OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of FTY720, a new immunosuppressive agent, on apoptosis and autophagy in multiple myeloma(MM) cell line U266 and to clarify its molecular mechanism.

METHODSU266 cells were treated with 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 µmol/L FTY720 for 24 hours, and the cell viability was assayed by CCK-8 method. Then U266 cells were treated with 20.0 µmol/L FTY720 for 0, 2, 6 and 24 hours, the cell viability was tested. The apoptotic rates induced by different doses and time points of FTY720 were tested by flow cytometry separately. The expression of LC3B was detected by Western blot after U266 cells treated with different doses of FTY720 to see autophagy. U266 cells were treated with FTY720 ± Bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of autophagy, for 24 hours, then the cell viability and apoptotic rates were tested. Meanwhile the expression of survivin, anti-apoptotic factors, were tested by Western blot.

RESULTSThe cell viability and the apoptotic rates were inhibited significantly by FTY720 (P < 0.05) in time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. The expression of LC3B-II increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, it indicated that the autophagy was induced by FTY720. Bafilomycin A1 could rescue the cell viability and apoptotic rates in U266 cells treated with FTY720, and it could also rescue the expression of survivin decreased by FTY720.

CONCLUSIONSFTY720 can cause apoptosis and autophagy of U266 cells. The autophagy promote the apoptosis, which maybe due to the degradation of anti-apoptotic factors such as survivin or their upstream factors in lysosomes through autophagy.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Autophagy ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Fingolimod Hydrochloride ; Humans ; Multiple Myeloma ; pathology ; Propylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; Sphingosine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology

Through studying the process of glycerol fermentation to 1, 3-propanediol(1, 3-PD) by Klebsiella pneumoniae, it was found that the cell growth and product (or by-product) production were under salt stress. Cell growth and product formation kept high rate at low salt concentration. High salt concentration led to low growth of cells, final concentration of 1, 3-PD and conversion from glycerol to 1, 3-PD, and, 1, 3-propanediol oxidoreductase activity decreased. When the salt concentration in 5 m3 bioreactor was controlled under appropriate manner, the concentration of 1, 3-PD production was markedly enhanced. The final 1, 3-PD concentration ,the conversion of glycerol to 1, 3-PD and productivity were 64 g/L, 61% and 2.1 g/(L x h).
Alcohol Dehydrogenase ; Alcohol Oxidoreductases ; metabolism ; Culture Media ; Culture Techniques ; Fermentation ; Glycerol ; metabolism ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; growth & development ; metabolism ; physiology ; Propylene Glycols ; metabolism ; Sodium Chloride ; pharmacology ; Stress, Physiological

FTY720, a synthetic sphingoid base analog, was examined as a new sphingosine kinase inhibitor, which converts endogenous sphingosine into its phosphate form. With 20 micrometer of FTY720, sphingosine accumulated in the LLC-PK1 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The FTY720 treated cells showed a high concentration of fragmented DNA, a high caspase-3 like activity and TUNEL staining cells. It was also found that the sphingosine and sphinganine level increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner within 12 h after the FTY720 treatment. The sphingosine kinase activity was reduced by FTY720 as much as other sphingosine kinase inhibitors, N, N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS), dl-threo-dihydrosphingosine (DHS). The fragmented DNA content as a result of the 20 micrometer of FTY720 treatment and by 5 micrometer of the exogenously added BSA-sphingosine complex indicated typical apoptosis. Under similar conditions, the accumulated sphingosine concentration in all the cells was almost identical even though the sphingosine distribution inside the cells was somewhat different. These results indicate that the FTY720 induced apoptosis is associated with the inhibition of the sphingosine kinase activity and is strongly associated with the successive accumulation of sphingosine.
Animals ; Apoptosis/*physiology ; Caspases/biosynthesis ; Cell Line ; DNA Fragmentation ; Endothelial Cells/drug effects ; Enzyme Inhibitors/*pharmacology ; Kidney/cytology ; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)/*antagonists & inhibitors/physiology ; Propylene Glycols/*pharmacology ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Sphingosine/pharmacology/*physiology ; Swine ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVETo determine the role of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PRs ) signaling in CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell transmigration.

METHODSCD34(+) cells were separated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation and incubated in DMEM medium with 10% fetal calf serum. The cells were pretreated by FTY720, with or without pertussis toxin (PTX) and antiCXCR4 mAb in the medium, followed by addition of 100 ng/ml SDF-1 into the lower chamber of a Costar 24-well transwell. The migrated cells were counted using FACS and the migrating rates were determined. The expressions of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors were analyzed in CD34(+) cells before and after the transmigration by reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cord blood CD34(+) cells were treated with or without FTY720 (10(+) mol/L), and the expressions of CD49d (VLA-4), CD11a (LFA-1), and CD62L (L-selectin) were analyzed at 1, 8, and 16 h after the treatment.

RESULTSWhile FTY720 did not affect spontaneous migration, a substantial increase of SDF-1-induced transmigration was observed in the presence of FTY720 (15.26 2.14 to 28.64 2.37). The FTY720-enhanced transmigration was completely blocked by addition of PTX or antiCXCR4 mAb. S1p1-5 was expressed in fresh isolated cord blood CD34(+) cells. The migrating cells stimulated by FTY720 and SDF-1 only expressed S1P1, S1P3, and S1P4. The expressions of CD49d, CD11a and CD62L on CD34(+) cells treated with FTY720 remained unchanged at the selected time points as compared with the control.

CONCLUSIONSS1PRs are involved the transmigration of CD34(+) cells. The activation of S1PRs results in increased chemotactic response of CD34(+) to SDF-1. These effects are mediated through CXCR4 and PTX-sensitive Gi proteins. Only the CD34(+) cells expressing the specific receptors can rapidly transmigrate. The activation of the S1PRs does not affect the expressions of the adhesion molecules on cord blood CD34(+) cells.

Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Cell Movement ; Cells, Cultured ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; pharmacology ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Fingolimod Hydrochloride ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans ; Propylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; Receptors, Lysosphingolipid ; metabolism ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; Sphingosine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a lysophospholipid signaling molecule that regulates important biological functions in both intracellular and extracellular compartments. It interacts with five G protein-coupled receptors subtypes (S1PR(1-5)) to generate multiple downstream signaling. Activation of S1PR1 has been validated to be involved in the process of immune modulation. Fingolimod (FTY720), the novel S1PR1 agonist, has been approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in clinical trials. The study towards discovery of selective S1PR1 agonists has become hot spot for immunological diseases. This article summarized the research progress of S1PR1 agonists, emphasizing their structure types, structure-activity relationship and direction of development.
Animals ; Fingolimod Hydrochloride ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Lysophospholipids ; physiology ; Multiple Sclerosis ; drug therapy ; Propylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Receptors, Lysosphingolipid ; agonists ; classification ; metabolism ; physiology ; Sphingosine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; physiology ; therapeutic use ; Structure-Activity Relationship

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid produced by metabolism of sphingolipid, plays an important roles in the regulation of various biological responses. T cell expresses the S1P receptors, including S1P1, S1P2, S1P3, S1P4 and S1P5. Activation of S1P signal regulates multiple immunological functions of T cell, including proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, migration and cytokine excretion. FTY720, a sphingosine analog, suppresses the S1P signal resulting in redistribution of lymphocytes from circulation to secondary lymphoid tissues, which has been applied as a potent immunosuppressive drug. In this paper, biosythesis and degradation of S1P, S1P receptor and its mediated signal pathway, S1P receptor expression of T-cells, regulation of S1P on T cell functions and immunosuppresion drugs involving S1P signal pathway were reviewed.
Fingolimod Hydrochloride ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; pharmacology ; Lysophospholipids ; metabolism ; physiology ; Propylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; Receptors, Lysosphingolipid ; metabolism ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Sphingosine ; analogs & derivatives ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; physiology ; T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; immunology ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and mechanism of FTY720 on acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) in rat small bowel transplantation (SBTx).

METHODSHeterotopic SBTx was performed using a parent (WF)-into-F1 (WFxACI) rat combination. Recipient rats were divided into experimental group (n=6) and control group (n=6). Rats in the experimental group were administered with FTY720 at 0.5 mg/kg for 14 days. Lymphocyte apoptosis in the liver and the mucosa of intestine and graft was detected by TUNEL and flow cytometry 15 days after transplantation. Recipient survival and lymphocyte apoptosis were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSRecipients in the control group died of GVHD after a mean survival time of (16+/-2.1) days. FTY720-treated recipients had a significantly longer survival (>100 days). After administration of FTY720, the percentage of apoptotic lymphocytes was significantly increased in the graft as compared to that in the control group by flow cytometry. The ratio of apoptotic lymphocyte in the liver and graft was also significantly higher in the experimental group by TUNEL.

CONCLUSIONFTY720 effectively induces the lymphocyte apoptosis, inhibits the lesion of target tissues by GVHD, and prolongs the recipient survival.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Fingolimod Hydrochloride ; Graft vs Host Disease ; immunology ; prevention & control ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; pharmacology ; Intestine, Small ; transplantation ; Lymphocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Male ; Propylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred WF ; Sphingosine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Transplantation, Heterotopic

Syl948 is a synthesized selective S1P1 agonist with novel structure. HTRF-IP1 test indicated that Syl948-P, the active form of Syl948 in vitro, has strong activity against S1P1 (EC50: 83 +/- 16 nmol x L(-1)), but its effect on S1P3 was very weak (EC50: 1 026 +/- 90 nmol x L(-1)). In SD rats, oral administration of Syl948 10 mg x kg(-1) significantly decreased the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), with the maximal PBL inhibition rate of 63%, which was as similar as equal dose of fingolimod (FTY720). Oral administration of Syl948 10 mg x kg(-1) had no effect on heart rate of SD rats, which was better than FTY720. Daily oral administration with Syl948 (2 or 4 mg x kg(-1)) significantly prolonged the survival time of the allografts of skin slice on mice. In summary, the above results demonstrated that Syl948 has great selectivity in vitro and good activity in vivo, which indicated its potential use as an anti-rejection drug in skin transplantation.
Animals ; Fingolimod Hydrochloride ; Graft Survival ; drug effects ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; pharmacology ; Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; Mice ; Propylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Receptors, Lysosphingolipid ; agonists ; Skin Transplantation ; Sphingosine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Transplantation, Homologous

AIMTo investigate the antioxidant mechanisms of propylene glycol mannate sulfate (PGMS) in hyperlipidemic rats.

METHODSMale Wistar rats were given high lipid emulsion diet to establish hyperlipidemic model. PGMS was given every day at different doses (37.8 and 75.6 mg.kg-1, ig) to hyperlipidemic rats for three weeks. In addition, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) was given 200 mg.kg-1.3 d-1 (i.p.) to inhibit SOD activity. Then, the MDA content was examined using TBA method to show the oxidation level, and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT were examined following the kit protocols to indicate the capability of eliminating OFR. RT-PCR was applied to study the expression of Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA in rat liver.

RESULTSThe MDA content of PGMS treatment groups decreased markedly compared with hyperlipidemic group, and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT increased distinctly. Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA expression was significantly increased by PGMS treatment. Furthermore, the application of DDC(the SOD inhibitor) reduced total SOD activity and Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA expression induced by PGMS, and the content of MDA increased correspondingly.

CONCLUSIONPGMS can induce the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the mRNA expression of Cu, Zn-SOD, which contribute to the elimination of oxygen free radical. This may explain the molecular mechanism of antioxidant effects of PGMS.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Catalase ; metabolism ; Free Radical Scavengers ; pharmacology ; Hyperlipidemias ; enzymology ; metabolism ; Liver ; enzymology ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Propylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Superoxide Dismutase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism

AIMTo study the effect of propylene glycol mannate sulfate (PGMS) on induction of CuZn-SOD.

METHODSWistar rats were given PGMS p.o. at different doses (0, 18.9, 37.8 and 75.6 mg.kg-1.d) for ten days. Then the rats were sacrificed and the total RNA was extracted from the livers. The total RNA samples were loaded on a 1% agarose gel to detect the quality of total RNA. RT-PCR was applied to study the expression of CuZn-SOD mRNA in rat livers. The amplified products were detected by the 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. Simultaneously, the CuZn-SOD activities in rat liver were determined by nitrite method.

RESULTSThe total RNA extracted from rat livers was integrated without being decomposed by RNase. The level of CuZn-SOD mRNA of the high-dosage group (75.6 mg.kg-1.d) was higher than that of the control group (0 mg.kg-1.d) (P < 0.01); the CuZn-SOD activities of the high-dosage group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.001) and the CuZn-SOD activities of the middle- (37.8 mg.kg-1.d) and low-dosage groups (18.9 mg.kg-1.d) were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONPGMS can increase the CuZn-SOD activities as well as CuZn-SOD on mRNA level. Therefore, it is possible for PGMS to counteract Atherosclerosis (AS) by inducing the expression of CuZn-SOD.

Animals ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Free Radical Scavengers ; pharmacology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Propylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Superoxide Dismutase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism