Roles of Bcl-2 and caspase-9 and -3 in CD30-induced human eosinophil apoptosis

Association between NKILA and some apoptotic gene expression in atherosclerosis

Oxidized light-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) causes endothelial dysfunction, which is an important determinant of atherogenesis, and subsequently leads to apoptosis. Atherosclerosis is one of the most significant cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) threatening human health and causes death worldwide. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested to involved in vascular biology. Ox-LDL activates nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and NF-κB interacting lncRNA (NKILA) inhibits NF-κB signaling. In this study, the hypothesis is that NKILA may regulate endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis and, therefore, play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This hypothesis is based on the knowledge that EC apoptosis contributes to atherosclerosis development and that NKILA has become a prominent lncRNA in CVDs. The expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), caspase 9 (CASP9), cytochrome c (Cyt c, CYCS), apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (APAF1), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) genes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) treated with ox-LDL and transfected with NKILA siRNA was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). BAX, CASP9, CYCS, APAF1, and BCL-2 gene expression was downregulated in ox-LDL and NKILA siRNA-treated HUVEC. In addition, when threshold/quantification cycle (Cq) values of NKILA gene expression increased, Cq values of BAX, CASP9, APAF1, and BCL-2 gene expression increased statistics significantly. The expression detection of all these genes, resulting from NKILA gene silencing, may provide guidance for epigenetic studies on EC apoptosis in atherosclerosis.

Research progress on rodent models and its mechanisms of liver injury

The liver is the most important organ for biological transformation in the body and is crucial for maintaining the body's vital activities. Liver injury is a serious pathological condition that is commonly found in many liver diseases. It has a high incidence rate, is difficult to cure, and is prone to recurrence. Liver injury can cause serious harm to the body, ranging from mild to severe fatty liver disease. If the condition continues to worsen, it can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, ultimately resulting in liver failure or liver cancer, which can seriously endanger human life and health. Therefore, establishing an rodent model that mimics the pathogenesis and severity of clinical liver injury is of great significance for better understanding the pathogenesis of liver injury patients and developing more effective clinical treatment methods. The author of this article summarizes common chemical liver injury models, immune liver injury models, alcoholic liver injury models, drug-induced liver injury models, and systematically elaborates on the modeling methods, mechanisms of action, pathways of action, and advantages or disadvantages of each type of model. The aim of this study is to establish reliable rodent models for researchers to use in exploring anti-liver injury and hepatoprotective drugs. By creating more accurate theoretical frameworks, we hope to provide new insights into the treatment of clinical liver injury diseases.

New molecular targets in Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells

Recent discoveries shed light on molecular mechanisms responsible for classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) development and progression, along with features of Hodgkin - Reed and Sternberg cells (HRS). Here, we summarize current knowledge on characteristic molecular alterations in HL, as well as existing targeted therapies and potential novel treatments for this disease. We discuss the importance of cluster of differentiation molecule 30 (CD30) and the programmed cell death-1 protein (PD-1) and ligands (PD-L1/2), and other molecules involved in immune modulation in HL. We highlight emerging evidence indicating that the altered function of SWI/SNF-type chromatin remodeling complexes, PRC2, and other epigenetic modifiers, contribute to variations in chromatin status, which are typical for HL. We postulate that despite of the existence of plentiful molecular data, the understanding of HL development remains incomplete. We therefore propose research directions involving analysis of reverse signaling in the PD-1/PD-L1 mechanism, chromatin remodeling, and epigenetics-related alterations, in order to identify HL features at the molecular level. Such attempts may lead to the identification of new molecular targets, and thus will likely substantially contribute to the future development of more effective targeted therapies.

PW06 Triggered Fas-FADD to Induce Apoptotic Cell Death In Human Pancreatic Carcinoma MIA PaCa-2 Cells through the Activation of the Caspase-Mediated Pathway

Pancreatic cancer has higher incidence and mortality rates worldwide. PW06 [(E)-3-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-1-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one] is a carbazole derivative containing chalcone moiety which was designed for inhibiting tumorigenesis in human pancreatic cancer. This study is aimed at investigating PW06-induced anticancer effects in human pancreatic cancer MIA PaCa-2 cells in vitro. The results showed PW06 potent antiproliferative/cytotoxic activities and induced cell morphological changes in a human pancreatic cancer cell line (MIA PaCa-2), and these effects are concentration-dependent (IC₅₀ is 0.43 μM). Annexin V and DAPI staining assays indicated that PW06 induced apoptotic cell death and DNA condensation. Western blotting indicated that PW06 increased the proapoptotic proteins such as Bak and Bad but decreased the antiapoptotic protein such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Moreover, PW06 increased the active form of caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3, PARP, releasing cytochrome c, AIF, and Endo G from mitochondria in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Confocal laser microscopy assay also confirmed that PW06 increased Bak and decreased Bcl-xL. Also, the cells were pretreated with inhibitors of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 and then were treated with PW06, resulting in increased viable cell number compared to PW06 treated only. Furthermore, PW06 showed a potent binding ability with hydrophobic interactions in the core site of the Fas-Fas death domains (FADD). In conclusion, PW06 can potent binding ability to the Fas-FADD which led to antiproliferative, cytotoxic activities, and apoptosis induction accompanied by the caspase-dependent and mitochondria-dependent pathways in human pancreatic cancer MIA PaCa-2 cells.

Network Pharmacology-Based Combined with Experimental Validation Study to Explore the Underlying Mechanism of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. Extract in Treating Acute Myocardial Infarction

Purpose

The network pharmacology approach and validation experiment were performed to investigate the potential mechanisms of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. (APL) extract against acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

The primary compounds of APL extract were identified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The intersecting targets of active compounds and AMI were determined via network pharmacology analysis. A mouse model of AMI was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (Iso). Mice were treated with APL extract by intragastric administration. We assessed the effects of APL extract on the electrocardiography (ECG), cardiac representative markers, representative indicators of oxidative stress, pathological changes, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as well as apoptosis-related indicators in the mice.

Results

Five candidate compounds were identified in APL extract. Enrichment analyses indicated that APL extract could exert myocardial protective effects via the PI3K/Akt pathway. ST segment elevation and increased heart rate were obviously reversed in APL extract groups compared to Iso group. We also detected significant decreases in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activities (SOD) after APL extract treatment. In addition, APL extract markedly decreased the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes after AMI. In the APL extract groups of AMI mice, there were increased expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein, and there were decreases in Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteases-3 (caspase-3), and cleaved-caspase-3 protein expression levels, as well as the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.

Conclusion

APL extract had a protective effect against Iso-induced AMI. APL extract could ameliorate AMI through antioxidant and anti-apoptosis actions which may be associated with the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin is primarily due to the activation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine degradation system in proximal renal tubules

As a widely used anticancer drug in the clinic, cisplatin has obvious side effects, especially nephrotoxicity. Previous studies have suggested that the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a hallmark of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ROS accumulation induced by cisplatin and 5-HT degradation. In vivo, by HE and TUNEL staining, we found that cisplatin-induced renal lesions and apoptotic regions, which were located in proximal tubular epithelial cells, were also the regions in which tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1), aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), 5-HT_2A receptor (5-HT_2AR) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) were overexpressed, as determined by immunohistochemistry. Notably, the 5-HT_2AR antagonist sarpogrelate hydrochloride (SH) and the AADC inhibitor carbidopa (CDP) significantly attenuated cisplatin-induced increases in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, renal ROS levels, oxidative stress (SOD activity and MDA), proinflammatory cytokine levels (NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β), proapoptotic factor levels (Bax, Bcl-2, C-caspase 3 and C-caspase 9) and the phosphorylation of p38 and STAT3, as well as renal lesions and apoptosis. The combination of SH and CDP could almost abolish the effects of cisplatin challenge. In vitro, the effects of cisplatin challenge and the inhibitory effects of SH and CDP were also observed in HK-2 cells. Additionally, similar to the combination of SH and CDP, the MAO-A inhibitor clorgyline could also abolish the effects of cisplatin challenge. More importantly, by western blotting, we detected that the upregulation of Tph1, AADC and MAO-A expression induced by cisplatin both in vivo and in vitro could be obviously suppressed by SH to decrease 5-HT synthesis and mitochondrial 5-HT degradation. Altogether, these findings suggested that cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is due to the activation of the 5-HT degradation system in proximal tubular epithelial cells, including 5-HT_2AR and 5-HT synthesis and degradation. 5-HT_2AR plays a role by mediating the expression of MAO-A and the 5-HT synthases Tph1 and AADC.

Association between B-Myb proto-oncogene and the development of malignant tumors

B-Myb is a critical transcription factor in regulating cell cycle. Dysregulated expression of B-Myb promotes tumor formation and development. B-Myb is a proto-oncogene ubiquitously expressed in proliferating cells, which maintains normal cell cycle progression. It participates in cell apoptosis, tumorigenesis and aging. In addition, B-Myb is overexpressed in several malignant tumors, including breast cancer, lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, and is associated with tumor development. B-Myb expression is also associated with the prognosis of patients with malignant tumors. Both microRNAs and E2F family of transcription factors (E2Fs) contribute to the function of B-Myb. The present review highlights the association between B-Myb and malignant tumors, and offers a theoretical reference for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors.

Isoorientin exerts a protective effect against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity by activating the AMPK/AKT/Nrf2 signalling pathway

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is closely associated with oxidative stress. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor that regulates oxidative stress. Isoorientin (IOT), as a dietary C-glucosyl flavone derived from rooibos tea, cereals and legumes, is thought to possess multiple pharmacological activities; however, the protective effect of IOT against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells is still poorly understood. The present study focused on investigating whether IOT could ameliorate neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. Our findings indicated that IOT significantly inhibited neurotoxicity reduced apoptotic cell numbers, reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and mitochondrial membrane potential, and modulated the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, including Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3, which were induced by 6-OHDA. Moreover, IOT also enhanced the expression of the GCLC, GCLM, HO-1, NQO1 and Trx-1 proteins, which mostly depends on the nuclear translation of Nrf2 and reduced expression of the Keap1 protein. IOT significantly increased the phosphorylation of AMPK, ERK, GSK3β, JNK, PI3K and AKT. In contrast, pretreatment with the inhibitors of AMPK and PI3K/AKT only suppressed the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. In addition, the expression of these proteins was effectively decreased by 6-OHDA, and this effect was reversed by IOT treatment. Importantly, the effect of IOT on improving 6-OHDA induced neurotoxicity was remarkably abrogated by the application of Nrf2 siRNA and, AMPK and PI3K/AKT inhibitors. In summary, IOT might play a protective role against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity by inducing the expression of various antioxidant enzymes via the activation of the AMPK/AKT-Nrf2 signalling pathway.

Effect of carboplatin injection on Bcl-2 protein expression and apoptosis induction in Raji cells

To investigate the effects of carboplatin (CBP) injection on apoptosis induction in the human lymphoma cell line Raji and to explore the underlying mechanism, Raji cells were randomly divided into two treatment groups. Cells in the experimental groups were treated with 15 μM CBP injection, those in the control groups were treated with solvent, and both groups were treated for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cells from each group were collected for subsequent assays. For each group, the relative expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was determined by Western blot (WB), the expression pattern of Bcl-2 was observed by immunocytochemistry (ICC), and cell apoptosis was observed after Hoechst 33342 staining. Real-time PCR detection of the relative expression levels of the Bax and caspase-3 genes in each group of cells were performed. The WB results showed that the relative expression of the Bcl-2 protein significantly decreased 48 and 72 h after treatment in the CBP groups compared with the control groups (P<0.001), and a significant decrease in the expression of this protein was also noted at 48 h vs 24 h, 72 h vs 48 h, and 72 h vs 24 h with extremely significant differences (P<0.001). Moreover, the expression of the Bcl-2 protein decreased as the duration of CBP treatment increased, showing a time-dependent manner. The ICC results were consistent with the WB findings. The expression of the Bcl-2 protein in the CBP treatment group was significantly reduced 48 h and 72 h after treatment compared with the control group (P<0.001). A time-dependent manner was also noted in the expression of this protein, i.e., the expression level decreased gradually at 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). Hoechst 33342 staining showed that the apoptosis rates at the three time points in the treatment groups were significantly higher than those in the control groups (P<0.001), and a time-effect relationship was observed. The apoptosis rate increased over time with a significant difference (P<0.05). The PCR results showed that the Bax and caspase-3 gene expression trend was the same but opposite that of Bcl-2. After treatment for 24 h and 48 h, the gene expression of the medication groups decreased with a very significant difference (P<0.001), and with prolonged action time, the relative expression of the genes in the medication groups showed an upward trend. Comparing 48 h with 72 h and 24 h with 72 h, the gene expression levels also increased, reaching a very significant difference (P<0.001), and there was a certain time dependence. CBP injection significantly reduced the expression of the Bcl-2 protein and induced apoptosis of Raji cells in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, CBP injection can increase the expression levels of the Bax and caspase-3 genes.

[Effects of artesunate on eosinophil apoptosis and expressions of Fas and Bcl-2 proteins in asthmatic mice]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of artesunate on eosinophil (EOS) apoptosis and Fas and Bcl-2 protein expressions in asthmatic mice.

METHODS

Thirty female BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into control group, asthma group and artesunate group. Except for those in the control group, all the mice were sensitized with aerosolized ovalbumin to establish mouse models of asthma. In artesunate group, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with artesunate 1 h before ovalbumin inhalation from the 21st day of modeling. The lung tissues were harvested for staining 24 h after the last challenge. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the percentage and apoptosis rate of EOS in the alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The apoptosis of EOS in the lung tissue was detected with TUNEL method, and Fas and Bcl-2 protein expressions were detected using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Compared with those in asthma group, the artesunate-treated mice had significantly decreased percentage of EOS in the BALF (P < 0.05) with increased apoptosis rate of EOS in the BALF and the lung tissue (P < 0.05). The Fas-positive area and IOD of Fas protein in the lung tissue increased (P < 0.05) while the Bcl-2-positive area and IOD of Bcl-2 protein decreased significantly in artesunate-treated mice as compared with the asthmatic mice (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Artesunate regulates the protein expressions of Fas and Bcl-2 to reduce EOS infiltration in the lung tissue and promote EOS apoptosis in asthmatic mice.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 11 acts through RhoA/ROCK to regulate eosinophil accumulation in the allergic airway

Src homology domain 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) participates in multiple cell functions including cell shape, movement, and differentiation. Therefore, we investigated the potential role of SHP2 in eosinophil recruitment into lungs in allergic airway inflammation and explored the underlying mechanism. Both SHP2 and Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) kinase were robustly activated in the airway eosinophils of children with allergic asthma and of a mouse model with allergic airway inflammation. Moreover, inhibition of SHP2 activity by its specific inhibitors reverses the dephosphorylation of p190-A Rho GTPase-activating protein and in turn attenuates RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signaling, resulting in the attenuation of eosinophil migration in response to platelet-activating factor stimulation. Specifically, SHP2 deletion in myeloid cells did not affect the number and classification of circulating leukocytes but significantly attenuated the allergen-induced inflammatory cell, especially eosinophil, infiltration into lungs, and airway hyperreactivity. Notably, genetic interaction between RhoA and SHP2 indicated that RhoA inactivation and SHP2 deletion synergistically attenuated the allergen-induced eosinophil infiltration into lungs and airway hyperreactivity, whereas overexpression of active RhoA robustly restored the SHP2 deletion-resultant attenuation of allergen-induced eosinophil recruitment into lungs and airway hyperreactivity as well. Thus, this study demonstrates that SHP2 via RhoA/ROCK signaling regulates eosinophil recruitment in allergic airway inflammation and possibly in allergic asthma.-Xu, C., Wu, X., Lu, M., Tang, L., Yao, H., Wang, J., Ji, X., Hussain, M., Wu, J., Wu, X. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 11 acts through RhoA/ROCK to regulate eosinophil accumulation in the allergic airway.

Carnosine and L-arginine attenuate the downregulation of brain monoamines and gamma aminobutyric acid; reverse apoptosis and upregulate the expression of angiogenic factors in a model of hemic hypoxia in rats

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the preventive effect of L-arginine (ARG) and carnosine (CAR) on hypoxia-induced neurotoxicity in rats. The impact on neuro-inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and the brain levels of monoamines and GABA were investigated.

METHODS

Rats were divided into the following: normal control, hypoxia model induced by sodium nitrite (75 mg/kg s.c), and hypoxic rats pre-treated with CAR (250 mg/kg), ARG (200 mg/kg), and their combination.

RESULTS

Data revealed that hypoxia induced significant elevation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and its receptor reflecting the stimulation of angiogenesis. Hypoxia also resulted in increased inflammatory mediators-including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In addition, hypoxia initiates cerebral apoptosis as revealed by increased caspase-3 and BAX with reduced Bcl-2. These changes were associated with reduced brain levels of GABA and monoamines including noradrenaline (NADR), dopamine (DOP), and serotonin (SER). Pre-treatment with ARG and/or CAR significantly mitigated the neural changes induced by hypoxia and attenuated the elevated levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, caspase-3, and BAX, while ameliorated the reduced levels of Bcl-2, NADR, DOP, SER, and GABA, with the best improvement observed with the combination. Further elevation of the angiogenic markers was observed indicating their role in boosting oxygen delivery to brain.

CONCLUSION

CAR, ARG, and, importantly, their combination could effectively protect against hypoxia-induced neurotoxicity, via their angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties in addition to reversing the effect on GABA and monoamines.

Loss of Annexin A5 expression attenuates the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response of rat alveolar macrophages

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common respiratory syndrome accompanied with an inflammation response. Annexin A5 (AnxA5) has anti-thrombotic, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The current study aims to explore the potential effect of AnxA5 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in alveolar macrophages (AMs). Rat AMs (NR8383) were used in this study, and the cell viabilities at 4, 8, and 16 h after LPS administration with gradient concentrations were determined using cell counting kit-8 assay. Cell apoptosis and expressions of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and protein were determined by flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blot, respectively. We found that LPS suppressed the viability of AMs in a dose-dependent manner, and it elevated the expression of AnxA5 in AMs. Inhibition of AnxA5 improved the cell viability compared with the LPS group and could reduce the apoptosis rate in comparison with LPS treatment. The knockdown of AnxA5 suppressed the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-1β), and IL-6 at both protein and mRNA levels and regulated the expressions of apoptosis-related molecules (Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3). Moreover, the knockdown of AnxA5 improved the expression levels of inhibitory κB (IκB) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) but inhibited the expression of nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB), compared with the LPS group. SN50 and ML385 were used to validate this signaling, and the inhibition of AnxA5 suppressed the LPS-induced inflammation, indicating that AnxA5 may be a potential anti-inflammatory target. In addition, NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway may also be involved in the LPS-induced inflammatory response of rat alveolar macrophages.

Hesperetin relieves cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

Although cisplatin is an effective anticancer drug, its clinical application is limited due to various side effects, especially nephrotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the protective effects and possible mechanisms of hesperetin on cisplatin-induced kidney damage. In vitro, hesperetin significantly attenuated oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by reducing ROS levels in cisplatin-treated HK-2 cells. Simultaneously, hesperetin activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway and regulated its downstream genes, including NQO1 and HO-1. In vivo, hesperetin could significantly attenuate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr). Furthermore, hesperetin clarifies cisplatin-induced oxidative stress by reducing MDA/MPO levels and increasing SOD/GSH levels. In addition, from the histopathological analysis of the kidney, hesperetin significantly reduced the nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin compared with the cisplatin group. Moreover, western blotting of renal tissue revealed that hesperetin activates Nrf2 in a dose-dependent manner, attenuates the MAPK signaling pathway against inflammation, and inhibits the expression of apoptotic proteins to protect kidneys from AKI caused by cisplatin. Altogether, these findings suggest that hesperetin may be a potential protectant against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Regulating effect of glycyrrhetinic acid on bronchial asthma smooth muscle proliferation and apoptosis as well as inflammatory factor expression through ERK1/2 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on bronchial asthma (BA) smooth muscle proliferation and apoptosis as well as inflammatory factor expression and its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Male SD guinea pigs were selected and made into asthma models, bronchial asthma smooth muscle cells were cultured and divided into BA group, GA group and GA + LM group that were treated with serum-free RPMI1640 culture medium, serum-free RPMI1640 culture medium containing 50 ng/mL glycyrrhetinic acid, serum-free RPMI1640 culture medium containing 50 ng/mL glycyrrhetinic acid and 100 ng/mL LM22B-10 respectively; normal guinea pigs were collected and bronchial smooth muscle cells were cultured as control group. The cell proliferation activity as well as the expression of proliferation and apoptosis genes, inflammatory factors and p-ERK1/2 was determined.

RESULTS

Proliferation activity value and mRNA expression of Bcl-2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, YKL-40, protein expression of p-ERK1/2 of airway smooth muscle cell in BA group were significantly higher than those of control group while mRNA expression levels of Bax, caspase-9 as well as caspase-3 were significantly lower than that of control group (P < 0.05); proliferation activity value and mRNA expression of Bcl-2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, YKL-40, protein expression of p-ERK1/2 of airway smooth muscle cell in GA group were significantly lower than those of BA group (P < 0.05) while the mRNA expression levels of Bax, caspase-9 as well as caspase-3 were significantly higher than those of BA group (P < 0.05); proliferation activity value and mRNA expression of Bcl-2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, YKL-40 of airway smooth muscle cell in GA + LM group were significantly higher than those of GA group (P < 0.05) while mRNA expression levels of Bax, caspase-9 as well as caspase-3 were significantly lower that of GA group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

GA can inhibit the proliferation of bronchial smooth muscle cells and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK1/2.

MEG3 inhibits proliferation and invasion and promotes apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells

Osteosarcoma is known as a malignant tumour with a high mortality rate in orthopaedic settings; however, the factors associated with its degree of malignancy and the biological response remains to be elucidated. Although the essential role of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed 3 (MEG3) has been recently reported, its biological functions and regulatory mechanism in osteosarcoma cells have not yet been reported. In the present study, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the expression of MEG3 in MG63 cells was lower compared with in hFOB1.19 cells. Furthermore, it was observed that overexpressing MEG3 in MG63 cells resulted in a decline in the proliferation and invasion, and a marked increase in apoptosis. Additionally, western blotting was used to detect the changes in expression of p53 and MDM2 proto-oncogene, which may be regulated by MEG3, and proteins that associated with cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis. It was demonstrated that the upregulation of MEG3 significantly increased the transactivation of p53 and induced downstream changes in protein expression. In conclusion, these experiments have demonstrated that MEG3 serves an essential regulatory role in the biological processes of human osteosarcoma cells, and imply that MEG3 may be a marker for predicting the occurrence and development of osteosarcoma.

Nova1 mediates resistance of rat pheochromocytoma cells to hypoxia-induced apoptosis via the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathway

Neuro-oncological ventral antigen 1 (Nova1) is a well known brain-specific splicing factor. Several studies have identified Nova1 as a regulatory protein at the top of a hierarchical network. However, the function of Nova1 during hypoxia remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Nova1 against cell hypoxia and to further explore the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathway as a potential mechanism. During hypoxia, the survival rate of pheochromocytoma PC12 cells was gradually decreased and the apoptosis rate was gradually increased, peaking at 48 h of hypoxia. At 48 h after transfection of PC12 cells with pCMV-Myc-Nova1, the expression of Nova1 was significantly increased, with wide distribution in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Moreover, the survival rate was significantly increased and the apoptosis rate was significantly decreased. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 were significantly increased in the pCMV-Myc group and significantly decreased in the pCMV-Myc-Nova1 group, whereas that of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the pCMV-Myc group and significantly increased in the pCMV-Myc-Nova1 group. This study indicated that Nova1 could be linked to resistance to the hypoxia-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells via the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathway, and this finding may be of significance for exploring novel mechanisms of hypoxia and the treatment of hypoxia-associated diseases.

Pathogenesis of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is considered a refractory and intractable disease. Patients with ECRS present with thick mucus production, long-term nasal congestion, loss of sense of smell, and intermittent acute exacerbations secondary to bacterial infections. Despite medical and surgical interventions, there is a high rate of recurrence with significant impairment to quality of life. The recent increasing prevalence of ECRS in south Asian countries and the strong tendency of ECRS to reoccur after surgery should be considered. The majority of cases need repeat surgery, and histological examinations of these cases show eosinophilic-dominant inflammation. The degradation and accumulation of eosinophils, release of cytokines, and mucus secretion have important roles in the pathogenesis of ECRS. ECRS differs from non-ECRS, in which eosinophils are not involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, and also in terms of many clinical characteristics, blood examination and nasal polyp histological findings, clinical features of the disease after surgery, efficacy of medications, and computed tomography findings. This review describes the clinical course, diagnosis, and treatment of ECRS as well as its pathophysiology and the role of eosinophils, mucus, cytokines, and other mediators in the pathogenesis of ECRS.

Crosstalk between Autophagy and Apoptosis: Potential and Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Cardiac Diseases

Autophagy is a cell survival process which is related to breaking down and reusing cytoplasm components. Moreover, autophagy regulates cell death under certain conditions. Apoptosis has the characteristics of chromatin agglutination and the shrinking of nuclear and apoptosis body form. Even if the mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis have differences, some proteins modulate both autophagy and apoptosis. Crosstalk between them exists. This review highlights recent advances in the interaction of autophagy and apoptosis and its importance in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

MicroRNA-21 promotes proliferation, invasion and suppresses apoptosis in human osteosarcoma line MG63 through PTEN/Akt pathway

Osteosarcoma, which accounts for 5 % of pediatric tumor, remains the major cause of death among orthopedic malignancies. However, the factors associated with its malignant biological behavior are still poorly understood. MicroRNAs are a class of small noncoding RNAs, which have been considered to associate with malignant progression including cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and distant metastasis. In our research, we found that microRNA-21 (miR-21) was significantly overexpressed in human osteosarcoma cell line MG63 compared to human fetal osteoblastic cell line hFOB1.19 by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, miR-21 overexpression in MG63 caused a significant raise in cell proliferation and invasion and a significant reduction in cell apoptosis. However, miR-21 underexpression in MG63 caused an opposite result. Western blotting displayed that proteins related with proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion were significantly changed in different groups, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PTEN may be a potential target of miR-21 in MG63 cells and miR-21 could activate PI3K/Akt pathway by suppressing PTEN expression. In summary, our findings suggested that miR-21 played an active role in osteosarcoma and it could predict the occurrence and development of osteosarcoma.