Differential Expression of Genes in HepG2 Cells Caused by UC001kfo RNAi as Shown by RNA-seq

The differential expression of genes in HepG2 cells caused by UC001 kfo RNAi was investigated using RNA-seq. HepG2 cells were infected by Lenti-sh UC001 kfo lentivirus particles. The expression of UC001 kfo m RNA in the HepG2-sh UC001 kfo cell line was detected by real-time PCR. RNA-seq technology was used to identify the difference in the expression of genes regulated by lnc RNA UC001 kfo in the HepG2 cell line. Gene ontology and signaling pathway analysis were performed to reveal the biological functions of the genes encoding of significantly different m RNAs. The results showed that m RNAs were differentially expressed between the HepG2-sh UC001 kfo cell line and the HepG2 cell line. The UC001 kfo m RNA was significantly down-regulated in the stable cell line HepG2-sh UC001kfo（P〈0.001）. Additionally, we found 19 signaling pathways or functional classifications encompassing 30 genes that played a role in cancer characteristics, cell adhesion, invasion and migration. The results also showed that the expression of many genes associated with cancer cell invasion and metastasis was decreased with the down-regulation of the lnc RNA UC001 kfo. Lnc RNA UC001 kfo may play a role in regulating cancer cell invasion and metastasis. It was suggested that m RNAs were differentially expressed in the HepG2 cell line after the down-regulation of lnc RNA-UC001 kfo. Some took part in the extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, motility, growth, and localization. The genes encoding of differentially expressed m RNAs may participate in cell invasion and metastasis.

Inhibitory effect of metformin on the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells and its potential mechanism

Objective： This work aimed to study the inhibitory effect and the related mechanism of metformin （MET） on the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Methods： Human hepatoma HepG2 cells were treated with MET （0, 2, 10, and 50 mM）. The inhibitory effect of MET on the proliferation of HepG2 cells was determined by MTT method. The apoptosis of HepG2 cells was detected by flow cytornetry. The expression of cyclin D1 in HepG2 cells was examined by Western blot. ROS-DHE fluorescence probe was used to stain the reactive oxygen species （ROS） generated by HepG2 cells after treat- ment. Results： MET could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. MET promoted the apoptosis of HepG2 cells. In addition, MET suppressed the expression of cell cycle protein cyclin D1 and induced the produc- tion of ROS in HepG2 cells. Conclusion： MET can inhibit the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells and induce cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, MET has the ability to decrease the expression of cyclin D1 and induce ROS generation, which may be involved in the mechanism of inhibiting hepatoma cells proliferation.

Effects of the polysaccharides from Spirulina platensis on the activities of hepatitis B virus

To investigate the effects of the polysaccharides from Spirulina platensis (PSP) on hepatitis B virus (HBV), the cytotoxic effect of PSP was assessed by choosing the maximal concentration of PSP without cytotoxic effect on HepG2 2.2.15 cell line for further experiments. Four concentrations (400-50 μg/ml) of PSP were adopted to treat the cells, and the supernatants or cells were collected after 24, 48, 72 and 144 h respectively. HBsAg and HBeAg in the supernatants of cell cultures were tested with ELISA and copies of HBV DNA in supernatants were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (FQ-PCR). Meanwhile, DNA/RNA hybridization was performed to evaluate the expression of IFN-α receptor (IFN-αR) on the cells. The experimental results showed that the secretion of HBV antigens decreased under the influence of PSP in a dose and time-dependent manner. PSP in concentration of 400 μg/ml could significantly decrease the secretion of HBsAg in 24 h. Although no obvious effect was observed on the secretion of HBeAg at that time, the inhibitory effects were observed in a dose-dependent manner from 48 to 144 h. In addition, the copies of HBV DNA were declined under the influence of PSP in the same manner, moreover, the maximal suppressive effect of PSP in concentration of 400 μg/ml was as great as that of lamivudine. The expression of IFN-αR was much higher in PSP-treated cells than that of the un-treated cells also in dose and time-dependent manner. It is concluded that PSP in non-cytotoxic concentration not only significantly decreases the secretion of the HBV antigens and the replication of HBV DNA, but also increases the expression of IFN-αR on HepG2 2.2.15 cell line. The results of the present investigation strongly support the notion that PSP exerts the anti-HBV effect both through enhancing the anti-HBV immunity and acting on HBV directly.

Nuclear matrix associated protein PML: an arsenic trioxide apoptosis therapeutic target protein in HepG2 cells

Objective To investigate arsenic trioxide (As 2O 3)-induced apoptosis and the effects on cell nuclear matrix related protein promyelocytic leukaemia (PML). Methods HepG2 cells were cultured in MEM medium and treated with 0.5, 2, 5 and 10 μmol/L As 2O 3 for either 24 h or 96 h at each concentration. In situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) labeling (TUNEL) and DNA ladders were used to detect apoptosis. Confocal microscopy and Western blotting were used to observe the expression of PML. Results The growth rates of HepG2 cells were slower in the As 2O 3 treated than the untreated control group. DNA ladder and TUNEL positive apoptotic cells could be detected in As 2O 3 treated groups. The expression of PML decreased in HepG2 cells with 2 μmol/L As 2O 3 treatment. Confocal images demonstrated that the expression of PML protein in HepG2 cell nuclei decreased after treatment with 2 μmol/L As 2O 3, and micropunctates characteristic of PML protein in HepG2 cell nuclei disappeared after treatment with 5 μmol/L As 2O 3.Conclusions Our results show that arsenic trioxide can significantly inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells in vitro. As 2O 3 induces apoptosis in HepG2 tumor cells in a time and concentration dependent manner. As 2O 3 may degrade the PML protein in HepG2 cell nuclei. The decreased expression of PML in As 2O 3 treated tumor cells is most likely to be caused by apoptosis. Nuclear matrix associated protein PML could be the target of As 2O 3 therapy.

Anti-hepatitis B Virus Activity of 8-epi-Kingiside in Jasminum officinale var. grandiflorum

Objective To evaluate the effect of 8-epi-kingiside (8-Epik) derived from the buds of Jasminum officinale var. grandiflorum (JOG) on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in HepG2 2.2.15 cell line in vitro and duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) replication in ducklings in vivo. Methods The concentration of extracellular hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in cell culture medium was determined by ELISA, respectively. The anti-HBV effects of 8-Epik were also demonstrated in the model of DHBV. 8-Epik was ip given (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg, twice daily) to the DHBV-infected ducklings for 10 d. The isotonic saline liquid diet was ip given as negative control and Lamivudine (50 mg/kg, twice daily) was given as positive control. DHBV DNA was measured at days 0 (T0), 5 (T5), 10 (T10), and day 3 after cessation of treatment (P3) by dot blotting. Results 8-Epik effectively blocked HBsAg secretion in HepG2 2.2.15 cells in a dose-dependent manner [IC 50 = (19.4 ± 1.04) μg/mL]. 8-Epik (40 or 80 mg/kg, ip, twice daily) also reduced viremia in DHBV-infected ducks. Conclusion Therefore, 8-Epik is warranted as a potential therapeutic agent for HBV infection.

Dopamine Inhibits the Expression of Hepatitis B Virus Surface and e Antigens by Activating the JAK/STAT Pathway and Upregulating Interferon-stimulated Gene 15 Expression

Background and Aims:Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major risk factor for cirrhosis and liver cancer,and its treatment continues to be difficult.We previously demonstrated that a dopamine analog inhibited the packaging of pregenomic RNA into capsids.The present study aimed to determine the effect of dopamine on the expressions of hepatitis B virus surface and e antigens(HBsAg and HBeAg,respectively)and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Methods:We used dopamine-treated HBVinfected HepG2.2.15 and NTCP-G2 cells to monitor HBsAg and HBeAg expression levels.We analyzed interferon-stimulated gene 15(ISG15)expression in dopamine-treated cells.We knocked down ISG15 and then monitored HBsAg and HBeAg expression levels.We analyzed the expression of Janus kinase(JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)pathway factors in dopamine-treated cells.We used dopamine hydrochloride-treated adeno-associated virus/HBV-infected mouse model to evaluate HBV DNA,HBsAg,and HBeAg expression.HBV virus was collected from HepAD38.7 cell culture medium.Results:Dopamine inhibited HBsAg and HBeAg expression and upregulated ISG15 expression in HepG2.2.15 and HepG2-NTCP cell lines.ISG15 knockdown increased HBsAg and HBeAg expression in HepG2.2.15 cells.Dopamine-treated cells activated the JAK/STAT pathway,which upregulated ISG15 expression.In the adeno-associated virus-HBV murine infection model,dopamine downregulated HBsAg and HBeAg expression and activated the JAK-STAT/ISG15 axis.Conclusions:Dopamine inhibits the expression of HBsAg and HBeAg by activating the JAK/STAT pathway and upregulating ISG15 expression.