This study investigates the effect of glycyrrhetinic acid(GA) combined with doxorubicin(DOX) on apoptosis in HepG2 cells and its possible mechanisms. HepG2 cells were cultured in vitro, and cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) method. Flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis levels in HepG2 cells. The cells were divided into the following groups: control group(0 μmol·L~(-1)), DOX group(2 μmol·L~(-1)), GA group(150 μmol·L~(-1)), and DOX + GA combination group(2 μmol·L~(-1) DOX + 150 μmol·L~(-1) GA), with treatments given for 24 hours. The colocalization level between the endoplasmic reticulum(ER) and mitochondria was assessed by colocalization fluorescence imaging. Fluorescence probes were used to measure the Ca~(2+) content in the ER and mitochondria. The qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression of sirtuin-3(SIRT3). Co-immunoprecipitation(CO-IP) was applied to investigate the interactions between voltage-dependent anion channel 1(VDAC1) and SIRT3, as well as between VDAC1, glucose-regulated protein 75(GRP75), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor(IP3R). The results showed that the combination of DOX and GA promoted apoptosis in HepG2 liver cancer cells. The colocalization level between the ER and mitochondria was significantly reduced, the Ca~(2+) content in the ER was significantly increased, and the Ca~(2+) content in the mitochondria was significantly decreased. The relative expression of VDAC1, GRP75, and IP3R was significantly reduced, and interactions between VDAC1, GRP75, and IP3R were observed. SIRT3 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased, and an interaction between SIRT3 and VDAC1 was detected. The acetylation level of VDAC1 was significantly decreased. In conclusion, GA combined with DOX induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells by mediating the deacetylation of VDAC1 through SIRT3, weakening the interactions among VDAC1, GRP75, and IP3R. This regulates the formation of endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial membrane domains(ERMMDs), affects Ca~(2+) transport between the ER and mitochondria, and ultimately triggers cell apoptosis.
Humans ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Hep G2 Cells ; Glycyrrhetinic Acid/pharmacology* ; Doxorubicin/pharmacology* ; Liver Neoplasms/genetics* ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/physiopathology* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Endoplasmic Reticulum/metabolism* ; Cell Survival/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics*

Objective To investigate changes in the urinary metabolite profiles of children exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)during critical brain development and explore their potential link with the intestinal microbiota. Methods Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine ten hydroxyl metabolites of PAHs(OH-PAHs)in 36-month-old children.Subsequently,37 children were categorized into low-and high-exposure groups based on the sum of the ten OH-PAHs.Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to identify non-targeted metabolites in the urine samples.Furthermore,fecal flora abundance was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using Illumina MiSeq. Results The concentrations of 21 metabolites were significantly higher in the high exposure group than in the low exposure group(variable importance for projection>1,P<0.05).Most of these metabolites were positively correlated with the hydroxyl metabolites of naphthalene,fluorine,and phenanthrene(r=0.336-0.531).The identified differential metabolites primarily belonged to pathways associated with inflammation or proinflammatory states,including amino acid,lipid,and nucleotide metabolism.Additionally,these distinct metabolites were significantly associated with specific intestinal flora abundances(r=0.34-0.55),which were mainly involved in neurodevelopment. Conclusion Higher PAH exposure in young children affected metabolic homeostasis,particularly that of certain gut microbiota-derived metabolites.Further investigation is needed to explore the potential influence of PAHs on the gut microbiota and their possible association with neurodevelopmental outcomes.

To understand the genetic diversity and drug resistance status of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) circulating in Xuzhou of China, the spacer-oligonucleotide typing (Spoligotyping) and multi-loci VNTRs (variable number tandem repeats) analysis (MLVA) were utilized for the genotyping of the isolates. Drug susceptibility test (DST) was performed by the proportion method on the Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) medium using isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and streptomycin. By Spoligotyping, 287 M. tuberculosis isolates were differentiated into 14 clusters. Then with 15-loci MLVA, these strains could be divided into 32 clusters, 228 genotypes. Of 15 VNTRs, 6 loci had the highly discriminatory powers, 6 loci presented moderate discrimination and 3 loci demonstrated less polymorphism. The DST results showed that 46 strains were resistant to at least one first-line anti-tuberculosis agent. There was a difference in the isoniazid resistance between Beijing and non-Beijing genotype strains. We concluded that the combination of Spoligotyping and 15 VNTR loci as the genotyping in our study was applicable for this region, the drug resistant isolates were identified, and the Beijing family was the most prevalent genotype in the rural counties of Xuzhou.
China ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; genetics ; Genotyping Techniques ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; genetics

This study was purposed to investigate the effect of crocin on the proliferation in vitro and immune function of dendritic cells (DC) derived from the bone marrow of children with acute leukemia. The mononuclear cells were isolated from bone marrow of leukemia children by Ficoll-Hypaque. The experiment was divided into six groups: blank control group (A), crocin 1.25 mg/ml group (B), cytokines (rhGM-CSF 75 ng/ml+rhIL-4 75 ng/ml+rhTNF-α 50 ng/ml) group (C), cytokines+crocin 0.3125, 1.25 or 5.0 mg/ml groups (D, E, F). The numbers of DC were counted and the phenotypes of DC were determined by flow cytometry on the ninth day of culture. The DC of different groups were mixed with T cells just separated from peripheral blood of another children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and cultured with rhIL-2 200 U/ml for 5 d. The function of DC was detected by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). The results indicated that the test groups and control group all obtained a certain amount of typical DC, but the DC numbers in test groups were all higher than those in control group (P < 0.01). Cultured for 9 days, the rates of CD1a(+), CD83(+), and HLA-DR(+) in group C, D, E, F were higher than group A (P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between A and B groups (P > 0.05). MLR showed that with the increasing of DC, the stimulation index of T cells in group A and B was not rising (P > 0.05); the stimulated index of T cells in group C and E was significantly rising, there was statistically significant difference between them (P < 0.01). When the number of stimulated cells was the same, the stimulation index of T cell in group E was the highest (P < 0.01). It is concluded that the capability of DC proliferation promoted by crocin alone is lower than that of its combination with rhGM-CSF, rhIL-4 and rhTNF-α, but the crocin can synergically promote the maturity of DC cooperating with rhGM-CSF, rhIL-4 and rhTNF-α. The DC induced by crocin can particularly enhance the proliferation of T cells.
Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Carotenoids ; pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Child ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans ; Leukemia ; pathology ; Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed ; T-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

BACKGROUNDBleb-associated endophthalmitis (BAE) is a rare but severe complication of trabeculectomy with poor outcome. Various surgical methods were explored to treat such patients. However, there is no defined protocol. The aim of this study was to describe a new combined operation, and to demonstrate the outcome of the treatment.

METHODSNine patients with BAE were enrolled in our study. The combined operation including pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), sclera patch graft (SPG) and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) was used to treat these patients.

RESULTSIn the follow-up of 18 - 24 months, all patients with the endophthalmitis were cured, the useful visual acuity was preserved in 7 patients, and the intraocular pressure (IOP) of 8 patients was controlled just after first operation, only one needed another trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation.

CONCLUSIONThis combined operation is a useful method for treating the patients with BAE, with SPG and vitrectomy to control the endophthalmitis and ECP to balance the postoperative IOP.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Endophthalmitis ; surgery ; Female ; Glaucoma ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Trabeculectomy ; adverse effects ; Visual Acuity ; physiology ; Vitrectomy ; methods ; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Th17 cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells in peripheral blood of patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and to clarify the role of the Th17/Treg cell ratio imbalance in pathogenesis of ITP. Patients were divided into the pre-treatment group (active group) (n = 38) and post-treatment group (remission group) according to the platelet count and curative effect. Post-treatment group was further divided into remission group (n = 24), partial remission group (n = 10), and non-remission group (n = 4). 30 healthy subjects were enrolled in control group. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentages of peripheral blood Th17 cells and Treg cells in CD4(+) T cells from ITP patients and controls respectively. The results showed that the percentages of Th17 cells in active group and non-remission group were significantly higher than those in control group (p < 0.05). The percentages of Th17 cells in remission group, partial-remission group were also higher than those in control group, but there were no statistically significant differences between these groups. The percentage of Th17 cells in remission group was lower than that in active group, but there was also no statistically difference between two groups. The percentages of Treg cells in active group, partial-remission group and non-remission group significantly decreased, compared with in control group (p < 0.01). The percentage of Treg cells in remission group was lower than that in control group, but there was no statistically significant difference. The ratio of peripheral blood Th17/Treg cells in active group, partial-remission group and non-remission group was higher, as compared with in control group. The ratio of peripheral blood Th17/Treg cells in remission group was higher than that in control group, but there was no statistically difference between two groups. It is concluded the percentage of Th17 cells and the ratio of Th17/Treg cells are higher in active group. The percentage of Treg cells is low in active group, partial remission and non-remission groups. The imbalance of Th17/Treg ratio may play a critical role in ITP pathogenesis.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Blood Cell Count ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic ; blood ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; immunology ; Th17 Cells ; immunology ; Young Adult

This study was to investigate the proliferative inhibition and apoptosis of human leukemia HL-60 cells induced by crocin and their possible mechanisms. The cell viability was tested by cell counting. The morphology of HL-60 cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of crocin on the growth of HL-60 cells. Flow cytometry was used to measure the cell cycle. RT-PCR was used to detect bcl-2 and bax expression. The results indicated that the growth of HL-60 cells was inhibited remarkably in the dose and time dependent way. When the crocin concentration was higher than 5 mg/ml, the percentage of apoptotic HL-60 cells was not increased, on the contrary this percentage decreased, the cells manifested necrosis. Flow cytometry profiles revealed that cells were blocked in G₀/G₁ phase, the cell proliferation was inhibited obviously at 5 mg/ml. RT-PCR detection revealed that the expression of bcl-2 was down-regulated strikingly and bax was up-regulated. It is concluded that the crocin can inhibit the proliferation of HL-60 cells effectively, and block cells in G₀/G₁ phase. The mechanisms by which crocin induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells may be related to the inhibition of bcl-2 and activation of bax.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Carotenoids ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Leukemia ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Phytotherapy ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

This study was purposed to investigate the effect of bacillus calmette-guerin (BCG) on the expansion of human dendritic cells (DC) from peripheral blood of pediatric patients with leukemia in vitro. The experiment was divi-ded into two groups: the control and the test group, and the latter group was divided into 3 subgroups: BCG (only BCG), GTI (GM-CSF, TNF-α, IL-4) and GTIB (GM-CSF, TNF-α, IL-4 plus BCG). On day 9 of culture the DCs were counted in each groups, the phenotypes of DC were determined by flow cytometry and these DC were stained with Wright-Giemsa for observation and photography under microscopy. The results showed that the test groups all obtained a certain amount of typical DC; the number of DC in the BCG subgroup is lower than that in the GTI and GTIB subgroups (t=4.20; 6.36, p<0.01); there was no significant difference between the GTI and the GTIB subgroups (t=2.25; p>0.05). The rate of CD1a+ in the BCG subgroup was obviously higher than that in the control group (t=3.04, p<0.05), but was lower than that in the GTI and the GTIB subgroups (t=2.79, 6.41, p<0.05), there was no significant difference between the GTI and the GTIB subgroups (t=0.65, p>0.05). The rate of HLA-DR+, CD83+ in the BCG group was higher than that in the control group (t=4.77, 4.15; p<0.05), but lower than that in the GTI and the GTIB subgroups (t=6.65, 3.19; p<0.05). The rate of HLA-DR+, CD83+ in the GTI subgroup was lower than that in the GTIB subgroup (t=5.64, 2.98; p<0.05). It is concluded that BCG not only promotes the proliferation of DC derived from human peripheral blood of leukemia patients in vitro, but also cooperates with rhGM-CSF, rhTNF-α and rhIL-4 in promoting the maturation of DCs.
BCG Vaccine ; immunology ; pharmacology ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Child ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans ; Leukemia ; immunology ; Mycobacterium bovis ; immunology

The aim was to study the mechanisms of HL-60 cell apoptosis induced by nimodipine (NMDP) and cytarabine (Ara-C). The DNA fragment was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. The expressions of bcl-2 and bax gene proteins related with apoptosis were investigated by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that HL-60 cell apoptosis rate had been increasing in the experimental groups compared with the control group since culturing 8 hours. The expression of Bcl-2 protein was lower and the expression of Bax protein was higher in the experimental groups than that in the control group, while ratio of bcl-2/bax was lower in the experimental groups than that in the control group. It is concluded that NMDP and Ara-C induce apoptosis of HL-60 cells, and the mechanism of apoptosis induced by them may down-regulate the expression of bcl-2 gene and up-regulate the expression of bax gene. The mechanism of HL-60 cell apoptosis induced by Ara-C and NMDP is probably associated with the down-regulation of Bcl-2 protein expression.
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cytarabine ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Nimodipine ; pharmacology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; bcl-X Protein ; biosynthesis ; genetics