1.Advances in natural products that target the tumor microenvironment
Ling LI ; Zhe WANG ; Ning-hua TAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2021;56(6):1580-1590
The tumor microenvironment (TME), a dynamic and complex local environment, interacts with the tumor cells and is closely related to tumor growth, metastasis, immune escape and drug resistance. Thus, targeting the TME has been a worldwide focus in cancer therapy. Many natural products possess the advantages of multiple targets, multiple pathways and wide pharmacological functions, and are the main source of antitumor drugs. In recent years studies have found that some natural products had advantageous effects on the TME. In this review, we summarize the components and functions of the TME and some natural products that target the TME, with references to the drug therapy of cancer.
2.Connective tissue growth factor stimulates hypertrophic scar derived fibroblusts primarily by ERK/MAPK signal pathway
Xia DAI ; Shirong LI ; Zhe LI ; Ling TAO ; Jianyi LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2009;15(3):188-191
Objective To explore the signal mechanism of proliferation stimulating effect of connec-tive tissue growth factor (CTGF) on hypertrophic scar (HS) derived fibroblasts. Methods <'3>H-TdR in-corporation technique was used to determine the proliferative effect of CTGF at different concentration. Western blot was applied to semi-quantitively analyze the expression of phosphorylated and total ERK1/2 protein after 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min of CTGF stimulation, and the relative value of which was de-fined as AI to measure the activation of ERK1/2 signal pathway. PD98059 was admitted to specifically block the ERK1/2 pathway, and subsequently cell proliferation stimulated by CTGF was studied by MTT. Results CTGF could stimulate fibroblasts proliferation with a dose-dependant manner, and activa-ted the ERK1/2 signal pathway, and AI built up to 0.209±0.0201, reaching the apex at 15 min after stimulation performed. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation by PD98059 suppressed CTGF-mediated HS fi-broblasts proliferation significantly, while OD significantly dropped. Conclusion CTGF induces a prolif-erative response in HS fibroblasts, and this action is mainly dependent on the activation of ERK1/2 signal pathway.
3.Evaluation of Chinese version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary questionnaire
Zhaocheng ZHU ; Qingbo LANG ; Zhe CHEN ; Dongtao LI ; Changquan LING
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2008;6(4):341-5
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary (FACT-Hep) questionnaire in measuring the quality of life in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) in China. METHODS: FACT-Hep questionnaire was translated into Chinese and revised properly. From September 2005 to April 2006, one hundred and eighty patients with primary liver carcinoma were admitted and measured by using the Chinese version of FACT-Hep questionnaire, and the reliabilities, validities and responsibilities of the questionnaire were assessed. RESULTS: Correlation coefficient was higher between items and dimension of their corresponding domain (0.5933+/-0.1652) than that between the items and other domains (0.2749+/-0.1922). Six principal constituents were extracted by factor analysis and represented all domains of the questionnaire. The combinations of components were consistent with what was expected. The correlation coefficient of criterion-related validity was 0.828. The test-retest reliability correlation coefficients of physical, social/family, emotion, function, symptom and total questionnaire were 0.731, 0.334, 0.953, 0.786, 0.785 and 0.801 respectively, and the values of Cronbach's alpha were 0.7397, 0.4193, 0.7914, 0.8250, 0.8399 and 0.9161, respectively. There were statistical differences in scores of FACT-Hep questionnaire in different PHC stages or in different Child-Pugh classes (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The FACT-Hep questionnaire can measure the quality of life in patients with PHC with good reliability, validity and responsiveness; it can be used in assessing the disease-specific health-related quality of life of patients with hepatobiliary cancers.
4.Effects of Sisheng Decoction on the immunity and anti-stress function in mice with spleen deficiency syndrome.
Sufang ZHANG ; Changquan LING ; Bai LI ; Hongyun CHEN ; Zhe CHEN
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2012;10(12):1465-9
To study the possible mechanism of Sisheng Decoction on spleen deficiency syndrome via the observation of general conditions, immunity and anti-stress function in Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei Palmati)-induced mice model.
5.Effects of irradiation with 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser on melanogenesis in cultured PIG cells in vitro
Ling WANG ; Chengxin LI ; Dongning ZHU ; Zhe JIAN
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2010;43(10):713-716
Objective To study to the effect of 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the melanogenesis in a human epidermal melanocyte line PIG. Methods Cultured PIG cells were irradiated with 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (Medlite C6) at different energy densities for 10 times. After additional culture for various durations, cell viability was detected by MT assay, tyrosinase activity by dopa oxidation assay, mRNA and protein expressions of tyrosinase, tyrosinase related protein (TRP)-1 and TRP-2 by real-time quantitative fluorescent RT-PCR and Westen blotting respectively, Results The irradiation with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at energy densities from 1 to 3 J/cm2 had no obvious effect on the viability of PIG cells. After irradiation with Nd:YAG laser at 1 J/cm2, PIG cells showed a significant increase in the tyrosinase activity,mRNA expressions of tyrosinase and TRP-1 compared with unirradiated cells (0.563 ± 0.014 vs 0.501 ±0.019, 1.40±0.11 vs 1.0, 1.28 ± 0.03 vs 1.0, all P< 0.05), but both the mRNA (0.91 ± 0.17 vs 1.0, P>0.05) and protein expressions of TRP-2 experienced no significant changes before and after the irradiation.However, a significant decrease was noted in PIG cells irradiated with Nd:YAG laser at 3 J/cm2 in tyrosinase activity, mRNA and protein expressions of tyrosinase (0.70 ± 0.02 vs 1.0, 0.64 ± 0.05 vs 1.0, both P < 0.05),TRP-1 (0.73±0.04 vs l.0, 0.86±0.17 vs l.0, both P<0.05) andTRP-2 (0.68±0.04 vs l.0,0.69±0.11vs 1.0, both P <0.05) in comparison with unirradiated PIG cells. Conclusions The 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser irradiation may affect the melanogenesis in PIG cells. With no influence on cell viability, the 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1 J/cm2 could enhance melanogenesis, while that at 3 J/cm2 could suppress melanogenesis, in PIG cells.
6.Value of Application of Histamine Provocation Test and Airway Resistance Detection in Diagnosis and Therapeutic Efficacy in Preschool Children with Asthma
xi-zhe, YUAN ; hong-zi, LI ; zheng, JIN ; ling, NIE
Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2006;0(16):-
Objective To study the value of application of histamine provocation test and airway resistance measurement in diagnosis and therapeutic efficacy in preschool children with asthma.Methods Histamine provocation test and airway resistance measurement by the Italian MEFAR MB3 provocating instrument and Germen Microloop lung function instrument for 42 cases who were diagnosed as asthmatic(27 patients with bronchial asthma and 15 cases of cough variant asthma)and 21 healthy cases was compared,and the differences between the 2 groups and the value of therapeutic efficacy were analyzed.Results The resistance ratio of respiratory tract of control group was(97.11?9.09)%,which in asthma and cough variant asthma group was(229.37?57.48)% and(248.80?76.80)%.There was significant difference between the 3 groups(F=48.466 P
7.Effects of fluoride on fibronectin expression of rats osteoblasts
Ling, QI ; Zhe, FAN ; Xiao-yang, LIU ; Guang-sheng, LI ; Ling, JING
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2011;30(6):627-632
Objective To observe the expression of fibronectin in bone of fluorosis rats and in vitro cultured osteoblast,and to study the role of fibronectin in pathogenesis of chronic fluorosis.Methods Male and female Wistar rats 144 were randomly divided into four groups,which were designated as the control group(normal diets,n =36),fluoride group(normal diets + 100 mg/L fluoride,n =36),lower calcium monophagia group (synthetic diets,n =36) and lower calcium monOphagia with fluoride group(synthetic diets + 100 mg/L fluoride,n =36).Rats were sacrificed 4 and 8 months after beginning of the experiment,respectively,and femur tissue was fixated and paraffin-embedded.The osteoblast isolated from calvaria of neonatal rats was treated with different dose of fluoride(0,1,2,4 mg/L fluoride,respectively) for 48 and 72 h,cell culture supernatant and cells were collected,respectively.The cranial osteoblasts were cultured in vitro and divided into four groups according to different concentration of fluoride added,which were 0(control group),0.01,1.00,and 10.00 mg/L groups.These cells were treated with mineralized induced medium at day 2 and cultured for 3 more weeks whereafter,and then the slides were fixed in alcohol.The expression of fibronectin in rat femur tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC),and fibronectin mRNA expression was determined by in situ hybridization; the fibronectin levels in supernatant of cultured osteoblast was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the expression of fibronectin mRNA in osteoblasts was detected with RT-PCR; skull mineralized nodule formation of osteoblasts was observed under a light microscopy after stained with 0.1% red alizarin liquid.Results Little expression of fibronectin (brown granules under light microscope) could be seen in femur tissue of fluorosis rats of control group and lower calcium monophagia group; but abundantly expressed in fluoride group and lower calcium monophagia with fluoride group; the fibronectin was also expressed in osteoblasts,bone cells and bone marrow cells with less red particles in the control group and lower calcium monophagia group,but more in the fluoride group and lower calcium monophagia with fluoride group.The expression of fibronectin protein in supernatant of cultured osteoblasts was significantly increased in the group of 4 mg/L fluoride at 48 h(0.108 ± 0.042,t =0.764,P< 0.05) compared with control group(0.081 ± 0.010); the value was also significantly increased in 1,2,4 mg/L groups at 72 h(0.089 ± 0.010,0.087 ± 0.012,0.098 ± 0.023; t =0.765,0.704,0.996; all P < 0.05) compared with control group (0.070 ± 0.014) ; the expression of fibronectin mRNA was much higher in 1,2,4 mg/L groups at 48 h (0.61 ±0.06,0.77 ± 0.07,0.77 ± 0.07) and 72 h(1.61 ± 0.14,2.54 ± 0.20,2.75 ± 0.22) compared with control group [0.48 ± 0.04(t =0.111,0.182,0.182,all P < 0.05),0.97 ± 0.08(t =0.093,0.109,0.108,all P< 0.05) ].A lot of mineralized nodules could be seen under light microscope in 1.00 and 10.00 mg/L groups.Conclusions The expression of fibronectin in bone of fluorosis rats and in vitro cultured osteoblasts are increased,and fluoride also promotes the mineralization nodules formation of osteoblasts.These results suggest that fibronectin may regulate the process of bone mineralization,and possibly play a role in the development of skeletal fluorosis.
8.DJ-1 protects melanocytes against H2O2-induced oxidative stress via reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)and inhibiting cell apoptosis
Zhiyong WANG ; Ling LIU ; Chunying LI ; Zhe JIAN ; Kai LI ; Qiang LI ; Tianwen GAO
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2011;44(10):712-716
Objective To investigate DJ-1 expression and protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in primary human melanocytes.Methods The expression and location of DJ-1 in primary melanocytes were identified by immunofluorescence.After cultured melanocytes were exposed to H2O2 for 24 hours,modified MTT assay was used to assess the proliferation of cells and to choose the suitable concentration of H2O2 for the following experiment.Western blot was used to detect D J-1 expression in melanocytes after being treated with 0.5 mmol/L H2O2 for 24 hours.Some melanocytes were divided into 3 groups to be reversely transfected with PBS(mock control group),non-targeting siRNA(negative control group)and DJ-1 targeting siRNA(DJ-1 group).Optical microscopy was utilized to observe the morphologic changes of transfected melanocytes.At 48 hours after the transfection,the melanocytes were stimulated with H2O2 for 24 hours.Subsequently,modified MTT assay,2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)and annexin Ⅴ-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide were used to determine cell viability,intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)level and apoptosis rate respectively.Results DJ-1 was expressed in both melanocyte nucleus and cytoplasm,and predominantly in the nucleus.H2O2 inhibited the cell viability in a dose dependent manner.After treatment with H2O2 of 0.5 mmol/L for 24 hours,the cell viability began to decrease in melanocytes with the expression level of DJ-1 being 2.23 times that in the untreated melanocytes(both P < 0.05).Compared with the mock control group,the dendrites of melanocytes in DJ-1 group were obviously shortened with cytoplasm vacuolization.After 24-hour treatment with H2O2 of 0.5 mmol/L,the cell viability in the DJ-1 group dropped to 35% of that in the mock control group(P < 0.05),while the intracellular ROS fluorescence intensity( FI) and apoptosis rate were higher in the DJ-1 group than in the mock control group (902 ± 40 vs.529± 32,58q% ± 6.1% vs.30% ± 3.8%,both P < 0.05).Conclusion DJ-1 can protect melanocytes against H2O2induced oxidative stress likely by decreasing intracellular ROS production and inhibiting ceU apoptosis.
9.Influence of fluoride on Runx2 mRNA and protein expression in rat osteoblasts
Dan, LI ; Yu-shan, WANG ; Yan-hui, LI ; Zhe, FAN ; Ling, JING ; Guang-sheng, LI
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2008;27(4):368-370
Objective To study the influence of fluoride on the expression of Runx2 in suckling rat osteoblasts. Methods Osteoblasts obtained from calvarium of suckling Wistar rats were cultured in the media supplemented with NaF at different doses(0, 1,2 and 4 rag/L), and Runx2 Mrna expression and protein expression were evaluated by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Results Runx2 Mrna expression in suckling rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro significantly increased after exposure to NaF for 48 h at different doses (0.613±0.055, 0.773±0.070 and 0.775±0.070 for 1,2 and 4 mg/L,respecfively) compared to the control (0.482±0.043 ,P< 0.05). Runx2 Mrna expression further increased after 72 h exposure to NaF(0.969±0.048,1.229±0.061,1.255± 0.063 for 1,2 and 4 mg/L, respectively) ,which is significantly higher than the control(0.724±0.036,P<0.05) and corresponding groups at 48 h. NaF doses and exposure time exhibited a significant synergistic effect on Runx2 Mrna expression (P<0.05). Similarly, NaF also enhanced Bunx2 protein expression in suckling rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro. Significant differences were observed between groups exposed to NaF (1,2 and 4 rag/L) and control at48 h post-exposure (0.141±0.007, 0.143±0.008, 0.143±0.011 vs 0.129±0.012, P<0.05) as well as 72 h post-expesure(0.156±0.014, 0.168±0.018, 0.162±0.0100 vs 0.137±0.016, P<0.05). In addition, Runx2 protein expression at 72 h post-exposure was significantly higher than that at 48 h. Conclusions The results suggested that NaF could increase Runx2 expression in suckling rat osteoblasts with a synergistic effect between the doses and exposure time.
10.Curcumin inhibits AngⅡ-induced proliferation and oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells
Chen WANG ; Zhe MENG ; Yanqiu MA ; Ze LI ; Hailong TAO ; Zhongle BAI ; Ling LI
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2016;37(3):441-446
Objective To investigate the effect of curcumin (Cur)on AngⅡ-induced proliferation and oxidative stress of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).Methods Primary rat VSMCs were cultured and divided into control group,AngⅡ group,AngⅡ+Cur 5μmol/L group,AngⅡ+Cur 10μmol/L group,AngⅡ+Cur 20μmol/L group,and Cur 20μmol/L group.The proliferation of AngⅡ-induced VSMCs was measured by MTT assay.The mRNA and protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)and p47phox were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot.Nitric oxide (NO)production was measured by Griess reaction.Production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)was measured by DCFH-DA staining,and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD)and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx)were detected by xanthine oxidase assay and visible spectrophotometer. small interfering RNA (siRNA)was used to silence the expression of p47phox to further explore the mechanism for Cur inhibiting the proliferation of AngⅡ-induced VSMCs and oxidative stress.Results VSMCs activities were not significantly affected by Cur at the concentration between 0 and 80μmol/L.Cur (5,10 and 20μmol/L)significantly inhibited AngⅡ-induced proliferation of VSMCs.Cur had an inhibitory effect on the overexpression of NO,iNOS, p47phox and ROS in VSMCs and upregulated the activities of SOD and Gpx in a concentration-dependent manner. AngⅡ-induced ROS production in VSMCs was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with p47phox specific siRNA.Conclusion Cur can inhibit the proliferation and oxidative stress of AngⅡ-induced VSMCs.