Aim To investigate the influence and molecular mechanism of C-phycocyanin(CPC) from Spirulina platensis on apoptosis of HeLa cells in vitro.Methods Firstly,the effect of purified CPC on proliferation of HeLa cells in vitro was determined by MTT assay,and then electron microscope was exploited to observe the characteristic apoptotic features of cells treated with CPC.Subsequently,genomic DNA changes of HeLa cells were observed by agarose electrophoresis.Flow cytometric analysis revealed the influence of different concentrations of CPC on cell cycle of HeLa cells.The expressions of apoptosis related genes of CPC treated HeLa cells were determined by immunohistochemistry analysis.In addition,the activities of caspases and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol were detected.Results Compared with control cells untreated with CPC,a significant decreased in the numbers of HeLa cells in survival treated with CPC and concentration dose effects existed.CPC could induce characteristic apoptotic features including cell shrinkage,membrane blebbing,microvilli loss,chromatin margination and condensation into dense granules or blocks.DNA of HeLa cells treated with CPC showed fragmentation pattern(DNA ladder of oligomers of 180~200 bp) typical for apoptotic cells.HeLa cells treated with different concentrations of CPC demonstrated an increasing percentage of cells in sub-G0/G1 phase.In addition,CPC could promote the expression of pro-apoptotic gene(Fas and ICAM-1);meanwhile,held back the anti-apoptotic gene(Bcl-2) expression,and then facilitated the transduction of tumoral apoptosis signals that resulted in the apoptosis of HeLa cells in vitro.In CPC treated HeLa cells,CPC treatment of HeLa cells also resulted in activation of caspases and release of cytochrome C from mitochondria into the cytosol.Conclusion C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis can induce the apoptosis of HeLa cells in vitro.By virtue of the promotion of the apoptosis signals transduction in HeLa,CPC realizes its antitumor activities.

BACKGROUNDCoronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease and cause of heart attacks. This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics of CHD and its risk factors in Jiaozhou, Shandong province, to ultimately find a way of reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, and to provide a theoretical basis for establishing a cardiovascular disease management path under the regional medical collaborative mechanism.

METHODSA questionnaire survey was performed including 1 952 people aged 35 years or older who were questioned by means of stratified, cluster, proportional sampling to investigate the prevalence of CHD and its risk factors. The data were inputted into SPSS11.0 statistical software for processing and analysis. We advised the local medical institutions to establish health files for the residents with CHD and risk factors. They were followed up regularly. Their risk factors and life-style were monitored, and advice was given as to proper medications. Green channels were established, and the patients were transmitted in a timely manner to superior hospitals for better treatment if the necessary treatments were not available in the local hospitals. The control of risk factors was observed after the follow-up for half a year.

RESULTSIn Jiaozhou, the rates of coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and overweight were 8.15%, 28.54%, 11.43%, 35.46%, and 18.70% respectively. The rates of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and overweight were higher than the data published in "The report of Chinese cardiovascular disease 2012"; which are 24%, 9.7%, 18.6%, and 9.7%, respectively. The control of risk factors improved significantly after the guidance of the residents lifestyle and medication for six months.

CONCLUSIONSThe high prevalence of coronary artery disease in Jiaozhou is closely related to age, gender, diet structure, family history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, overweight, and unhealthy lifestyle. Under the regional medical coordination mechanism, the collaborative management of cardiovascular disease can provide new management concepts for the areas short of medical resources, so as to reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular disease.

Adult ; Aged ; China ; epidemiology ; Coronary Disease ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors