Objective To analyze the effect of eukaryotic plasmids containing wild (sense) or anti- sense methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene on cell viability and transcription level of tumor related genes in human gastric cancer cell line.Methods Human gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 was cultured.Recombinant plasmids containing wild MTHFR (W) or antisense MTHFR (A) gene, pCMV-W and pCMV-A,were constructed.Then pCMV-W,pCMV-A and pCMV blank plasmid were transfected into MKN45 cells respectively by using lipofect.Cell viability was analyzed by 3-(4,5-bime- thylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyhetrazolium dromide(MTT).The transcription levels of Dnmt 1,c-myc, p21~(WAF1) and hMLH1 genes were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Results Cell vi- ability remarkably increased in those transfected with wild MTHFR (P＜0.01),which was contrary to those transfected with antisense MTHFR(P＜0.01).The expression of those tumor related genes mRNAs were all remarkably decreased in the MKN45-W cells in comparison with those in the MKN45-pCMV cells.No significant difference in the expressions of those tumor related genes mRNAs were found between the MKN45 cells transfected with pCMV-A and blank pCMV.Conclusion MTHFR influences cell viability and the expres- sion level of tumor related genes in human gastric cancer cell line MKN45.

Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Humans

OBJECTIVETo explore the chaotic dynamic process of multiple organs dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and the regulatory effect of Shenqin Liquid (SQL), a Chinese herbal liquid preparation with the action of purging and qi-tonifying.

METHODSEighty SD rats were divided into 4 groups, and were given suspension of zymosan A and paraffine (1 mL/kg) by peritoneal injection except for those in the blank control group to set up the multiple organs dysfunction syndrome (MODS) model. Low and high doses SQL were administered twice at the doses of 30 and 60 g/kg of SQL respectively at an interval of 8 h per day before modeling. Serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) in MODS model animals were tested diachronically, eg. 12, 6 h before modeling, during modeling, 6 and 12 h after modeling, and then the mathematic models were built up with compartment analysis. Lyapunov exponents (LE) of the mathematic models were calculated to evaluate their chaotic characteristics of movement and the degree of chaos was ascertained with the correlation dimension (CD).

RESULTSThe serum levels of TNF-alpha and NO were significantly higher than those in the bland control group at modeling, 6, and 12 h after modeling (P <0.01), while those in the low and high doses of SQL were significantly lower than the model group (P <0.01). Moreover, the level of NO in the high dose of SQL was significantly lower than that in the low dose group (P <0. 01). CD of TNF-alpha movement in the blank control group was 0.803 with the LE less than zero; those in the model group was 1. 966 and > 0 respectively; in the low dose and high dose SQL treated groups, CD was 0.517 and 0.653 respectively and LE >0. CD of NO movement in the blank control group was 0.670 and with LE < 0; in the model group, 1.242 with LE > 0; in the low dose SQL group, 0.574 and in the high dose SQL group 0.850, and LE <0 in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONUnder the normal physiologic condition, TNF-alpha and NO moved steadily without chaotic properties; while under the pathologic condition of MODS, they manifest relatively complicated chaotic properties. SQL can intervene the movement of TNF-alpha and NO, decrease the complexity of their chaotic movement, and make them return back to a stable state.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Multiple Organ Failure ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA and protein expressions and nitric oxide (NO) content in the rat glomeruli in response to leptin stimulation.

METHODSThe glomeruli isolated from male SD rats were stimulated with 3 nmol/L leptin for 2 h. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were performed to analyze the mRNA and protein expressions of AGT, AT(1)R and eNOS in the glomeruli, and nitrite concentration in the glomeruli was measured by nitrate reductase assay.

RESULTSIn comparison with the control group, exposure to leptin increased the mRNA levels of AGT, ATR(1) and eNOS in the isolated glomeruli by 2.69-/+0.17, 3.77-/+0.16 and 2.56-/+0.29 folds (P=0.024, 0.018 and 0.044), and their protein levels by 2.06-/+0.10, 2.67-/+0.08 and 1.61-/+0.13 folds (P=0.021, 0.015 and 0.032), respectively. The NO production in the glomeruli was also increased by 2.77-/+0.14 folds (P=0.000) following leptin exposure.

CONCLUSIONLeptin exposure of isolated rat glomeruli directly causes activation of the internal renal renin-angiotensin system and enhanced NO production, suggesting that leptin plays a role in the pathogenesis of maladaptation in renal hemodynamics in obesity.

Animals ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Kidney Glomerulus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Leptin ; pharmacology ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; biosynthesis ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Renin-Angiotensin System ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of PKC-delta inhibitor Rottlerin on human colon cancer cells and its mechanism.

METHODSHuman colon cancer cell line SW1116 cells were treated with Rottlerin. The transcriptional level of DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt)1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b was detected by real-time RT-PCR. Cell cycle distribution was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM). In addition, cellular morphological changes were examined by light microscopy.

RESULTSPKC-delta inhibitor decreased the expression of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a mRNA, up-regulated APC, p21(WAF1) and p16(INK4A) mRNA. Demonstarted by flow cytometry, Rottlerin increased the percentage of cell cycle G0/G1 phase cell numbers (P = 0.02) and decreased the percentage of cell cycle G2/M phase cell numbers (P = 0.01). Remarkable changes of cellular morphology were observed under light microscope: The volume and cytoplasm of cells treated with Rottlerin were increased. The cell contour was not very clear, and mitotic figures were less frequently seen.

CONCLUSIONPKC-delta inhibitor Rottlerin inhibites cell division and proliferation of the colon cancer SW1116 cells through regulating DNA methylation and blocking the signaling pathway of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK).

Acetophenones ; pharmacology ; Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein ; genetics ; Benzopyrans ; pharmacology ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Colonic Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 ; genetics ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; genetics ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases ; genetics ; Flow Cytometry ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Humans ; Protein Kinase C-delta ; antagonists & inhibitors ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

The aim of this study was to separate and amplify CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg cells from splenocytes of sensitized mice. The percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg cells was detected by flow cytometry in sensitized and normal control mice. CD4(+)T, CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg and CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells were isolated from mouse splenocytes by MACS. CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg cells were expanded in vitro cultures in addition of CD3/CD28 MACSiBead and IL-2. The activity of cells was detected with 0.4 trypan blue staining. The purity of cells after sorting, the main surface marker and the level of Foxp3 were detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg cell proportion was higher in sensitized mice than normal control mice (P < 0.05). The average purity of CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg cells was 87. The activity of these cells was more than 97, and the expression of Foxp3 in these cells was high. The amplification multiples achieved 42 times after 2 weeks in vitro. The percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells was 85.32, and the expression of Foxp3 decreased from (76.92 ± 1.72) to (75.33 ± 2.11) (P > 0.05). It is concluded that the sorting of CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg cells is isolated successfully by MACS without affecting the vitality of target cells. The amplification of CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg cells is successful in vitro. Expression of surface markers and Foxp3 gene does not obviously change after amplification, so that to establish a practical method to recover and enlarge the amount of CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg cells in good condition.
Animals ; CD4 Antigens ; biosynthesis ; Flow Cytometry ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Immunomagnetic Separation ; methods ; Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit ; metabolism ; Lymphocyte Count ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the additive effects of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) gene Ala55Val variation and ADR beta(3) gene Trp64Arg variation on the obesity in Chinese Han population.

METHODSThe UCP2 gene Ala55Val variation and ADR beta(3) gene Trp64Arg variation were examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP) in 119 obese subject with mean BMI (27.9+/-2.98)kg/m(2) and in 177 control subjects with mean BMI(21.9+/-1.9)kg/m(2). The additive effects of the two gene mutations were analyzed.

RESULTS(1) The frequency of ADR beta(3) gene Trp64Arg variation in obese subjects was not significantly different from that in control subjects. In control subjects, the Trp64Arg variation carriers had higher fasting glucose level and 2-hour-post-prandial glucose level than did non-carriers. (2) The frequency of homozygote of UCP2 gene Ala55Val variation in obese subjects was higher than that in the control subjects (OR=3.71, P=0.001). In control subjects the Ala55Val variation carriers had higher BMI. (3) When there was only UCP2 gene or ADR beta(3) gene mutation, the frequency of gene mutation in obese subjects was not significantly different from that in control subjects (P>0.05). But when there were simultaneously two gene mutations, the frequency of gene mutations was higher in obese subjects than in control subjects (OR=2.57, P=0.009). (4) The genotype carriers with Val/Val+ Trp/Arg were the greatest relation to obese obesity (OR=8.58, P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONThe homozygote of UCP2 gene Ala55Val mutation increases the risk of obesity. Though the UCP2 gene mutation alone or the ADR beta(3) gene mutation alone is not associated with obesity, the possible additive effects of the two micro-genes increase the occurring of obesity.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Ion Channels ; Male ; Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; genetics ; Mutation ; Obesity ; genetics ; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3 ; genetics ; Uncoupling Protein 2

OBJECTIVE: Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of cancers in clinic; but it often induces adverse effects on ovarian functions such as reduced fertility and premature menopause. Mesna could attenuate the cisplatin-induced ovarian damages; however, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. This study aimed to figure out the underlying mechanism of the protection of mesna for ovaries against cisplatin therapy in cancers. METHODS: We performed female adult Sprague-Dawley rats into normal saline control (NS), low-dose cisplatin (CL), high-dose cisplatin (CH), CL plus mesna (CL+M), and CH plus mesna (CH+M) groups and detected anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)-positive follicle, oxidative stress status and anti-oxidative capability in ovaries. RESULTS: AMH-positive follicles were significantly decreased after cisplatin administration, which was significantly reversed when mesna was co-administered with cisplatin. The end product of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA), was significantly increased, but the anti-oxidative enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly decreased in cisplatin groups when compared with NS group. In contrast, after co-administration of cisplatin with mesna, MDA was significantly decreased whereas the activity of SOD and the concentration of GSH were increased. Moreover, mesna did not decrease the anti-tumor property of cisplatin in HePG2 cell lines. CONCLUSION: Cisplatin damages the granulosa cells by oxidative stress to deplete the ovarian reserve and mesna could protect ovarian reserve through anti-oxidation. These results might highlight the mechanism of the protection of mesna for ovarian reserve and open an avenue for the application of mesna as a protective additive in cisplatin chemotherapy in clinical practise.
Adult ; Animals ; Anti-Mullerian Hormone ; Cisplatin ; Female ; Fertility ; Glutathione ; Granulosa Cells ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Malondialdehyde ; Menopause, Premature ; Mesna ; Ovary ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase

Objective To investigate the effect of caveolin-1 scaffolding domain (CSD) peptides on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activity increasing and M1/M2 phenotype polarization in rat alveolar macrophages (AMs) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods Bioinformatics was used to analyze the binding of full-length wild-type CSD polypeptide and 101 amino acid deleted truncated mutant CSD polypeptide (Δ101CSD) to HO-1. Primary AMs were isolated from rats, when cell fusion reached 80％, they were synchronized with serum-free medium and divided into five groups: no treatment was given to the blank control group; LPS group was treated with 100μg/L LPS for 16 hours;LPS+ hemin group was treated with 100μg/L LPS and 20μmol/L hemin for 16 hours; wild-type CSD polypeptide+ LPS+hemin group was pretreated with 10μmol/L wild-type CSD polypeptide 6 hours before LPS treatment; Δ101CSD+ LPS+hemin group was pretreated with 10μmol/L Δ101CSD polypeptide 6 hours before LPS treatment. After treatment for 16 hours, the co-localization between caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and HO-1 was displayed by confocal microscope; the mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and M1/M2 polarization cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), leukocyte differentiation antigen 206 (CD206) and IL-10 were determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); the HO-1 activity and nitric oxide (NO) production were determined by spectrophotometry.Results Bioinformatics analysis showed: both wild-type CSD and Δ101CSD peptides could bind to HO-1, and there was no significant difference in the binding ability between the two peptides, but the deletion of 101 Arg resulted in the disappearance of part of the binding region between Δ101CSD and HO-1. The results of laser confocal microscopy showed: the expressions of Cav-1 and HO-1 were lowed in the blank control group, and Cav-1 was bound to HO-1 in LPS group and LPS+ hemin group. Both wild-type CSD and Δ101CSD peptides pretreatment could significantly reduce the binding of HO-1 to Cav-1 induced by LPS. HO-1 activity analysis showed: after LPS stimulation, the activity of HO-1 was significantly higher than that of the blank control group; the activity of HO-1 induced by LPS was increased by hemin; after pretreatment with two kinds of CSD peptides, the activity of HO-1 was further increased, and the effect of wild-type CSD peptide was more significant, which showed a statistically significant difference as compared with that of LPS+ hemin group (pmol·mg-1·h-1: 3683±266 vs. 2408±132,P < 0.05). RT-qPCR results showed: LPS could induce elevation of cytokines and M1 markers and decrease of M2 markers, while hemin could inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory response and M1/M2 phenotypic polarization. Compared with LPS+ hemin group, after pretreatment with wild-type CSD peptide, the levels of inflammatory factors in AMs were decreased, and the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and iNOS, M1 markers, were decreased [TNF-α mRNA (2-??Ct): 6.82±0.05 vs. 8.70±0.24, iNOS mRNA (2-??Ct): 331.50±32.05 vs. 506.70±0.10, bothP < 0.05], and IL-10 mRNA expression level was increased (2-??Ct: 269.09±6.54 vs. 119.05±3.30,P < 0.05). The deletion of 101 site partially weakened the inhibitory effect of CSD peptides on inflammatory factors and only reduced the expression of iNOS mRNA (2-??Ct: 429.11±8.92 vs. 506.70±0.10,P < 0.05), indicating that its ability to transform AMs from M1 phenotype to M2 phenotype was poor. The two peptides had no effect on the expression of CD206.Conclusion Wild-type CSD had beneficial effects of anti-inflammation by reducing Cav-1 binding to HO-1 induced by LPS, restoring the HO-1 activity and driving M2 phenotype in alveolar macrophages.

Chuankezhi (CKZ), a new Chinese medicine, plays an important role in immunoregulation. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells have been commonly used for immunotherapy in recent years. In this study, we aimed to investigate the immunoregulatory effect of CKZ on CIK cells. Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from healthy donors, and CIK cells were generated by culturing monocytes with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 2. Different concentrations of CKZ were added on day 2. After incubation for 14 days in culture, the antitumor effects of CIK cells were measured by cytotoxicity assay. Flow cytometry was used to explore the effect of CKZ on CIK cell immunophenotype, intracellular cytokine production, and apoptosis. The effect of CKZ on the antitumor activity of CIK cells in nude mice was also investigated. CKZ increased the percentage of CD3+CD56+ CIK cells but did not significantly change the percentage of CD4+, CD8+, or CD4+CD25+ CIK cells. CKZ-conditioned CIK cells showed a greater ability to kill tumor cells, as well as a higher frequency of IFN-γ and TNF-α production, compared with the CIK cells in the control group. CKZ also suppressed the apoptosis of CIK cells in vitro. Furthermore, CKZ combined with CIK cells had a stronger suppressive effect on tumor growth in vivo than the CIK, CKZ, or normal saline control groups. Our results indicate that CKZ enhances the antitumor activity of CIK cells and is a potential medicine for tumor immunotherapy.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; CD3 Complex ; metabolism ; CD56 Antigen ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology ; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Epimedium ; chemistry ; Female ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Morinda ; chemistry ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Tumor Burden ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism