Epigenetic modification regulates both expression of tumor-associated genes and cell cycle progressing in human colon cancer cell lines: Colo-320 and SW1116

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of DNA methylation and historic acetylation, alone or in combination, on the expression of several tumor-associated genes and cell cycle progression in two established human colon cancer cell lines: Colo-320 and SW1116. Treatments with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) and trichostatin A, alone or in combination, were applied respectively. The methylation status of the CDKN2A promoter was determined by methyla-tion-specific PCR, and the acetylated status of the histones associated with the p21WAF1 and CDKN2A genes was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The expression of the CDKN2A, p21WAF1, p53, p73, APC, c-myc, c-Ki-ras and survivin genes was detected by real-time RT-PCR and RT-PCR. The cell cycle profile was established by flow cytometry. We found that along with the demethylation of the CDKN2A gene promoter in both cell lines induced by 5-aza-dC alone or in combination with TSA, the expression of both CDKN2A and APC genes increased. The treatment of TSA or sodium butyrate up-regulated the transcription of p21WAF1 significantly by inducing the acetylation of histones H4 and H3, but failed to alter the acetylation level of CDKN2A-associated histones. No changes in transcription of p53, p73, c-myc, c-Ki-ras and survivin genes were observed. In addition, TSA or sodium butyrate was shown to arrest cells at the G1 phase. However, 5-aza-dC was not able to affect the cell cycle progression. In conclusion, regulation by epigenetic modification of the transcription of tumor-associated genes and the cell cycle progression in both human colon cancer cell lines Colo-320 and SW1116 is gene-specific.

Growth arrest-specific gene 2 suppresses hepatocarcinogenesis by intervention of cell cycle and p53-dependent apoptosis

BACKGROUND Growth arrest-specific gene 2(GAS2)plays a role in modulating in reversible growth arrest cell cycle,apoptosis,and cell survival.GAS2 protein is universally expressed in most normal tissues,particularly in the liver,but is depleted in some tumor tissues.However,the functional mechanisms of GAS2 in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)are not fully defined.AIM To investigate the function and mechanism of GAS2 in HCC.METHODS GAS2 expression in clinic liver and HCC specimens was analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting.Cell proliferation was analyzed by counting,MTS,and colony formation assays.Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry.Cell apoptosis was investigated by Annexin V apoptosis assay and western blotting.RESULTS GAS2 protein expression was lower in HCC than in normal tissues.Overexpression of GAS2 inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells with wide-type p53,while knockdown of GAS2 promoted the proliferation of hepatocytes(P<0.05).Furthermore,GAS2 overexpression impeded the G1-to-S cell cycle transition and arrested more G1 cells,particularly the elevation of sub G1(P<0.01).Apoptosis induced by GAS2 was dependent on p53,which was increased by etoposide addition.The expression of p53 and apoptosis markers was further enhanced when GAS2 was upregulated,but became diminished upon downregulation of GAS2.In the clinic specimen,GAS2 was downregulated in more than 60%of HCCs.The average fold changes of GAS2 expression in tumor tissues were significantly lower than those in paired non-tumor tissues(P<0.05).CONCLUSION GAS2 plays a vital role in HCC cell proliferation and apoptosis,possibly by regulating the cell cycle and p53-dependent apoptosis pathway.

Prognostic Impact of Cell Division Cycle Associated 2 Expression on Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Objective To examine the expression of cell division cycle associated 2(CDCA 2) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) and investigate its role in prognosis of PDAC patients.Methods This retrospective study included 155 PDAC patients who underwent surgical treatment and complete post-operative follow-up.Clinicopathologic data were collected through clinical database.Tissue microarray was constructed and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect CDCA2 expression in the PDAC tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues.Clinicopathological characteristics between high and low CDCA2 expression were compared.Correlation of CDCA2 expressions with patients' survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis.Results Expression of CDCA2 in PDAC cells was significantly higher than that in adjacent non-tumor tissues(U=4056.5,P<0.001).Univariate analysis showed that CDCA2 expression [hazard ratio(HR)=1.574,95% confidence interval(CI)=1.014-2.443,P=0.043] and node metastasis(HR=1.704,95%CI=1.183-2.454,P=0.004) were significantly associated with prognosis.Cox regression analysis showed CDCA2 expression was not an independent prognostic risk factor(HR=1.418,95%CI=0.897-2.242,P=0.135) for PDCA patients.Stratification survival analysis demonstrated CDCA2 expression as an independent prognostic risk factor in male patients(HR=2.554,95%CI=1.446-4.511,P=0.003) or in non-perineural invasion patients(HR=2.290,95%CI=1.146-4.577,P=0.012).Conclusions CDCA2 is highly expressed in PDAC tumor tissue.Although CDCA2 is not an independent prognostic risk factor for PDAC patients,it might be used to help predict prognosis of male or non-perineural invasion patients of PDAC.

维持性血液透析患者血清细胞分裂周期蛋白42、β_(2)微球蛋白、腓骨蛋白1水平与腹主动脉钙化的相关性

目的 探讨维持性血液透析(MHD)患者血清细胞分裂周期蛋白42(CDC-42)、β_(2)微球蛋白(β_(2)-MG)、腓骨蛋白1(FBLN1)水平与腹主动脉钙化(AAC)的相关性。方法 收集74例MHD患者的一般资料和生化指标,根据腹主动脉钙化评分(AACs)将患者分为无和轻度AAC组36例和中重度AAC组38例。比较2组血清CDC-42、β_(2)-MG、FBLN1水平,采用多因素Logistic回归分析探讨MHD患者发生AAC的危险因素。结果 中重度AAC组透析龄、血磷、全段甲状旁腺激素(iPTH)、CDC-42、β_(2)-MG、FBLN1水平高于无和轻度AAC组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。MHD患者AAC与血磷、iPTH、CDC-42、β_(2)-MG、FBLN1、透析龄呈正相关(P<0.05)。高CDC-42、β_(2)-MG、FBLN1水平及长透析龄是MHD患者发生AAC的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。结论 血清CDC-42、β_(2)-MG、FBLN1水平与MHD患者AAC呈正相关,高CDC-42、β_(2)-MG、FBLN1水平及长透析龄是MHD患者发生AAC的独立危险因素。

Effect of Nimesulide on proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells

AIM: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been suggested to be associated with carcinogenesis. We sought to investigate the effect of the selective COX-2 inhibitor, Nimesulide on proliferation and apoptosis of SMMC-7721 human hepatoma cells.METHODS: This study was carried out on the culture of hepatic carcinoma SMMC-7721 cell line. Various concentrations of Nimesulide (0, 200 micromol/L, 300 micromol/L, 400 micromol/L) were added and incubated. Cell proliferation was detected with MTT colorimetric assay, cell apoptosis by electron microscopy, flow cytometry and TUNEL.RESULTS: Nimesulide could significantly inhibit SMMC-7721 cells proliferation dose-dependent and in a dependent manner compared with that of the control group. The duration lowest inhibition rate produced by Nimesulide in SMMC-7721 cells was 19.06%, the highest inhibition rate was 58.49%. After incubation with Nimesulide for 72 h, the most highest apoptosis rate and apoptosis index of SMMC-7721 cells comparing with those of the control were 21.20%+/-1.62% vs 2.24%+/-0.26% and 21.23+/-1.78 vs 2.01+/-0.23 (P【0.05). CONCLUSION:The selective COX-2 inhibitor, Nimesulide can inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells and increase apoptosis rate and apoptosis index of SMMC-7721 cells. The apoptosis rate and the apoptosis index are dose-dependent. Under electron microscope SMMC-7721 cells incubated with 300 micromol and 400 micromol Nimesulide show apoptotic characteristics. With the clarification of the mechanism of selective COX-2 inhibitors, These COX-2 selective inhibitors can become the choice of prevention and treatment of cancers.

Changes of NF-kB,p53,Bcl-2 and caspase in apoptosis induced by JTE-522 in human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS cells:role of reactive oxygen species

AIM: To identify whether JTE-522 can induce apoptosis in AGS cells and ROS also involved in the process, and to investigate the changes in NF-kB, p53, bcl-2 and caspase in the apoptosis process. METHODS: Cell culture, MTT, Electromicroscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, lucigenin, Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis were employed to investigate the effect of JTE-522 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in AGS cells and related molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: JTE-522 inhibited the growth of AGS cells and induced the apoptosis. Lucigenin assay showed the generation of ROS in cells under incubation with JTE-522. The increased ROS generation might contribute to the induction of AGS cells to apoptosis. EMSA and Western blot revealed that NF-kB activity was almost completely inhibited by preventing the degradation of IkBalpha. Additionally, by using Western blot we confirmed that the level of bcl-2 was decreased, whereas p53 showed a great increase following JTE-522 treatment. Their changes were in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that reactive oxygen species, NF-kB, p53, bcl-2 and caspase-3 may play an important role in the induction of apoptosis in AGS cells after treatment with JTE-522.

Reduction of tumorigenicity of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells by vascular endothelial growth factor antisense gene therapy

AIM: To test the hypothesis to block VEGF expression of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells may inhibit tumor growth using the rat hepatoma model. METHODS: Amplify the 200 VEGF cDNA fragment and insert it into human U6 gene cassette in the reverse orientation transcribing small antisense RNA which could specifically interact with VEGF165, and VEGF121 mRNA. Construct the retroviral vector containing this antisense VEGF U6 cassette and package the replication-deficient recombinant retrovirus. SMMC-7721 cells were transduced with these virus and positive clones were selected with G418. PCR and Southern blot analysis were performed to determine if U6 cassette integrated into the genomic DNA of positive clone. Transfected tumor cells were evaluated for RNA expression by ribonuclease protection assays. The VEGF protein in the supernatant of parental tumor cells and genetically modified tumor cells was determined with ELISA. In vitro and in vivo growth properties of antisense VEGF cell clone in nude mice were analyzed. RESULTS: Restriction enzyme digestion and PCR sequencing verified that the antisense VEGF RNA retroviral vector was successfully constructed.After G418 selection, resistant SMMC-7721 cell clone was picked up. PCR and Southern blot analysis suggested that U6 cassette was integrated into the cell genomic DNA. Stable SMMC-7721 cell clone transduced with U6 antisense RNA cassette could express 200 bp small antisense VEGF RNA and secrete reduced levels of VEGF in culture condition. Production of VEGF by antisense transgene-expressing cells was 65+/-10 ng/L per 10(6) cells, 42045 ng/L per 10(6) cells in sense group and 485+/-30 ng/L per 10(6) cells in the negative control group, (P【 0.05). The antisense-VEGF cell clone appeared phenotypically indistinguishable from SMMC-7721 cells and SMMC-7721 cells transfected sense VEGF. The growth rate of the antisense-VEGF cell clone was the same as the control cells. When S.C. was implanted into nude mice, growth of antisense-VEGF cell lines was greatly inhibited compared with control cells. CONCLUSION: Expression of antisense VEGF RNA in SMMC-7721 cells could decrease the tumorigenicity, and antisense-VEGF gene therapy may be an adjuvant treatment for hepatoma.

Effect of 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine on the P16 tumor suppressor gene in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2

INTRODUCTIONHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the mostcommon human malignancies worldwide[1,2], and isclosely associated with infection of HBV and HCVand contamination of aflatoxin B1[3-6]. Althoughthe molecular mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesisremain poorly understood, an increasing number ofgenetic abnormalities have been recognized[7-10],for example, the p16 gene[11,12] the p53gene[13-18], the E-cadherin gene[19], and the c-mycgene[20].

构建过表达TRPV1基因的Caco-2细胞株

采用慢病毒载体系统构建辣椒素受体基因TRPV1过表达的人结直肠腺癌细胞Caco-2稳定重组株.将双酶切后的慢病毒空载体pCDH和TRPV1全基因PCR产物通过T4 DNA Ligase连接,构建包含TRPV1基因的过表达载体pCDH-TRPV1.将过表达载体pCDH-TRPV1转化DH 5α感受态细菌,大量扩繁后提取过表达载体pCDH-TRPV1的质粒,与psPAX2和pMD两种含有慢病毒包装所必需元件的质粒混合,再与脂质体混合制备脂质体-载体混合液.将脂质体-载体混合液转染至单层的293T细胞中,培养48h进行病毒包装.收集富含慢病毒颗粒的293T细胞上清液,超离心纯化成浓缩病毒,然后再与polybrene一起感染单层Caco-2细胞,通过GFP绿荧光信号来筛选获得TRPV1基因过表达的稳定细胞株.通过Realtime PCR方法和Western-blot检测TRPV1的mRNA表达量及蛋白表达量,结果表明,Caco-2-TRPV1重组细胞株的TRPV1的mRNA表达量及蛋白表达量均显著高于Caco-2-GFP对照细胞(P<0.05).成功构建了TRPV1基因过表达的稳定细胞株,为后续辣椒素降脂机理的研究提供了正向调控细胞模型.

EFFECT OF MATRINE ON EXPRESSION OF HCCR1 AND HCCR2 PROTEINS IN CULTURAL HUMAN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMAS CELLS

Objective： To explore the effects of matrine on HCCR1 and HCCR2 expression in cultural human hepatocellular carcinomas （HCC） cells at the level of gene and protein. Methods： Three methods, representational difference analysis （RDA） of cDNA, microarrays and fluorescence in situ hybridization （FISH） were used to detect levels of mRNA and protein expression of HCCR1 and HCCR-2 before and after treatment of matrine. Results： Matrine had inhibitory effect on the mRNA and protein expression of HCCR1 and HCCR2 in cultural HCC cells. Conclusion： Matrine has inhibitory effect on gene transcription, protein expression of HCCR 1 and HCCR2 in cultural HCC cells.

Experimental study of piperlongumine inducing apoptosis of human breast adenoma MDA-MB-231 cells

Objective： The aim of the study was to investigate the apoptosis induced by piperlongumine on human breast adenoma MDA-MB-231 cells and the mechanism involved. Methods： Human breast adenoma MDA-MB-231 cells line was cultured in vitro. The inhibitory effect of piperlongumine on the proliferation of human breast adenoma MDA-MB-231 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay. Distribution of cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. The apoptosis rates of MDA-MB- 231 cells were measured using Annexin V/PI staining. The flow cytometry with the probe of DCFH-DA was used to detect the intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. Western blot was used to explore the protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax. Results： The CCK-8 assay showed that piperlongumine had an inhibiting effect on the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells in a concentrationand time-dependent manner. MDA-MB-231 cells were markedly arrested at G0/G1 phase after treatment of piperlongumine. Piperlongumine induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells obviously. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species was increased in a dose-dependent manner. The antioxidant N-acetyI-L-cystein inhibited the apoptosis of cells and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species was also decreased. By Western blot analysis, we found the expression of Bax was up-regulated whereas that of Bcl-2 was down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion： PiperIongumine possesses a significant function for inhibiting proliferation, arresting cells at G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells, which seems to be associated with the increased generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species as well as the down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax.

HCC组织CDC20表达及其与发病机制的关系研究

目的肝细胞癌(HCC)是世界上最常见的肝恶性肿瘤之一.HCC的病因和潜在的分子事件尚不清楚.我们应用综合生物信息学技术识别与HCC相关的关键致病基因细胞分裂周期20(CDC20),并揭示其潜在的分子机制.方法从Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)数据库下载GSE36376基因表达谱,共433个样本,其中HCC组织240例,正常肝组织193例,用综合生物信息学方法进行深入分析.应用RStudio中的R软件筛选HCC和正常肝组织差异表达基因(DEG),从STRING数据库中构建DEG的蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用(PPI)网络,应用Metascape在线工具进行富集分析,采用MCODE法对Hub基因进行鉴定.结果筛选GSE36376数据集得到706个DEG,其中共鉴定出554个下调基因和152个上调基因;从PPI网络中鉴定出DEG关系基因,显著上调基因是UBE2C、CDC20、COL4A1、NUSAP1、HSP90AB1和CD-KN3;Metascape富集分析表明,在GO生物过程中,主要集中在小分子分解代谢过程、一元羧酸代谢过程、类固醇代谢过程、辅因子代谢过程、药物分解代谢过程、初级酒精代谢过程、对有毒物质的反应、有机阴离子转运、单糖代谢过程、芳香族氨基酸家族代谢过程、解毒作用、伯醇分解代谢过程和有机环状化合物分解代谢过程等;在KEGG信号通路中,主要集中在碳代谢、脂肪酸降解、补体和凝血级联、色氨酸代谢和过氧物酶体等过程;MCODE分析显示Hub基因是UBE2C、CDC20和HSP90AB1.结论应用综合生物信息学方法筛选出的CDC20基因是HCC发生发展的关键基因,对HCC的早期诊断和预防具有临床意义,为HCC的防治提供了有效的靶点.

电针对佐剂性关节炎大鼠膝关节滑膜组织血管内皮生长因子受体2/细胞分裂周期蛋白42信号通路的影响

目的 观察电针对佐剂性关节炎(adjuvant arthritis, AA)大鼠膝关节滑膜组织内血管内皮生长因子受体2(vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, VEGFR2)/细胞分裂周期蛋白42(cell division cycle 42, Cdc42)信号通路的影响,探究电针治疗类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis, RA)的可能机制。方法 采用随机数字表法将40只SPF级SD雄性大鼠分成空白组、模型组、西药组和电针组,每组10只。模型组、西药组、电针组大鼠采用尾根部皮下注射不完全弗氏佐剂(0.1 mL/只)制成AA大鼠模型。造模后第2天即开始干预,电针组进行电针干预,每次20 min,每天干预1次,共21次,西药组给予甲氨蝶呤灌胃给药,每周1次,共3次。观察各组体质量、关节红肿等一般情况;每3 d测量1次大鼠后双侧足跖容积,干预结束后,通过大鼠一般情况、体质量、足跖容积分析各组大鼠足跖肿胀程度,HE观察各组大鼠滑膜组织的病理形态学变化,免疫组织化学法检测膝关节滑膜组织内VEGFR2、CD34表达变化,Western blot检测大鼠膝关节滑膜组织VEGFR2、Cdc42蛋白表达量。结果 与空白组相比,模型组大鼠第21天足跖容积均明显增大(P<0.01),膝关节滑膜组织出现了显著性病理改变,CD34表达量明显升高(P<0.01),VEGFR2、Cdc42蛋白表达量显著升高(P<0.01)。与模型组相比,西药组、电针组大鼠足趾容积明显减小(P<0.01),膝关节滑膜组织病理改变明显改善,VEGFR2、Cdc42表达量显著下降(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论 电针改善RA的作用机制可能与降低VEGFR2、Cdc42的表达从而抑制血管新生有关。

Effects of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid on human colon carcinoma cell line HCT15

AIM: Ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) are triperpene acids having a similar chemical structure and are distributed wildly in plants all over the world. In recent years, it was found that they had marked anti-tumor effects. There is little literature currently available regarding their effects on colon carcinoma cells. The present study was designed to investigate their inhibitory effects on human colon carcinoma cell line HCT15. METHODS: HCT15 cells were cultured with different drugs. The treated cells were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and their morphologic changes observed under a light microscope. The cytotoxicity of these drugs was evaluated by tetrazolium dye assay. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry (FCM). Data were expressed as means +/-SEM and Analysis of variance and Student' t-test for individual comparisons. RESULTS: Twenty-four to 72 h after UA or OA 60 micromol/L treatment, the numbers of dead cells and cell fragments were increased and most cells were dead at the 72nd hour. The cytotoxicity of UA was stronger than that of OA. Seventy-eight hours after 30 micromol/L of UA or OA treatment, a number of cells were degenerated, but cell fragments were rarely seen. The IC(50) values for UA and OA were 30 and 60 micromol/L, respectively. Proliferation assay showed that proliferation of UA and OA-treated cells was slightly increased at 24h and significantly decreased at 48 h and 60 h, whereas untreated control cells maintained an exponential growth curve. Cell cycle analysis by FCM showed HCT15 cells treated with UA 30 and OA 60 for 36 h and 72 h gradually accumulated in G(0)/G(1) phase (both drugs P【0.05 for 72 h), with a concomitant decrease of cell populations in S phase (both drugs P【0.01 for 72 h) and no detectable apoptotic fraction. CONCLUSION: UA and OA have significant anti-tumor activity. The effect of UA is stronger than that of OA. The possible mechanism of action is that both drugs have an inhibitory effect on tumor cell proliferation through cell-cycle arrest.

Inhibition of human telomerase in MKN-45 cell line by antisense hTR expression vector induces cell apoptosis and growth arrest

AIM: To investigate the effects of antisense human telomerase RNA (hTR)on the biologic behavior of human gastric cancer cell line: MKN-45 by gene transfection and its potential role in the gene therapy of gastric cancer. METHODS: The hTR cDNA fragment was cloned from MKN-45 through RT-PCR and subcloned into eukaryotic expression vector (pEF6/V5-His-TOPO) in cis-direction or trans-direction by DNA recombinant methods. The constructed sense, antisense and empty vectors were transfected into MKN-45 cell lines separately by lipofectin-mediated DNA transfection technology. After drug selection, the expression of antisense hTR gene in stable transfectants and normal MKN-45 cells was detected by RT-PCR, the telomerase activity by TRAP, the apoptotic features by PI and Hoechst 33258 staining, the cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry and the population doubling time by cell counting. Comparison among the stable transfectants and normal MKN-45 cells was made. RESULTS: The sense, antisense hTR eukaryotic expression vectors and empty vector were successfully constructed and proved to be the same as original design by restriction endonuclease analysis and sequencing. Then, they were successfully transfected into MKN-45 cell lines separately with lipofectin. The expression of antisense hTR gene was only detected in MKN-45 cells stably transfected with antisense hTR vector (named as MKN-45-ahTR) but not in the control cells. In MKN-45-ahTR, the telomerase activity was inhibited by 75%, the apoptotic rate was increased to 25.3%, the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase was increased to 65%, the proliferation index was decreased to 35% and the population doubling time was prolonged to 35.3 hours. However, the telomerase activity, the apoptotic rate, the distribution of cell cycle, the proliferation index and the population doubling time were not different among the control cells. CONCLUSION: Antisense hTR can significantly inhibit telomerase activity and proliferation of MKN-45 cells and induce cell apoptosis. Antisense gene therapy based on telomerase inhibition can be a potential therapeutic approach to the treatment of gastric cancer.

Effect of cis-9,trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid on cell cycle of gastric adenocarcinoma cell line(SGC-7901)

AIM: To determine the effect of cis -9, trans -11-conjugated linoleic acid (c9, t11-CLA) on the cell cycle of gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901) and its possible mechanism in inhibition cancer growth. METHODS: Using cell culture and immunocytochemical techniques, we examined the cell growth, DNA synthesis, expression of PCNA, cyclin A, B(1), D(1), p16(ink4a) and p21(cip/waf1) of SGC-7901 cells which were treated with various c9, t11-CLA concentrations (25, 50, 100 and 200 micromol.L(-1))of c 9, t 11-CLA for 24 and 48h, with a negative control (0.1% ethane). RESULTS: The cell growth and DNA synthesis of SGC-7901 cells were inhibited by c9, t11-CLA.SGC-7901 cells. Eight day after treatment with various concentrations of c9, t11-CLA mentioned above, the inhibition rates were 5.92%, 20.15%, 75.61% and 82.44%, respectively and inhibitory effect of c9, t11-CLA on DNA synthesis (except for 25 micromol.L, 24h) showed significantly less (3)H-TdR incorporation than that in the negative controls (P【0.05 and P【0.01). Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated that SGC-7901 cells preincubated in media supplemented with different c9, t11-CLA concentrations at various times significantly decreased the expressions of PCNA (the expression rates were 7.2-3.0%, 24h and 9.1-0.9% at 48h, respectively), Cyclin A (11.0-2.3%, 24h and 8.5-0.5%,48h), B(1) (4.8-1.8% at 24h and 5.5-0.6% at 48h)and D(1) (3.6-1.4% at 24h and 3.7%-0 at 48h) as compared with those in the negative controls(the expressions of PCNA, Cyclin A, B(1) and D(1) were 6.5% at 24h and 9.0% at 48h, 4.2% at 24h and 5.1% at 48h, 9.5% at 24h and 6.0% at 48h,respectively)(P【0.01), whereas the expressions of P16(ink4a) and P21(cip/waf1), cyclin-dependent kinases inhibitors(CDKI), were increased. CONCLUSION: The cell growth and proliferation of SGC-7901 cell is inhibited by c9, t11-CLA via blocking the cell cycle, with reduced expressions of cyclin A,B(1) and D(1) and enhanced expressions of CDKI(P16(ink4a) and p21(cip/waf1)).

Skp2-RNAi suppresses proliferation and migration of gallbladder carcinoma cells by enhancing p27 expression

AIM:To explore the role of S-phase kinase-associated protein-2(Skp2)in gallbladder carcinoma and to identify whether depletion of Skp2 by Skp2-RNAi could attenuate proliferation and migration of gallbladder carcinoma.METHODS:Skp2-RNAi was transduced into cells of the gallbladder carcinoma cell line GBC-SD,using a lentiviral vector.The effect of Skp2-RNAi on the proliferation,migration,invasion and cell cycle of GBC-SD cells was studied using in vitro assays for cell proliferation,colony formation,wound healing and cell cycle.The expression of Skp2 and p27 was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western immunoblotting.The effect of Skp2-RNAi on the proliferation of GBC-SD cells in vivo was investigated by tumorigenicity experiments in nude mice.RESULTS:Lentivirus-mediated RNAi reduced the expression of Skp2 in cultured cells.The expression of the p27 protein increased along with the down-regulation of Skp2,although no significant difference was found in p27 mRNA expression.Flow cytometry revealed that Skp2-RNAi transfection significantly increased the proportion of cells in the S phase and significantly decreased the proportion of cells in the G 2 /M phase.No significant difference in the frequency of cells in the G0/G1 phase was observed.The results from the cell proliferation,colony formation and wound healing assays revealed that Skp2-RNAi transfection markedly inhibited the proliferation and migration of GBC-SD cells in vitro.Additionally,tumorigenicity experiments showed that suppression of Skp2 significantly decreased the weights of the tumors(0.56 ± 0.11 and 0.55 ± 0.07 g in the control and Scr-RNAi groups vs 0.37 ± 0.09 and 0.35 ± 0.08 g in the Skp2-RNAi-L and Skp2-RNAi-H groups).CONCLUSION:The expression of Skp2 in GBC-SD cells was inhibited following Skp2-RNAi transfection.Silencing of the Skp2 gene inhibited proliferation,migration and invasiveness of GBC-SD cells by mechanisms dependent on enhanced expression of the p27 protein.

Effects of hypoxia,hyperoxia on the regulation of expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To study the effects of hypoxia, hyperoxia on the regulation of expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in hepatic stellate cells (HSC). METHODS: The expressions of MMP-2, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and membrane type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP) in cultured rat HSC were detected by immunocytochemistry (ICC) and in situ hybridization (ISH). The contents of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in culture supernatant were detected with ELISA and the activity of MMP-2 in supernatant was revealed by zymography. RESULTS: In the situation of hypoxia for 12h, the expression of MMP-2 protein was enhanced (hypoxia group positive indexes: 5.7 +/- 2.0, n=10; control: 3.2 +/- 1.0, n = 7; P【0.05), while TIMP-2 protein was decreased in HSC (hypoxia group positive indexes: 2.5 +/- 0.7, n = 10; control: 3.6 +/- 1.0, n = 7; P 【 0.05), and the activity (total A) of MMP-2 in supernatant declined obviously (hypoxia group: 7.334 +/- 1.922, n = 9; control: 17.277 +/- 7.424, n = 11; P 【 0.01). Compared the varied duration of hypoxia, the changes of expressions including mRNA and protein level as well as activity of MMP-2 were most notable in 6h group. The highest value(A(hypoxia)-A(control)) of the protein and the most intense signal of mRNA were in the period of hypoxia for 6h, along with the lowest activity of MMP-2. In the situation of hyperoxia for 12h, the contents (A(450)) of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in supernatant were both higher than those in the control, especially the TIMP-2 (hyperoxia group: 0.0499 +/- 0.0144, n = 16; control: 0.0219 +/- 0.0098, n = 14; P 【 0.01), and so was the activity of MMP-2 (hyperoxia group: 5.252 +/- 0.771, n = 14; control: 4.304 +/- 1.083, n = 12; P 【 0.05), and the expression of MT1-MMP was increased. CONCLUSION: HSC is sensitive to the oxygen, hypoxia enhances the expression of MMP-2 and the effect is more marked at the early stage; hyperoxia mainly raises the activity of MMP-2.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its role in oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma

AIM: To establish the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma more directly. METHODS: The expression of VEGF and its receptor kinase-domain insert containing receptor (KDR) in human gastric cancer tissue were observed by immunohistochemical staining. VEGF levels were manipulated in human gastric cancer cell using eukaryotic expression constructs designed to express the complete VEGF(165) complimentary DNA in either the sense or antisense orientation. The biological changes of the cells were observed in which VEGF was up-regulated or down-regulated. RESULTS: VEGF-positive rate was 50%, and VEGF was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and membrane of the tumor cells, while KDR was mainly located in the membrane of vascular endothelial cells in gastric cancer tissues and peri-cancerous tissue. In 2 cases of 50 specimens, the gastric cancer cells expressed KDR, localized in both the cytoplasm and membrane. Introduction of VEGF(165) antisense into human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901, immunofluorescence intensity, 31.6%)) resulted in a significant reduction in VEGF-specific messenger RNA and total and cell surface VEGF protein (immunofluorescence intensity, 8.9%) (P【0.05). Conversely, stable integration of VEGF(165) in the sense orientation resulted in an increase in cellular and cell surface VEGF (immunofluorescence intensity, 75.4%) (P【0.05). Lowered VEGF levels were associated with a marked decrease in the growth of nude mouse xenografted tumor (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 345.40 +/- 136.31 mm3)(P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group: 1534.40 +/- 362.88 mm3), whereas up-regulation of VEGF resulted in increased xenografted tumor size (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 2350.50 +/- 637.70 mm3) (P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group). CONCLUSION: This study provides direct evidence that VEGF plays an important role in the oncogenesis of human gastric cancer.

Bcl-2 over-expression and activation of protein kinase C suppress the Trail-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells

Trail, a tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, is a novel potent endogenous activator of the cell death pathway through the activation of cell surface death receptors Trail-R1 and Trail-R2. Its role, like FasL in activation-induced cell death (AICD), has been demonstrated in immune system. However the mechanism of Trail induced apoptosis remains unclear. In this report, the recombinant Trail protein was expressed and purified. The apoptosis-inducing activity and the regulation mechanism of recombinant Trail on Jurkat T cells were explored in vitro. Trypan blue exclusion assay demonstrated that the recombinant Trail protein actively killed Jurkat T cells in a dose-dependent manner. Trail-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells were remarkably reduced by Bcl-2 over expression in Bcl-2 gene transfected cells. Treatment with PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate), a PKC activator, suppressed Trail-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells. The inhibition of apoptosis by PMA was abolished by pretreatment with Bis, a PKC inhibitor. Taken together, it was suggested that Bcl-2 over-expression and PMA activated PKC actively down-regulated the Trail-mediated apoptosis in Jurkat T cell.