Cells carrying C5b-9 complement complexes in human atherosclerotic wall

Fibrous plaques and intimal thickenings of 5 femoral and 5 iliac human arteries obtained at surgery were processed for indirect and double-labeling immunoelectron microscopy using an affinity purified rabbit IgG anti-C5b-9 neoantigen and the EBM 11 monoclonal antibody anti-human macrophages. The C5b-9 complexes were localized in intact cells, disintegrated cells and cell debris enmeshed in the connective tissue matrix. Some of the cell debris bearing C5b-9 deposits was found to be of macrophage origin. Endocyted or exocyted pieces of membrane with pore-forming C5b-9 complexes were also identified. Damage of cells by complement in atherosclerotic lesions may contribute to atherogenesis.     

Activation of the human terminal complement pathway in atherosclerosis

The presence of the terminal C5b-9 complement complex in tissues indicates that complement activation has occurred in situ with subsequent membrane damage, tissue injury, and inflammatory response mediation. The terminal C5b-9 neoantigens of the complement system, S protein C3c, C3d, and apolipoprotein B deposits were localized in 20 aortic fibrous plaques, 12 aortic intimal thickenings, 8 aortic fatty streak intimae, 14 coronary fibrous plaques, 5 coronary intimal thickenings, and 8 femoral fibrous plaques, using an indirect and double-staining immunoperoxidase technique. The specific granular deposits were present from the early to the advanced stages of atherosclerosis in relation to the degree of fibrosis and necrosis. The different double-staining localization of C5b-9 and S protein may suggest local assembly of the complex as a consequence of complement activation and may sustain its role in the chronic progression of atherosclerosis.     

Localization of the terminal C5b-9 complement complex in the human aortic atherosclerotic wall

The terminal C5b-9 complement complex was investigated in 15 aortic, 2 femoral fibrous plaques and 5 fatty streaks aortic intimae using indirect immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase. All the fibrous plaques presented C5b-9 deposit-like threads in the fibrous cap and masses in the amorphous areas of the plaque. The deposits were frequently associated with other immune-related proteins such as: IgG, IgA, IgM, Clq, C3c and C4 which were simultaneously investigated. Fatty streaks intimae presented no C5b-9 and complement component deposits. Whereas the demonstration of the complement components could merely reflect a non-specific trapping, the presence of assembled C5b-9 in the damaged tissue is more indicative of the involvement of complement activation in the progression of atherosclerotic lesions.     

Quantitative evaluation of the terminal C5b-9 complement complex by ELISA in human atherosclerotic arteries.

A quantitative ELISA using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against neoantigens of the terminal C5b-9 complement complex was used to evaluate the presence of terminal complexes in 68 human arterial samples with or without atherosclerotic involvement. Plasma levels of SC5b-9 were directly compared with the corresponding levels eluted from the femoral arteries in six patients undergoing surgical procedures. The plasma concentration of SC5b-9 in these donors was in the range of 30-90 arbitrary units (AU)/ml, equivalent to 100-300 ng/ml SC5b-9 or 45-130 AU/100 mg plasma protein. All the arterial samples contained detectable amounts of C5b-9. The aortic normal and fatty streaks intimae presented a minimum mean value of 65 +/- 12 AU/100 mg total protein, in the range of normal plasma SC5b-9 levels. The corresponding media contained significantly higher amounts of terminal complexes (115 +/- 30 AU/100 mg protein). Markedly increased levels of C5b-9 were eluted from aortic intimal thickenings (350 +/- 100 AU/100 mg protein) and the corresponding media (300 +/- 53 AU/100 mg protein). Similar concentrations were found in aortic fibrous plaques (340 +/- 80 AU/100 mg protein). The observed correlation between C5b-9 levels and atherosclerotic alterations in arterial walls is suggestive of chronic complement activation with involvement of the terminal complement sequence at these sites. These processes may contribute to progression of the arteriosclerotic lesions.     

动脉粥样硬化中CARHSP1基因的表达对缺氧诱导的血管内皮细胞活力凋亡及免疫因子的影响

目的:探讨动脉粥样硬化斑块中钙调节热稳定蛋白1(CARHSP1)基因的表达对缺氧诱导的血管内皮细胞活力、凋亡及白细胞介素6(IL-6)和C-反应蛋白(CRP)表达的影响。方法:用Western blot检测动脉粥样硬化斑块中CARHSP1的蛋白表达;缺氧处理人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs),将细胞分为正常培养组、缺氧组、缺氧+CARHSP1-siRNA组和缺氧+pc DNA3. 1-CARHSP1组,用CCK-8法及流式细胞术分别检测各组细胞活力及凋亡率; RT-PCR检测IL-6和CRP的表达; Western blot检测凋亡蛋白caspase-3、cleaved caspase-3、Bcl-2和Bax的蛋白水平。结果:CARHSP1在动脉粥样硬化斑块中的蛋白表达显著高于对照组(P 0. 05);缺氧可明显增加CARHSP1的表达。缺氧组HUVECs活力及Bcl-2表达显著低于正常培养组,细胞凋亡率及IL-6、CRP、cleaved caspase-3和Bax的蛋白水平显著高于正常培养组(P 0. 05);与缺氧组比较,缺氧+CARHSP1-siRNA组的活力及Bcl-2表达显著升高,细胞凋亡率及IL-6、CRP、cleaved caspase-3和Bax的蛋白水平显著降低(P 0. 05),pc DNA3. 1-CARHSP1组的细胞活力及Bcl-2表达显著降低,细胞凋亡率及IL-6、CRP、cleaved caspase-3和Bax表达显著升高(P 0. 05)。结论:CARHSP1在动脉粥样硬化斑块中表达升高,抑制CARHSP1表达可提高HUVECs的活力,降低细胞凋亡,下调免疫因子IL-6和CRP的表达,而过表达CARHSP1则反之。     

人参皂苷Rh4诱导肝癌细胞HepG2的凋亡及分子机制

目的:探讨人参皂苷Rh4对人肝癌HepG2细胞凋亡的作用及机制。方法:采用MTT比色法测定不同浓度(10、20和40μmol/L)人参皂苷Rh4对人肝癌HepG2细胞活力的抑制作用;用流式细胞术检测定细胞凋亡率;通过Hoechst 33258和TUNEL染色观察人参皂苷Rh4诱导人肝癌HepG2细胞凋亡的形态学变化;Western blot法检测凋亡相关蛋白Bax、Bcl-2、caspase-3和caspase-9的表达情况。结果:人参皂苷Rh4能够明显促进人肝癌HepG2细胞的凋亡,且呈剂量依赖性;TUNEL和Hoechst 33258染色实验结果表明,人参皂苷Rh4作用24 h后,细胞呈现明显皱缩、肿胀、破裂等凋亡形态;Western blot分析结果表明,随着人参皂苷Rh4给药浓度的增加,抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2表达量逐渐下降,而促凋亡蛋白Bax、cleaved caspase-3和caspase-9的表达逐渐升高。结论:人参皂苷Rh4可诱导人肝癌HepG2细胞凋亡,其作用机制可能与下调Bcl-2以及上调Bax、cleaved caspase-3和caspase-9蛋白表达有关。     

Genomic gain of PIK3CA and increased expression of p110alpha are associated with progression of dysplasia into invasive squamous cell carcinoma

The regulation of apoptosis in atherosclerosis is not completely defined. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-x, Bax, and Bak in relation to apoptosis in advanced atherosclerotic lesions. In atherectomy (15), endarterectomy (10), and control non-atherosclerotic segments of renal (2) and of coronary and carotid (5) arteries, the extent of apoptosis was determined using TdT dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and nuclear morphology (karyorrhexis/pyknosis) and expression of apoptosis regulators by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis on paraffin-embedded material. In all specimens, the atherosclerotic involvement was advanced: grade V (n=18) and grade VI (n=7). The apoptotic index was high (mean 30%) in advanced lesions compared with controls (<2%) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were the predominant cell type undergoing apoptosis. In all TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells, Bax and Bak were present, while Bcl-x was absent. Bcl-2 was absent in a majority of these cells, but occasional TUNEL-positive cells expressed Bcl-2. In non-apoptotic cells, Bcl-x was present and western blot detected only the long isoform, Bcl-xL, from the plaques. In conclusion, increased Bax and Bak coupled with lack/paucity of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL are associated with SMC apoptosis in advanced lesions. Bcl-xL in non-apoptotic cells appears to contribute to prolonged cell survival.     

3β，5α，6β-三羟基胆甾烷诱导恶性胶质瘤细胞的凋亡

 目的：研究3β,5α,6β-三羟基胆甾烷(Triol)诱导恶性胶质瘤细胞凋亡的作用及其机制。方法：以不同浓度的Triol作用于C6细胞和A172细胞不同时间。采用MTT法检测细胞存活率,Hoechst 33342染色和TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡,试剂盒检测caspase活性变化,蛋白免疫印记方法检测凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2家族蛋白的变化。结果：Triol可呈剂量和时间依赖性降低C6细胞和A172细胞的存活率;Triol处理细胞48 h,C6细胞和A172细胞的IC50值分别为（17.8±0.6)μmol/L和(20.6±0.2)μmol/L。Hoechst 33342染色、TUNEL检测和凋亡执行酶caspase-3活性检测结果显示,给药组中2种细胞都出现明显凋亡核象、TUNEL阳性细胞数增多和caspase-3的激活。Triol作用于C6细胞12 h、24 h和48 h后,在凋亡外通路中激活的caspase-8和在凋亡内通路中激活的caspase-9活性均随时间升高,抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2和Bcl-xL的表达量随时间降低,而促凋亡蛋白Bak的表达量随时间升高。结论：Triol通过激活内、外凋亡通路引起恶性胶质瘤细胞的凋亡,且 Bcl-2家族蛋白在此过程中起重要的调控作用。     

沉默Apaf-1 基因对氧糖剥夺/ 复氧复糖PC12 细胞线粒体凋亡通路的影响

目的:探讨RNA干扰沉默Apaf-1基因对氧糖剥夺/复氧复糖PC12细胞线粒体凋亡通路的影响。方法:PC12细胞随机分为3组:正常组(Control)、模型组(Model)、Apaf-1基因沉默组(Apaf-1-siRNA)。正常组于CO2培养箱内正常培养,其余2组给予氧糖剥夺2 h、复氧复糖24 h处理,Apaf-1-siRNA组于造模前将化学合成的siRNA通过脂质体转染于PC12细胞靶向沉默Apaf-1基因。用荧光标记的siRNA检测Apaf-1转染效率,Western blot检测转染后PC12细胞Apaf-1蛋白表达,CCK-8检测细胞存活率,TUNEL染色检测细胞凋亡指数,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率,免疫荧光染色检测Bax/Bcl-2比值,Western blot检测线粒体凋亡通路关键蛋白Apaf-1、caspase-9、caspase-3表达。结果:Apaf-1-siRNA可有效沉默PC12细胞Apaf-1蛋白表达(P<0.05)。与Control组相比,Model组细胞存活率明显降低(P<0.05),细胞凋亡指数和凋亡率显著升高(P<0.05),Bax/Bcl-2比值升高(P<0.05),线粒体凋亡通路关键蛋白Apaf-1、caspase-9、caspase-3表达显著升高(P<0.05);与Model组相比,Apaf-1-siRNA组细胞存活率显著升高(P<0.05),细胞凋亡指数和凋亡率显著降低(P<0.05),Bax/Bcl-2比值降低(P<0.05),Apaf-1、caspase-9、caspase-3蛋白表达均明显降低(P<0.05)。结论:靶向沉默Apaf-1基因可有效降低氧糖剥夺/复氧复糖PC12细胞线粒体凋亡通路关键蛋白Apaf-1、caspase-9、caspase-3表达,抑制细胞凋亡,提高细胞存活率。     

Decay-accelerating factor regulates complement-mediated damage in the human atherosclerotic wall.

Decay-accelerating factor (DAF) is an intrinsic membrane inhibitor that regulates the activity of C3 and C5 convertases of the classical and alternative complement pathways. Using two monoclonal antibodies, IC6 and IA10, DAF was localized by immunohistochemistry using streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex or silver-intensified immunogold techniques in aortic, iliac and femoral samples obtained at surgery and autopsy from 32 patients. DAF was localized on the cells and in the connective tissue matrix of the arterial wall. Fibrous plaques and intimal thickenings presented larger amounts than fatty streaks, intimae and normal areas. By Western blotting analysis, DAF extracted from the arterial wall had a molecular weight of about 67 kDa. Using a double-labeling technique, DAF and C5b-9 complexes were co-localized on nucleated cells and on cell debris. The cells isolated after enzyme digestion of the arterial wall were tested for the protective role of DAF to complement-mediated damage. When DAF of the sensitized cells was blocked by monoclonal antibodies, complement-mediated cell lysis was enhanced from 10-15% to 60-70%. The effect of anti-DAF antibodies was dose-dependent. DAF blocking in the absence of antibodies used for sensitization led to a lysis under 10%. These data suggest a protective role of DAF against autologous complement activation, however insufficient to prevent complement activation in the human atherosclerotic wall.     

小檗碱与育亨宾对脓毒症小鼠脾细胞凋亡的影响及其机制研究

 目的:探讨小檗碱与育亨宾对脓毒症小鼠脾细胞凋亡的影响及其作用机制。方法: 采用盲肠结扎穿孔（CLP）构建小鼠脓毒症模型,分为假手术（sham）组、CLP组、CLP+小檗碱组、CLP+育亨宾组、CLP+小檗碱与育亨宾合剂组。CLP术后2 h灌胃给予相应药物,20 h后取脾脏,用TUNEL和流式细胞术检测小鼠脾细胞凋亡,酶荧光法检测caspase-3、caspase-8和caspase-9的活性变化,Western blotting检测凋亡相关蛋白Fas、Bim、Bcl-2和Bax的表达。结果: (1) CLP组脾脏TUNEL阳性细胞百分率显著高于sham组（P＜0.05）,CLP+育亨宾与小檗碱合剂组、CLP+育亨宾组凋亡细胞百分率显著低于CLP组（P＜0.05）。(2) 流式细胞仪检测显示CLP组凋亡的脾细胞及T淋巴细胞明显多于sham组(P＜0.05),CLP+育亨宾与小檗碱合剂组、CLP+育亨宾组凋亡的脾细胞及T淋巴细胞明显少于CLP组 (P＜0.05) 。(3) CLP+育亨宾与小檗碱合剂组、CLP+育亨宾组脾细胞caspase-3、caspase-8、caspase-9的活性均低于CLP组(P＜0.05);而CLP+小檗碱组脾细胞caspase-9活性也低于CLP组 (P＜0.05)。(4) CLP+育亨宾与小檗碱合剂组胞浆Fas、Bim、Bax表达均低于CLP组,CLP+育亨宾组胞浆Fas表达低于CLP组,CLP+小檗碱治疗组胞浆Bim、线粒体Bax表达均低于CLP组。结论: (1) 小檗碱与育亨宾合用可通过阻断内、外源性凋亡途径抑制脓毒症小鼠脾细胞凋亡,特别是T淋巴细胞凋亡。(2) 育亨宾主要通过抑制Fas的表达、进而阻断内、外源性凋亡途径减少脓毒症诱导的脾细胞凋亡。(3) 小檗碱可抑制脓毒症小鼠脾细胞线粒体凋亡途径,但对脓毒症小鼠脾细胞凋亡的抑制作用并不明显。     

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural detection of advanced glycation end products in atherosclerotic lesions of human aorta with a novel specific monoclonal antibody.

To elucidate the deposition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in aortic atherosclerosis, aortic walls were obtained from 25 autopsy cases and examined immunohistochemically and immunoelectron microscopically with a monoclonal antibody specific for AGEs, 6D12. Among the autopsy cases, atherosclerotic lesions were found in the aortas of 22 cases and were composed of diffuse intimal thickening, fatty streaks, atherosclerotic plaques, and/or complicated lesions. In these cases, intracellular AGE accumulation was demonstrated in the intimal lesions of aortic atherosclerosis in 12 cases. Compared with the diffuse intimal thickening, intracellular AGE accumulation was marked in the fatty streaks and atherosclerotic plaques. Immunohistochemical double staining with 6D12 and monoclonal antibodies for macrophages or muscle actin or a polyclonal antibody for scavenger receptors demonstrated that the AGE accumulation in macrophages or their related foam cells was marked in the diffuse intimal thickening and fatty streak lesions and that almost all macrophages and macrophage-derived foam cells possessed scavenger receptors. Immunoelectron microscopic observation revealed the localization of 6D12-positive reaction in lysosomal lipid vacuoles or electron-dense granules of the foam cells. These results indicate that AGE accumulation occurs in macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and their related foam cells.     

大鼠残肾细胞凋亡及凋亡相关基因的动态表达及意义

目的： 研究在5/6肾切除大鼠不同时段残肾组织中肾实质细胞凋亡及相关基因Bax、Bcl-2、caspase-3、caspase-8、caspase-9 mRNA、蛋白质的动态表达变化及其意义。 方法: SD大鼠5/6肾切除后,分别在1周、2周、4周、8周、12周、16周、26周、40周采集标本，普通光镜、电镜观察残肾病理改变、TUNEL法检测肾脏细胞凋亡、RT-PCR和Western blotting检测残肾组织凋亡相关基因mRNA和蛋白质的变化、免疫组织化学进行蛋白质定位，分析凋亡、增殖与肾小球硬化和间质纤维化的相关关系。 结果: 5/6肾切除后大鼠残肾出现进行性肾小球硬化及间质纤维化病变。肾增殖与凋亡水平高于对照组，肾实质凋亡细胞以肾小管上皮细胞和肾间质细胞为主。肾小球凋亡指数与肾间质炎细胞浸润和24 h尿蛋白呈显著正相关(r=0.788、r=0.822,P<0.01);肾小管凋亡指数与血肌酐、尿素氮、24 h尿蛋白、炎细胞浸润指数呈显著正相关（r=0.824、0.794、0.883、0.948，P<0.01）。促凋亡相关基因Bax、caspase-3、caspase-8、caspase-9mRNA及相应蛋白质明显增加且表达一致，在病变过程中呈波浪式上调，高峰分别在4周和40周，这些变化与肾间质炎细胞浸润指数的变化呈显著正相关（P<0.01）；抑制凋亡因子Bcl-2表达与对照组比较无明显差异。 结论: 细胞凋亡参与肾小球硬化、肾小管萎缩及间质纤维化的过程，肾间质炎细胞的浸润更促进残肾凋亡的发生。     

Increased apoptosis in infiltrating mononuclear cells of colorectal cancer: a mechanism for tumor escape

CONTEXT: Disturbance in apoptosis has been proposed as one of the mechanisms involved in the immune response targeting tumor outgrowth. How colorectal cancer cells escape from attack by the immune system is not yet fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate apoptotic molecules associated with colorectal cancer counterattack. DESIGN AND SETTING: Tissue samples of colon from 12 patients with colorectal cancer were collected and analyzed by immunostaining. In addition to tumorous tissues, corresponding nontumorous specimens of colon were obtained as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We examined the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, Bax, caspase-3, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in infiltrating mononuclear cells of colorectal cancer tissues and also in colorectal cancer tissues. The TUNEL assay was used to detect in situ apoptosis. RESULTS: Apoptosis was barely detectable in specimens of colorectal cancer, which was consistent with an increase in Bcl-2 level and a decrease in caspase-3 level. In contrast, infiltrating mononuclear cells of tumorous tissues showed a marked increase in apoptosis compared with those of nontumorous tissues. The increased apoptosis might have resulted from an imbalance of antiapoptotic and proapoptotic molecules, as reflected by reduction of Bcl-2 level and elevation of Bax level. The elevated caspase-3 levels found in this study could be a downstream effector of the Bcl-2 and Bax apoptotic pathways. A significant increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase observed in the infiltrating mononuclear cells might contribute to immunosuppression seen in colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: It is tempting to speculate that aberrant expression of apoptotic molecules and inducible nitric oxide synthase in infiltrating mononuclear cells provides the underlying mechanism through which colorectal cancer cells escape attack by the immune system and subsequently grow without control.     

Role of macrophage and smooth muscle cell apoptosis in association with oxidized low-density lipoprotein in the atherosclerotic development.

To examine the role of the apoptosis of macrophages and smooth muscle cells in the development of atherosclerosis, human aortic tissues with intimal lesions were immunostained with antibodies against terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), single-stranded DNA (clone F7-26), and active caspase-3. Apoptotic cells were detected in the intima using both TUNEL and single-stranded DNA, however, the latter method was the more sensitive one for detecting apoptotic cells in the early stages of atherosclerosis. The number of apoptotic cells increased as the disease progressed. It implies that the apoptosis of intimal cells is involved in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. In addition, quantitative analyses of the cell types undergoing apoptosis using double-immunostaining revealed that the susceptibility of macrophages and smooth muscle cells to apoptosis was greater specifically in atheroma than in the other atherosclerotic lesions, and macrophages were more susceptible to apoptosis than smooth muscle cells. The frequency and spatial distribution of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) (FOH1a/DLH3)-positive cells were examined by immunohistochemistry, and the results resembled those of apoptotic cells. The number of oxLDL-positive cells in the intima significantly correlated with the susceptibility of smooth muscle cells, but not with that of macrophages, to apoptosis. These results suggest that oxLDL affects the apoptosis of smooth muscle cells during the atherosclerotic development.     

Neural Cell Apoptosis Induced by Microwave Exposure Through Mitochondria-dependent Caspase-3 Pathway

To determine whether microwave (MW) radiation induces neural cell apoptosis, differentiated PC12 cells and Wistar rats were exposed to 2.856GHz for 5min and 15min, respectively, at an average power density of 30 mW/cm². JC-1 and TUNEL staining detected significant apoptotic events, such as the loss of mitochondria membrane potential and DNA fragmentation, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy and Hoechst staining were used to observe chromatin ultrastructure and apoptotic body formation. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was used to quantify the level of apoptosis. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3 and PARP were examined by immunoblotting or immunocytochemistry. Caspase-3 activity was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation in neural cells 6h after microwave exposure. Moreover, the mitochondria membrane potential decreased, DNA fragmentation increased, leading to an increase in the apoptotic cell percentage. Furthermore, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, expression of cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3 and PARP all increased. In conclusion, microwave radiation induced neural cell apoptosis via the classical mitochondria-dependent caspase-3 pathway. This study may provide the experimental basis for further investigation of the mechanism of the neurological effects induced by microwave radiation.     

黄芪皂甙Ⅳ联合骨髓间充质干细胞移植对大鼠脑缺血/再灌注损伤海马神经元凋亡及相关基因表达的影响

目的 探讨黄芪皂甙Ⅳ联合骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)移植对缺血再灌注大鼠海马神经细胞凋亡及Bcl-2、Bax、Caspase-3表达的影响.方法 实验动物随机分为假手术组、模型组、BMSCs组、BMSCs+黄芪组.采用线栓法建立大鼠大脑中动脉缺血(MCAO)模型,BMSCs组、BMSCs+黄芪组分别于建模成功后3 h...     

Ghrelin 通过AKT/ ERK 信号通路对LPS 诱导的肺泡上皮细胞凋亡的影响

目的:研究Ghrelin 对内毒素(Lipopolysaccharide,LPS)所致的肺泡域型上皮细胞(A549)凋亡的影响及其机制。方法:CCK-8(Cell Counting Kit-8)法检测LPS 刺激对A549 的细胞毒性;原位末端标记法(TUNEL)检测细胞凋亡率;流式细胞术检测细胞内一氧化氮(NO)的产生;Western blot 检测诱导型一氧化氮合成酶(iNOS)、AKT、ERK、p-AKT、p鄄ERK 信号通路蛋白以及cleaved caspase-3、Bax、Bcl-2 凋亡相关蛋白的表达。结果:CCK-8 检测结果显示LPS 可显著抑制A549 细胞的增殖,降低细胞活力;TUNEL 检测发现Ghrelin 可显著抑制LPS 导致的A549 细胞的凋亡(P<0.05);LPS 可以促进iNOS 的表达,增加细胞内NO 的产生,并同时抑制AKT、ERK 通路的活性,上调下游促凋亡蛋白Bax 以及终末凋亡蛋白cleaved caspase-3 的表达,下调抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2 的表达,而应用Ghrelin 预处理后可以逆转LPS 对AKT、ERK 通路活性的抑制,继而下调Bax 以及cleaved caspase-3 的表达,上调Bcl-2 的表达,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05),但Ghrelin 对细胞内NO 的产生无明显影响。结论:Ghrelin 可以通过上调AKT 及ERK 通路的活性抑制LPS 诱导的肺泡上皮细胞凋亡,但不能降低iNOS 诱导产生NO 的水平。     

Norcantharidin induces human melanoma A375-S2 cell apoptosis through mitochondrial and caspase pathways

Norcantharidin (NCTD) is the demethylated form of cantharidin, which is the active substance of mylabris. To examine the pathway of NCTD-induced A375-S2 cell death, 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-dipheyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, photomicroscopical observation, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, caspase activity assay and Western blot analysis were carried out. A375-S2 cells treated with NCTD exhibited several typical characteristics of apoptosis. The inhibitory effect of NCTD on human melanoma, A375-S2 cells, was partially reversed by the inhibitors of pan-caspase, caspase-3 and caspase-9. The activities of caspase-3 and -9 were significantly increased after treatment with NCTD at different time. The expression of inhibitor of caspase-activated DNase was decreased in a time-dependent manner, simultaneously, the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax or Bcl-xL/Bax was decreased and the expression ratio of proteins could be reversed by caspase-3 inhibitor. The expression of cytochrome c in cytosol was increased after NCTD treatment and caspase- 3 inhibitor had no significant effect on the up-regulation of cytochrom c. These results suggest that NCTD induced A375-S2 cell apoptosis and the activation of caspase and mitochondrial pathway were involved in the process of NCTD-induced A375-S2 cell apoptosis.     

Apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells in glycogen nephrosis during diabetes

The important problem of the fate of glycogen-accumulating clear cells in glycogen nephrosis is still unsettled. In this study, we examine whether apoptosis plays a relevant role in the development of diabetic glycogen nephrosis and explore the involvement of the Fas/Fas-L system and the activation of the caspase cascade. Diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin injection. Glycogen-accumulating clear cells were identified in renal tissues of hyperglycemic rats. They were found to be concentrated in the thick ascending limbs and distal tubules. Large cellular glycogen accumulations were confirmed by biochemical assays and enzyme-gold cytochemistry. Clear cells displayed apoptotic features such as Annexin V binding, nuclear TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling), and the simultaneous occurrence of Fas, Annexin V, and TUNEL positivity. Western blot analysis demonstrated enhanced expression of Fas receptor/ligand and the activation of the caspase cascade in these cells because cleaved forms of the caspase-3, -8, and -9 were detected. Furthermore, active caspase-3 was located in nuclei by immunoelectron microscopy. Our results indicate that epithelial cells in thick ascending limbs and distal tubules that develop glycogen nephrosis in response to hyperglycemia undergo Fas/Fas-L mediated cell death. Thus, apoptosis could be playing a significant role in renal epithelial cell deletion during diabetes.