OBJECTIVE: To study the safety and efficiency of the transfection of antisense oligonucletide into kidney mediated by lipid microbubbles, and to evaluate its potential clinical application. METHODS: The potential and conditions regarding the transfection self-made lipid microbubbles (CY5)-labeled-oligonucleotide (ODN) or CY5-labeled-ODN connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) into the rat kidney were evaluated. Th e safety was evaluated by HE staining, liver and renal function tests. The transfection efficiency was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Th e expression of CTGF was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Self-made lipid microbubble and/or ultrasound significantly enhanced the efficiency of gene transfer and expression in the kidney. Especially, 85%-90% of total glomerular could be transfected. CY5-labeled-ODN expression could be observed in glomerular, tubular and interstitial area. Th ere was no significant change in blood tests aft er gene transfer. Levels of LDH in 7 days were decreased compared with that at the fi rst day aft er the transfection (P<0.05). CTGF expression was successfully suppressed by transfection of CTGF-antisense-ODN into kidney. CONCLUSION The ultrasound-mediated gene transfer by self-made lipid microbubble could enhance the efficiency of ODN and expression in the rat kidney. Th is self-made lipid microbubbles supplement may be use for transfection of target genes.
Animals ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Kidney ; metabolism ; Lipids ; chemistry ; Microbubbles ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Transfection ; Ultrasonics

OBJECTIVEThe present study was undertaken to design antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs) of glial glutamate transporter-la (GLT-1a) and to evaluate the effectiveness of the designed AS-ODNs on the expression of GLT-1a.

METHODSFive sequences of GLT-1a AS-ODNs were designed according to the C terminus specific sequences of GLT-1a mRNA using antisense design software of IDT Com- pany. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the inhibition effects of the five GLT-1a AS-ODNs on the expression of GLT-la.

RESULTSThe sequence of GLT-1a AS-ODNs with sequence of 5'-GGTTCTTCCTCAACACTGCA-3' could specifically inhibit the expression of GLT-1a in the hippocampal CA1 subfield of rats, while it had no effect on the expression of GLT-1b. This sequence showed similar inhibition on the expression of GLT-la in sham and ceftriaxone (Cef)-treated rats. It could also significantly inhibit the cerebral ischemic preconditioning (CIP)-induced up-regulation in the expression of GLT-1a. The magnitude of the inhibition in sham, Cef- or CIP-treated rats was similar by more than 60%.

CONCLUSIONFrom the designed five sequences of GLT-1a AS-ODNs, we obtained an effective sequence which can specifically inhibit the expression of GLT-1a.

Animals ; CA1 Region, Hippocampal ; metabolism ; Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 2 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Ischemic Preconditioning ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of miR-224 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) on the proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in vitro and vivo.

METHODSThe expression of miR-224 in the cancer tissues and their adjacent tissues in 120 gastric cancer patients were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The biological effects of miR-224 ASO on human gastric cancer SGC7901 cells was assessed by MTT assay, clone formation assay, flow cytometry and in vivo experiment in nude mice.

RESULTSCompared with the control group (0.50 ± 0.07), miR-224 ASO significantly reduced the miR-224 mRNA expression in the cancer patients (0.09 ± 0.01, P < 0.05). MTT assay results showed that the survival rate of gastric cells at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h was 53.6%, 59.1% and 70.1% in the miR-224 ASO group, and 12.3%, 17.4% and 24.7%, respectively, in the control group (P < 0.05 for all). Clone formation assay revealed that clone formation rate in the miR-224 ASO group was (5.33 ± 0.74)%, significantly lower than the (33.33 ± 8.38)% in the control group (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry indicated that the apoptotic index was (15.68 ± 1.46)% in the miR-224 ASO group and (3.36 ± 0.88)% in the control group (P < 0.01). In addition, the expressions of Bcl2 mRNA and protein were 1.05 ± 0.04 and 0.21 ± 0.03 in the miR-224 ASO group, significantly lower than that in the control group (4.87 ± 0.96 and 0.88 ± 0.09, P < 0.01). The in vivo study further showed that the tumor volume in the experimental group is significantly smaller than that in the control group (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSMiR-224 is overexpressed in human gastric cancer. Reducing the expression of miR-224 can effectively inhibit the growth and promote apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. miR-224 may become a new target for the regulation of gene expression in gastric cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Tumor Burden

This paper is aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) preC and C genes-specific antisense locked nucleic acid (LNA) on HBV replication and expression in transgenic mice. The antisense LNA, which was complementary to the preC and C gene region of HBV, was designed, synthesized, and injected into transgenic mice via the tail vein. Serum HBV DNA was tested with real-time PCR, and Serum HBsAg was tested with time-resolved fluorescence immune assay (TRFIA). Then the expression of HBcAg in the liver was detected with immuneohistochemistry. Serum ALB, ALT, BUN and CRea were measured with an antomatic biochemicall analyzer. It was found that 5 days after LNA injection, serum HBV DNA levels in the dual-target group were reduced by 53.72%, and serum HBsAg levels were decreased by 71.57%. These values were significantly higher than those in the control groups (P<0.05) and the expression levels of HBcAg in the liver were significantly lower than those in the control groups (P<0.05). The result also showed that there were no significant differences discovered in serum ALB, ALT, BUN and CR between the experiment groups and the control groups. The present study provides that antisense LNA targeting to both preC and C genes has shown strong inhibition on HBV replication and expression in transgenic mice, and stronger than target at single gene site.
Animals ; Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; DNA, Viral ; blood ; Female ; Gene Targeting ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens ; metabolism ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; genetics ; physiology ; Liposomes ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Oligonucleotides ; pharmacology ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; Virus Replication ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of microRNA-21 (miR-21) antisense oligonucleotide on the biological characteristics of human cervical squamous carcinoma cell lines SiHa in vivo and in vitro.

METHODSSpecific phosphorothioate antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeting miR-21 were synthesized and transfected into cervical cancer cells in vitro. Expression of miR-21 in SiHa after transfection was detected by real-time RT-PCR. The cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay and colony formation experiment. The cell apoptosis was analyzed by annexin V-FITC/PI analysis. The inhibitory effect of miR-21 antisense oligonucleotide on tumor growth was evaluated by tumor growth curves and immunohistochemistry (MaxVision method). H-E staining was used to document morphological changes and fluorometric TUNEL assay was to detect the apoptotic activity.

RESULTSAfter the transfection of antisense miR-21, the expression of miR-21 decreased along with an obvious growth inhibition, compared with that of the control groups (P < 0.05). Colony formation of both cell lines was markedly inhibited with antisense miR-21 (55.6% ± 1.4%), as compared with that in the negative group (98.3% ± 2.0%, P < 0.05). Flow cytometry assay showed that antisense miR-21 expression significantly enhanced the cell apoptosis (6.7% ± 1.3% and 29.4% ± 1.7%, P < 0.05). The tumor-forming rates of miR-21 transfected group, and negative control groups were 3/8 and 6/8, respectively (P < 0.05). Ki-67 proliferative marker staining decreased significantly (42% vs 90%) in the transfected group compared with negative control groups. Extensive dead tumor cells were seen in the miR-21 transfected cells along with a marked increase of apoptosis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTargeted antisense oligonucleotide miR-21 effectively suppresses the growth of cervical carcinoma SiHa cells both in vitro and in vivo through an induction of apoptosis.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Female ; Humans ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology

BACKGROUNDOvarian cancers are often at an advanced stage at diagnosis because early detection is difficult. The poor prognosis of ovarian cancers highlights the crucial need to develop better therapeutic agents and strategies. The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of a new modified antisense oligonucleotides targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells.

METHODSAntisense oligonucleotides targeting VEGF-A was designed, synthesized and transfected into SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR were used to analyze the inhibitory effects of antisense oligonucleotides on VEGF-A protein and mRNA expression. Transwell matrix assay was used to detect cell migration inhibition.

RESULTSThe antisense oligonucleotides targeting VEGF-A significantly decreased VEGF-A protein and mRNA expression and inhibited cell migration in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONSThis new modified antisense oligonucleotides targeting VEGF-A can decrease VEGF-A expression and inhibit cell migration in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. This new oligonucleotides may be a promising therapeutic agent for ovarian cancers.

Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDThe signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) expression in lung epithelial cells plays a pivotal role in asthma pathogenesis. Activation of STAT6 expression results in T helper cell type 2 (Th2) cell differentiation leading to Th2-mediated IgE production, development of allergic airway inflammation and hyperreactivity. Therefore, antagonizing the expression and/or the function of STAT6 could be used as a mode of therapy for allergic airway inflammation.

METHODSIn this study, we synthesized a 20-mer phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotide (ASODN) overlapping the translation starting site of STAT6 and constructed STAT6 antisense RNA (pANTI-STAT6), then transfected them into murine spleen lymphocytes and analyzed the effects of antagonizing STAT6 function in vitro and in a murine model of asthma.

RESULTSIn vitro, we showed suppression of STAT6 expression and interleukin (IL)-4 production of lymphocytes by STAT6 ASODN. This effect was more prominent when cells were cultured with pANTI-STAT6. In a murine model of asthma associated with allergic pulmonary inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice, local intranasal administration of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled STAT6 ASODN to DNA uptake in lung cells was accompanied by a reduction of intracellular STAT6 expression. Such intrapulmonary blockade of STAT6 expression abrogated signs of lung inflammation, infiltration of eosinophils and Th2 cytokine production.

CONCLUSIONThese data suggest a critical role of STAT6 in the pathogenesis of asthma and the use of local delivery of STAT6 ASODN as a novel approach for the treatment of allergic airway inflammation such as in asthma.

Animals ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Phosphates ; pharmacology ; RNA, Antisense ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; STAT6 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Th2 Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism

To study the pharmacokinetics of cantide, an antisense oligonucleotide, and its metabolites after iv gtt administration in rhesus monkeys, a dual solid phase extraction pretreatment method coupling with non-gel sieving capillary electrophoresis analysis method was used for determination of cantide and its metabolites in plasma and their pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The pharmacokinetic behavior of cantide and its metabolites (M1 and M2) after iv gtt administration (8, 16 and 24 mg kg(-1)) in rhesus monkeys were investigated. After iv gtt administration of cantide to rhesus monkeys, cantide in plasma was eliminated rapidly and the terminal elimination half-life (t1/2) was 57.91-77.97 min, the correlation coefficients (r) to the dose of Cmax AUC(o-inf) and AUC(0-t) of the prototype was 0.9918, 0.9568 and 0.9773, respectively. The metabolites of cantide reached the Cmax following cantide immediately and the Cmax of metabolites were lower than that of the prototype. The CL(S) of cantide and its metabolites (M1 and M2) were 1.60-2.19, 5.92-8.58 and 6.07-8.78 mL min(-1) kg(-1), respectively. So, it is concluded that the Cmax of cantide and its metabolites increased with the dose, which is the same as their AUC(0-inf) and AUC(0-t). The CL(S) of metabolites were higher than that of the prototype. The MRT and t1/2 of metabolites in the high dose group increased obviously.
Animals ; Area Under Curve ; Electrophoresis, Capillary ; methods ; Female ; Half-Life ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Macaca mulatta ; Male ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; blood ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides ; blood ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Solid Phase Extraction

BACKGROUNDOverexpression of Bcl-2 protein in cancer cells can inhibit programmed cell death and engender chemoresistance. Bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide (G3139) has shown its antitumor effects enhanced in preclinical models when combined with taxol-based chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of G3139 combined with epirubicin in the androgen-independent prostate cancer.

METHODSPC3 prostate cancer cell line was cultured and treated with epirubicin and Bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide alone or in combination. The effects of therapeutic agents on cells were determined by the MTT assay. Expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein was documented by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Apoptosis induction was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis.

RESULTSBcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide alone produced no cytotoxic effects and the combination of Bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide with epirubicin sensitized PC-3 cells to the killing effects of chemotherapy. A marked down-regulation of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein was observed after antisense and epirubicin cotreatment. A statistically significantly higher fraction of apoptotic cells was detected by flow-cytometric analysis after epirubicin treatment with prior antisense Bcl-2 transfenction, as compared with mono antisense Bcl-2 or epirubicin treatment.

CONCLUSIONThese data suggested that inhibition of Bcl-2 expression combined with epirubicin may be an attractive therapeutic strategy in hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; genetics ; Epirubicin ; pharmacology ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Male ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; genetics ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an important risk factor for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), subgroup of G-protein coupled receptor family, is highly expressed in gastric cancer, and chronic expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in H. pylori-associated gastric carcinogenesis and inflammation. We previously demonstrated that H. pylori induced the expression of PAR2 and COX-2 in gastric epithelial cells. Present study aims to investigate whether COX-2 expression induced by H. pylori in Korean isolates is mediated by PAR2 via activation of Gi protein and Src kinase in gastric epithelial AGS cells. Results showed that H. pylori-induced COX-2 expression was inhibited in the cells transfected with antisense oligonucleotide for PAR2 or treated with Gi protein blocker pertussis toxin, Src kinase inhibitor herbimycin A and soybean trypsin inbitor, indicating that COX-2 expression is mediated by PAR2 through activation of Gi protein and Src kinase in gastric epithelial cells infected with H. pylori in Korean isolates. Thus, targeting the activation of PAR2 may be beneficial for prevention or treatment of gastric inflammation and carcinogenesis associated with H. pylori infection.
Benzoquinones/*pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclooxygenase 2/genetics/*metabolism ; Epithelial Cells/enzymology/metabolism/microbiology ; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go/metabolism ; Gastric Mucosa/enzymology/metabolism/*microbiology ; *Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Lactams, Macrocyclic/*pharmacology ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; Pertussis Toxin/*pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism ; Receptor, PAR-2/*physiology ; src-Family Kinases/metabolism