Bcl-2 family gene expression during severe hyperoxia induced lung injury

Exposure of the lung to severe hyperoxia induces terminal transferase dUTP end-labeling (TUNEL) indicative of DNA damage or apoptosis and increases expression of the tumor suppressor p53 and of members of the Bcl-2 gene family. Because cell survival and apoptosis are regulated, in part, by the relative abundance of proteins of the Bcl-2 family, we hypothesized that lung cells dying during exposure would show increased expression of pro-apoptotic members, such as Bax, whereas surviving cells would have increased expression of anti-apoptotic members, such as Bcl-X(L). The hypothesis is tested in the current study by determining which Bcl-2 genes are regulated by hyperoxia, with specific focus on correlating expression of Bax and Bcl-X(L) with morphologic evidence of apoptosis or necrosis. Adult mice exposed to greater than 95% oxygen concentrations for 48 to 88 hours had increased whole-lung mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl-X(L), no change in Bak, Bad, or Bcl-2, and decreased levels of Bcl-w and Bfl-1. In situ hybridization revealed that hyperoxia induced Bax and Bcl-X(L) mRNA in uniform and overlapping patterns of expression throughout terminal bronchioles and parenchyma, coinciding with TUNEL staining. Electron microscopy and DNA electrophoresis, however, suggested relatively little classical apoptosis. Unexpectedly, Western analysis demonstrated increased Bcl-X(L), but not Bax, protein in response to hyperoxia. Bax and Bfl-1 were not altered by hyperoxia in p53 null mice; however, oxygen toxicity was not lessened by p53 deficiency. These findings suggest that oxygen-induced lung injury does not depend on the relative expression of these Bcl-2 members.     

Acidic polysaccharide of Panax ginseng regulates the mitochondria/caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway in radiation-induced damage to the jejunum in mice

Owing to its susceptibility to radiation, the small intestine of mice is valuable for studying radioprotective effects. When exposed to radiation, intestinal crypt cells immediately go through apoptosis, which impairs swift differentiation necessary for the regeneration of intestinal villi. Our previous studies have elucidated that acidic polysaccharide of Panax ginseng (APG) protects the mouse small intestine from radiation-induced damage by lengthening villi with proliferation and repopulation of crypt cells. In the present study, we identified the molecular mechanism involved. C57BL/6 mice were irradiated with gamma-rays with or without APG and the expression levels of apoptosis-related molecules in the jejunum were investigated using immunohistochemistry. APG pretreatment strongly decreased the radiation-induced apoptosis in the jejunum. It increased the expression levels of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-X_S/L) and dramatically reduced the expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins (p53, BAX, cytochrome c and caspase-3). Therefore, APG attenuated the apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway, which is controlled by p53 and Bcl-2 family members. Results presented in this study suggest that APG protects the mouse small intestine from irradiation-induced apoptosis through inhibition of the p53-dependent pathway and the mitochondria/caspase pathway. Thus, APG may be a potential agent for preventing radiation induced injuries in intestinal cells during radio-therapy such as in cancer treatment.     

Bcl-2-regulated apoptosis: mechanism and therapeutic potential

Apoptosis is essential for tissue homeostasis, particularly in the hematopoietic compartment, where its impairment can elicit neoplastic or autoimmune diseases. Whether stressed cells live or die is largely determined by interplay between opposing members of the Bcl-2 protein family. Bcl-2 and its closest homologs promote cell survival, but two other factions promote apoptosis. The BH3-only proteins sense and relay stress signals, but commitment to apoptosis requires Bax or Bak. The BH3-only proteins appear to activate Bax and Bak indirectly, by engaging and neutralizing their pro-survival relatives, which otherwise constrain Bax and Bak from permeabilizing mitochondria. The Bcl-2 family may also regulate autophagy and mitochondrial fission/fusion. Its pro-survival members are attractive therapeutic targets in cancer and perhaps autoimmunity and viral infections.     

Differential expression of cell death regulators in response to thapsigargin and adriamycin in Bcl-2 transfected DU145 prostatic cancer cells

Functional overexpression of Bcl-2 has been reported to confer an anti-apoptotic potential in a variety of cell types. The role of Bcl-2 in epithelial cell-cycle control and in interactions with other cell-cycle regulators is not clearly understood. Its expression has been correlated with the hormono- and chemo-resistant phenotype in advanced prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms through which Bcl-2 mediates increased cytotoxic chemoresistance by assessing alterations in the expression of cell death regulatory molecules. The DU145 human prostatic adenocarcinoma cell line was stably transfected with a Bcl-2 encoding expression plasmid. Two Bcl-2 transfectants, DKC9 and DKC11, were expanded for further study. The effects of Bcl-2 expression on cellular proliferation, cell death (+/- adriamycin or thapsigargin), and expression of cell-cycle/death regulators (p53, PCNA, Bax, Bak, Bcl-X(L)) were evaluated. Compared with controls, Bcl-2 transfectants showed no difference in the rate of proliferation, a decrease in p53 (approximately two-fold), an increase in Bax (approximately two-fold) and PCNA (approximately three-fold), and no change in the levels of Bcl-X(L) and Bak proteins. DKC9 and DKC11 also exhibited a significantly increased chemoresistance to adriamycin (0.0025-5 microM) and thapsigargin (0.0025-5 microM) compared with controls. In the presence of thapsigargin or adriamycin, levels of Bcl-2 and its heterodimeric partner Bax were elevated approximately two-fold with no change in Bak in Bcl-2 transfectants in contrast to controls, where Bak was increased (two-fold). This is the first study to demonstrate that Bcl-2 transfection modulates the expression of mutant p53, Bax, and PCNA in prostate cancer cells. Moreover, Bcl-2 overexpression conferred a significant cytotoxic chemoresistance and altered the balance of expression of death promoters (from Bak, a dominant death promoter in controls, to Bax) in response to thapsigargin and adriamycin.     

烫伤大鼠肠肌间神经丛Bax/Bcl-2的表达与大蒜素的干预

本研究观察了烫伤大鼠肠肌间神经丛Bax/Bcl-2蛋白的表达特征,并了解了大蒜素注射液的作用及作用机制。实验动物分成(1)对照组,(2)烫伤组,(3)药物组。(2)、(3)组又分烫伤后24、48、72h三个不同时间点。经麻醉、灌注、取材(空肠10cm)、后固定,制成铺片标本。采用免疫组织化学方法,对各时间点肠肌间神经丛进行Bax/Bcl-2检测。结果显示:(1)烫伤组Bax/Bcl-2的表达是以烫伤后24h阳性最强,48h有所下降,72h下降最明显;(2)药物组Bax阳性信号较对应时间点的烫伤组明显减弱,Bcl-2阳性信号较对应时间点的烫伤组明显增强。结果提示:(1)细胞凋亡是大鼠严重烫伤后小肠肌间神经丛神经元丢失的重要原因,而bax/bcl-2是参与神经细胞凋亡的重要凋控基因;(2)大蒜素注射液具有显著的保护作用,其机制可能与改善血循环,清除自由基,影响bax/bcl-2基因表达而起到抑制烫伤后迟发性神经元死亡有关。     

Proapoptotic Bak is sequestered by Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, but not Bcl-2, until displaced by BH3-only proteins

Commitment of cells to apoptosis is governed largely by the interaction between members of the Bcl-2 protein family. Its three subfamilies have distinct roles: The BH3-only proteins trigger apoptosis by binding via their BH3 domain to prosurvival relatives, while the proapoptotic Bax and Bak have an essential downstream role involving permeabilization of organellar membranes and induction of caspase activation. We have investigated the regulation of Bak and find that, in healthy cells, Bak associates with Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L) but surprisingly not Bcl-2, Bcl-w, or A1. These interactions require the Bak BH3 domain, which is also necessary for Bak dimerization and killing activity. When cytotoxic signals activate BH3-only proteins that can engage both Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L) (such as Noxa plus Bad), Bak is displaced and induces cell death. Accordingly, the BH3-only protein Noxa could bind to Mcl-1, displace Bak, and promote Mcl-1 degradation, but Bak-mediated cell death also required neutralization of Bcl-x(L) by other BH3-only proteins. The results indicate that Bak is held in check solely by Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L) and induces apoptosis only if freed from both. The finding that different prosurvival proteins have selective roles has notable implications for the design of anti-cancer drugs that target the Bcl-2 family.     

Evidences of the involvement of Bak, a member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, in active coeliac disease

Apoptosis of enterocytes is a feature that characterises the development of lesions in coeliac disease (CD). However, the intracellular pathways that lead to apoptosis of enterocytes have not been completely clarified. Bak is a member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins that acts as an endogenous promoter of apoptosis in normal enterocytes. However, its role in coeliac lesions has not been explored. We used small intestinal mucosa from patients with CD to evaluate the differential expression of members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. Gene expression of Bak was analysed by RT-PCR of biopsies from 14 patients with untreated CD and from 19 controls without CD. In these samples, we also investigated the localisation of the Bak protein by immunohistochemistry and its apoptotic activity. In patients with untreated CD there was a 2.3-fold higher expression of Bak mRNA (p = 0.026), without significant differences in the expression of related genes bax or bcl-2. The higher expression of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) (p = 0.036) and the higher number of apoptotic cells identified by the TUNEL method (p = 0.032) confirmed the proapoptotic status in the intestinal mucosa of CD patients. We found a significant positive correlation (p < 0.0001) between the expression of IFN-gamma and Bak mRNA in patients with untreated CD. The expression of Bak protein was higher in patients with CD, and the immunoreactivity was almost restricted to the epithelium. We found that Bak mRNA and its protein were overexpressed in the intestinal lesions of CD patients and that IFNgamma confers increased susceptibility for enterocytes to undergo apoptosis via upregulation of Bak.     

大鼠额叶损伤后细胞凋亡及Bax与Bcl-2蛋白的表达变化

本研究目的为探讨大鼠额叶锐器损伤后细胞凋亡的变化规律及调控机制。通过电镜、TUNEL法及免疫组织化学染色方法检测细胞凋亡和Bax、Bcl2蛋白的表达变化,结果发现凋亡细胞在损伤后3h即可发现,24h达到高峰;伤后3hBax和Bcl2表达明显升高,Bax表达12h达到高峰,而Bcl2表达6h即达到高峰;伤后Bax/Bcl2比值上调,24h达到高峰,随后逐渐下降。结果表明大鼠额叶锐器伤后存在细胞凋亡,凋亡细胞数量的变化与伤后时程有关,Bax/Bcl2比值是决定细胞凋亡的重要因素。     

Pro- and anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family in skeletal muscle: a distinct role for Bcl-2 in later stages of myogenesis.

Apoptotic myonuclei appear during myogenesis and in diseased muscles. To investigate cell death regulation in skeletal muscle, we examined how members of the Bcl-2 family of apoptosis regulators are expressed and function in the C2C12 muscle cell line and in primary muscle cells at different stages of development. Both anti-apoptotic (Bcl-W, Bcl-X(L)) and pro-apoptotic (Bad, Bak, Bax) members of the Bcl-2 family were expressed in developing skeletal muscle in vivo. Each was also expressed in embryonic (E11-12), fetal (E15-16), and neonatal muscle stem cells, myoblasts, and myotubes in vitro. In contrast, Bcl-2 expression was limited to a small group of mononucleate, desmin-positive, myogenin-negative muscle cells that were seen in fetal and neonatal, but not embryonic, muscle cell cultures. The cell surface protein Sca-1, which is associated with muscle and blood stem cells, was found on approximately 1/2 of these Bcl-2-positive cells. Loss of Bcl-2 did not affect expression of other family members, because neonatal muscles of wild-type and Bcl-2-null mice had similar amounts of Bcl-X(L), Bcl-W, Bad, Bak, and Bax mRNAs. Loss of Bcl-2 did have functional consequences; however, because neonatal muscles of Bcl-2-null mice had only approximately 2/3 as many fast muscle fibers as muscles in wild-type mice. Thus, Bcl-2 function is required for particular stages of fetal and postnatal myogenesis.     

Immunohistochemical assessment of apoptosis-associated proteins: p53, Bcl-xL, Bax and Bak in gastric cancer cells in correlation with clinical and pathomorphological factors

PurposeThe p53 protein as well as Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bax, Bak and Bcl-xL regulate apoptosis. The study objective was to analyze the expression of p53, Bak, Bcl-xL and Bax in gastric cancer and in healthy gastric mucosa.Material and MethodsThe study group consisted of 66 patients with gastric cancer, treated surgically in II Department of General and Gastroenterological Surgery, Medical University of Bialystok. The expression of the studied proteins was assessed using the immunohistochemical method.ResultsSignificant differences were found in the expressions of the studied proteins as compared to healthy gastric mucosa. The expressions of p53 and Bax were significantly higher (70%vs13% and 50%vs13%), whereas those of Bak and Bcl-xL significantly lower (18% vs 83% and 74% vs 97%) in cancer cells than in normal mucosa (p<0.001). Significant differences were also noted in the expressions of Bax and Bcl-xL in relation to histological type. In the intestinal type (Lauren I), the expressions of Bax and Bcl-xL were higher as compared to the diffuse type (Lauren II) (93% vs 43% and 91% vs 43%). Simultaneously, correlations were noted between changes in the expression of Bax vs Bcl-xL and Bak. High expression of Bax showed a positive correlation with reduced Bak and Bcl-xL (p<0.05). Moreover, positive expression of p53 caused poorer distant survival of patients (p<0.05).ConclusionOur study concluded that disturbances in the expression of p53, Bax, Bcl-xL and Bak proteins are associated with their involvement in the process of carcinogenesis in the stomach. It is suggesting that they might appeared in the early phase of carcinogenesis.     

Estrogen modulates Bcl-2 family protein expression in the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area of postnatal rats

In the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA) of postnatal rats, apoptotic cells are detected more frequently in females than males. This sex difference is under the influence of aromatized androgen. We have reported that there are sex differences in the levels of Bcl-2 (femalemale) in the central division of the medial preoptic nucleus (MPNc), a significant component of the SDN-POA, followed by a sex difference in induction of apoptosis via caspase-3 activation (female>male). In the present study, we examined effects of estradiol benzoate (EB) on expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the MPNc. Female rats were subcutaneously injected with EB (25 or 50 microg per head) on postnatal day 5. MPNc and caudate putamen (CP) tissues were obtained from EB-treated female and male rats on postnatal day 6. Protein levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by Western blotting. In the MPNc of female rats, EB at a dose of 50 microg/head but not 25 microg/head significantly increased Bcl-2 protein level and decreased Bax protein level. The levels of Bcl-2 and Bax of female rats treated with 50 microg of EB were comparable to those of male rats. However, the protein levels of Bcl-2 and Bax in the CP did not change with EB treatment. These results suggest that estrogen up-regulates Bcl-2 expression and down-regulates Bax expression in the MPNc of postnatal rats. Effects of estrogen on the Bcl-2 family are presumably responsible for sex difference in postnatal apoptosis of the SDN-POA.     

Evidences of the Involvement of Bak,a member of the Bcl-2 Family of Proteins,in Active Coeliac Disease

Apoptosis of enterocytes is a feature that characterises the development of lesions in coeliac disease (CD). However, the intracellular pathways that lead to apoptosis of enterocytes have not been completely clarified. Bak is a member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins that acts as an endogenous promoter of apoptosis in normal enterocytes. However, its role in coeliac lesions has not been explored. We used small intestinal mucosa from patients with CD to evaluate the differential expression of members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. Gene expression of Bak was analysed by RT-PCR of biopsies from 14 patients with untreated CD and from 19 controls without CD. In these samples, we also investigated the localisation of the Bak protein by immunohistochemistry and its apoptotic activity. In patients with untreated CD there was a 2.3-fold higher expression of Bak mRNA ( p =0.026), without significant differences in the expression of related genes bax or bcl-2. The higher expression of interferon gamma (IFN &#110 ) ( p =0.036) and the higher number of apoptotic cells identified by the TUNEL method ( p =0.032) confirmed the proapoptotic status in the intestinal mucosa of CD patients. We found a significant positive correlation ( p <0.0001) between the expression of IFN &#110 and Bak mRNA in patients with untreated CD. The expression of Bak protein was higher in patients with CD, and the immunoreactivity was almost restricted to the epithelium. We found that Bak mRNA and its protein were overexpressed in the intestinal lesions of CD patients and that IFN &#110 confers increased susceptibility for enterocytes to undergo apoptosis via upregulation of Bak.     

Protective effect of Curcumin on chemotherapy-induced intestinal dysfunction

Objective: Chemotherapy is one of most important treatments for human cancers. However, side effects such as intestine dysfunction significantly impaired its clinical efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Curcumin on chemotherapy-induced intestinal dysfunction in rats. Methods: Sixty healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (normal saline), 5-FU group and 5-FU+Curcumin group. The weight, serum level of endotoxin, DAO and D-lactate were determined. The pathological change of intestinal mucosa structure was studied under light microscopy and electron microscopy. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Results: The Curcumin intragastrically administrated obviously reduced 5-FU-induced weight-loss. 5-FU induced dramatic increase of serum endotoxin, D-lactate and D-Amino-Acid Oxidase (DAO) that were significantly reversed by Curcumin treatment. Meanwhile, 5-FU-induced-damage to intestinal mucosa structure was markedly recovered by Curcumin. The expression of Bax and Caspase-3 were dramatically increased after 5-FU treatment (p<0.01) and Curcumin treatment significantly reduced Bax expression (p<0.05) but had only a moderate effect on reducing caspase-3 expression (p>0.05). Interestingly, Bcl-2 expression was low in control group but increased after 5-FU treatment (p>0.05) and Curcumin treatment further stimulated Bcl-2 expression (p<0.05). Conclusions: Curcumin can significantly reverse chemotherapy-induced weight-loss, increase of serum endotoxin, D-lactate and DAO and damage to intestinal mucosa structure. Curcumin also reduced the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax but stimulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 to attenuate 5-FU-induced apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. The clinical administration of Curcumin may improve chemotherapy-induced intestinal dysfunction, thus increasing the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy.     

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。     

The β2-adrenoceptor agonist clenbuterol modulates Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and Bax protein expression following transient forebrain ischemia

It is well known that proteins encoded by the Bcl-2 gene family play a major role in the regulation of apoptosis. We have demonstrated previously that neuronal apoptosis can be induced in the hippocampus and striatum after global ischemia. Clenbuterol, a β₂-adrenoceptor agonist, showed considerable activity against neuronal apoptosis. In the present study, we attempted to find out whether the members of the Bcl-2 family are induced after ischemia, and whether expression of these genes could be altered by clenbuterol. Transient forebrain ischemia was performed in male Wistar rats by clamping both common carotid arteries and reducing the blood pressure to 40 mmHg for 10 min. Clenbuterol (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle were injected 3 h before onset of ischemia or in non-ischemic rats. The hippocampus and striatum were taken from non-ischemic rats 3, 6 and 24 h after injection of clenbuterol, as well as from drug-treated and untreated rats 6 and 24 h after ischemia. Eighty micrograms/lane total protein were loaded on a 15% sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel for western blotting. Bcl-2, Bax and Bcl-xl proteins were detectable in the non-ischemic hippocampus and the striatum. Clenbuterol up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein at 3, 6 and 24 h after administration. Enhanced Bcl-xl signals were found in the non-ischemic striatum 3, 6 and 24 h after clenbuterol treatment, but no change of Bcl-xl expression by clenbuterol was seen in the non-ischemic hippocampus. Bax expression was not altered by clenbuterol in the non-ischemic hippocampus and striatum. Bcl-2 was up-regulated in both detected regions at 24 h after ischemia, while the increase in Bax and Bcl-xl protein expression had appeared already at 6 h and also 24 h after ischemia. Clenbuterol further increased the expression of Bcl-2 at 6 and 24 h after ischemia. In contrast, Bax protein level was down-regulated by clenbuterol at 6 and 24 h after ischemia. Clenbuterol also increased Bcl-xl level in the ischemic striatum.The results suggest that global ischemia induces proto-oncogenes which are associated with apoptosis. Clenbuterol not only increased Bcl-2 expression in the non-ischemic hippocampus and striatum, but also up-regulated Bcl-2 and down-regulated Bax expression in the ischemic hippocampus and striatum. The increase in the ratio of Bcl-2 and Bax may contribute to the anti-apoptotic effect of clenbuterol. The present study indicates that pharmacological modulation of Bcl-2 family member expression could become a new strategy to interfere with neuronal damage.     

Protective effect of gliclazide on diabetic peripheral neuropathy through Drp-1 mediated-oxidative stress and apoptosis

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of gliclazide and the role of dynamin-related protein l (Drp-1)-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods: Diabetic rats developed through intra-peritoneal injection of streptozotocin were randomly assigned to treatment group receiving gliclazide or non-treatment group without gliclazide treatment. Rats in control group received intra-peritoneal injection of vehicle and no gliclazide treatment. Eight weeks later, the nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of sciatic nerve was measured and the morphological alterations, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide-dismutase (SOD) activity, the expressions of Drp-1, caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 in sciatic nerve were evaluated. Results: When compared to rats in control group, rats in non-treatment group showed significantly decrease of NCV, obvious demyelinative alteration of sciatic nerve, increased expressions of Drp-1, caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2 and MDA, and decreased SOD activity. Compared to rats in non-treatment group, rats in treatment group showed significantly increase of NCV, less demyelination of sciatic nerve, decreased expressions of Drp-1, caspase-3, Bax and MDA, and increased activity of SOD. The expression of Bcl-2 was not significantly different between treatment and non-treatment groups. Conclusion: Gliclazide showed protective effect on DPN through modulating Drp-1-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis.     

舒洛地特对低氧状态下人真皮微血管内皮细胞凋亡的影响

目的:探讨舒洛地特(sulodexide,SDX)对低氧状态下人真皮微血管内皮细胞(human dermal microvascular endothelial cells,HDMECs)凋亡的影响及其分子机制。方法:对HDMECs进行分组培养:常氧对照组在常氧状态下培养;低氧对照组于1%O_2、5%CO_2、37℃条件孵箱培养24 h;处理组用不同浓度(0.25、0.5和1 LSU/m L)舒洛地特作用于HDMECs低氧培养24 h。CCK-8法检测细胞存活率;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率;caspase-3活性检测试剂盒测定细胞内caspase-3活性;Western blot和real-time PCR检测促凋亡因子P53、Bax和caspase-3及凋亡抑制因子Bcl-2的蛋白及m RNA表达。结果:低氧状态下舒洛地特可提高HDMECs生长活力,降低其凋亡率,抑制促凋亡因子P53、Bax和caspase-3的表达以及caspase-3的活性,提高抑凋亡因子Bcl-2的表达。结论:舒洛地特可以抑制低氧状态下人真皮微血管内皮细胞的凋亡,其分子机制与抑制线粒体凋亡通路有关。     

肢体缺血再灌注后的肺损伤和细胞凋亡及NO的效应

目的：探讨肢体缺血再灌注（LIR）后肺的损伤性变化以及细胞凋亡在肺损伤发生中的作用；探讨一氧化氮（NO）对LIR后肺组织细胞凋亡的影响。 方法：采用本室常规方法复制大鼠LIR模型，给予外源性一氧化氮合酶底物（L-Arg）和一氧化氮合酶抑制剂(L-NAME)处理，采用原位末端标记法（TUNEL）检测缺血4 h再灌注4 h时各组动物肺组织细胞凋亡情况；采用放免法检测凋亡相关细胞因子TNF-α在肺组织的表达，结合计算机分析系统对结果进行定量分析；采用免疫组织化学方法检测Bcl-2、Bax、caspase-3、TNF-α蛋白表达情况，结合自动图像分析系统对其结果进行定量分析；在光镜下观察肺组织的形态学改变。结果：大鼠LIR后4 h，肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞、肺血管内皮细胞呈凋亡改变,肺组织TNF-α、caspase-3、Bax明显上调,Bcl-2表达下调。L-Arg处理组，凋亡细胞数明显减少，肺组织TNF-α、caspase-3、Bax的表达情况与IR组相比明显减弱，Bcl-2表达明显增强；L-NAME处理组动物肺组织TNF-α、caspase-3、Bax的表达情况与IR组相比明显增强，Bcl-2表达明显减弱。结论：细胞凋亡参与了大鼠LIR后急性肺损伤的发生，且与TNF-α有关；NO可通过减弱细胞凋亡相关因子TNF-α的表达，减轻LIR后肺组织的细胞凋亡。     

低氧训练与低氧大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及凋亡因子的表达

背景：低氧训练时,机体既要承受运动负荷,同时处于外界的低氧环境,此时, 心组织将如何适应其变化?其机制研究国内外较少。 目的：观察低氧与低氧训练对大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及Bax及Bcl-2表达的影响。 方法：SD大鼠共60只随机分为6组,常氧组、低氧8 h组、低氧12 h组、常氧训练组、低氧8 h训练组和低氧12 h训练组,每组10只。后3组大鼠每天在坡度为0的动物跑台上以25 m/min的速度训练1 h。训练完后,将低氧8 h组、低氧8 h训练组和低氧12 h组、低氧12 h训练组放入氧体积分数为12.5%(相当于海拔4 000 m)的低氧舱内8 h和12 h。实验期为4周,5 d/周。最后1次实验结束后24 h,大鼠均实施速眠新Ⅱ腹腔麻醉后取材,采用苏木精-伊红染色、原位末端脱氧核糖核苷酸转移酶介导的dUTP缺口末端标记法及蛋白免疫组织化学法检测各组大鼠心肌细胞凋亡和Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达。 结果与结论：①与常氧组相比, 低氧12h组、常氧训练组、低氧训练组心肌细胞凋亡指数均显著增加 (P < 0.05) ;低氧12 h训练组心肌细胞凋亡指数显著多于常氧训练组和低氧8h训练组(P < 0.05) 。②与常氧组比较,其他各组Bcl-2、Bax、Bcl-2/Bax均显著性增高(P < 0.05) ;常氧训练组Bcl-2、Bax、Bcl-2/Bax表达显著高于低氧 8 h组,显著低于低氧12 h训练组(P < 0.05) ;低氧12 h训练组Bcl-2、Bax、Bcl-2/Bax表达比低氧12 h组、低氧8 h训练组显著增加(P < 0.05)。提示低氧、低氧训练可诱导大鼠心肌细胞Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达, 运动时低氧刺激与细胞凋亡率、凋亡指数及病理损伤有关,其中以低氧12 h后运动训练组最明显,心肌细胞的凋亡调控与Bcl-2和Bax相关。     

急性马尾神经压迫后脊髓前角运动神经元细胞凋亡相关蛋白的表达规律

BACKGROUND: Cauda equina syndrome often induces skin hypoesthesia in the perineal area, poor urine-stool control, and impairs male function. After peripheral nerve fiber injury, apoptosis of neurons appeared. This is associated with the nature of the injury, the types of neurons, the species of animals, the age, and the distance between neurons. OBJECTIVE: To explore the motor neuron apoptosis and expression of apoptosis-associated protein in the anterior horn of the spinal cord after acute cauda equina compression.  METHODS: A total of 27 canines were randomly divided into three groups. In the compression and control groups, models of cauda equina compression were established. In the normal group, no models were established. Compression group received water sac compression for 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours, with three models in each group. In the control group, only water sac was implanted, but water was not injected. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase TdT-mediated biotin dUTP nick end-labeling assay was used to detect the apoptosis of neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 protein expressions were measured by immunohistochemical staining (strept avidin-biotin complex). Gray values of positive cells of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 protein expressions were detected using Qwin550Cw image collection and analysis system. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The apoptosis of motor neuron occurred in the compression groups. At 12 hours of compression, positive cells were detected, and the number of positive cells reached a peak at 72 hours. Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression was small in the normal group. Caspase-3 protein expression was not detected in the normal and control groups. Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly increased at 8 hours, peaked at 72 hours and reduced to a normal level at 168 hours. The increased range of Bax protein expression was bigger than that of Bcl-2. Caspase-3 protein began to express at 12 hours, peaked at 72 hours and reduced to a low level at 168 hours. Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression peaked at 72 hours, and Bcl-2 protein expression was not obviously increased. These findings verified that after acute cauda equina compression, the apoptosis of neurons occurred in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression showed an antagonistic action. In the Bax/Bcl-2 complex, Bax protein in a high expression promoted apoptosis, induced Caspase-3 protein expression, and neuronal apoptosis.