Metabolic shift in liver: Correlation between perfusion temperature and hypoxia inducible factor-1α

AIM: To study at what temperature the oxygen carried by the perfusate meets liver requirements in a model of organ perfusion. METHODS: in this study, we correlated hypoxia induciblefactor(Hi F)-1α expression to the perfusion temperature and the hepatic oxygen uptake in a model of isolated perfused rat liver. Livers from Wistar rats were perfused for 6 h with an oxygenated medium at 10, 20, 30 and 37 ℃. Oxygen uptake was measured by an oxygen probe; lactate dehydrogenase activity, lactate release and glycogen were measured spectrophotometrically; bile flow was gravitationally determined; p H of the perfusate was also evaluated; Hi F-1α m RNA and protein expression were analyzed by real time-polymerase chain reaction and ELi SA, respectively. RESULTS: Livers perfused at 10 and 20 ℃ showed no difference in lactate dehydrogenase release after 6 h of perfusion(0.96 ± 0.23 vs 0.93 ± 0.09 m U/min per g) and had lower hepatic damage as compared to 30 and 37 ℃(5.63 ± 0.76 vs 527.69 ± 45.27 m U/min per g, respectively, P s < 0.01). After 6 h, tissue ATP was significantly higher in livers perfused at 10 and 20 ℃than in livers perfused at 30 and 37 ℃(0.89 ± 0.06 and 1.16 ± 0.05 vs 0.57 ± 0.09 and 0.33 ± 0.08 nmol/mg, respectively, P s < 0.01). No sign of hypoxia was observed at 10 and 20 ℃, as highlighted by low lactate release respect to livers perfused at 30 and 37 ℃(121.4 ± 12.6 and 146.3 ± 7.3 vs 281.8 ± 45.3 and 1094.5 ± 71.7 nmol/m L, respectively, P s < 0.02), and low relative Hi F-1α m RNA(0.40 ± 0.08 and 0.20 ± 0.03 vs 0.60 ± 0.20 and 1.47 ± 0.30, respectively, P s < 0.05) and protein(3.72 ± 0.16 and 3.65 ± 0.06 vs 4.43 ± 0.41 and 6.44 ± 0.82, respectively, P s < 0.05) expression.CONCLUSION: Livers perfused at 10 and 20 ℃ show no sign of liver injury or anaerobiosis, in contrast to livers perfused at 30 and 37 ℃.

电针调控HIF-1α/VEGF信号通路对类风湿性关节炎模型踝关节病理学改变的影响

目的探讨电针通过调控HIF-1α/VEGF信号通路活性对类风湿性关节炎(RA)大鼠踝关节病理损伤的影响。方法选取50只SD大鼠,随机分为Sham组(空白对照)、RA组(大鼠构建RA模型)、电针组(RA组大鼠给予电针治疗)、CAY10585组(RA大鼠腹腔内注射HIF-1α/VEGF信号通路抑制剂)、电针+CAY10585组(电针组大鼠腹腔注射HIF-1α/VEGF信号通路抑制剂),每组10只。模型建立后观察各组大鼠基本形态;8周后处死大鼠,比较治疗后大鼠踝关节直径;取大鼠踝关节行HE染色,观察整体病理形态及踝关节病理特征(滑膜细胞增殖、细胞侵蚀、血管翳形成、炎性细胞浸润、骨侵蚀)病理评分;酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测5组大鼠血清炎性因子肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白介素-6(IL-6)水平;Western-blot检测大鼠踝关节组织内软骨基质因子Ⅱ型胶原(CollagenⅡ)、C端肽(CTXⅡ)、Ⅱ型胶原C前肽(CPⅡ)蛋白表达。结果与Sham组比较,RA模型建立可以上调大鼠踝关节直径,踝关节滑膜细胞增殖、细胞侵蚀、血管翳形成、炎性细胞浸润、骨侵蚀病理评分,血清炎性因子(TNF-α、IL-6)水平均明显提升(P<0.05),关节滑膜上皮复层出现增生、间质水肿以及炎性细胞浸润的现象;电针干预可以下调大鼠踝关节直径、踝关节滑膜细胞增殖、细胞侵蚀、血管翳形成、炎性细胞浸润、骨侵蚀病理评分,血清炎性因子(TNF-α、IL-6)水平(P<0.05),同时踝关节病理形态明显得到缓解;CAY10585干预再次增加RA大鼠病理形态,破骨细胞明显增加,骨质出现侵蚀、溶解骨层及炎性细胞浸润的现象,踝关节直径、踝关节滑膜细胞增殖、细胞侵蚀、血管翳形成、炎性细胞浸润、骨侵蚀病理评分,血清炎性因子(TNF-α、IL-6)水平再次提升(P<0.05);电针干预可以逆转CAY10585组大鼠趋势,再次下调大鼠踝关节直径、踝关节滑膜细胞增殖、细胞侵蚀、血管翳形成、炎性细胞浸润、骨侵蚀病理评分(P<0.05);与Sham组比较,RA组大鼠踝关节组织内CTXⅡ表达提升,CollagenⅡ、CPⅡ表达降低(P<0.05);电针干预可以下调CTXⅡ表达,上调CollagenⅡ、CPⅡ、HIF-1α、VEGF表达(P<0.05);CAY10585干预则体现出相反趋势,再次上调CTXⅡ表达,下调CollagenⅡ、CPⅡ、HIF-1α、VEGF表达(P<0.05);电针干预可以逆转CAY10585组大鼠软骨基质及HIF-1α、VEGF表达(P<0.05)。结论电针治疗可以改善RA大鼠踝关节的病理学表现,降低炎性反应,保护软骨损伤,其分子机制可能与激活HIF-1α/VEG信号通路有关。

热应激对从江香猪十二指肠黏膜结构、HIF-1及其相关蛋白表达的影响

旨在研究热应激(heat stress,HS)对从江香猪十二指肠黏膜屏障结构的影响,同时跟踪检测低氧诱导因子-1(hypoxia inducible factor-1,HIF-1)的表达特征及调控机制。试验选取24头育肥期从江香猪,随机分为6组,除对照组(Con),其余5组进行不同时间热应激处理(6、12、24、48、72 h),试验过程中检测从江香猪直肠温度和呼吸频率,试验结束时采集各组从江香猪十二指肠。苏木精-伊红染色(HE)和阿利新蓝-过碘酸雪夫反应(AB-PAS)观察各组十二指肠组织结构和杯状细胞数量变化;TUNEL染色检测十二指肠细胞凋亡率;实时荧光定量(qRTPCR)、蛋白免疫印迹(Western blot)和免疫组织化学分别检测紧密连接相关蛋白、HIF-1及其上游调控因子HSP90和PHD-2的表达变化。结果显示,与对照组相比,热应激可使从江香猪直肠温度和呼吸频率明显升高,肠绒毛高度下降,隐窝深度增加,绒腺比降低,闭合蛋白(Occludin)和紧密连接蛋白1(ZO-1)表达水平呈时间依赖性下降,杯状细胞数量增多。TUNEL检测结果显示,HS处理72 h后,十二指肠上皮细胞凋亡率显著上升(P<0.001)。免疫组织化学、qRT-PCR和Western blot对HIF-1α、HSP90和PHD-2的表达进行检测,结果显示,相较于对照组,HS处理72 h后十二指肠黏膜上皮HIF-1αmRNA和蛋白表达量随HS时间延长而增加;HSP90阳性细胞在对照组和热应激组中均集中于黏膜上皮,其表达趋势与HIF-1α一致;PHD-2表达特征与HSP90相反,其表达强度在HS组中明显减弱,且随HS时间增加,PHD-2 mRNA和蛋白水平均呈时间依赖性下降。以上结果说明,HS可引起十二指肠上皮细胞凋亡,损伤十二指肠黏膜屏障;HIF-1的表达升高与十二指肠细胞凋亡密切相关,且可能同时受HSP90和PHD-2调控。

原发性肝癌患者血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT水平与TACE治疗预后的关系

目的探索血清缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)、胸苷激酶1(TK1)、γ-谷氨酰转移酶(γ-GT)对原发性肝癌患者经肝动脉导管化疗栓塞术(TACE)治疗预后的预测价值。方法选取2019年10月至2022年10月接受TACE治疗的172例原发性肝癌患者作为癌症组,同期选择156例健康体检者作为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血清HIF-1α、TK1水平,采用全自动分析仪检测血清γ-GT水平;分析血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT水平与患者临床病理特征的关系;对原发性肝癌患者TACE治疗后预后不良的影响因素进行单因素及多因素分析;受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT检测对原发性肝癌患者TACE治疗后预后不良的预测价值。结果癌症组患者血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT水平高于对照组(P<0.001),患者血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT水平与血管侵犯、肿瘤直径及病灶数目相关(P<0.05或0.001);血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT是患者预后不良的影响因素(P<0.05或0.001);血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT联合预测患者预后不良的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)显著大于HIF-1α单独预测的AUC(Z=2.712,P=0.007),TK1单独预测的AUC(Z=3.642,P<0.001),γ-GT单独预测的AUC(Z=3.347,P<0.001)。结论原发性肝癌患者TACE治疗后血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT水平升高,联合检测其水平对患者预后不良具有较好的预测价值。

Quantitative analysis of hepatic hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and its abnormal gene expression during the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND:Hepatic hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1) is activated in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).This study aimed to investigate the dynamic alterations of HIF-1αand its gene expression so as to explore the relationship between HIF-1αexpression and hepatocarcinogenesis at the early stage of HCC. METHODS:A hepatoma model was made with 2-fluorenyl- acetamide(2-FAA)in male Sprague-Dawley rats.Morphological changes of rat hepatocytes were assessed pathologically (HE staining).The dynamic expression of hepatic and circulating HIF-1αwas quantitatively analyzed by ELISA. The gene fragments of hepatic HIF-1αmRNA were amplified by RT-PCR and confirmed by sequencing.The cellular distribution of hepatic HIF-1αexpression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS:Histological examination confirmed granulelike degeneration to atypical hyperplasia and HCC development in rat hepatocytes and progressive increases in the levels of hepatic and circulating HIF-1αand its gene expression during the course.The levels of HIF-1α expression in the liver and blood of rats with hepatoma were significantly higher than those in normal ratsand those with degeneration.Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the positive expression and hepatocyte distribution of HIF-1αin the development of rat hepatoma. A positive relationship was found between HIF-1α expression in the liver and blood(P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:The above observations support the hypothesis that the overexpression of HIF-1αand its gene are closely associated with the malignant transformation of hepatocytes and play an important role at the stage of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Prognostic value of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha and prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta polypeptide overexpression in gastric cancer

AIM To investigate the relationship between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta(P4 HB) expression, and clinicopathologic parameters, as well as the prognostic value of these genes for patients with gastric cancer(Gc).METHODS Hypoxia is a critical factor that shapes the Gc microenvironment. In previous reports, we have demonstrated that P4 HB is a potential target of HIF-1α. In the present study, gene expression profiling interactive analysis(GEPIA) was used to analyze the relationship between P4 HB and hypoxia-associated genes. To this end, 428 Gc tissue samples were used to analyze the expression of HIF-1α and P4 HB via immunohistochemical staining. Patient samples were classified as having weak-expression or over-expression both in terms of HIF-1α and P4 HB. Correlations between biomarkers and clinicopathological factors were analyzed to predict survival. RESULTS P4 HB demonstrated a positive correlation with hypoxiaassociated genes(P < 0.05). HIF-1α and P4 HB overexpression have a significant correlation with TNM staging(χ2 = 23.32, P = 0.00; χ2 = 65.64, P = 0.00) and peritoneum cavity metastasis(χ2 = 12.67, P = 0.00; χ2 = 39.29, P = 0.00). In univariate analysis, patients with a high HIF-1α expression trend had a shorter disease-free survival(DFS: 44.80 mo vs 22.06 mo) and overall survival(OS: 49.58 mo vs 39.92 mo). P4 HB overexpression reflected similar results: patients with over-expression of P4 HB had a shorter survival time than those with weak-expression(DFS: 48.03 mo vs 29.64 mo, OS: 52.48 mo vs 36.87 mo). Furthermore, HIF-1α is also a clinicopathological predictor of dismal prognosis according to multivariate analysis(DFS, 95%c I: 0.52-0.88, P < 0.00; OS, 95%c I: 0.50-0.85, P < 0.00). However, P4 HB was meaningful in DFS(95%c I: 0.58-1.00, P < 0.05) but not in OS(95%c I: 0.72-1.23, P > 0.05).CONCLUSION Overexpression of HIF-1α and P4 HB is associated with poor prognosis in patients with Gc. Thus, these genes may be potential prognostic biomarker candidates in GC.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1αaccumulation in steatotic liver preservation:Role of nitric oxide

AIM:To examine the relevance of hypoxia inducible factor(HIF-1)and nitric oxide(NO)on the preservation of fatty liver against cold ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI). METHODS:We used an isolated perfused rat liver model and we evaluated HIF-1αin steatotic and non-steatotic livers preserved for 24 h at 4℃in University of Wisconsin and IGL-1 solutions,and then subjected to 2 h of normothermic reperfusion.After normoxic reperfusion,liver enzymes,bile production,bromosulfophthalein clearance,as well as HIF-1αand NO[endothelial NO synthase(eNOS)activity and nitrites/nitrates]were also measured.Other factors associated with the higher susceptibility of steatotic livers to IRI,such as mitochondrial damage and vascular resistance were evaluated. RESULTS:A significant increase in HIF-1αwas found in steatotic and non-steatotic livers preserved in IGL-1 after cold storage.Livers preserved in IGL-1 showed a significant attenuation of liver injury and improvement in liver function parameters.These benefits were enhanced by the addition of trimetazidine(an antiischemic drug),which induces NO and eNOS activation, to IGL-1 solution.In normoxic reperfusion,the presence of NO favors HIF-1αaccumulation,promoting also the activation of other cytoprotective genes,such as hemeoxygenase-1. CONCLUSION:We found evidence for the role of the HIF-1α/NO system in fatty liver preservation,especially when IGL-1 solution is used.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha stabilization for regenerative therapy in traumatic brain injury

Mild traumatic brain injury（TBI）, also called concussion, initiates sequelae leading to motor deficits, cognitive impairments and subtly compromised neurobehaviors. While the acute phase of TBI is associated with neuroinflammation and nitroxidative burst, the chronic phase shows a lack of stimulation of the neurorepair process and regeneration. The deficiency of nitric oxide（NO）, the consequent disturbed NO metabolome, and imbalanced mechanisms of S-nitrosylation are implicated in blocking the mechanisms of neurorepair processes and functional recovery in the both phases. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha（HIF-1α）, a master regulator of hypoxia/ischemia, stimulates the process of neurorepair and thus aids in functional recovery after brain trauma. The activity of HIF-1α is regulated by NO via the mechanism of S-nitrosylation of HIF-1α. S-nitrosylation is dynamically regulated by NO metabolites such as S-nitrosoglutathione（GSNO） and peroxynitrite. GSNO stabilizes, and peroxynitrite destabilizes HIF-1α. Exogenously administered GSNO was found not only to stabilize HIF-1α and to induce HIF-1α-dependent genes but also to stimulate the regeneration process and to aid in functional recovery in TBI animals.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α mediates protective effects of ischemic preconditioning on ECV-304 endothelial cells

AIM: To investigate whether hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is linked to the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning (IP) on sinusoidal endothelial cells against ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Sinusoidal endothelial cell lines ECV-304 were cultured and divided into four groups: control group, cells were cultured in complete DMEM medium; cold anoxia/warm reoxygenation (A/R) group, cells were preserved in a 4℃ UW solution in a mixture of 95% N2 and 5% CO2 for 24 h; anoxia-preconditioning (APC) group, cells were treated with 4 cycles of short anoxia and reoxygenation before prolonged anoxia- preconditioning treatment; and anoxia-preconditioning and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) inhibitor (I-HIF-1) group, cells were pretreated with 5 μm of HIF-1α inhibitor NS398 in DMEM medium before subjected to the same treatment as group APC. After the anoxia treatment, each group was reoxygenated in a mixture of 95% air and 5% CO2 incubator for 6 h. Cytoprotections were evaluated by cell viabilities from Trypan blue, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release rates, and intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expressions. Expressions of HIF-1α mRNA and HIF-1α protein from each group were determined by the RT-PCR method and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Ischemia preconditioning increased cell viability, and reduced LDH release and ICAM-1 expressions. Ischemia preconditioning also upregulated the HIF-1α mRNA level and HIF-1α protein expression. However, all of these changes were reversed by HIF-1α inhibitor NS398.CONCLUSION: Ischemia preconditioning effectively inhibited cold hypoxia/warm reoxygenation injury to endothelial cells, and the authors showed for the first time HIF-1α is causally linked to the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning on endothelial cells.

Expression of Nerve Growth Factor and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α and Its Correlation with Angiogenesis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Summary： In order to investigate the expression of nerve growth factor （NGF） and hypoxia inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） and its correlation with angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 20 patients with NSCLC were examined. Twenty corresponding para-cancerous lung tissue specimens were obtained to serve as a control. The expression of NGF, HIF-1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the NSCLC tissues was detected by using immunohistochemistry. The microvascular density （MVD） was determined by CD31 staining. The resuits showed that the expression levels ofNGF, HIF-1α and VEGF in the NSCLC tissues were remarkably higher than those in the para-cancerous lung tissues （P〈0.05）. There was significant difference in the MVD between the NSCLC tissues （9.19±1.43） and para-cancerous lung tissues （2.23±1.19） （P〈0.05）. There were positive correlations between NGF and VEGF, between HIF-1α and VEGF, and between NGF and HIF-1α in NSCLC tissues, with the spearman correlation coefficient being 0.588, 0.519 and 0.588, respectively. In NSCLC tissues, the MVD had a positive correlation with the three factors （P〈0.05）. Theses results suggest that NGF and HIF-1α are synergically involved in the angiogenesis of NSCLC.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha mediates protection of DL-3-n-butylphthalide in brain microvascular endothelial cells against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury

Studies have demonstrated that DL-3-n-butylphthalide can significantly alleviate oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells at least partly associated with its enhancement on oxygen glucose deprivation-induced hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression.In this study,we hypothesized that DL-3-n-butylphthalide can protect against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury of newborn rat brain microvascular endothelial cells by means of upregulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression.MTT assay and Hoechst staining results showed that DL-3-n-butylphthalide protected brain microvascular endothelial cells against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury in a dose-dependent manner.Western blot and immunofluorescent staining results further confirmed that the protective effect was related to upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α.Real-time RT-PCR reaction results showed that DL-3-n-butylphthalide reduced apoptosis by inhibiting downregulation of pro-apoptotic gene caspase-3 mRNA expression and upregulation of apoptosis-executive protease bcl-2 mRNA expression;however,DL-3-n-butylphthalide had no protective effects on brain microvascular endothelial cells after knockdown of hypoxia inducible factor-1α by small interfering RNA.These findings suggest that DL-3-n-butylphthalide can protect brain microvascular endothelial cells against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury by upregulating bcl-2 expression and downregulating caspase-3 expression though hypoxia inducible factor-1α pathway.

Sirolimus increases the anti-cancer effect of Huai Er by regulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α-mediated glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Glycolysis caused by hypoxia-induced abnormal activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)in the immune microenvironment promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),leading to enhanced drug resistance in cancer cells.Therefore,altering the immunosuppressive microenvironment by improving the hypoxic state is a new goal in improving cancer treatment.AIM To analyse the role of HIF-1α,which is closely related to tumour proliferation,invasion,metastasis,and angiogenesis,in the proliferation and invasion of liver cancer,and to explore the HIF-1αpathway-mediated anti-cancer mechanism of sirolimus(SRL)combined with Huai Er.METHODS Previous studies on HCC tissues identified the importance of HIF-1α,glucose transporter 1(GLUT1),and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)expression.In this study,HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines were treated,under hypoxic and normoxic conditions,with a combination of SRL and Huai Er.The effects on proliferation,invasion,cell cycle,and apoptosis were analysed.Proteomics and genomics techniques were used to analyze the HIF-1α-related signalling pathway during SRL combined with Huai Er treatment and its inhibition of the proliferation of HCC cells.RESULTS High levels of HIF-1α,LDHA,and GLUT-1 were found in poorly differentiated HCC,with lower patient survival rates.Hypoxia promoted the proliferation of HepG2 and Huh7 cells and weakened the apoptosis and cell cycle blocking effects of the SRL/Huai Er treatment.This was achieved by activation of HIF-1αand glycolysis in HCC,leading to the upregulation of LDHA,GLUT-1,Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),and Forkhead box P3 and downregulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten(PTEN)and p27.The hypoxia-induced activation of HIF-1αshowed the greatest attenuation in the SRL/Huai Er(S50+H8)group compared to the drug treatments alone(P<0.001).The S50+H8 treatment significantly downregulated the expression of mTOR and HIF-1α,and significantly reduced the expression of VEGF mRNA.Meanwhile,the combined blocking of mTOR and HIF-1αenhanced the downregulation of Akt/mTOR,HIF-1α,LDHA,and GLUT-1 mRNA and resulted in the downregulation of PTEN,p27,and VEGF mRNA(P<0.001).CONCLUSION SRL increases the anti-cancer effect of Huai Er,which reduces the promotion of hypoxia-induced HIF-1αon the Warburg effect by inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR-HIF-1αand HIF-1α-PTEN signalling pathways in HCC.

Meta-analysis of immunohistochemical expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α as a prognostic role in gastric cancer

AIM: To conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of hypoxia inducible factor-1&#x003b1; (HIF-1&#x003b1;) expression in gastric cancer.

Expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha and ischemic erythropoietin tolerance in the brain of cerebral ischemic tolerance model rats

BACKGROUND： Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha （HIF-1 （x） and erythropoietin（EPO）, possessing neuroprotective effect in the cerebral ischemia, might play an important role in the formation of cerebral ischemic tolerance （IT）. OBJECTIVE：To observe the neuroprotective effect of cerebral ischemic preconditioning（IPC） of rats, and the expression and mechanism of HIF-1α and target gene erythropoietin in the brain tissue following the formation of cerebral IT. DESIGN ： A randomized and controlled observation SETTING： Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University MATERIALS： Totally 84 enrolled adult healthy male Wistar rats of clean grade, weighing 250 to 300 g, were provided by the Animal Experimental Department, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Ready-to-use SABC reagent kit and rabbit anti-rat HIF-1α monoclonal antibody were purchased from Boshide Bioengineering Co.Ltd （Wuhan）; Rabbit anti-rat EPO monoclonal antibody was purchased from Santa Cruz Company （USA）. METHODS： This experiment was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Medical College, Qingdao University during March 2005 to March 2006. ① The 84 rats were divided into 3 groups by a lot： IPC group （n=40）, sham-operation group （n=40） and control group （n=4）. In the IPC group, middle cerebral artery was occluded for 2 hours respectively on the 1^st, 3^rd, 7^th, 14^th and 21^st days of the reperfusion following 10-minute preischemia was made using a modified middle cerebral artery second suture method from Zea-Longa. The rats were sacrificed 22 hours after reperfusion in the end of middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）. That was to say, after 10-minute preischemia, suture was exited to the extemal carotid artery and embedded subcutaneously. Middle cerebral artery was occluded again to form the second reperfusion at the set time point after reperfusion. Twenty-two hours later, rats were sacrificed; In the sham-operation group,the preischemia was substituted by sham-operation（only common carotid artery and crotch were exposed, and MCAO by suture was omitted）, and the other procedures were the same as those in the IPC group. In the control group, rats were given sham-operation twice at an interval of one day, and they were sacrificed 24 hours after the second sham-operation. ② Brain tissue was taken from the rats in each group. Cerebral infarction area of each layer was measured with TTC staining, and total cerebral infarction volume （The total cerebral infarction area of each layerxinterspace ） was calculated. After brain tissue was stained by haematoxylin-esoin （HE）, the form of nerve cells was observed under an optical microscope, and the expressions of HIF-1α（and EPO protein in the brain tissue were detected with immunohistochemical method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： ①Cerebral infarction volume;②form of nerve cell; ③ the expression of HIF-1α and EPO protein in the brain tissue. RESULTS：Totally 84 rats were enrolled in the experiment. The dead rats were randomly supplied during the experiment, and finally 84 rats entered the stage of result analysis. ① Detection of cerebral infarction volume of rats in each group： Cerebral infarction volume in the IPC group was significantly smaller than that in the sham-operation group on the 1^st, 3^rd and 7^th days after reperfusion respectively [（161.2±6.9） mm^3 vs （219.9±11.2） mm^3, （134.9±9.0） mm^3 vs （218.6±13.0） mm^3, （142.9±13.7） mm^3 vs （221.3±14.2） mm^3, t=-8.924, 10.587,7.947, P〈 0.01]. ② Observation of nerve cell form of brain tissue： HE staining showed that the ischemic degree, range and cerebral edema degree of IPC group were significantly milder than those of sham-operation group. ③ The expressions of HIF-1α and EPO protein in cerebral cortex and hippocampus ： The expression of HIF-1αof IPC group was significantly higher than that of sham-operation group on the 1^st, 3^rd and 7^th days after reperfusion respectively （125.93±3.79 vs 117.65±5.60, 140.63±4.64 vs 119.33±4.26, 131.15±2.74 vs 107.60±3.89, t=2.449, 6.763,9.899,P 〈 0.05-0.01）. The expression of EPO of IPC group was significantly higher than that of sham-operation group on the 3^rd and 7^th days after perfusion respectively （141.68±3.29 vs 126.33±4.51, 138.88±2.59 vs 125.58±6.18,t=5.499,3.970, P〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION ： ①IPC can protect the never cells in rat brain and the best time to onset of cerebral IT induced by IPC is 1 to 7 days after reperfusion. ② Neuroprotective effect of cerebral IT might be related to the expression of HIF-1α and its target gene EPO.

Expression and Implication of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α in Prostate Neoplasm

Summary: To study the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein in prostate cancer (Pca) and its biological significance, the expression of HIF-1α was assayed by means of immunohistochemical technique in 42 prostate cancer, 12 prostatic intraepithelial neoplasm (PIN) and 9 normal prostate tissue (NP) specimens. Western blot was used to examine the expression of HIF-1α in prostate cancer cell line (PC-3M) induced by different oxygen tension. HIF-1α expression was positive in 33 Pca and 9 PIN specimens, and the positive rate of HIF-1α was higher in distant metastasis patients than in patients without metastasis of prostate cancer (P<0.05), while there was no expression of HIF-1α in NP. The level of HIF-1α in PC-3M significantly increased with the decrease of oxygen tension (P<0.01). Overexpression of HIF-1α is the preliminary event of the formation of Pca, which may induce carcinoma into malignant phenotype. Thus it may serve as an early diagnosis marker and the novel target for Pca treatment.

Abnormal expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and clinical values of molecular-targeted interference in hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective:The aim of this study was to analyze the expression features of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and effects of HIF-1α silencing on HepG2 cells.Methods:HIF-1α expression was analyzed in the self-control HCC specimens by immunohistochemistry.After HepG2 cells with miRNA transfection,the expression of HIF-1α was determined at mRNA or protein level by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Western blotting.Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) were determined by ELISA.Alterations of cell cycles and apoptosis of HepG2 cells were measured using a flow cytometer.Results:Positive HIF-1α was brown and granule-like in the cytoplasm or nucleus.Significant difference was found between HCC (80%) and its surrounding tissues (100%,χ2=22.35,P < 0.001) and HIF-1α expression related to tumor size.At 72 h after miRNA transfection,the expression of HIF-1α in HepG2 cells was down-regulated by 87% at mRNA or 65% at protein level,with VEGF and ANG-2 decreased to 54% and 36%,respectively.After RNA interference combined with anti-cancer drug,the apoptotic rate of HepG2 cells was increasing from 22.46% ± 0.61% to 36.99% ± 0.88%,with up-regulation of G1 phase (65.68% ± 0.91%) and down-regulation of S phase (19.47 ± 1.34 %).Conclusion:Abnormal expression of HIF-1α is associated with development of HCC,and HIF-1α gene silencing can effectively inhibit HepG2 cell proliferation.

EXPRESSION OF HYPOXIA INDUCIBLE FACTOR-1α AND ITS REGULATORY ROLE IN DEVELOPING VERTEBRAE

Objective To explore the expression pattern and possible role of hypoxia inducible factor-1α （ HIF-1α ） in fetal vertebrae development of mouse. Methods The developmental stages of mice fetal vertebrae were observed from embryonic days 13. 5 to 18. 5 （ E13. 5 to E18. 5 ） by stereoscopic and light microscopes respectively, and the expressions of HIF-1α at various times were also detected at levels of mRNA and protein by using methods of RT-PCR and Western blotting. Distribution of HIF-1α in the vertebrae was examined by immunohistochemical assay. Vascular endothelia growth factor （VEGF） mRNA and other chondro-osteoblast marker genes as type II collagen al （ Coll2al ） and osteocalcin （OCN） were detected by RT-PCR too. Results The cartilaginous spine column began to form at E13. 5, followed by the arising of the primary ossification center in vertebrae at E15. 5, then the osteogenesis expanded and extended to both sides of the vertebrae. HIF-1α mRNA began to express at E13. 5, and showed significantly higher level at E14. 5 （ P 〈 O. 05 ）, then declined to a low level. VEGF mRNA expressed coincidently with HIF-1α. While HIF-1α protein expression was observed at E14. 5 and lasted at low level till to birth. The expression pattern of Coll2al and OCN elucidated the cell evolution from chondrocyte to osteoblast. Conclusion The developmental pattern of vertebrae appears to be an endochondral osteogenesis process. Existed hypoxia microenviroment in the vertebrae may increase HIF-1α mRNA and protein contents thus activate VEGF expression, as may be related to the activation of other downstream genes of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and initiate the cascade of endochondral osteogenesis.

miR-519d-3p靶向HIF-1α抑制高糖诱导的人视网膜微血管内皮细胞功能障碍及血管生成

目的:明确miR-519d-3p对高糖诱导的人视网膜微血管内皮细胞(HRMEC)功能障碍与血管生成的影响,并阐明其对低氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)的调控机制。方法:通过5、30mmol/L葡萄糖分别诱导HRMEC建立正常(NG)和高糖(HG)细胞模型。将HRMEC分为对照组(HG细胞模型转染阴性对照模拟物)、甘露醇组(对照组加入25mmol/L甘露醇)、miR-519d-3p过表达组(HG细胞模型转染miR-519d-3p模拟物)、miR-519d-3p联合HIF-1α过表达组(HG细胞模型共转染miR-519d-3p模拟物和HIF-1α过表达载体)。实时荧光定量PCR法检测各组miR-519d-3p的表达情况。Western blotting法检测各组HIF-1α蛋白的表达情况。荧光素酶报告基因实验检测miR-519d-3p和HIF-1α的结合位点情况。CCK-8法检测各组细胞增殖情况。Hoechst 33342染色法检测各组细胞凋亡情况。ELISA法检测各组细胞外液炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-6蛋白的表达情况。小管形成实验检测各组新生毛细血管管腔样结构形成情况。结果:与NG相比,HG细胞模型中miR-519d-3p表达显著减少,而HIF-1α蛋白表达显著增加(均P<0.01)。与对照组比较,miR-519d-3p过表达组中HIF-1α蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.01)。miR-519d-3p中“CGUGAAA”序列可以与HIF-1α3'-非编码区(3'-UTR)中“GCACUUU”序列特异性结合。与对照组比较,miR-519d-3p过表达组细胞24、48、72h吸光度值均显著增加,细胞凋亡率显著减少,细胞外液TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6浓度均显著减少,新生毛细血管管腔样结构数量显著减少(均P<0.01)。与miR-519d-3p过表达组比较,miR-519d-3p联合HIF-1α过表达组细胞24、48、72h吸光度值均显著减少,细胞凋亡率显著增加,细胞外液TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6浓度均显著增加,新生毛细血管管腔样结构数量显著增加(均P<0.01)。对照组和甘露醇组中上述各指标比较无差异(均P>0.05)。结论:高糖诱导HRMEC模型中miR-519d-3p表达下调,而HIF-1α蛋白表达上调。HIF-1α是miR-519d-3p的靶基因,miR-519d-3p靶向HIF-1α增加细胞增殖并降低细胞凋亡和炎症反应,从而减轻高糖诱导的HRMEC功能障碍并抑制血管生成。

基于HIF-1信号通路基因变化探讨COPD肺血管病变的发生机制

目的以慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)动物模型为基础,探索COPD肺血管病变发生发展与低氧诱导因子(HIF)-1复合信号通路的关系。方法将30只SD雄性大鼠随机分为正常组10只,模型组20只,模型组后续分为造模6 w组与造模12 w组。以香烟烟雾暴露结合鼻腔滴入内毒素法建立COPD模型,收集正常组、造模6、12 w组肺组织,q-聚合酶链反应(PCR)法检测COPD模型造模后不同时间点HIF-1复合通路关键基因HIF-1α、热休克蛋白(HSP)90、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)及内皮素(ET)-1 mRNA表达。结果与正常组相比,COPD模型组黏膜下存在明显的炎细胞浸润,肺泡壁变薄或断裂引起部分肺泡扩大融合形成肺大泡,肺血管也显示出不同程度增生,管壁增厚或管腔变形,微血管数量明显增多。与正常组相比,造模6、12 w后肺组织中HIF-1α、HSP90、VEGF、ET-1 mRNA表达显著上调(P<0.05,P<0.01),且造模12 w后肺组织中HIF-1α、VEGF、iNOS mRNA表达与造模6 w时相比显著上调(P<0.05)。与造模6 w时相比,造模12 w后肺组织中HSP90、ET-1 mRNA表达无显著差异(P>0.05)。与正常组相比,肺组织中iNOS mRNA表达在造模6 w时无显著差异(P>0.05),造模12 w后肺组织中iNOS mRNA表达显著上调(P>0.05)。结论COPD肺血管病变的发生发展与HIF-1复合信号通路的表达相关,且严重程度与造模时长呈正相关。

The Expression of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1-alpha in Lung Cancer and Its Correlation with P53 and VEGF

To investigate the expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and its correlation with P53 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), immunohistochemical technique was employed to detect the protein expressions of HIF-1α, P53 and VEGF in specimens from 57 patients with lung cancer. The results indicated that the total positive proportion of HIF-1α expression was 63 % and the HIF-1α expression was more frequent in bronchiole-alveolar carcinoma (86 %) than in other lung cancer. There was a strong association of HIF-1α with VEGF and P53 protein expressions. It is concluded that HIF-1α overexpression is a common event in lung cancer, which may be related to the up-regulation of the angiogenic factor VEGF and oncogene mutant P53 protein.