Effect of artesunate on human endometrial carcinoma HEC-1B cells

Objective： To observe the effect of the artesunate （ART） on cellular proliferation in vitro, to search for the possible anti-tumor mechanism of ART on endometrial carcinoma at the molecular level and to provide the experimental and theoretical foundations for the clinical applications of ART. Methods： The cell proliferation was observed by microscope; MTT was used to examine the effects of ART on proliferation of HEC-1B cells, and flow cytometric analysis was used to detect cell cycle and apoptosis. The human endometrial carcinoma HEC-1B cells were conventionally cultured; ART was administered with a concentration of 40 μg/ml before the total RNA were extracted, mRNA expression of Survivin, Caspase-3, N-Cadherin, E-Cadherin, Fibronectinl and Cox-2 were detected using RT-PCR. Results： ART reduced proliferation in human endometrial carcinoma cell line HEC-1B in a dose- and time-dependent effect. The cells of G0/G1 stage were significantly increased （P〈0.05）, but the cells of G2/M stages were significantly decreased （P〈0.05）, so it has shown that the cell cycle was probably blocked in G0/G1 stage. After intervention with ART at 20 and 80 μg/ml for 48 h, cellular apoptosis rate respectively was （36.42±0.77）% and （11.77±0.58）%, and the difference was statistically significant compared with the control （[6.64±0.191%, P〈0.01）. The expression of Cox-2 mRNA in the ART group was lower than those of control group, yet the expression of Caspase-3 and E-Cadherin mRNA in the ART group was higher than those of control group. Conclusion： ART can inhibit HEC-1B cell growth and proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, ART can induce apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. ART is able to downregulate Cox-2 mRNA expression and to upregulate E-Cadherin and Caspase-3 mRNA expression. So we can conclude that ART could induce the endometrial carcinoma HEC-1B cell apoptosis and inhibit tumor cell proliferation.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 overexpression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells improves brain pathology,cognition,and behavior in APP/PS1 mice

In patients with Alzheimer’s disease,gamma-glutamyl transferase 5(GGT5)expression has been observed to be downregulated in cerebrovascular endothelial cells.However,the functional role of GGT5 in the development of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear.This study aimed to explore the effect of GGT5 on cognitive function and brain pathology in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease,as well as the underlying mechanism.We observed a significant reduction in GGT5 expression in two in vitro models of Alzheimer’s disease(Aβ_(1-42)-treated hCMEC/D3 and bEnd.3 cells),as well as in the APP/PS1 mouse model.Additionally,injection of APP/PS1 mice with an adeno-associated virus encoding GGT5 enhanced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and mitigated cognitive deficits.Interestingly,increasing GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells reduced levels of both soluble and insoluble amyloid-βin the brains of APP/PS1 mice.This effect may be attributable to inhibition of the expression ofβ-site APP cleaving enzyme 1,which is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B.Our findings demonstrate that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is inversely associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis,and that GGT5 upregulation mitigates cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice.These findings suggest that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease.

Silencing of Jumonji domain-containing 1C inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via nuclear factor-κB signaling

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disorder induced by an imbalance between osteoclastic activity and osteogenic activity.During osteoporosis,bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)exhibit an increased ability to differentiate into adipocytes and a decreased ability to differentiate into osteoblasts,resulting in bone loss.Jumonji domain-containing 1C(JMJD1C)has been demonstrated to suppress osteoclastogenesis.AIM To examine the effect of JMJD1C on the osteogenesis of BMSCs and the potential underlying mechanism.METHODS BMSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow tissues.Oil Red O staining,Alizarin red staining,alkaline phosphatase staining and the expression of adipo-genic and osteogenic-associated genes were assessed to determine the differen-tiation of BMSCs.Bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMMs)were incubated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaΒligand to induce osteoclast differentiation,and osteoclast differen-tiation was confirmed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining.Other related genes were measured via reverse transcription coupled to the quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines,including tumor necrosis factor alpha,interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 beta.RESULTS The osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs isolated from mouse bone marrow samples was evaluated.JMJD1C mRNA and protein expression was upregulated in BMSCs after osteoblast induction,while p-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and inflammatory cytokines were not significantly altered.Knockdown of JMJD1C repressed osteogenic differentiation and enhanced NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine release in BMSCs.Moreover,JMJD1C expression decreased during BMM osteoclast differentiation.CONCLUSION The JMJD1C/NF-κB signaling pathway is potentially involved in BMSC osteogenic differentiation and may play vital roles in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

Single-cell analysis of tumor microenvironment and cell adhesion reveals that interleukin-1 beta promotes cancer cell proliferation in breast cancer

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC), which is so called because of the lack of estrogen receptors(ER), progesterone receptors(PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2) receptors on the cancer cells, accounts for 10%–15% of all breast cancers. The heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment is high.However, the role of plasma cells controlling the tumor migration progression in TNBC is still not fully understood.Methods: We analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data from five HER2 positive, 12ER positive/PR positive, and nine TNBC samples. The potential targets were validated by immunohistochemistry.Results: Plasma cells were enriched in TNBC samples, which was consistent with validation using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Cell communication analysis revealed that plasma cells interact with T cells through the intercellular adhesion molecule 2–integrin–aLb2 complex, and then release interleukin 1 beta(IL1B), as verified by immunohistochemistry, ultimately promoting tumor growth.Conclusion: Our results revealed the role of plasma cells in TNBC and identified IL1B as a new prognostic marker for TNBC.

Krill oil ameliorates benign prostatic hyperplasia by regulating G1-phase cell cycle arrest and altering signaling pathways and benign prostatic hyperplasia-associated markers

Krill oil(KO)exhibits various biological activities,such as anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects.However,the inhibitory effects of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)in vitro and in vivo have not yet been studied.This study investigated the anti-BPH effects of KO extracted by an enzymatic hydrolysis method.KO treatment inhibited the proliferation of WMPY-1 and BPH-1 cells by induction of G0/G1 phase arrest through the modulation of positive and negative regulators in both prostate cell types.KO treatment stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)and p38 signaling.In addition,KO changed the expression of BPH-related markers(5α-reductase,androgen receptor,FGF,Bcl-2,and Bax)and the activity of the proliferation-mediated NF-κB binding motif.KO-induced levels of proliferation-mediated molecules of prostate cells were attenuated in the presence of siRNA-specific p-38(si-p38)and JNK(si-JNK).Furthermore,the administration of KO alleviated prostate size and weight and the cell layer thickness of prostate glands in a testosterone enanthate-induced BPH rat model.KO treatment altered the level of dihydrotestosterone in serum and the expression levels of BPH-related markers in prostate tissues.Finally,KO-mediated inhibition of prostatic growth was validated by histological analysis.These results suggest that KO has an inhibitory effect on BPH in prostate cells in vitro and in vivo.Thus,KO might be a potential prophylactic or therapeutic agent for patients with BPH.

Prognostic role of the stromal cell derived factor-1 in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND Stromal cell derived factor-1(SDF-1)plays a pivotal role in the recruitment of stem cells to injured livers.However,the changes of SDF-l in patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)have yet to be elucidated.AIM To study the SDF-1 changes in patients with HBV-related ACLF.METHODS 30 patients with HBV-related ACLF,27 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 20 healthy individuals are involved in our study.The SDF-l mRNA expression in liver tissue was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to illustrate the expression of SDFl,CXC receptor 4(CXCR4)and Ki67.The serum SDF-l concentrations were also detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.RESULTS The expression of SDF-1 mRNA from ACLF patients was remarkably higher than that from other patients(both P<0.05).The expression of SDF-l,CXCR4 and Ki67 from ACLF were the highest among the three groups(all P<0.01).The serum SDF-l levels in ACLF patients were significantly lower than that in other patients(both P<0.01).Moreover,in ACLF patients,the serum SDF-1 Levels were positively correlated with serum total bilirubin and international normalized ratio.In addition,the serum SDF-l levels in survival were significantly lower compared with the non-survivals(P<0.05).The area under the curve for the serum SDF-1 level in predicting 28-d mortality was 0.722(P<0.05).CONCLUSION This study provides the SDF-1 changes in patients with HBV-related ACLF.The SDF-1 Level at admission may serve as a promising prognostic marker for predicting short-term prognosis.

Natural course of chronic hepatitis B is characterized by changing patterns of programmed death type-1 of CD8-positive T cells

AIM:To investigate if and how programmed death type-1(PD-1)expression affects the natural course of hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection. METHODS:Sixty-four patients in different natural stages of chronic HBV infection were enrolled in this study.PD-1 expression in total T cells was detected by flow cytometry.Levels of total CD8+T cell responses and proliferation in relation to PD-1 expression levels were analyzed with intracellular staining and PD-1/ PD-L1 blockage. RESULTS:The PD-1 expression in T cells was dynamically changed during the natural course of chronic HBV infection,did not significantly increase in the immune tolerance phase,and returned to normal in the inactive virus carrier stage.Blockage of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway could not affect the T-cell response in the immune tolerance and inactive virus carrier stages of chronic HBV infection.However,it could significantly restore the T-cell response in the immune clearance stage of chronic HBV infection.Furthermore,the PD-1 expression level in T cells was associated with the alanine aminotransferase level during the immune clearance stage of chronic HBV infection. CONCLUSION:The PD-l/PD-L1 pathway plays a different role in T-cell response during the natural course of chronic HBV infection.

B7-H1 expression is associated with expansion of regulatory T cells in colorectal carcinoma

AIM： To investigate the expression of B7-H1 in human colorectal carcinoma （CRC） to define its regulating ef- fects on T cells in tumor microenvironment.

Effects of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α silencing on the proliferation of CBRH-7919 hepatoma cells

AIM:To study the effects of hypoxia-inducible factor1α(HIF-1α) silencing on the proliferation of hypoxic CBRH-7919 rat hepatoma cells.METHODS:The CBRH-7919 rat hepatoma cell line was used in this study and the hypoxic model was constructed using CoCl2.The HIF-1α-specific RNAi sequences were designed according to the gene coding sequence of rat HIF-1α obtained from GeneBank.The secondary structure of the HIF-1α gene sequence was analyzed using RNA draw software.The small interfering RNA(siRNA) transfection mixture was produced by mixing the siRNA and Lipofectamine2000TM,and transfected into the hypoxic hepatoma cells.Real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RTPCR) and Western blotting assay were used to detect the expression levels of mRNA and protein.HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) mRNA was determined using real time RT-PCR;the protein expression levels of AKT,p-AKT,p21 and cyclinD1 were determined using Western blotting.The proliferation of hepatoma cells was observed using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay and the bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU) incorporation cell proliferation assay.RESULTS:Under induced hypoxia,the viability of the hepatoma cells reached a minimum at 800 μmol/L CoCl2;the viability of the cells was relatively high at CoCl2 concentrations between 100 μmol/L and 200 μmol/L.Under hypoxia,the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were significantly higher than that of hepatoma cells that were cultured in normaxia.HIF-1α-specific RNAi sequences were successfully transfected into hepatoma cells.The transfection of specific siRNAs significantly inhibited the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF,along with the protein expression levels of p-AKT and cyclinD1;the protein expression of p21 was significantly increased,and there was no significant difference in the expression of AKT.The MTT assay showed that the amount of hepatoma cells in S phase in the siRNA transfection group was obviously smaller than that in the control group;in the siRNA transfection group,the amount of hepatoma cells in G1 phase was more than that in the control group.The BrdU incorporation assay showed that the number of BrdU positive hepatoma cells in the siRNA transfection group was less than that in the control group.The data of the MTT assay and BrdU incorporation assay suggested that HIF-1α silencing using siRNAs significantly inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma cells.CONCLUSION:Hypoxia increases the expression of HIF-1α,and HIF-1α silencing significantly inhibits the proliferation of hypoxic CBRH-7919 rat hepatoma cells.

Prognostic potential of an immune score based on the density of CD8＋ T cells, CD20＋ B cells, and CD33＋/p-STAT1＋ double-positive cells and HMGB1 expression within cancer nests in stage ⅢA gastric cancer patients

Objoctive： There is heterogeneity in the prognosis of gastric cancers staged according to the tumornodes-metastasis （TNM） system. This study evaluated the prognostic potential of an immune score system to supplement the TNM staging system. Mothodsg An immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to assess the density of T cells, B cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells （MDSCs） in cancer tissues from 100 stage IIIA gastric cancer patients; the expression of the high-mobility group protein B1 （HMGB1） was also evaluated in cancer cells. The relationship between the overall survival （OS）, disease-free survival （DFS）, and immunological parameters was analyzed.Results： An immune score system was compiled based on the prognostic role of the density ofT cells, B cells, MDSCs, and the expression of HMGB1 in cancer tissues. The median 5-year survival of this group of patient was 32%. However, the 5-year survival rates of 80.0%, 51.7%, 0%, 5.8%, and 0% varied among the patients with an immune score of 4 to those with an immune score of 0 based on the immune score system, respectively. Similarly, differences in DFS rates were observed among the immune score subgroups. Concluslons： An immune score system could effectively identify the prognostic heterogeneity within stage IliA gastric cancer patients, implying that this immune score system may potentially supplement the TNM staging system, and help in identifying a more homogeneous group of patients who on the basis of prognosis can undergo adjuvant therapy.

Small interfering RNA targeting PGC-1α inhibits VEGF expression and tube formation in human retinal vascular endothelial cells

AIMTo determine whether small interfering RNA (siRNA) of PGC-1α could inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and tube formation in human retinal vascular endothelial cells (hRVECs).METHODShRVECs transfected with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) siRNA were incubated for 24h and then placed into a normoxic (20%, O2) or hypoxic (1%, O2) environment for another 16h. PGC-1α mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. VEGF mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and ELISA. Cell proliferation was evaluated by BrdU incorporation assay. Forty-eight hours after siRNA transfection, hRVECs were planted into Matrigel-coated plates and cultured under normoxic (20%, O2) or hypoxic (1%, O2) conditions for another 48h. The tube formation of hRVECs was observed under an optical microscope and quantified by counting the number of branch points and calculating the total tube length.RESULTSPGC-1α mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced by PGC-1α siRNA, and VEGF mRNA and protein levels also decreased significantly. The percentage of BrdU-labeled cells in siPGC-1α groups were significantly decreased compared with control siRNA groups under normoxia and hypoxia in cell proliferation assay. In the tube formation assay, PGC-1α siRNA treated cells formed significantly fewer tubes.CONCLUSIONBlocking PGC-1α expression can inhibit VEGF expression in hRVECs and inhibit their ability to form tubes under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

Resveratrol-downregulated Phosphorylated Liver Kinase B1 Is Involved in Senescence of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells

Summary： Senescence is an important obstacle to cancer development. Engaging a senescent response may be an effective way to cure acute myeloid leukemia （AML）. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of resveratrol-downregulated phosphorylated liver kinase B1 （pLKB1） on the senescence of acute myeloid leukemia （AML） stem cells. The protein expressions of pLKB 1 and Sirtuin 1 （SIRT1）, a regulator ofpLKB1, were measured in CD34＋CD38-KGla cells treated with resveratrol （40 μmol/L） or not by Western blotting. Senescence-related factors were examined, including p21 mRNA tested by real-time PCR, cell morphology by senescence-associated β-galactosidase （SA-β-gal） staining, cell pro- liferation by MTT assay and cell cycle by flow cytometry. Besides, apoptosis was flow cytometrically determined. The results showed that pLKB1 was highly expressed in CD34＋CD38- KGla cells, and resveratrol, which could downregulate pLKB1 through activation of SIRT1, induced senescence and apoptosis of CD34＋CD38- KGla cells. It was concluded that resveratrol-downregulated pLKB1 is in- volved in the senescence of AML stem cells.

The effects of microRNA-34a regulating Notch-1/NF-κB signaling pathway on lipopolysaccharide-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells

BACKGROUND: Notch-1/NF-κB signaling plays a key role in the cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)-induced sepsis. This study aims to investigate the intervention effects of microRNA-34a(miR-34a) lentivirus regulating Notch-1/NF-κB signaling pathway on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC).METHODS: HUVEC were divided into four groups as the following: they were infected with negative control lentivirus(NC group) or miR-34a lentivirus(OE group); LPS(1 g/mL) was added on the third day on the basis of NC group and OE group for 24 hours(NC+LPS group or OE+LPS group). The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in the cell supernatants, and the mRNA and protein expression of Notch-1 and NF-κB in the HUVEC were evaluated.RESULTS: After 24 hours, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 in the cell supernatants and the protein expression of NF-κB from NC+LPS group were significantly higher than those of NC group, but IL-10 level and the protein expression of Notch-1 in NC+LPS group were the opposite. After intervention of miR-34a lentivirus, the cell supernatants TNF-α and the protein expression of NF-κB in OE+LPS group after 24 hours markedly decreased compared to NC+LPS group. While the cell supernatants IL-1β and IL-6 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB slightly decreased in OE+LPS group, IL-10 and the mRNA and protein expression of Notch-1 were the opposite.CONCLUSION: miR-34a regulating Notch-1/NF-κB signaling pathway can reduce the HUVEC damage caused by LPS stimulation.

TIR/BB-loop mimetic AS-1 protects vascular endothelial cells from injury induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation

Morphological and functional abnormalities of vascular endothelial cells(VECs) are risk factors of ischemiareperfusion in skin flaps.Signaling pathway mediated by interleukin-1 receptor(IL-1 R) is essential to hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) injury of VECs.While the TIR/BB-loop mimetic(AS-1) disrupts the interaction between IL-1 R and myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88(MyD88),its role in the VECs dysfunction under H/R is unclear.In this study,we first showed that there was an infiltration of inflammatory cells and the apoptosis of VECs by using a skin flap section from patients who received flap transplantation.We then showed that the H/R treatment induced apoptosis and loss of cell migration of endothelial cell line H926 were attenuated by AS-1.Furthermore,our data suggested that AS-1 inhibits the interaction between IL-1 R and MyD88,and subsequent phosphorylation of IκB and p38 pathway,as well as the nuclear localization of NF-κB subunit p65/p50.Thus,this study indicated that the protective role of AS-1 in H/R induced cellular injury may be due to the AS-1 mediated down-regulation of IL-1 R signaling pathway.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B regulates migration of ARPE-19 cells through EGFR/ERK signaling pathway

AIMTo evaluate whether protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) contributed to initiate human retinal pigment epithelium cells (A)-19 migration and investigate the signaling pathways involved in this process.METHODSARPE-19 cells were cultured and treated with the siRNA-PTP1B. Expression of PTP1B was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). AG1478 [a selective inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)] and PD98059 (a specific inhibitor of the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase) were used to help to determine the PTP1B signaling mechanism. Western blot analysis verified expression of EGFR and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in ARPE-19 cells. The effect of siRNA-PTP1B on cell differentiation was confirmed by immunostaining for &#x003b1;-smooth muscle actin (&#x003b1;-SMA) and qRT-PCR. Cell migration ability was analyzed by transwell chamber assay.RESULTSThe mRNA levels of PTP1B were reduced by siRNA-PTP1B as determined by qRT-PCR assay. SiRNA-PTP1B activated EGFR and ERK phosphorylation. &#x003b1;-SMA staining and qRT-PCR assay demonstrated that siRNA-PTP1B induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells to differentiate toward better contractility and motility. Transwell chamber assay proved that PTP1B inhibition improved migration activity of RPE cells. Treatment with AG1478 and PD98059 abolished siRNA-PTP1B-induced activation of EGFR and ERK, &#x003b1;-SMA expression and cell migration.CONCLUSIONPTP1B inhibition promoted myofibroblast differentiation and migration of ARPE-19 cells, and EGFR/ERK signaling pathway played important role in migration process.

Effects of 530 nm monochromatic light on basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 expression in Müller cells

AIMTo expose rat retinal M&#x000fc;ller cells to 530 nm monochromatic light and investigate the influence of varying light illumination times on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor-&#x003b2;1 (TGF-&#x003b2;1) expression.METHODSThree groups of rat retinal M&#x000fc;ller cells cultured in vitro under a 530 nm monochromatic light were divided into 6, 12 and 24h experimental groups, while cells incubated under dark conditions served as the control group. The bFGF and TGF-&#x003b2;1 mRNA expression, protein levels and fluorescence intensity of the M&#x000fc;ller cells were analyzed.RESULTSThe bFGF mRNA expression and protein levels were significantly upregulated in M&#x000fc;ller cells in all three experimental groups compared with the control group (P&#x0003c;0.05), while that of TGF-&#x003b2;1 was downregulated (P&#x0003c;0.05). Also, bFGF expression was positively correlated, but TGF-&#x003b2;1 expression was negatively correlated with illumination time. The largest changes for both cytokines were seen in the 24h group. The changes in bFGF and TGF-&#x003b2;1 fluorescence intensity were highest in the 24h group, and significant differences were observed among the experimental groups (P&#x0003c;0.05).CONCLUSIONThe expressions of bFGF and TGF-&#x003b2;1 changed in a time-dependent manner in M&#x000fc;ller cells exposed to 530 nm monochromatic light with 250 lx illumination intensity. M&#x000fc;ller cells might play a role in the development of myopia by increasing bFGF expression or decreasing TGF-&#x003b2;1 expression. Changes in cytokine expression in retinal M&#x000fc;ller cells may affect monochromatic light-induced myopia.

Blockage of PPARδ increases the expression of inflammatory factors in 3T3-L1 cells stimulated with TNFα

Objective： To investigate the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors δ （PPARδ） in inflammatory reaction and its possible mechanism in adipocyte. Methods：Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference （RNAi） was used to block the expression of PPARδ in 3T3-L1 cells. In order to induce inflammation in 3T3-L1, cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α（TNFα, 20 ng/ml） for 4 h. The expression of PPARδ, nuclear factor κB （NFκB） and C reactive protein （CRP） were determined by Western blot analysis. Results：The expression of PPARδ was reduced by 80% after RNAi. Blockage of PPARδ promoted the expression of CRP and NFκB in cells stimulated with TNFα but had no effect on normal cells. Conclusion： PPARδ is involved in inflammatory reaction in adipocyte. Blockage of PPARδ can promote the inflammation mediated by inflammatory factors and increase the expression of NFκB and CRP in 3T3-L1 cells stimulated with TNFα.

Expression of the B7 - related molecule B7 - H1 by glioma cells: a potential mechanism of immune paralysis

Human glioblastoma is a highly lethal tumor that is known for its immune inhibitory capabilities.B7-homologue l(B7-H 1),a recently identified homologue of B7.1/2(CD80/86),has been described to exert costimulatoryand immune regulatory functions.We investigated the expression and the functional activity of B7-H 1 in humanglioma cells in vitro and in vivo.Although lacking B7.1/2(CD80/86),all 12 glioma cel1 1ines constitutivelyexpressed B7-H1 mRNA and protein.Exposure to IFN-gamma strongly enhanced B7-H 1 expression.Im-

Effects of Sirt1 on proliferation,migration,and apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood of SD rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective:To explore the effect of Sirt1 on the function of endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs)in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods:A rat COPD model was established via smoking and endotoxin administration for three months.The peripheral circulating EPCs were isolated by gradient centrifugation,and their functions,cell cycle distribution,apoptosis,and Sirt1 expression were examined.The function changes of EPCs in the presence or absence of Sirt1 agonist and inhibitor were estimated;meanwhile,the expressions of Sirt1,FOXO3a,NF-κB,and p53 were also evaluated.Results:The proliferation,adhesion,and migration of EPCs decreased while the apoptosis rate was increased in the COPD rats.The expression of Sirt1 protein in EPCs of the COPD group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.01).The overexpression of the Sirt1 gene using a gene transfection technique or Sirt1 agonists(SRT1720)improved the proliferation,migration,and adhesion,and decreased the apoptosis of EPC.However,Sirt1 inhibitor(EX527)decreased EPC functions in the COPD group.The effect of Sirt1 expression on EPC function may be related to reduction of FOXO3a and increase of NF-κB and p53 activity.Conclusions:Increased expression of Sirt1 can improve the proliferation and migration of EPCs and reduce their apoptosis in COPD rats.This change may be related to FOXO3a,NF-κB,and p53 signaling pathways.

B-1 cells modulate the murine macrophage response to Leishmania major infection

AIM To investigate the modulatory effect of B-1 cells on murine peritoneal macrophages infected with Leishmania major(L. major) in vitro.METHODS Peritoneal macrophages obtained from BALB/c andBALB/c XID mice were infected with L. major and cultured in the presence or absence of B-1 cells obtained from wild-type BALB/c mice. Intracellular amastigotes were counted, and interleukin-10(IL-10) production was quantified in the cellular supernatants using an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. The levels of the lipid mediator prostaglandin E2(PGE2) were determined using a PGE2 enzyme immunoassay kit(Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, MI), and the number of lipid bodies was quantified in the cytoplasm of infected macrophages in the presence and absence of B-1 cells. Culturing the cells with selective PGE2-neutralizing drugs inhibited PGE2 production and confirmed the role of this lipid mediator in IL-10 production. In contrast, we demonstrated that B-1 cells derived from IL-10 KO mice did not favor the intracellular growth of L. major.RESULTS We report that B-1 cells promote the growth of L. major amastigotes inside peritoneal murine macrophages. We demonstrated that the modulatory effect was independent of physical contact between the cells, suggesting that soluble factor(s) were released into the cultures. We demonstrated in our co-culture system that B-1 cells trigger IL-10 production by L. major-infected macrophages. Furthermore, the increased secretion of IL-10 was attributed to the presence of the lipid mediator PGE2 in supernatants of L. major-infected macrophages. The presence of B-1 cells also favors the production of lipid bodies by infected macrophages. In contrast, we failed to obtain the same effect on parasite replication inside L. major-infected macrophages when the B-1 cells were isolated from IL-10 knockout mice. CONCLUSION Our results show that elevated levels of PGE2 and IL-10 produced by B-1 cells increase L. major growth, as indicated by the number of parasites in cell cultures.