OBJECTIVESTo investigate the effects of FAK-related non-kinase (FRNK) on the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in vitro and on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signal transduction pathway.

METHODSHSC were stimulated by fibronectin (FN), and then they were transfected with FAK-related non-kinase (FRNK) plasmids mediated by cationic liposome. The apoptosis of FRNK-induced HSC was examined by annexin-V/propidium iodide double-labeled flow cytometry (FCM), gel electrophoresis and transmission electron microscopy. Levels of FRNK, FAK, p-FAK (Tyr397), ERK1 and p-ERK in HSC were assayed by Western blot on the protein level, and by RT-PCR on the mRNA level.

RESULTSThe expression of FRNK was enhanced after FRNK plasmids were transiently transfected into the HSC. The apoptotic rate of the HSC exposed to FRNK plasmids for 48 h was higher than that in the non-FRNK plasmid group (25.37%+/-1.92% vs 9.28%+/-1.05%, P less than 0.01), and was accompanied by a significantly higher activity of caspase-3 both in the protein and in the mRNA levels [(264.17+/-12.60 vs 185.82+/-9.69), P less than 0.01; (4.19+/-0.48 vs 1.07+/-0.27), P less than 0.01]. After exposure of HSC to FRNK plasmids, compared with the non-FRNK plasmid group, the expressions of p-FAK, ERK1 and p-ERK in protein and mRNA levels were lower; on the contrary, compared with the control group, the expressions of p-FAK, ERK1 and p-ERK in the FN group were higher.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of FRNK was enhanced and the phosphorylation of FAK was inhibited after FRNK was transiently transfected into HSC in vitro. FRNK induces apoptosis of HSC. FAK-ERK signal transduction pathway perhaps is involved in the process.

Apoptosis ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; metabolism ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Signal Transduction

AIMTo observe the effect of FAK-related non-Kinase (FRNK) plasmid on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation stimulated by fibronectin (FN).

METHODSFRNK plasmid was transfected into HSC with transient liposomal transfection. The proteins of FRNK, FAK and p-FAK(Tyr397) were assayed by Western blotting analysis. The proliferation of HSC was evaluated by improved MTT assay, and cell cycle pattern was determined by flow cytometry (FCM).

RESULTS(1) The expression of FRNK protein increased after FRNK transfected HSC, and it was at 48 h that the expression of FRNK protein was the highest (P < 0.01). The protein level of FAK was no significant difference between before FRNK plasmid transfection and after transfection (P > 0.05). The expression of p-FAK(Tyr397) protein was down-regulated after FRNK had been transfected in HSC, (P < 0.01). (2) The HSC proliferation inhibition rates at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after FRNK transfection were 20.07%, 26.16%, 29.77%, respectively (P < 0.01). (3) Compared with the non-FRNK plasmid group, the FRNK-transfected HSCs almost arrested in G0/G1 phase (71.4 +/- 2.81 vs 48.9 +/- 1.66, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAfter FRNK were transfected successfully in HSCs using lipofectamine, the phosphorylation of FAK was inhibited. The HSC proliferation was restrained in a time-dependent manner and the HSC was arrested in G0/G1 phase.

Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Fibronectins ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Phosphorylation ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; genetics ; Transfection

Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Fibronectins ; pharmacology ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the effects of FAK-related non-kinase (FRNK) on expressions of type I collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) mRNA in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC).

METHODSUsing in vitro cell culture technique, FRNK plasmids were transfected into HSC mediated by cationic liposome. Type I collagen synthesis capability in HSC was examined by 3H-Pro incorporation assay. The levels of FRNK in HSC were assayed by Western blot, and the expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were assayed by RT-PCR on mRNA levels.

RESULTSThe exposure of HSC to FRNK caused the expression of FRNK protein to be up-regulated, and the FRNK protein contents reached the highest point at 48 h after the transfection, P less than 0.05. The expressions of MMP-2 mRNA were up-regulated by FRNK; the expressions of TIMP-2 mRNA were down-regulated by FRNK; the ratios of MMP-2 mRNA/TIMP-2 mRNA were enhanced by FRNK.

CONCLUSIONAfter FRNK was transfected, the capability of type I collagen synthesis in HSC was inhibited, which may be related to the up-regulation of MMP-2 mRNA/TIMP-2 mRNA.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 ; metabolism ; Transfection

Objective To synthesize obeticholic acid and optimize the preparation process. Method Obeticholic acid was synthesized from (E) -3α-hydroxyl-6-ethylidene-7-keto-5β-cholane-24-acid via the reactions in cluding the double bound hydrogenation, inversion of α-ethyl′s configuration, and stereospecific reduction of the carbonyl group. Results The structures of the compounds were confirmed by1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and MS data. The preparation process was optimized, with the overall yield about 69％.Conclusion An industrial process for the preparation of obeticholic acid has been developed, available for the safety and quality control as well as the quality improvement of final products, which could meet the registration requiremens of Center for Drug Evalution (CDE).

Sofosbuvir is a new type of direct-acting antiviral(DAA)drugs against hepatitis C.By competitive combination to NS5B polymerase activity sites,sofosbuvir can terminate genome synthesis of newly born virus,and finally inhibit the replication of hepatitis C virus(HCV).The research and development process of sofosbuvir is based on the principles of nucleoside antiviral drug metabolism.The subtle structure modification improves the drug′s structure stability and absorption process,which makes sofosbuvir a liver targeted anti-HCV drug.Sofosbuvir has become a clinical fundamental drug for anti-HCV infection,and then used alone or in combination with other drugs,with higher recovery rate,better safety and anti-drug resistance.This article reviews the research back?ground,development process,clinical application and synthetic methods for sofosbuvir.

AIM:To explore the effects of chloroquine (CQ) on collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ expression in activated rat hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 and the possible mechanism.METHODS:Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was used to activate HSC-T6 cells and 3 doses of CQ was administered for 24 h.The cells were divided into 5 groups as follows:control group,TGF-β1 group,TGF-β1 + CQ (15 μmol/L) group,TGF-β1 + CQ (30 μ mol/L) group and TGF-β1 + CQ (60 μmol/L) group.Western blot was used to determine the expression of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ,P62 and o-SMA in activated HSC-T6 cells.The expression of collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ was detected by immunocytochemical staining,Western blot and RT-qPCR.Western blot and RT-qPCR were also used to detect the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13),tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2 at mRNA and protein levels.RESULTS:The ratio of LC3-Ⅱ / LC3-Ⅰ and P62 expression were increased after CQ intervention.Moreover,they were significantly higher in the TGF-β1 + CQ groups than those in TGF-β1 group (P ＜ 0.01).The expression of collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ at mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased in all TGF-β1 + CQ groups as compared with TGF-β1 group (P ＜0.01),and it was markedly increased among TGF-β1 + CQ groups in a dose-dependent manner.The expression of MMP-13 at mRNA and protein levels was significantly lowered and that of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was significantly increased in TGF-β1 + CQ groups as compared with TGF-β1 group (P ＜0.05).CONCLUSION:Inhibition of autophagy by CQ in activated HSC-T6 cells up-regulates the expression of collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ in a dose-dependent way,probably due to reduction of MMP-13 and enhancement of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) on dendritic cell (DC) development. First, HUVEC were isolated from human umbilical cord by collagenase digestion, and then the morphology, immunophenotypes and functions were identified. Furthermore, the HUVEC were cocultured with CD14(+) monocytes under the cytokine condition for detecting the influence of HUVEC on differentiation of CD14(+) cells to DC. The phenotype of dendritic cells derived from CD14(+) cells was analyzed by flow cytometry, the immunoregulatory function of DC was tested by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). The change of IL-6 and VEGF as well as EPK and p38 signal pathway were analyzed by neutral antibody experiment and Western blot. The results showed that HUVEC isolated from human umbilical cord were characterized by spindle-shaped morphology, homogenous immunophenotypes (vWF(+)CD31(+)CD73(+)CD45(-)HLA-DR(-)CD86(-)CD34(low)), Dil-Ac-LDL incorporation ability and forming capillary-like structures. Following stimulation with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) plus interleukin-4 (IL-4), HUVEC cocultures could inhibit the initial differentiation of CD14(+) monocyte to DC. Interestingly, IL-6 and VEGF enhanced the suppression effect of HUVEC on generation of DC via activation of the ERK or p38 mitogen activated protein kinase pathway. It is concluded that HUVEC are involved in DC development and can suppress the differentiation of monocyte to DC.
Cell Differentiation ; Coculture Techniques ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Monocytes ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo study on the effect of acteoside on learning and memory of dementia mice.

METHODMice were orally administered with acteoside for 10 days. Scopolamine was used to establish the acquired learning disability in mice. Their learning and memory were detected with a behavioral experiment (step-down test). After the behavior test, corticocerebral and hippocampus tissues of mice were detected with biochemical indexes, including GSH-Px, T-SOD, MDA, TChE and contents of protein in brain tissues.

RESULTMice were administered with acteoside for 10 d in advance to alleviate the acquired learning disability induced by scopolamine. Compared with the model group, acteoside increased the latency period in the step-down test and reduced error times. Besides, acteoside increased the activity of GSH-Px, T-SOD, TChE and protein content in their brain tissues, but decreased MDA content.

CONCLUSIONActeoside can significantly alleviate the acquired learning disability in mice induced by scopolamine. Its mechanism may be related with its effect of inhibiting the generation of free radicals in mice and improving the function of the central cholinergic system.

Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; drug effects ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Glucosides ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Learning ; drug effects ; Male ; Memory Disorders ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Mice ; Phenols ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Scopolamine Hydrobromide ; adverse effects ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo detect the expression of phosphorylated-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-Stat3) and myeloid leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) as well as their correlation, and to investigate the functional role of Stat3 and Mcl-1 in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODSStat3 activity in ESCC cells was inhibited with JAK/Stat3 inhibitors (AG490 or JSI-124). Specific siRNA was used to inhibit the Stat3 expression. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Expression of Mcl-1 protein was determined by Western blotting. Expression of phospho-Stat3 (Tyr705) and myeloid leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) proteins in ESCC tissues was detected by tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry. The relationship between p-Stat3 or Mcl-1 aberrant expression and clinicopatholohical features of ESCC was analyzed. The correlation of their expression was also analyzed.

RESULTSSuppression of the Stat3 signaling activation in ESCC cells led to marked apoptosis, and dramatic reduction of Mcl-1 protein. The positive rate of phospho-Stat3 (Tyr705) expression was 45.0% in 50/111 of the ESCC tissue samples. The lower the degree of tumor differentiation, the higher the positive rate of phospho-Stat3 (Tyr705), showing a significant difference (P = 0.018). The positive rate of Mcl-1 protein expression was 72.1% (80/111), and the lower the degree of tumor differentiation was, the higher there was the positive rate of Mcl-1, with a significant difference (P = 0.026). There was a positive correlation between the expressions of p-Stat3 and Mcl-1 proteins (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONSIn a subset of ESCC tissues, p-Stat3 (Tyr705) and Mcl-1 are overexpressed and positively correlated with each other, and both are correlated with tumor differentiation. Persistent activation of Stat3 contributes to apoptotic resistance in ESCC cells, and may be at least partly mediated through upregulation of Mcl-1.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Grading ; Neoplasm Staging ; Phosphorylation ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tyrphostins ; pharmacology