and cell apoptotic rate, Cdk5 and p16 expression were significantly increased (P 〈 0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, cell activity was increased in the Ad-hTERT group, and peaked at day 3 post-transfection (P 〈 0.05). Neuroprotective effects also peaked at day 3 post-transfection; and the apoptotic rate, Cdk5 and p16 expression significantly decreased (P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: Expression of hTERT in human embryonic cortical neurons can relieve Aβ25-35-induced neuronal apoptosis. The possible mechanism by which hTERT produces these neuroprotective effects may be associated with inhibition of Cdk5 and p16 expression.
基金Supported by:the Medicine and Health Scientific Research Projects of Shandong Province,No. 2007HZ065
文摘BACKGROUND: L-3-n-butylphthalide (L-NBP) can inhibit phosphorylation of tau protein and reduce the neurotoxicity of beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 (Aβ1-42). OBJECTIVE: To observe the neuroprotective effects of L-NBP on caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF- K B) expression in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A cell experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University between January 2008 and August 2008. MATERIALS: L-NBP (purity 〉 98%) was provided by Shijiazhuang Pharma Group NBP Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Aβ1-42, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazolo-2]-2,5 iphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), and rabbit anti-Caspase-3 polyclonal antibody were provided by Cell Signaling, USA; goat anti-choactase and rabbit anti-NF- kB antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz, USA. METHODS: Primary cultures were generated from rat basal forebrain and hippocampal neurons at 17 or 19 days of gestation. The cells were assigned into five groups: the control group, the Aβ1-42 group (2 μmol/L), the Aβ1-42 + 0.1 μmol/L L-NBP group, the Aβ1-42 + 1 μ mol/L L-NBP group, and the Aβ1-42 + 10μmol/L L-NBP group. The neurons were treated with Aβ1-42 (2 μmol/L) alone or in combination with L-NBP (0.1, 1, 10 μmol/L) for 48 hours. Cells in the control group were incubated in PBS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morphologic changes were evaluated using inverted microscopy, viability using the M-I-I- method, and the changes in caspase-3 and NF- k B expression using Western blot. RESULTS: Induction with Aβ1-42 for 48 hours caused cell death and soma atrophy, and increased caspase-3 and NF- K B expression (P 〈 0.05). L-NBP blocked these changes in cell morphology, decreased caspase-3 and NF- k B expression (P 〈 0.05), and improved cell viability, especially at the high dose (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION: AI3^-42 is toxic to basal forebrain and hippocampal primary neurons; L-NBP protects against this toxicity and inhibits the induction of caspase-3 and NF- K B expression.
基金Supported by Governor Talent Foundation of GuizhouProvince (No .2001016)
文摘Objective: To examine the protective effect of ecdysterone (ECR) against beta-amyloid peptide fragment25-35 (Aβ25-35)-induced PC12 cells cytotoxicity, and to further explore its mechanism. Methods: Experimental PC12 cells were divided into the Aβ group (treated by Aβ25-35 100μmol/L), the blank group (untreated), the positive control group (treated by Vit E 100 μmol/L after induction) and the ECR treated groups (treated by ECR with different concentrations of 1, 50 and 100 μmol/L). The damaged and survival condition of PC12 cells in various groups was monitored by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and MTT assay. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by fluorometric assay to indicate the lipid peroxidation. And the antioxidant enzymes activities in PC12 cells, including superoxide dismutases(SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), were detected respectively. Results: After PC12 cells were treated with Aβ25-35 (100 μmol/L) for 24 hrs, they revealed a great decrease in MTT absorbance and activity of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT and GSH-Px as well as a significant increase of LDH activity and MDA content in PC12 cells (P〈0.01). When the cells was pretreated with 1-100 μmol/L ECR for 24 hrs before Aβ25-35 treatment, the above-mentioned cytotoxic effect of Aβ25-35 could be significantly attenuated dose-dependently, for ECR 50 μmol/L, P〈0.05 and for ECR 100 μmol/L, P〈0.01. Moreover, ECR also showed significant inhibition on the Aβ25-35 induced decrease of SOD and GSH-Px activity, but not on that of CAT. Conclusion: ECR could protect PC12 cells from cytotoxicity of Aβ25-35, and the protective mechanism might be related to the increase of SOD and GSH-Px activities and the decrease of MDA resulting from the ECR-pretreatment.
文摘After binding to the estrogen receptor, estrogen can alleviate the toxic effects of beta-amyloid protein, and thereby exert a therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's disease patients. Estrogen can increase the incidence of breast carcinoma and endometrial cancer in post-menopausal women, so it is not suitable for clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease. There is recent evidence that the estrogen receptor can exert its neuroprotective effects without estrogen dependence. Real-time quantitative PCR and flow cytometry results showed that, compared with non-transfected PC12 cells, adenovirus-mediated estrogen receptor β gene-transfected PC12 cells exhibited lower expression of tumor necrosis factor a and interleukin 1β under stimulation with beta-amyloid protein and stronger protection from apoptosis. The Akt-specific inhibitor Abi-2 decreased the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of estrogen receptor β gene-transfection. These findings suggest that overexpression of estrogen receptor β can alleviate the toxic effect of beta-amyloid protein on PC12 cells, without estrogen dependence. The Akt pathway is one of the potential means for the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of the estrogen receptor.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30472259
文摘This study aims to determine and compare the protective effects of Gengnianchun recipe drug serum and compounds of its representative drug monotherapies against sympathetic nerve pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 cells damaged by beta-amyloid 25-35 at the cellular apoptosis and related signal pathway levels. PC12 cells cultured with medicated rat serum showed enhanced cell viability and reduced cellular apoptosis rates compared with those of monotherapies and their compounds. Furthermore, Gengnianchun recipe up-regulated expressions of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, estrogen receptor-beta and phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2; and down-regulated expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3. Gengnianchun recipe was superior to representative drug monotherapies, such as paeoniflorin, berberine, timosaponin A-III, icariine and their compounds in protecting PC12 cells. Mitogen-activated protein kinase blocker and estrogen receptor antagonist were found to reverse the above effects of Gengnianchun recipe. The experimental findings indicate that, Gengnianchun recipe protects PC12 cells from beta-amyloid 25-35 insult; its inhibitory effect on apoptosis may be achieved through the mitogen-activated protein kinase and estrogen receptor pathways.
文摘Previous studies have confirmed that telencephalin (TLN) is a neural glycoprotein that protects axonal disruption induced by the beta-amyloid protein (Aβ42/35) in the neural crest-derived tumor cell line Paju. The present study investigated the effects of TLN on neuronal degeneration induced by Aβ42 in the differentiated Paju cell line. Results demonstrated that after cultivating cells in Aβ42 medium, the survival rate of Paju-TLN cells was significantly higher than that of Paju-neo cells, and that apoptotic rate was noticeably reduced. These results indicate that TLN reduces Paju cell apoptosis induced by Aβ42.
基金the National Key Medical Technologies Research and Development Program of China during the Tenth Five-Year Plan Period, No. 2001BA702B03
文摘BACKGROUND: In vitro cultures of neural stem cells have shown that estrogen can regulate beta-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) metabolism and reduce amyloid-beta production. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long-term oral administration of compound nylestriol or low-dose 17beta-estradiol on β-APP and mRNA expression in the hippocampus of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: This randomized and controlled experiment was performed at the Animal Laboratory and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University between April 2003 and May 2004. MATERIALS: According to body mass, 50 six-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10 per group): normal control, sham operation, OVX model, 17beta-estradiol (Sigma, USA), and compound nylestriol tablet (Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University) groups. METHODS: Rats in OVX plus 17beta-estradiol and OVX plus compound nylestriol tablet groups underwent ovariectomy. On the second day after surgery, rats were intragastrically given 17beta-estradiol (100 μg/kg), once per day or compound nylestriol tablet (0.5 mg/kg) and levonorgestrel (0.15 mg/kg) every 2 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: β-APP expression in the hippocampus of OVX rats was determined using immunohistochemistry (SABC method) and β-APP mRNA expression was analyzed by in situ hybridization. The results were quantitatively analyzed using cell counting and average optical density. RESULTS: The number and optical density of β-APP-positive neurons in every subregion of the hippocampus of OVX rats was dramatically increased compared with normal and sham operation groups following 35 weeks of administration (P 〈 0.05). Levels of β-APP were decreased following oral administration of compound nylestriol or 17beta-estradiol. In situ hybridization showed that long-term estrogen deficiency and oral administration of compound nylestriol or 17beta-estradiol did not alter the number of β-APP mRNA-positive neurons. CONCLUSION: The results show that long-term estrogen deficiency results in an increase of expression of β-APP though no changes in the expression of β-APP mRNA are detected. Replacement of estrogen with low-dose 17 beta-estradiol or compound nylestriol tablet inhibits the expression of β-APP in the hippocampus to the same extent.
文摘BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of many neurodegenerative disorders depends primarily on clinical symptoms together with imaging methods. Recently, increased importance has been placed on the use of biomarkers for diagnosing various neurodegenerative disorders. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of tau-protein, phosphorylated tau-protein, beta-amyloid 42 (Aβ42), and 14-3-3 protein as biomarkers for diagnosing several neurodegenerative diseases complicated by cognitive deficits. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A non-randomized, concurrent, case-control investigation was performed in three medical centers in the Czech Republic (Department of Neurology at the University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Department of Neurology at the 2rd Medical Faculty, and the University Hospital Motol) between October 2000 and November 2006. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen patients with probable AIzheimer's disease, 4 patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, 10 patients with frontotemporal dementia, 9 patients with clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of multiple sclerosis, and 7 patients with multiple sclerosis, as well as 38 race-, nationality-, and age-matched cognitively intact controls, were included in the study. Diagnoses were established based on the following criteria: the criteria for Alzheimer's disease proposed by the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, WHO criteria for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Neary criteria for frontotemporal dementia, and McDonald's criteria for multiple sclerosis. All included patients were confirmed to suffer from various degrees of dementia. METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure concentrations of tau-protein, phosphorylated tau-protein, and Aβ42 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected by standard lumbar puncture from each patient. Moreover, 14-3-3 protein was assessed by Western blot in CSF of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease patients. Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini Mental Scale Examination (MMSE) in all subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Establishment of biomarkers with greatest specificity and sensitivity for the investigated disorders according to Receiver Operating Characteristic curves, which were based on values from patients and controls; correlation between concentrations of given biomarkers and demographic parameters, diagnosis, duration of disease, and level of cognitive deficit. RESULTS: Increased concentrations of total tau protein and phosphorylated tau protein, and decreased levels of Aβ42, in CSF of Alzheimer's disease patients reached the required sensitivity/specificity ratio of 80% or greater. A marked elevation in CSF concentrations of total tau protein showed even greater sensitivity than 14-3-3 protein in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. There was no association between selected biomarkers and frontotemporal dementia or multiple sclerosis. Phosphorylated tau-protein was the only biomarker that noticeably correlated with MMSE scores for Alzheimer's disease.CONCLUSION: Levels of total tau protein, phosphorylated tau protein, and A!342 in the CSF could differentiate patients with Alzheimer's disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease from healthy controls and patients with other neurodegenerative disorders. The diversity of absolute values demonstrates the necessity to establish a specific standard for each laboratory.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30600196the Science Foundation of Chongqing,No.2006BB5042the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars,State Education Ministry,No.[2007]1108
文摘Several studies have demonstrated that the amount of beta-amyloid (Aβ) protein in the brain can be lowered by down-regulating Aβ production, promoting Aβ degradation, reducing Aβ oligomerization or deposition, thereby alleviating symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin has been known to be a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARy) agonist and can obviously inhibit Aβ production and oligomerization. This study investigated the effects of curcumin on the G-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) activity and PPARy expression in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and validated the inhibitory effects of curcumin on Aβ40/42 expression in the brain. Results revealed that PPARy mRNA and protein expression in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells significantly increased with increasing curcumin concentration and time course (P 〈 0.05); BACE1 mRNA and protein expression and Aβ40/42 production significantly decreased with increasing curcumin concentration and time course (P 〈 0.05). The changes in PPARy and BACE1 expression during Aβ production could be reversed by the PPARy antagonist GW9662. These findings indicate that curcumin reduced Aβ production by activating PPARy expression and inhibiting BACE1 expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.
文摘The spatial structure of beta-amyloid Aβ1-40 in complex with sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles as a model membrane system was investigated by 1H-1H two-dimensional NMR (TOCSY, NOESY) spectroscopy and molecular dynamic method calculations. On the basis of NOE and chemical shifts changes data, spatial structure of the complex beta-amyloid-model of the cell surface membrane was obtained.
文摘Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been utilized as a therapeutic tool for neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. However, the precise mechanisms of its clinical effects remain unknown. β-amyloid (Aβ) exhibits direct neurotoxic effects and is closely related to neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that the neuroprotective effects of rTMS are related to the mechanisms of protection against Aβ neurotoxicity. Organotypic hippocampal slices were prepared from 8-day old, Sprague Dawley rats. The tissue slices were exposed to 100 μmol/L Al3142 since day 12 in vitro with and without high-frequency (20 Hz) magnetic stimulation. Magnetic stimulation efficacy was evaluated by measuring neuronal nuclei (NeuN) protein expression and by observing cultures following propidium iodide fluorescence staining and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was detected in the culture media to evaluate hippocampal neuronal damage. Our results demonstrated that high-frequency magnetic stimulation significantly reversed the reduction of NeuN protein expression because of Aβ1-42 exposure (P 〈 0.05) and significantly reduced the number of damaged cells in the hippocampal slices (P 〈 0.05). However, lactate dehydrogenase levels and anti-BrdU staining results did not reveal any statistical differences These findings indicate that high-frequency magnetic stimulation might have protective effect on hippocampal neurons from Aβ1-42 neurotoxicity.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30973779the National Special Planning Project for Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, No.02-03LP41the Key Program of Scientific Planning of Guangdong Province, No. 2006B35630007
文摘BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), a characteristic pathological product of Alzheimer's disease (AD), results in neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). However, the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine against ERS in AD are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To measure expression levels of protective proteins (GRP78 and GRP94) of ER molecular partners and pro-apoptotic Caspase-12 ER membrane expression following application of traditional Chinese medicine natural cerebrolysin (NC) to treat Aβ1-40-induced ERS. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A parallel-controlled study was performed at the Institute of Integrated Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University between September 2006 and November 2008. MATERIALS: Sprague Dawley male rats, 6-8 weeks old, were used to harvest tibial and femoral bone marrow. Isolation and purification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were established from the whole bone marrow by removing non-adherent cells in primary and passage cultures. Aβ1-40 was provided by Sigma, USA. NC was provided by Shenzhen Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, China. NC was predominantly composed of Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Tianma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae), and Yinxingye (Ginkgo Leaf) in a proportion of 1 : 2: 2. Following conventional water extraction technology, an extract (1 : 20) was prepared. Six adult, male, New Zealand rabbits underwent intragastric administration of NC extract (0.976 g/kg per day) for 1 month to prepare NC-positive serum, and the remaining 6 rabbits received intragastric administration of physiological saline to prepare normal blank serum. METHODS: A total of 500 nmol/L Aβ1-40 was used to establish ERS models of primary cultured MSCs. AD cell models were incubated with different doses of NC-positive serum (2.5%, 5%, and 10%). MSCs treated with normal blank serum served as normal blank controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and fluorescent immunocytochemistry were respectively used to measure mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78, GRP94, and Caspase-12 in MSCs. RESULTS: Following Aβ1-40 exposure, mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and GRP94, as well as Caspase-12, significantly increased (P 〈 0.05), suggesting successful establishment of ERS models. Following NC-positive serum application, mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and GRP94 in MSCs significantly increased (P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01). However, mRNA and protein expression levels of Caspase-12 significantly decreased (P 〈 0.05, or P 〈 0.01) compared with the ERS model group. These effects were dose-dependent. CONCLUSION: NC downregulated Caspase-12 expression and upregulated GRP78 and GRP94 expression in MSCs in a dose-dependent manner under the state of Aβ1-40-induced ERS.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30471927
文摘Three-month-old Alzheimer's disease model transgenic mice were immunized with Aβ1-42, Plp-Adenovirus [Ad]-X-CMV-(Aβ3-10)lo-CpG [AdCpG-(Aβ3-10)1] or AdCpG virus fluid via na- sal mucosal inhalation, respectively. ELISA analysis of serum showed Aβ42 antibody titers were significantly increased in mice immunized with Aβ1-42 and AdCpG-(Aβ3-10)10. Concanavalin A and AdCpG-(Aβ3-10)10 stimulation significantly increased the number of proliferating spleen cells cultured from AdCpG(Aβ3-10)Io and Aβ42 groups compared with the control group. In the AdCp- G(Aβ3-10)10 group, levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 were increased, while those of IL-2 and interferon-y were decreased. In the A[342 group, levels of IL-4, IL-10, IL-2 and interferon-y were all increased. Experimental findings indicate that AdCpG-(Aβ3-10)10 vaccine can produce strong T helper 2 (Th2) humoral immune responses in addition to the production of Aβ42 antibody. The cellular immunologic response was weak and avoided Aβ1-42-mediated cytotoxicity.
文摘目的探讨虎杖苷对β淀粉样蛋白25~35(Aβ_(25~35))诱导的原代培养大鼠皮质神经元损伤的保护作用及可能的作用机制。方法原代培养SD大鼠皮质神经元,分为对照组、虎杖苷组、Aβ_(25~35)组和联合组(Aβ_(25~35)+虎杖苷)。采用四甲基偶氮唑盐检测皮质神经元活力,2,7-二氯荧光素二乙酸酯探针或红色线粒体超氧化物荧光探针染色检测细胞内和线粒体活性氧水平,线粒体膜通透性转换孔(MPTP)试剂盒检测MPTP开放程度,蛋白免疫印记法检测细胞色素C及线粒体转录因子A(TFAM)表达。另外,测定细胞内电子传递链复合物(包括复合物Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ)活性和三磷酸腺苷(ATP)水平。采用高效液相色谱法测定线粒体中8-羟基脱氧鸟苷(8-OHdG)。结果与对照组比较,Aβ_(25~35)组皮质神经元细胞活力、线粒体荧光强度、线粒体呼吸链酶活性(复合物Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ)、细胞内ATP、线粒体内TFAM表达明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01);与Aβ_(25~35)组比较,虎杖苷组线粒体荧光强度、线粒体呼吸链酶活性(复合物Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ)、细胞内ATP、线粒体内TFAM表达明显增高,皮质神经元暴露3、6、12、24h细胞内和线粒体内活性氧明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),联合组细胞色素C细胞质/线粒体比值、线粒体内8-OHdG水平明显低于Aβ_(25~35)组[3.02±0.28 vs 5.73±0.45,P<0.05;(8.07±1.45)×10^(6)dG vs(16.07±2.29)×10^(6)dG,P<0.05]。结论虎杖苷可有效地保护皮质神经元免受Aβ_(25~35)诱导的损伤,至少部分作用是通过抑制线粒体氧化应激和改善线粒体功能实现。