Objective To investigate the molecular and cell signal transduction mechanisms by Lactobacillus cell wall extract(LCWE)inducing human-β-defensin-2(hBD-2)expression in human vaginal epithelial cells.Methods The induction of hBD-2 in human vaginal epithelial cells(WZV-1)by LCWE was observed using real-time PCR and Western blot.After stimulating WZV-1.the activation of NF-κB and p38MAPK signaling pathways were determined by Western blot.The induction of hBD-2 in WZV-1 cells by LCWE was observed with signaling pathways inhibitors of NF-κB and p38MAPK using real-time PCR and Western blot.Results The results showed that LCWE significantly upregulated hBD-2 expression in the time and dose-dependent manner.The maximal stimulatory effect of LCWE on the expression of hBD-2mRNA in WZV-1 cells were observed at the concentration of 50μg/ml after treatment for 8 h.After stimulation by 50μg/ml LCWE,Western blot analysis demonstrated that the phosphorylation of p38MAPK increased at 0.5 h significantly,peaked at 1 h,moreover the concentration of NF-κB in nucleus increased at 0.5 h significantly(P<0.05),peaked at 2 h.Blocking with inhibitor of NF-κB and(or)p38MAPK pathways results in decreased levels of HBD-2 expression.Conclusion These findings suggest that p38MAPK and NF-κB pathways play the important roles in induction of hBD-2 expression by LCWE in human vagihal epithelial cells.

Objective To investigate the effect of recombinant Vibrio vulnificus hemolysin (rVvhA) on the expression of nitric oxide(NO) and induced nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) in J774A. 1 cells.Methods The inhibitory effect of rVvhA on J774A. 1 proliferation was measured by MTF colorimetry technique. The content of nitrite in culture medium was determined by Griess reagent. The expression of iNOS protein and mRNA were measured by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR, respectively. Results The viability of J774A. 1 cells was apparently inhibited when exposed to 0.8 HU/ml rVvhA and up. With the help of IFN-γ, the expression of NO and the activity of iNOS in J774A. 1 cells were remarkably increased when exposed to 0.4 HU/ml rVvhA. Conclusion rVvhA can increase the expression of NO and iNOS, it may play an important role in the pathogenic mechanism of Vibrio vulnificus.