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.

Martentoxin, a large-conductance Ca^(2+)-activated K^+ channel inhibitor, attenuated TNF-α-induced nitric oxide release by human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Martentoxin, a 4,046 Da polypeptide toxin purified from the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, has been demonstrated to block large-conductance Ca2＋-activated K＋ （BKca） channels; however, its biological roles are still largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the pharmacological effects of martentoxin on regulating the production of nitric oxide induced by TNF-a in human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HU- VECs）. We found that, 1, 10 and 100 ~tmol/L martentoxin decreased nitric oxide production by HUVECs ex- posed to 10 ng/mL TNF for 6, 12 and 24 hours. We further demonstrated that martentoxin inhibited the activity of iNOS and retarded the down-regulation of eNOS mRNA induced by TNF-a. Therefore, martentoxin could be a potential therapeutic agent for vascular diseases.

Vein transplantation using human umbilical cord blood stem cells in the treatment of stroke sequela

BACKGROUND: Transplanted mononuclear cell (MNC) of umbilical blood can survive in central nervous system (CNS) of host through blood brain barrier, differentiate into nerve cells, migrate to damaged site and integrate morphological structure and function with nerve cells of host so as to improve deficiencies of sensatory function, motor function and cognitive function and influence on stroke sequela. OBJECTIVE: To observe the vein transplantation of human umbilical cord blood stem cells (HUCBSC) for improving neurological function, limb function and activity of daily living of patients with stroke and evaluate the reliability. DESIGN: Self-controlled study. SETTING: Department of Neurosurgery, the Second People's Hospital of Zhengzhou City; Red-crossed Blood Center of Henan Province; Department of Neurosurgery, the Fist Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 10 patients with stroke sequela were selected from Department of Cerebral Surgery, the Second People's Hospital of Zhengzhou City from April to December 2005. There were 9 males and 1 female aged from 35 to 75 years with the mean age of 56 years. All of them were diagnosed with CT and MRI examination and coincidence with diagnostic criteria of stroke established by the Fourth National Academic Meeting for Cerebrovascular Disease. All patients provided informed consent. METHODS: 80-140 mL umbilical blood of term birth of newborn was selected hermetically and maintained in sterile plastic bag. And then, the blood was centrifugated at the speed of 1 500 r/min for 30 minutes at 22 ℃ in order to separate MNC, i.e., HUCBSC. In addition, after final diagnosis during hospitalization, stroke patients were perfused with HUCBSC through superficial vein of back of the hand. Each patient was averagely perfused with 6 portions of HUCBSC (cellular numbers ≥ 1×108/portion) and the interval between each portion was 1-7 days with the mean interval of 4 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Neurological function of stroke patients was evaluated with neurological function deficiency (NFD) before treatment and at 3 months after treatment. The scale includes consciousness, level fix function, facial paralysis, language, muscle force of upper limbs, muscle force of lower limb and step function. The total scores ranged from 0 to 45; meanwhile, the lower the scores were, the better the neurological function was. ② Motor function of injured limbs was evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), including motor function of upper limbs, motor function of lower limbs, balance ability, sensory function and motion of joint. The total scores ranged from 0 to 226; meanwhile, the higher the scores were, the better the motor function of limbs was. ③ Activities of daily living (ADL) was evaluated with Barthel Index (BI), including having meals, taking a bath, dressing oneself, putting on clothes, walking in balance and stair activity. The total scores ranged from 0 to 100; meanwhile, the higher the scores were, the stronger the ADL was. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were involved in the final analysis. After treatment, NFD of stroke patients was (10.9±5.09) points, which was lower than that before treatment [(25.4±6.09) points, t =8.213, P < 0.01]. In addition, after treatment, FMA and BI of stroke patients were (80.9±25.00) points and (81.1±15.93) points, respectively, which were higher than those before treatment [(31.9±21.85) points, (36.2±19.41) points, t =13.024, 13.670, P < 0.01]. Immuno-suppressive drugs were not used during the whole therapeutic procedure; moreover, immunological rejection and allergic reaction were not observed during the same period. CONCLUSION: Transplanting HUCBSC through superficial vein of back of the hand is regarded as a simple and safe method for the treatment of stroke sequela.

Knockdown of Ezrin Suppresses the Migration and Angiogenesis of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells In Vitro

Progressive tumor growth is dependent on angiogenesis. The mechanisms by which endothelial cells（ECs） are incorporated to develop new blood vessels are not well understood. Recent studies reveal that the ezrin radixin moesin（ERM） family members are key regulators of cellular activities such as adhesion, morphogenetic change, and migration. We hypothesized that ezrin, one of the ERM family members, may play important roles in ECs organization during angiogenesis, and new vessels formation in preexisting tissues. To test this hypothesis, in this study, we investigated the effects of ezrin gene silencing on the migration and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells（HUVECs） in vitro. HUVECs were transfected with plasmids with ezrin-targeting short hairpin RNA by using the lipofectamine-2000 system. Wound assay in vitro and three-dimensional culture were used to detect the migration and angiogenesis capacity of HUVECs. The morphological changes of transfected cells were observed by confocal and phase contrast microscopy. Our results demonstrated that the decreased expression of ezrin in HUVECs significantly induced the morphogenetic changes and cytoskeletal reorganization of the transfected cells, and also reduced cell migration and angiogenesis capacity in vitro, suggesting that ezrin play an important role in the process of HUVECs migration and angiogenesis.

Kinase domain insert containing receptor promoter controlled suicide gene system selectively kills human umbilical vein endothelial cells

AIM: To study the selective killing of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by a double suicide gene under the regulation of a kinase domain insert containing receptor (KDR) promoter and mediated by an adenoviral gene vector. METHODS: Human KDR promoter was cloned by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and two recombinant adenoviral plasmids pAdKDR-CdglyTK, pAdCMV-CDglyTK were constructed according to a two-step transformation protocol. These two newly constructed plasmids were then transfected into 293 packaging cells to grow adenovirus, which were further multiplied and purifi ed. HUVECs and LoVo cells were infected with either of the two resultant recombinant adenoviruses (AdKDR-CDglyTK and AdCMV-CDglyTK) respectively, and the infection rates were estimated by detection of green ? uorescent protein (GFP) expression. Infected cells were cultured in culture media containing different concentrations of 5-? uorocytosine (5-FC) and ganciclovir (GCV), and the killing effects were measured. RESULTS: The two recombinant adenoviral plasmids pAdKDR-CdglyTK, pAdCMV-CDglyTK were successfullyconstructed and transfected into 293 cells. The resultant recombinant adenoviruses infected cells caused similar infection rates; and the infected cells exhibited different sensitivity to the prodrugs: HUVECs infected with AdCMV-CDglyTK and LoVo cells infected with AdCMV-CDglyTK were highly sensitive to the prodrugs, and HUVECs infected with AdKDR-CDglyTK were similarly sensitive but signifi cantly more sensitive than the LoVo cells infected with AdKDR-CdglyTK (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Selective killing of HUVECs may be achieved by gene transfer of double suicide gene under the regulation of the KDR promoter. This finding may provide an optional way to target gene therapy of malignant tumors by abrogation of tumor blood vessels. ? 2006 The WJG Press. All rights reserved.

Effect of IBD sera on expression of inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

瞄准：在煽动性的肠疾病(IBD ) 学习内皮和可诱导的氮的氧化物 synthases (eNOS 和 i NOS ) 和他们的角色的表示。方法：我们检验了重量的单位的效果一在人的脐的静脉 endothelial (HUVEC ) 的功能和生存能力上与活跃 Crohn 的疾病(CD ) 和 ulcerative (UC ) 从病人获得了。HUVEC 面对与活跃 CD 或 UC 从病人包含健康控制，或浆液的分享的浆液的媒介为 0-48 h 是有教养的。eNOS 和 i NOS 的表示被免疫荧光设想，并且由西方的污点的测密度术确定了。增长活动被 Ki-67 免疫的计算机化的图象分析估计反应房间，并且也面对 NOS 禁止者测试了， 10 (-4) mol/L L 名字。Apoptosis 和坏死被 annexin-V-biotin 方法并且由分别地染色的 propidium 碘化物检验。结果：在 HUVEC 立即在到 UC 的暴露以后，浆液 eNOS 显著地被导致，在 12 h 到达一座山峰。相反，在 eNOS 的减少与 CD 重量的单位在孵化以后被观察一 eNOS 铺平的 and 在与控制(18%+/-16% 对 23%+/-15% P【0.01 ) 相比的 20 h 是最小的。UC 或 CD 浆液与控制相比在 i NOS 引起了重要增加(UC：300%+/-21% ；CD：275%+/-27% 对 108%+/-14% ， P【0.01 ) 。Apoptosis/necrosis 特征没在任何一个实验显著地不同。增加的增长活动与 L 名字面对 CD 浆液或术后疗法被检测。文化与 CD 浆液在 24 h 处理以后显示出像试管的形成。结论：IBD 重量的单位一在 eNOS/iNOS 的比率的唤起的变化，而没影响 HUVEC 的生存能力。这些同时包含了 eNOS 的下面规定和 i NOS 的起来规定，导致增加的增长活动并且可能 endothelial 的减少的反煽动性的保护。

Up-regulation interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 by activated protein C in lipopolysaccharide-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective: To investigate the effect of activated protein C (APC) on inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: The second passage of collagenase digested HUVEC was divided into the following groups: serum free medium control group (SFM control), phosphate buffer solution control group (PBS control), LPS group with final concentration of 1 μg/ml (LPS group), APC group with final concentration of 7 μg/ml, Pre-APC group (APC pretreatment for 30 min prior to LPS challenge), and Post-APC group (APC administration 30 min after LPS challenge). Supernatant was harvested at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after LPS challenge. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels were analyzed with ELISA. Cells were harvested at 24 h after LPS challenge, and total RNA was extracted. Mes-senger RNA levels for IL-6 and IL-8 were semi-quantitatively determined by RT-PCR. Results: Compared with control group, IL-6 and IL-8 levels steadily increased 4 to 24 h after LPS stimulation. APC treatment could increase LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production. The mRNA levels of IL-6 and IL-8 exhibited a similar change. Conclusion: APC can further increase the level of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by LPS. The effect of these elevated cytokines is still under investigation.

Effects of Fumonisin B1 on Biomechanics and Cytoskeleton of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Objective Fumonisin B1(FB1)is an important mycotoxin in nature worldwide.The biomechanical properties of cells are closely related to their structure and function,and the cytoskeleton is the structural and functional basis of cells motility,and therefore,from a biomechanical point of view,the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of FB1 on the biomechanical properties,migration capacity and cytoskeletal structure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs),which may lay an experimental foundation for further exploration of the toxicity mechanism of fumonisin.Methods HUVECs were cultured and treated with different concentrations of FB1.Then,CCK-8 kit was used to detect the effect of FB1 on the survival rate.The osmotic fragility of the cells was measured after treatment with different osmotic pressures for30 min.The cell membrane fluidity was measured by fluorescence polarization method.The cell electrophoretic mobility was measured by cell electrophoretic apparatus.The migration capacity of the cells was observed by scratch repair assay.The changes of reactive oxygen species and cytoskeletal structure were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy.Finally,the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of cytoskeletal binding proteins were detected by real-time PCR,Western blotting and confocal laser scanning.Results The results of CCK-8 showed that FB1 could significantly inhibit the proliferation of HUVECs in a dose-and time-dependent manner.After treatment of HUVECs with FB1,the hypotonic resistance of the cell,cell surface charge,cell membrane fluidity and migration capacity were all weakened,while reactive oxygen species were significantly increased and the cytoskeletal structure was significantly reorganized.Furthermore,RTPCR results showed that the mRNA relative expression levels of cytoskeletal binding proteins,exception of actin,were down-regulated after treated with FB1.Besides,Western blotting and statistical analysis based on fluorescence intensity of laser confocal microscopy confirmed theses changes in protein level.Conclusions FB1 can significantly affect the biomechanical properties and motility of HUVECs,which may be directly correlated to the remodel of F-actin cytoskeleton,as well as the relative expression changes of cytoskeletal binding proteins.It is significant for further exploring the toxicity mechanism of fumonisin.

Comparison of conventional and directional freezing for the cryopreservation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

AIM:To compare conventional slow equilibrium cooling and directional freezing(DF) by gauze package for cryopreservation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).METHODS:HUVECs were randomly assigned to conventional freezing(CF) and DF by gauze package group. The two groups of HUVECs were incubated with a freezing liquid consisting of 10% dimethylsulfoxide(DMSO), 60% fetal bovine serum(FBS) and 30%Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium(DMEM) and then put into cryopreserved tubes. CF group, slow equilibrium cooling was performed with the following program:precool in 4℃ for 30 min,-20℃ for 1h, and then immersion in-80℃ refrigerator. DF group, the tubes were packaged with gauze and then directional freezing in-80℃ refrigerator straightly. One month later, the vitality of HUVECs were calculated between two groups.RESULTS:There was no significant difference in the survival rate and growth curve between CF and DF groups. The DF group was significantly better than CFgroup in adherent rates, morphological changes and proliferative ability.CONCLUSION:In the conventional cryopreserved method, cells are slow equilibrium cooling by steps(4℃,-20℃ and finally-80℃), which is a complicated and time-consuming process. But the improved DF by gauze package method is better than conventional method, for which is convenient and easy to operate.

Changes in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Induced by Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Traffic Inducer

This study investigated the changes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） induced by overexpression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase traffic inducer （NOSTRIN） and its role in cellular injury. Recombinant NOSTRIN-expressing and empty vectors were transfected into cultured HUVECs, and factor Ⅷ-related antigen was examined by using immunohistochemical analysis. Growth curves were generated for both transfected and untransfected cells and these indicated that the prolifera- tive ability of cells overexpressing NOSTRIN was significantly decreased. The expression of NOSTRIN and eNOS proteins was detected by using Western blot analysis, endothelial NOS （eNOS） activity was assayed by using spectrophotometry, and NO2-/NO3- levels were measured usin~ nitrate reductase. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that all groups expressed NOSTRIN in the plasma mem- brane and cytoplasm, and Western blot analysis confirmed that NOSTR1N levels were significantly higher in cells transfected with the NOSTR1N plasmid （P〈0.01）. The activity of eNOS and the levels of NO2-/NO3 were significantly decreased in NOSTRIN overexpressing cells as compared with empty vector and untransfected cells （P〈0.01 and P〈0.01, respectively）. Morphological and ultrastructural changes were observed under light and electron microscopy, and it was found that NOS- TRIN-overexpressing cells were elongated with deformities of the karyotheca, injury to the plasma membrane, increased lipids in the cytoplasm, and shortened microvilli. This study showed that overex- pression of NOSTRIN had a significant effect on eNOS activity in HUVECs and resulted in significant cellular damage.

Effects of miR-21 antisense oligonucleotides on proliferation,migration and autophagy of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective:To investigate the effects of microRNA-21 antisense nucleotide(AS-miR-21)on the proliferation,migration and autophagy of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).Methods:HUVECs were treated with1,000 nmol/L rapamycin for 6 h(rapamycin group)or ASmiR-21 transfection followed by 1,000 nmol/L rapamycin for6 h(AS-miR-21+rapamycin group).HUVECs without any treatment were defined as control group.The proliferation and migration abilities of HUVECs were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay,scratch wound healing assay and transwell test,respectively.The expressions of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ(LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ)and Becline-1 were determined by western blotting.Results:The rapamycin group showed decreased OD value and migration rate,an increased ratio of LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ and up-regulated expression of Beclin-1 compared with the control group(P<0.05).The AS-miR-21+rapamycin group demonstrated lower OD value,migration rate,the number of migrated cells,and significantly higher ratio of LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ and Beclin-1 protein expression level than the control group and the rapamycin group(P<0.05).Conclusion:AS-miR-21 suppressed the autophagy,proliferation and migration in the HUVECs model of autophagy induced by rapamycin.

The Effects and Mechanism of GSA on Expression of MCP-1 in Cultured Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Objectives To investigate the effects and mechanism of glycated serum albumin(GSA) on expression of Monocyte chemoattratant protein-1(MCP-1) in Endothelial Cells. Methods Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC)are cultured with GSA of different concentrations and interfered by glycosylation products inhibitor Aminoguanidine (AG) and anti-oxidant N-acetylcy-steine (NAC), The expression of MCP-1 are evaluated by Immunocytochemistry and Sandwich ELISA. MDA content and SOD activity are determined by the technique of TBA and XOD respectively. Results GSA can stimulate MCP-1 production and secretion. Immunocytochemistry showed that after HUVECs were cultured with 50 mg/L GSA, expression of MCP-1 in group 4hrs, 8hrs and 12hrs was 1.3, 1.9 and 2.8 fold as much as that in control group (P < 0.01), and there was significant difference among the experiment groups(P < 0.01). Sandwich ELISA showed that expression of MCP-1 in three different groups was 1.6, 2.4 and 3.0 fold as much as that in control group(P < 0.01), and there was significant difference among the experiment groups(P < 0.01); GSA can cause the decrease of SOD activity(P < 0.05) and increase of MDA content(P < 0.01); AG and NAC can restrain obviously the expression of MCP-1 of HUVECs stimulated by GSA(P < 0.01); NAC can restrain the effect of GSA on SOD activity and MDA content in HUVECs (P < 0.05). Conclusions GSA can stimulate the expression of MCP-1 of endothelial cells by inducing endothelial cells oxidative stress.

Enhanced hepatic differentiation in the subpopulation of human amniotic stem cells under 3D multicellular microenvironment

BACKGROUND To solve the problem of liver transplantation donor insufficiency,an alternative cell transplantation therapy was investigated.We focused on amniotic epithelial cells(AECs)as a cell source because,unlike induced pluripotent stem cells,they are cost-effective and non-tumorigenic.The utilization of AECs in regenerative medicine,however,is in its infancy.A general profile for AECs has not been comprehensively analyzed.Moreover,no hepatic differentiation protocol for AECs has yet been established.To this end,we independently compiled human AEC libraries,purified amniotic stem cells(ASCs),and co-cultured them with mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)and human umbilical vein endothelial cell(HUVECs)in a 3D system which induces functional hepatic organoids.AIM To characterize AECs and generate functional hepatic organoids from ASCs and other somatic stem cells METHODS AECs,MSCs,and HUVECs were isolated from the placentae and umbilical cords of cesarean section patients.Amnion and primary AEC stemness characteristics and heterogeneity were analyzed by immunocytochemistry,Alkaline phosphatase(AP)staining,and flow cytometry.An adherent AEC subpopulation was selected and evaluated for ASC purification quality by a colony formation assay.AEC transcriptomes were compared with those for other hepatocytes cell sources by bioinformatics.The 2D and 3D culture were compared by relative gene expression using several differentiation protocols.ASCs,MSCs,and HUVECs were combined in a 3D co-culture system to generate hepatic organoids whose structure was compared with a 3D AEC sphere and whose function was elucidated by immunofluorescence imaging,periodic acid Schiff,and an indocyanine green(ICG)test.RESULTS AECs have certain stemness markers such as EPCAM,SSEA4,and E-cadherin.One AEC subpopulation was also either positive for AP staining or expressed the TRA-1-60 and TRA-1-81 stemness markers.Moreover,it could form colonies and its frequency was enhanced ten-fold in the adherent subpopulation after selective primary passage.Bioinformatics analysis of ribose nucleic acid sequencing revealed that the total AEC gene expression was distant from those of pluripotent stem cells and hepatocytes but some gene expression overlapped among these cells.TJP1,associated with epidermal growth factor receptor,and MET,associated with hepatocyte growth factor receptor,were upregulated and may be important for hepatic differentiation.In conventional flat culture,the cells turned unviable and did not readily differentiate into hepatocytes.In 3D culture,however,hepatic gene expression of the AEC sphere was elevated even under a two-step differentiation protocol.Furthermore,the organoids derived from the MSC and HUVEC co-culture showed 3D structure with polarity,hepatic-like glycogen storage,and ICG absorption/elimination.CONCLUSION Human amniotic epithelial cells are heterogeneous and certain subpopulations have high stemness.Under a 3D co-culture system,functional hepatic organoids were generated in a multicellular microenvironment.

Culture supernatants of breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 treated with parthenolide inhibit the proliferation, migration, and lumen formation capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Background Parthenolide has been tested for anti-tumor activities, such as anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis in recent studies. However, little is known about its role in the process of tumor angiogenesis. This study aims to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of parthenolide on the proliferation, migration and lumen formation capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Methods Different concentrations of parthenolide were applied to the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 cells. After 24-hour incubation, the culture supernatants were harvested and used to treat human umbilical vein endothelial cells for 24 hours. Then an inverted fluorescence phase contrast microscope was used to evaluate the human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）, interleukin （IL）-8 and matrix metalloproteinases （MMP）-9 in the culture supernatant of the MDA-MB-231 cells was then measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） assays. Results Suppression of proliferation, migration, and the lumen formation capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was observed in the presence of the culture supernatants from the breast cancer cell line treated with different concentrations of parthenolide. Parthenolide decreased the levels of the angiogenic factors MMP-9, VEGF, and IL-8 secreted by the MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusions Parthenolide may suppress angiogenesis through decreasing angiogenic factors secreted by breast cancer cells to interfere with the proliferation, migration and lumen-like structure formation of endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. It is a promising potential anti-angiogenic drug.

Piper sarmentosum as an antioxidant on oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by hydrogen peroxide

Endothelial cell death due to increased reactive oxygen species(ROS) may contribute to the initial endothelial injury,which promotes atherosclerotic lesion formation.Piper sarmentosum(PS),a natural product,has been shown to have an antioxidant property,which is hypothesized to inhibit production of ROS and prevent cell injury.Thus,the present study was designed to determine the effects of PS on the hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)-induced oxidative cell damage in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).In this experiment,HUVECs were obtained by collagenase perfusion of the large vein in the umbilical cord and cultured in medium M200 supplemented with low serum growth supplementation(LSGS).HUVECs were treated with various concentrations of H2O2(0-1000 μmol/L) and it was observed that 180 μmol/L H2O2 reduced cell viability by 50% as denoted by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay.Using the above concentration as the positive control,the H2O2-induced HUVECs were concomitantly treated with various concentrations(100,150,250 and 300 μg/ml) of three different extracts(aqueous,methanol and hexane) of PS.Malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT) and glutathione peroxidase(GPX) levels showed a significant increase(P<0.05) in HUVECs compared to the negative control.However,PS extracts showed a protective effect on HUVECs from H2O2-induced cell apoptosis with a significant reduction in MDA,SOD,CAT and GPX levels(P<0.05).Furthermore,PS had exhibited ferric reducing antioxidant power with its high phenolic content.Hence,it was concluded that PS plays a beneficial role in reducing oxidative stress in H2O2-induced HUVECs.

Involvement of heme oxygenase-1 induction in anti-vascular inflammation effects of Xanthoceras sorbifolia in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE: To define the effects of Xanthoceras sorbifolia(EXS) on vascular inflammation and the mechanisms in endothelial cells.METHODS: Vascular protective effects of an ethanol extract of seeds from EXS(1-50 μg/mL) against tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)-induced vascularinflammation were examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).RESULTS: EXS significantly decreased TNF-α-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules, such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and endothelial cell selectin,in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-treatment with EXS significantly inhibited translocation and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) increased by TNF-α. EXS also significantly inhibited formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS). Moreover, the vascular protective effects of EXS were linked to up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) and nuclear factor E2-related factor-2(Nrf-2) expression. EXS-induced HO-1 expression was significantly decreased in SnPP(HO-1 inhibitor)-and HO-1 siRNA-treated cells, whereas an increase was found in cobalt protoporphyrin IX(CoPP)(HO-1 inducer)-treated cells. In addition, pretreatment with EXS increased HO-1 and Nrf-2 expression under TNF-α stimulation with or without N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of EXS on TNF-α-induced vascular inflammation were partially reversed in SnPP-and of HO-1siRNA-treated cells but increased by CoPP.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EXS may have important implications for prevention of vascular complications associated with vascular inflammation by inhibition of the NF-κB/ROS pathway and activation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.

Inhibitory Effect of Cryptotanshinone on Angiogenesis and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Objective：To investigate the anti-angiogenic effect of cryptotanshinone（CPT） on human umbilical vein endothelial cells（HUVECs） and the effect of CPT on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods：HUVECs were incubated with 0,2.5,5,10,and 20 μmol/L CPT for detecting cell viability with dimethyl thiazolyl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide（MTT） assay.Then,HUVECs were incubated with 0,2.5,5,and 10 μmol/L CPT for detecting endothelial cell migration,invasion,and tubular-like structure formation with wound healing,transwell invasion and matrigel tube formation assays,respectively.To gain insight into CPT-mediated signaling,the effects of CPT on T-cell factor/lymphocyte enhancer factor（TCF/LEF） transcription factors were detected by the Dual-luciferase reporter assay.Next,the nuclear expression of p-catenin was evaluated using Western blot and immunochemistry.Finally,vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF） and cyclin D1,downstream proteins of the Wnt pathway were examined with Western blot.Results：CPT dose-dependently suppressed endothelial cell viability,migration,invasion,and tubular-like structure formation.In particular,CPT blocked β-catenindependent transcription in HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner.In Western bolt,10 μ mol/L CPT decreased expression of β-catenin in nucleus of HUVECs（P〈0.01）.In immunohistochemistry,β-catenin was more potent in response to LiCI（an activator of the pathway） treatment.However,the signals were weaker in the nucleus of the CPT（10 μmol/L） group,compared to the positive control.Also,VEGF and cyclin D1 were both eliminated by CPT in 5 and 10 μ mol/L doses（P〈0.05）.Conclosion：Our study supported the role of CPT as an angiogenic inhibitor,which may impact on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Pro-angiogenic Activity of Notoginsenoside R1 in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells in vitro and in a Chemical-Induced Blood Vessel Loss Model of Zebrafish in vivo

Objective： This study aimed at investigating whether notoginsenoside R1 （R1）, a unique saponin found in Panax notoginseng could promote angiogenic activity on human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） and elucidate their potential molecular mechanisms. In addition, vascular restorative activities of R1 was assessed in a chemically-induced blood vessel loss model in zebrafish. Methods： The in vitro angiogenic effect of R1 was compared with other previously reported angiogenic saponins Rgl and Re. The HUVECs proliferation in the presence of R1 was determined by cell proliferation kit lI （XTI＇） assay. R1, Rgl and Re-induced HUVECs invasion across polycarbonate membrane was stained with Hoechst-33342 and quantified microscopically. Tube formation assay using matrigel- coated wells was performed to evaluate the pro-angiogenic actions of RI. In order to understand the mechanism underlying the pro-angiogenic effect, various pathway inhibitors such as SU5416, wortmannin （wort） or L-N （o -nitro- L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride （L-NAME）, SH-6 were used to probe the possible involvement of signaling pathway in the R1 mediated HUVECs proliferation. In in vivo assays, zebrafish embryos at 21 hpf were pre-treated with vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） receptor kinase inhibitor ]1 （VRI） for 3 h only and subsequently post-treated with R1 for 48 h, respectively. The intersegmental vessels （ISVs） in zebrafish were assessed for the restorative effect of R1 on defective blood vessels. Results： R1 could stimulate the proliferation of HUVECs. In the chemoinvasion assay, R1 significantly increased the number of cross-membrane HUVECs. In addition, R1 markedly enhanced the tube formation ability of HUVECs. The proliferative effects of these saponins on HUVECs were effectively blocked by the addition of SU5416 （a VEGF-KDR/FIk-1 inhibitor）. Similarly, pre-treatment with wort [a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）-kinase inhibitor], L-NAME [an endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS） inhibitor] or SH-6 （an Akt pathway inhibitor） significantly abrogated the R1 induced proliferation of HUVECs. In chemically- induced blood vessel loss model in zebrafish, R1 significantly rescue the damaged ISVs. Conclusion： R1, similar to Rgl and Re, had been showed pro-angiogenic action, possibly via the activation of the VEGF-KDR/FIk-1 and PI3K- Akt-eNOS signaling pathways. Our findings also shed light on intriguing pro-angiogenic effect of R1 under deficient angiogenesis condition in a pharmacologic-induced blood vessels loss model in zebrafish. The present study in vivo and in vitro provided scientific evidence to explain the ethnomedical use of Panax notoginseng in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, traumatic injuries and wound healing.

Paeoniflorin Promotes Angiogenesis in A Vascular Insufficiency Model of Zebrafish in vivo and in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells in vitro

Objective： To investigate the pro-angiogenic effects of paeoniflorin（PF） in a vascular insufficiency model of zebrafish and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells（HUVECs）. Methods： In vivo, the pro-angiogenic effects of PF were tested in a vascular insufficiency model in the Tg（fli-1：EGFP）y1 transgenic zebrafish. The 24 h post fertilization（hpf） embryos were pretreated with vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF） receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor Ⅱ（VRI） for 3 h to establish the vascular insufficiency model and then post-treated with PF for 24 h. The formation of intersegmental vessels（ISVs） was observed with a fluorescence microscope. The m RNA expression of fms-like tyrosine kinase-1（flt-1）, kinase insert domain receptor（kdr）, kinase insert domain receptor like（kdrl） and von Willebrand factor（v WF） were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）. In vitro, the pro-angiogenic effects of PF were observed in HUVECs in which cell proliferation, migration and tube formation were assessed. Results： PF（6.25–100 μmol/L） could rescue VRI-induced blood vessel loss in zebrafish and PF（25–100 μmol/L）, thereby restoring the m RNA expressions of flt-1, kdr, kdrl and v WF, which were down-regulated by VRI treatment. In addition, PF（0.001–0.03 μmol/L） could promote the proliferation of HUVECs while PF stimulated HUVECs migration at 1.0–10 μmol/L and tube formation at 0.3 μmol/L. Conclusion： PF could promote angiogenesis in a vascular insufficiency model of zebrafish in vivo and in HUVECs in vitro.