p38MAPK在戊地昔布诱导Eca109细胞凋亡中的调控作用

目的探讨p38MAPK信号转导途径在戊地昔布诱导食管癌Eca109细胞凋亡中的调控作用。方法将正常培养的人食管癌Eca109细胞随机分为正常对照组、戊地昔布组和戊地昔布+SB203580组;采用流式细胞术和DNA Ladder检测凋亡情况;RT-PCR检测p38mRNA的表达变化;流式细胞术和免疫细胞化学检测p38蛋白的表达变化。结果①戊地昔布能够诱导Eca109细胞发生凋亡,并呈剂量依赖性,而SB203580能够部分降低戊地昔布诱导的Eca109细胞的凋亡率;②戊地昔布能够上调Eca109细胞中p38mRNA和蛋白的表达,而戊地昔布+SB203580组p38mRNA和蛋白的表达下降;③p38蛋白表达与凋亡率呈正相关。结论戊地昔布能够通过部分激活p38MAPK信号途径诱导Eca109细胞发生凋亡。     

Tetrahydrocurcumin induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis involving p38 MAPK activation in human breast cancer cells

Curcumin (CUR) is a major naturally-occurring polyphenol of Curcuma species, which is commonly used as a yellow coloring and flavoring agent in foods. In recent years, it has been reported that CUR exhibits significant anti-tumor activity in vivo. However, the pharmacokinetic features of CUR have indicated poor oral bioavailability, which may be related to its extensive metabolism. The CUR metabolites might be responsible for the antitumor pharmacological effects in vivo. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is one of the major metabolites of CUR. In the present study, we examined the efficacy and associated mechanism of action of THC in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells for the first time. Here, THC exhibited significant cell growth inhibition by inducing MCF-7 cells to undergo mitochondrial apoptosis and G2/M arrest. Moreover, co-treatment of MCF-7 cells with THC and p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, effectively reversed the dissipation in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and blocked THC-mediated Bax up-regulation, Bcl-2 down-regulation, caspase-3 activation as well as p21 up-regulation, suggesting p38 MAPK might mediate THC-induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest. Taken together, these results indicate THC might be an active antitumor form of CUR in vivo, and it might be selected as a potentially effective agent for treatment of human breast cancer.     

Formaldehyde induces apoptosis through decreased Prx 2 via p38 MAPK in lung epithelial cells

Formaldehyde (FA) is an important substance that induces sick house syndrome and diseases, such as asthma and allergies. Oxidative stress is involved in the development of respiratory disease, and diverse antioxidants may protect respiratory tract cells from apoptosis. Peroxiredoxin is a pivotal endogenous antioxidant. In the present study, FA induced death in A549 cells, a lung epithelial cell line, in a dose-dependent manner. FA also increased lipid peroxide formation (LPO) in A549 cells, suggesting a role for oxidative stress. Additionally, FA decreased peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx 2) protein levels after a 24 or 48 h exposure to FA. We also examined whether the FA-induced decrease in Prx 2 was associated with apoptosis. Prx 2 overexpression protected against FA-induced cell apoptosis but not necrosis. Prx 2 overexpression blocked FA-induced increase in Bax, a pro-apoptotic molecule, and a decrease in Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic molecule. Prx 2 overexpression also protected against FA-induced activation of some special apoptosis-associated proteins [caspase-3, caspase-9, and polypeptide poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)]. Furthermore, we examined the signaling molecules involved in the FA-induced decrease in Prx 2 expression. The FA-induced decrease in Prx 2 and increase in cell apoptosis was restored by treatment with SB203580 [a p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor], but not by SP600125 [a c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor]. Also, FA-induced events were blocked by treatment with p38 siRNA, but not by scrambled siRNA. Indeed, FA increased p38 MAPK activation, suggesting a role for p38 MAPK in FA action. In conclusion, FA mediated apoptosis in lung epithelial cells by decreasing Prx 2 via p38 MAPK.     

Involvement of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in S‐phase cell‐cycle arrest induced by Furazolidone in human hepatoma G2 cells

Given the previously described essential role for the p38 mitogen‐activation protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway in human hepatoma G2 cells (HepG2), we undertook the present study to investigate the role of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in cell‐cycle arrest induced by Furazolidone (FZD). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of FZD on HepG2 cells by activating and inhibiting the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. The cell cycle and proliferation of HepG2 cells treated with FZD were detected by flow cytometry and MTT assay in the presence or absence of p38 MAPK inhibitors (SB203580), respectively. Cyclin D1, cyclin D3 and CDK6 were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot analysis. Our data showed that p38 MAPK became phosphorylated after stimulation with FZD. Activation of p38 MAPK could arise S‐phase cell‐cycle arrest and suppress cell proliferation. Simultaneously, inhibition of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway significantly prevented S‐phase cell‐cycle arrest, increased the percentage of cell viability and decreased the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin D3 and CDK6. These results demonstrated that FZD arose S‐phase cell‐cycle arrest via activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in HepG2 cells. Cyclin D1, cyclin D3 and CDK6 are target genes functioning at the downstream of p38 MAPK in HepG2 cells induced by FZD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号通路特异性阻滞药对癫痫模型大鼠神经细胞的保护作用研究

目的:研究p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号通路特异性阻滞药SB203580对癫痫模型大鼠神经细胞的保护作用。方法:取大鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型组和SB203580低、中、高剂量(5、10、20mg.kg-1)组,每组10只,后4组腹腔注射戊四唑建立癫痫模型,SB203580各剂量组建模前10min腹腔注射相应药物。建模给药后按Racine分级标准对各组大鼠进行行为学评价,建模给药后2h检测各组脑组织中乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)释放率,采用免疫组化法和免疫印迹法检测海马组织中半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3(Caspase-3)的表达。结果:正常对照组无癫痫发作;与正常对照组比较,模型组癫痫发作程度明显增强,LDH释放率明显升高,Caspase-3阳性细胞数及其表达明显增加(P<0.01);与模型组比较,SB203580各剂量组癫痫发作程度明显减轻,LDH释放率明显降低,Caspase-3阳性细胞数及其表达明显减少(P<0.05或P<0.01),且与剂量成正相关。结论:SB203580可能通过间接抑制Cas-pase-3表达实现对癫痫模型大鼠神经细胞的保护作用。     

Berberine induces apoptosis in SW620 human colonic carcinoma cells through generation of reactive oxygen species and activation of JNK/p38 MAPK and FasL

Berberine is the major constituent of Coptidis Rhizoma with multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, promotion of apoptosis and anticancer potential effect. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute to the causal relationship between tumorigenesis and pro-apoptotic function. Berberine is studied for the mechanism of its action in apoptotic pathway in human colonic carcinoma cell. Treatment of SW620 cells with 50 μM berberine resulted in activation of the caspase 3 and caspase 8, cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and the release of cytochrome c; whereas, the expression of BID and anti-apoptosis factor c-IAP1, Bcl-2, and Bcl-_XL were decreased markedly. Berberine-induced, dose-dependent induction of apoptosis was accompanied by sustained phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK, as well as generation of the ROS. Furthermore, the induction of apoptosis was alleviated by inhibitors specific for JNK and p38. In addition, there was an increase in the cellular levels of phospho-c-Jun, FasL and t-BID in the berberine-induced apoptosis via the activation of JNK and p38 signaling modules. NAC administration, a scavenger of ROS, reversed berberine-induced apoptosis effects via inhibition of JNK, p38 and c-jun activation, and FasL and t-BID expression. These results leads us to speculate that berberine may play an apoptotic cascade in SW620 cells by activation of the JNK/p38 pathway and induction of ROS production, providing a new mechanism for berberine-induced cell death in human colon cancer cells.     

迷迭香酸衍生物RAD-9通过PI3K/Akt和p38 MAPK信号通路诱导胃癌MGC-803细胞凋亡

目的研究迷迭香酸衍生物RAD-9诱导胃癌MGC-803细胞凋亡的作用及其机制。方法 MTT法观察RAD-9对胃癌MGC-803细胞增殖的抑制作用;流式细胞术检测细胞的凋亡;Hoechst 33258染色法观察RAD-9对MGC-803细胞核凋亡形态学的影响;Western blot检测RAD-9干预MGC-803细胞36 h后,对Akt、p-Akt、p38 MAPK、p-p38 MAPK蛋白及凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax、caspase-3的影响。结果MTT结果显示,RAD-9呈时间、浓度依赖性抑制胃癌MGC-803细胞增殖;流式细胞术结果显示,RAD-9对胃癌MGC-803细胞有明显的促凋亡作用(P<0.01);Hoechst 33258染色实验结果显示,RAD-9干预胃癌MGC-803细胞36 h后,细胞核呈现典型凋亡形态学改变;Western blot结果显示,RAD-9干预胃癌MGC-803细胞36 h后,Bcl-2蛋白表达水平明显降低,Bax、caspase-3蛋白表达水平明显提高,Akt、p-Akt蛋白表达水平明显下调,p38 MAPK、p-p38 MAPK蛋白表达水平明显上调(P<0.01)。结论 RAD-9能抑制胃癌MGC-803细胞生长,且能诱导其凋亡,其机制可能与抑制PI3K/Akt和激活p38 MAPK信号通路相关。     

Atorvastatin attenuates homocysteine-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells via inhibiting NADPH oxidase-related oxidative stress-triggered p38MAPK signaling

Aim:

To examine the effect of atorvastatin on homocysteine (Hcy)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Methods:

HUVECs were cultured with Hcy (0.1−5 mmol/L) in the presence or absence of atorvastatin (1−100 μmol//L) or various stress signaling inhibitors, including the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI, 10 μmol/L), the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 (10 μmol/L) and antioxidants N-acetyl cysteine (NAC, 1 mmol/L). Cell apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. ROS were detected by 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H₂DCFH-DA). NADPH oxidases were evaluated with lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. Hcy-induced expression of p38MAPK protein was measured by Western blotting analysis.

Results:

Atorvastatin inhibited endothelial cell apoptosis induced by 1 mmol/L Hcy in a dose-dependent manner and the maximal inhibitory effect was reached at 100 μmol/L. Atorvastatin (10 μmol/L) significantly suppressed Hcy (1 mmol/L for 30 min) induced ROS accumulation (3.17±0.33 vs 4.34±0.31, P<0.05). Atorvastatin (10 μmol/L) also antagonized Hcy (1 mmol/L for 30 min) induced activation of NADPH oxidase (2.57±0.49 vs 3.33±0.6, P<0.05). Furthermore, atorvastatin inhibited Hcy-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (1.7±0.1 vs 2.22±0.25, P<0.05), similar effects occurred with DPI, NAC and SB203580.

Conclusion:

Atorvastatin may inhibit Hcy-induced ROS accumulation and endothelium cell apoptosis through an NADPH oxidase and/or p38MAPK-dependent mechanisms, all of which may contribute to atorvastatin-induced beneficial effect on endothelial function.     

紫草素通过ROS/p38信号通路诱导人宫颈癌HeLa细胞凋亡

目的探讨紫草素(shikonin)诱导人宫颈癌HeLa细胞凋亡的机制。方法以MTT法检测shikonin的细胞毒性;相差显微镜观察细胞形态变化;流式细胞仪检测细胞中活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)的产生及凋亡率;Western blot检测相关蛋白的表达。结果 Shikonin时间和剂量依赖性的抑制HeLa细胞的生长;35μmol.L-1的shikonin作用于细胞24 h后可使细胞皱缩、变圆,并出芽形成明显的凋亡小体,且其可时间依赖性的诱导procaspase-3的剪切。35μmol.L-1的shikonin作用于细胞12 h和24 h均可以诱导细胞产生ROS。ROS清除剂NAC和p38抑制剂SB203580可以明显降低shikonin诱导的HeLa细胞的生长抑制和凋亡率;并且5 mmol.L-1 NAC可以上调由shikonin引起的pro-caspase-3的表达降低,下调由shikonin引起的p38蛋白的磷酸化。结论 Shikonin可以诱导HeLa细胞发生凋亡,ROS/p38信号通路参与了其凋亡的过程。     

Geraniin induces apoptosis of human breast cancer cells MCF-7 via ROS-mediated stimulation of p38 MAPK

Geraniin, a typical ellagitannin isolated from Phyllanthus urinaria Linn, has been found to possess a range of bioactive properties. In the present study, we found that Geraniin showed potent anti-proliferative effects on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The IC₅₀ values were 9.94, 17.98 and 42.32?µM after 72-, 48- and 24-h treatment, respectively. Meanwhile, Geraniin could remarkably disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential and arrest S phase cell cycle. Western-blot analysis showed that Geraniin induced phosphorylation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3 in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, Geraniin treatment activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and the effect was blunted in MCF-7 cells with the treatment of a specific p38 inhibitor SB203580. Geraniin could generate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), activate p38 MAPK then induce the apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, such phenomena was abrogated by pretreatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine. In general, these results support the conclusion that Geraniin-induced apoptosis is mediated via ROS-mediated stimulation of p38 MAPK signaling.     

PTPL1 suppresses lung cancer cell migration via inhibiting TGF-β1-induced activation of p38 MAPK and Smad 2/3 pathways and EMT

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) enables dissemination of neoplastic cells and onset of distal metastasis of primary tumors. However, the regulatory mechanisms of EMT by microenvironmental factors such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) remain largely unresolved. Protein tyrosine phosphatase L1 (PTPL1) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase that plays a suppressive role in tumorigenesis of diverse tissues. In this study we investigated the role of PTPL1/PTPN13 in metastasis of lung cancer and the signaling pathways regulated by PTPL1 in terms of EMT of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We showed that the expression of PTPL1 was significantly downregulated in cancerous tissues of 23 patients with NSCLC compared with adjacent normal tissues. PTPL1 expression was positively correlated with overall survival of NSCLC patients. Then we treated A549 cells in vitro with TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) and assessed EMT. We found that knockdown of PTPL1 enhanced the migration and invasion capabilities of A549 cells, through enhancing TGF-β1-induced EMT. In nude mice bearing A549 cell xenografts, knockdown of PTPL1 significantly promoted homing of cells and formation of tumor loci in the lungs. We further revealed that PTPL1 suppressed TGF-β-induced EMT by counteracting the activation of canonical Smad2/3 and non-canonical p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Using immunoprecipitation assay we demonstrated that PTPL1 could bind to p38 MAPK, suggesting that p38 MAPK might be a direct substrate of PTPL1. In conclusion, these results unravel novel mechanisms underlying the regulation of TGF-β signaling pathway, and have implications for prognostic assessment and targeted therapy of metastatic lung cancer.     

ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways are involved in ochratoxin A-induced G2 phase arrest in human gastric epithelium cells

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a ubiquitous mycotoxin with potential nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, and immunotoxic effects. Recent work from our laboratory found that OTA evoked G2 phase arrest in GES-1 cells in vitro by modulating the key factors Cdc25C, Cdc2 and cyclinB1, which were critical to the G2/M phase transmission, suggested that OTA-induced G2 arrest mediate at least in part OTA toxicity effect. However, the molecular mechanism of this effect is currently unclear. In the present study, we showed that treatment of GES-1 cells with OTA could induce the activation of MAPK family members ERK and p38. ERK inhibitor PD98059 and p38 inhibitor SB203580 significantly reversed the depression of Cdc25C/p-Cdc25C, Cdc2/p-Cdc2, cyclinB1 as well as the cyclinB1-Cdc2 complex, thereby, abolished the delay in G2 phase. In addition, silencing ERK and p38 expression with siRNA significantly inhibited OTA-induced G2 arrest in GES-1 cells as well. Collectively, these data suggest that the ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways play important roles in the regulation of OTA-induced G2 arrest in GES-1 cells.     

Hyperoside induces both autophagy and apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells in vitro

Aim:

Hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside) is a flavonol glycoside found in plants of the genera Hypericum and Crataegus, which exhibits anticancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study we investigated whether autophagy was involved in the anticancer mechanisms of hyperoside in human non-small cell lung cancer cells in vitro.

Methods:

Human non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 was tested, and human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B was used for comparison. The expression of LC3-II, apoptotic and signaling proteins was measured using Western blotting. Autophagosomes were observed with MDC staining, LC3 immunocytochemistry, and GFP-LC3 fusion protein techniques. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay.

Results:

Hyperoside (0.5, 1, 2 mmol/L) dose-dependently increased the expression of LC3-II and autophagosome numbers in A549 cells, but had no such effects in BEAS-2B cells. Moreover, hyperoside dose-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, p70S6K and 4E-BP1, but increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in A549 cells. Insulin (200 nmol/L) markedly enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt and decreased LC3-II expression in A549 cells, which were reversed by pretreatment with hyperoside, whereas the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 (20 μmol/L) did not blocked hyperoside-induced LC3-II expression. Finally, hyperoside dose-dependently suppressed the cell viability and induced apoptosis in A549 cells, which were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (2.5 mmol/L).

Conclusion:

Hyperoside induces both autophagy and apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer cells in vitro. The autophagy is induced through inhibiting the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signal pathways, which contributes to anticancer actions of hyperoside.     

Piperlongumine induces apoptotic and autophagic death of the primary myeloid leukemia cells from patients via activation of ROS-p38/JNK pathways

Aim:

To investigate the effects of piperlongumine (PL), an anticancer alkaloid from long pepper plants, on the primary myeloid leukemia cells from patients and the mechanisms of action.

Methods:

Human BM samples were obtained from 9 patients with acute or chronic myeloid leukemias and 2 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) were isolated and cultured. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay, and apoptosis was examined with PI staining or flow cytometry. ROS levels in the cells were determined using DCFH-DA staining and flow cytometry. Expression of apoptotic and autophagic signaling proteins was analyzed using Western blotting.

Results:

PL inhibited the viability of BMMNCs from the patients with myeloid leukemias (with IC₅₀ less than 20 μmol/L), but not that of BMMNCs from a patient with MDS. Furthermore, PL (10 and 20 μmol/L) induced apoptosis of BMMNCs from the patients with myeloid leukemias in a dose-dependent manner. PL markedly increased ROS levels in BMMNCs from the patients with myeloid leukemias, whereas pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine abolished PL-induced ROS accumulation and effectively reduced PL-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, PL markedly increased the expression of the apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3) and autophagic proteins (Beclin-1 and LC3B), and phosphorylation of p38 and JNK in BMMNCs from the patients with myeloid leukemias, whereas pretreatment with the specific p38 inhibitor SB203580 or the specific JNK inhibitor SP600125 partially reversed PL-induced ROS production, apoptotic/autophagic signaling activation and cytotoxicity.

Conclusion:

Piperlongumine induces apoptotic and autophagic death of the primary myeloid leukemia cells from patients via activation of ROS-p38/JNK pathways.     

TLR4-p38MAPK信号通路在金黄色葡萄球菌感染人巨噬细胞系U937过程中的表达及意义

目的观察金黄色葡萄球菌感染人巨噬细胞系U937细胞后信号通路Toll样受体4(TLR4)-p38蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)的表达及意义。方法体外培养人巨噬细胞系U937细胞,感染0、30、60和90 min时收集细胞,应用Western blot法检测各组TLR4和p38MAPK蛋白表达的变化;在另一实验中,分为对照组、金黄色葡萄球菌感染60 min组及p38MAPK抑制剂SB203580 5 mg/m L干预组、SB203580 10 mg/m L干预组,应用Western blot法检测各组TLR4和p38MAPK蛋白表达的变化。结果随着感染时间的延长,TLR4和p38MAPK蛋白的表达逐渐增加;给予SB203580抑制剂后,TLR4和p38MAPK蛋白的表达明显减弱。结论金黄色葡萄球菌感染U937细胞可引起TLR4-p38MAPK信号通路的活化,而SB203580对其有明显的抑制作用,证明TLR4-p38MAPK信号通路与金黄色葡萄球菌感染U937细胞密切相关。     

Atorvastatin attenuates homocysteine-induced apop- tosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells via inhibiting NADPH oxidase-related oxidative stress- triggered p38MAPK signaling

Aim： To examine the effect of atorvastatin on homocysteine （Hcy）-induced reactive oxygen species （ROS） production and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs）. Methods： HUVECs were cultured with Hcy （0.1-5 retool/L） in the presence or absence of atorvastatin （1-100 pmol/L） or various stress signaling inhibitors, including the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH） oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium （DPI, 10 μmol/L）, the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） inhibitor SB203580 （10 μmol/L） and antioxidants N-acetyl cysteine （NAC, I mmol/L）. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. ROS were detected by 2＇,7＇-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate （H2DCFH-DA）. NADPH oxidases were evaluated with lucigenin-enhanced chemilu- minescence. Hcy-induced expression of p38MAPK protein was measured by Western blotting analysis. Results： Atorvastatin inhibited endothelial cell apoptosis induced by 1 mmol/L Hcy in a dose-dependent manner and the maximal inhibitory effect was reached at 100 pmol/L. Atorvastatin （10 pmol/L） significantly suppressed Hcy （1 mmol/L for 30 min） induced ROS accumulation （3.17±0.33 vs 4.34±0.31, P〈O.05）. Atorvastatin （10 pmol/L） also antagonized Hcy （1 mmol/L for 30 min） induced activation of NADPH oxidase （2.57±0.49 vs 3.33±0.6, P〈O.05）. Furthermore, atorvastatin inhibited Hcy-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK （1.7±0.1 vs 2.22±0.25, P〈O.05）, similar effects occurred with DPI, NAC and SB203580. Conclusion： Atorvastatin may inhibit Hcy-induced ROS accumulation and endothelium cell apoptosis through an NADPH oxidase and/or p38MAPK-dependent mechanisms, all of which may contribute to atorvastatin-induced beneficial effect on endothelial function.     

Resveratrol induces apoptosis of human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells in vitro through p38 and JNK-regulated H2AX phosphorylation

Aim:

The phosphorylation of histone H2AX, a novel tumor suppressor protein, is involved in regulation of cancer cell apoptosis. The aim of this study was to examine whether H2AX phosphorylation was required for resveratrol-induced apoptosis of human chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells in vitro.

Methods:

K562 cells were tested. Cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry, and the phosphorylation of H2AX and other signaling proteins was examined with Western blotting. To analyze the signaling pathways, the cells were transfected with lentiviral vectors encoding H2AX-wt or specific siRNAs.

Results:

Treatment of K562 cells with resveratrol (20–100 μmol/L) induced apoptosis and phosphorylation of H2AX at Ser139 in time- and dose-dependent manners, but reduced phosphorylation of histone H3 at Ser10. Resveratrol treatment activated two MAPK family members p38 and JNK, and blocked the activation of another MAPK family member ERK. Pretreatment with the p38 inhibitor SB202190 or the JNK inhibitor SP600125 dose-dependently reduced resveratrol-induced phosphorylation of H2AX, which were also observed when the cells were transfected with p38- or JNK-specific siRNAs. Overexpression of H2AX in K562 cells markedly increased resveratrol-induced apoptosis, whereas overexpression of H2AX-139m (Ser139 was mutated to block phosphorylation) inhibited resveratrol-induced apoptosis. K562 cells transfected with H2AX-specific siRNAs were resistant to resveratrol-induced apoptosis.

Conclusion:

H2AX phosphorylation at Ser139 in human CML cells, which is regulated by p38 and JNK, is essential for resveratrol-induced apoptosis.     

SB203580, a pharmacological inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase transduction pathway activates ERK and JNK MAP kinases in primary cultures of human hepatocytes

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were extensively studied in cancer-derived cell lines; however, studies in non-transformed human cells are scarce. In the current paper, we studied the effect of SB203580, a pharmacological inhibitor of p38 MAPK, on activation and inhibition of p38 MAPK transduction partway in primary human hepatocytes (in vitro model of differentiated cells) in comparison with several tumor cell lines (proliferating non-differentiated in vitro model). In addition, we analyzed the effect of SB203580 on extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways both in primary human hepatocytes and tumor cell lines employing primary antibodies detecting phosphorylated kinases. We show that SB203580 activates ERK and JNK in primary cultures of human hepatocytes. The levels of ERK-P(Thr202/Tyr204), JNK-P(Thr183/Tyr185) and c-Jun-P(Ser63/73), a target down-stream protein of JNK, were increased by SB203580. In contrast, SB203580 activated ERK but not JNK in HepG2, HL-60, Saos-2 and HaCaT human cancer cell lines. We tested, whether the effects of SB203580 are due to metabolism. Using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, we found one minor metabolite in human liver microsomes but not in HepG2 cells. These data imply that biotransformation could be responsible for the effects of SB203580 in human hepatocytes. This study is the first report on the effects of MAPK activators (sorbitol, anisomycin, EGF) and MAPK inhibitors in primary human hepatocytes. We observed differential effects of these compounds in primary human hepatocytes and in cancer cells, implying the cell-type specificity and the essential differences between the role and function of MAPKs in normal and cancer cells.