厄罗替尼联合塞来昔布阻断EGFR和COX-2抑制肺癌A549细胞增殖

目的探讨厄罗替尼联合塞来昔布对肺腺癌A549细胞系凋亡、表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)和环氧合酶-2(COX-2)表达的影响。方法厄罗替尼、塞来昔布单独或联合干预细胞48 h后,倒置相差显微镜观察细胞形态;四甲基偶氮唑盐(MTT)法测定细胞抑制率;Hoechst33258法和TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡和流式细胞术检测细胞周期;免疫荧光检测EGFR和COX-2蛋白表达。结果厄罗替尼联合塞来昔布组相比单药组A549细胞明显出现大量颗粒和空泡,细胞变圆开始脱落;二者联合作用时抑制作用更强(P<0.05),厄罗替尼与塞来昔布均能诱导细胞凋亡,联合作用后细胞凋亡率更高(P<0.05),并使细胞发生明显的G1期阻滞(P<0.05),进一步下调了EGFR和COX-2蛋白的表达(P<0.05)。结论厄罗替尼与塞来昔布联合应用可协同介导细胞凋亡,阻滞细胞周期于G0/G1期及阻滞EGFR和COX-2信号途径。     

Human mast cells express stem cell factor

Stem cell factor (SCF) is a major cytokine regulator of mast cell growth and function. The present study demonstrates that human mast cells are able to produce SCF. Constitutive synthesis of SCF mRNA was seen in the mast cells isolated from human lung and skin by RT-PCR. This was confirmed by in situ hybridization in conjunctival mast cells of both tryptase-only (MC_T) and tryptase/chymase (MC_TC) subsets. SCF protein product was found in conjunctival MC_T and MC_TC mast cells by immunohistochemistry. Soluble SCF protein was detected in the culture supernatant of isolated lung mast cells by ELISA, and cross-linkage of IgE receptor (Fcε–RI) on the lung mast cells in culture did not alter SCF mRNA expression, or the secreted soluble SCF protein. This was consistent with the finding that levels of SCF mRNA expression in conjunctival mast cells were similar between normal subjects and patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC). This study shows that human mast cells themselves are a cellular source of SCF, as well as being target cells for this growth factor. SCF may regulate mast cell growth and function via both paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. The production of SCF by mast cells may be regulated via mechanisms other than IgE receptor-mediated pathways. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

碱性成纤维细胞生长因子对体外培养人牙周膜细胞的作用

背景：碱性成纤维细胞生长因子是具有多功能的细胞生长因子,对来源于中胚层及神经外胚层的细胞有明显的促进增殖作用。 目的：观察碱性成纤维细胞生长因子对体外培养人牙周膜细胞的作用。 方法：将第5代人牙周膜细胞,以1×108 L-1的浓度分别接种到96孔板,随机分成4组,分别加入含0,1,10,100 μg/L的碱性成纤维细胞生长因子、体积分数为15%胎牛血清的α-MEM培养基进行培养。在第1,3,5,7天测定细胞的增殖情况,在第1,7天检测碱性磷酸酶活性。 结果与结论：4组之间人牙周膜细胞增殖情况的差异有显著性意义(F=6.586,P=0.024),随着碱性成纤维细胞生长因子质量浓度的增大,吸光度值均增大,其中100 μg/L碱性成纤维细胞生长因子组的吸光度值均大于其他组(P < 0.05);碱性成纤维细胞生长因子各组的碱性磷酸酶活性均低于对照组(P=0.000),浓度越大,活性越低(P < 0.05)。结果显示碱性成纤维细胞生长因子在1-100 μg/L范围内质量浓度越高,促进人牙周膜细胞增殖和抑制碱性磷酸酶活性的作用越强。     

Mast cells and their secretory granules are angiogenic in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane

BACKGROUND: Many data suggest that the density of mast cells is highly correlated with the extent of both normal and pathological angiogenesis. OBJECTIVE: In this study we have compared in an in vivo assay, the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane, the angiogenic potential of mast cell suspensions isolated from rats, degranulated mast cells and their secretory granules. METHODS: Gelatin sponges adsorbed with cell suspensions of rat mast cells, degranulated mast cells and their secretory granules were implanted on the top of the chorioallantoic membrane at day 8 of incubation. At day 12 the angiogenic response was evaluated macroscopically, microscopically and by a morphometric method of 'point counting'. RESULTS: Isolated mast cells and their secretory granules, but not degranulated mast cells, induced an angiogenic response in the chorioallantoic membrane. The addition of antifibroblast growth factor-2 or antivascular endothelial growth factor antibodies reduced the angiogenic response of both mast cells and their secretory granules by 50% and 30%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data support the evidence that the angiogenic properties of mast cells depend on the angiogenic molecules contained in their secretory granules and indicate that fibroblast growth factor-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor are the angiogenic cytokines primarily and perhaps synergistically responsible for this vasoproliferative activity.     

Human mast cells express functional TrkA and are a source of nerve growth factor

Mast cells are the principal effector cells in IgE-dependent hypersensitivity reactions. Despite reports that rodent mast cells proliferate in the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF), human mast cells reportedly do not respond to this factor. To determine if human mast cells express the NGF receptors, TrkA tyrosine receptor and the low affinity NGF receptor (LNGFR), we first analyzed the mRNA expression by RT-PCR of TrkA and LNGFR in a human mast cell line (HMC-1) and in human mast cells cultured in the presence of stem cell factor. Both HMC-1 and cultured human mast cells were found to express TrkA but not LNGFR. TrkA protein was demonstrated by Western blot analysis of HMC-1 lysates. Using flow cytometric analysis and mast cell tryptase as a mast cell marker, both HMC-1 cells and cultured human mast cells were shown to co-express tryptase and TrkA. Treatment of mast cells with NGF resulted in phosphorylation of TrkA on tyrosine residues as detected by immunoblotting with an antiphosphotyrosine antibody. Furthermore, NGF induced the immediate early gene c-fos in HMC-1 cells. HMC-1 cells and cultured human mast cells were also found to express NGF mRNA, and conditioned medium from HMC-1 cells stimulated neurite outgrowth from chicken embryonic sensory ganglia in culture. This effect was blocked by anti-NGF. Thus, mast cells express functional TrkA and synthesize NGF, suggesting a mechanism by which NGF may act as an autocrine factor for human mast cells, and by which mast cells and nerves may interact.     

Regulation of spreading and growth of colon cancer cells by hepatocyte growth factor

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), also known as scatter factor, regulates both cell motility and the growth of some cell types. We have determined the effects of HGF on the motility and growth of human colon cancer cell lines (HT115, HT29, HRT18 and HT55). Cell motility, as measured by dissociation from carrier beads or by scattering of cell colonies, was greatly increased in all cell lines. The effects were completely blocked by anti-HGF antibody. In contrast, cell growth of HT115, HT29 and HRT18 cells was inhibited by a wide range of concentrations of HGF. HT55 cell growth was also inhibited but needed a prolonged culture period (>5 days). The HGF receptor/Met protein is highly expressed in the membrane fraction of these cells as determined by Western blotting. It is concluded that HGF has an effect on both colon cancer cell motility and growth, which may be important in the control of the spread of colon cancer.     

Microcarrier cell culture: Vero cells on cytodex® 1

Summary All the necessary steps required for the cultivation of Vero cells on microcarriers are described. These procedures are used routinely in our laboratories for the growth of Vero cells on Cytodex 1. Consistent, high density, final yields of more than 10⁶ cells/ml of culture medium are obtained. The protocols described here can be modified for the growth of a variety of anchorage-dependent cell types. Culture parameters important for the successful exploitation of microcarrier cell culture technology are discussed.     

ShRNA-mediated silencing of the RFC3 gene suppress ovarian tumor cells proliferation

Ovarian carcinoma is one of the most common and lethal malignancies in the world. Replication factor C (RFC) plays an important role in DNA replication, DNA damage repair, and checkpoint control during cell cycle progression in all eukaryotes. Our previous study found that one unit of RFC complex, RFC3, is over-expressed in ovarian tumor tissues. However, its role in the development of ovarian carcinoma remains unclear. Western blot and real-time RT-PCR analysis were used to measure the expression of RFC3 in ovarian cancer cells. Lentivirus-mediated RFC3-specific shRNA was used to knock down RFC3 expression in ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, the effect of RFC3 on tumor cellular proliferation and growth were examined, respectively. The expression level of RFC3 was remarkably up-regulated in ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 cells. With MTS and cell growth assays, the viability and proliferation of RFC3 knocking-down OVCAR-3 cell line were shown to be effectively restrained. Down-regulation of RFC3 expression arrested the cell cycle of OVCAR-3 cell in the S-phase and induced apoptosis. This study suggests that RFC3 may play an important role in the the process of ovarian carcinoma, and that it may be a potential biological treatment target in the future.     

Perforin improves the morphogenesis of mouse placenta disturbed by IL-2 treatment

The pore-forming protein (perforin) produced by lymphocytes can induce apoptosis in target cells. In mouse placenta, although a large amount of perforin is produced by the uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, its role in the reproductive process is still not clear. Since the cytotoxicity of uNK cells can be enhanced by interleukin (IL)-2, we studied the role of perforin in the placenta of wild-type and perforin-knockout mice treated with IL-2 during days 10–14 of pregnancy. Immunohistochemistry of the wild-type mice showed that the perforin was positive in the membrane of trophoblast glycogen cells as well as the cytoplasm of uNK cells, and there was an increase in the expression level following IL-2 treatment as revealed by RT-PCR analysis, although no change was identified in fertility. In the IL-2-treated perforin-knockout mice, however, the number of live fetuses was decreased, accompanied by an increase in the weight of placentae. Examination of these placentae showed an abnormally enlarged junctional zone, occupied by a large number of the trophoblast glycogen cells and significantly few of the apoptotic cells. These findings indicate that perforin can contribute to a successful pregnancy by inhibiting the excessive growth of the junctional zone induced by IL-2.     

A combination of stem cell factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor enhances the growth of human progenitor B cells supported by murine stromal cell line MS-5

We have developed a long-term culture system using the murine bone marrow stromal cells MS-5 to support the growth of progenitor B cells with CD34^–, CD10⁺, CD19⁺, and cytoplasmic μ chain (Cμ)-negative surface phenotype from human CD34⁺ cells purified from umbilical cord blood (CB). When 10³ CB CD34⁺ cells/well were seeded on MS-5 stromal cells at the beginning of culture in the absence of exogenously added cytokines, progenitor B cells first appeared after 14 days, and the maximal cell production was achieved during the 6th week of culture. Intriguingly, the addition of recombinant human stem cell factor (rhSCF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF), but not rhIL-7, strikingly enhanced the growth of progenitor B cells from CB CD34⁺ population cultured on MS-5 stromal cells. The culture of progenitor B cells could be maintained until the 6th week of culture when some cells were revealed to have a Cμ⁺ phenotype, and a small number of cells had immunoglobulin μ chain on their cell surface in the presence of both rhSCF and rhG-CSF. When CD34⁺ cells were cultured physically separated from the stromal layer by membrane, supportive effects of MS-5 stromal cells for the growth of progenitor B cells were not observed. These results suggest that the present culture system could generate progenitor B cells to proliferate from CB CD34⁺ cells, that some of these progenitor B cells could differentiate into immature B cells in conjunction with rhSCF and rhG-CSF, and that a species-cross-reactive membrane-bound factor(s), which stimulates early human B lymphopoiesis, may exist in MS-5 stromal cells. Further studies are required to investigate the mechanism how rhG-CSF acts on progenitor B cells to allow their proliferation and differentiation.     

Low-dose cyclophosphamide combined with IL-2 inhibits tumor growth by decreasing regulatory T cells and increasing CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells in mice

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) benefits some cancer patients by promoting the proliferation of cytotoxic effector T cells, but this process is limited by the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Low-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX) can inhibit the number and function of Tregs. We treated carcinoma-bearing mice with Vehicle, CTX, IL-2 and CTX + IL-2 to investigate the effects of low-dose CTX combined with IL-2 in antitumor treatment. In comparison to monotherapy, CTX + IL-2 significantly limited tumor growth, via tumor cell proliferation inhibition and increased apoptosis. The infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells in tumor tissues was significantly increased in the CTX + IL-2 group. CTX + IL-2 safely increased CD8⁺ T and natural killer cells in the spleen, lymph nodes and peripheral blood, and CTX attenuated the increase in Tregs induced by IL-2 in the spleen.     

Endogenous TWEAK is critical for regulating the function of mouse uterine natural killer cells in an immunological model of pregnancy loss

Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are the most abundant lymphocyte population in the feto–maternal interface during early gestation, and uNK cells play a significant role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy‐related vascularization, as well as in tolerance to the fetus. Tumour necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its receptor, fibroblast growth factor‐inducible molecule (Fn14), are involved in preventing local cytotoxicity and counterbalancing the cytotoxic function of uNK cells. Here, we studied the regulation of TWEAK/Fn14‐mediated innate immunity in the uterus using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced model of abortion in pregnant mice. Specifically, we detected the expression of TWEAK and Fn14 in the uterus and in uNK cells following LPS treatment. Our results revealed that TWEAK and Fn14 are expressed by uNK cells in pregnant mice; in particular, it appears that the cytokine TWEAK is primarily derived from uNK cells. Interestingly, the down‐regulation of TWEAK in uNK cells and the up‐regulation of the Fn14 receptor in the uterus in LPS‐treated mice may contribute to the disruption of decidual homeostasis by altering uNK cell cytotoxicity – ultimately leading to fetal rejection. In conclusion, the present study strongly suggests that the TWEAK–Fn14 axis in uNK cells is involved in maintaining the tolerance necessary for successful pregnancy.     

Effects of lycopene and apigenin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro under angiogenic stimulation

Angiogenesis is the formation process of new blood vessels from preexisting vessels. Solid tumors need angiogenesis for growth and metastasis. The suppression of tumor growth by inhibition of neoangiogenic processes represents a potential approach to cancer treatment. Lycopene has powerful antioxidant capacities and anticarcinogenic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lycopene on angiogenesis in vitro. For this reason, we measured in vitro angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells including parameters of cell proliferation, tube formation, cell migration. Lycopene and apigenin were observed to block the endothelial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, they significantly decreased the capillary-like tube lengths, tube formation and endothelial cell migration. This study provides indications that apigenin and lycopene, which are considered as chemopreventive agents, to be effective in vitro on endothelial cells and angiogenesis.     

结肠癌组织微环境对树突状细胞的影响

目的 探讨结肠癌组织匀浆上清液模拟肿瘤微环境对人树突状细胞(DC)分化发育的影响,以及血管内皮生长因子A(VEGF-A)在其中所起的作用.方法 制备新鲜结肠癌及癌旁组织匀浆上清液.分离人外周血单个核细胞,含重组人粒细胞.巨噬细胞集落刺激因子(rhGM-CSF)和rhIL-4的1640培养液诱导DC,第2天在此基础上设结肠癌匀浆上清组、癌旁组织匀浆上清组、VEGF-A组及正常DC组,第4天加入结肠癌细胞株SW620抗原,第6天加入脂多糖,第8天收集各组细胞.ELISA检测肿瘤组织匀浆上清液中VEGF-A含量.观察DC形态,流式细胞术检测其免疫表型,RT-PCR检测CD1a表达,CCK-8检测T细胞增殖率及杀伤率.结果 结肠癌组织匀浆上清VEGF-A含量明显高于癌旁组织(P＜0.05);与正常DC组相比,结肠癌匀浆上清组细胞形态明显受到抑制,数目减少,表面抗原表达率明显下降(P＜0.01),混合淋巴细胞反应能力及杀伤力也明显下降(P＜0.01);而VEGF-A组细胞数目及形态与正常DC组相比无明显改变,对所检测的Dc表面抗原并无明显抑制(P＞0.05),但在功能实验中它却起到了明显抑制T细胞增殖及杀伤功能的作用.结论 结肠癌组织匀浆上清液所模拟的微环境对DC的诱导分化及功能有明显的抑制作用,在该过程中VEGF-A起到抑制T细胞免疫功能的作用,但该作用并非通过抑制DC共刺激分子表达而实现.     

Ependymal stem cells divide asymmetrically and transfer progeny into the subventricular zone when activated by injury

Evidence is presented to show that cells of the ependymal layer surrounding the ventricles of the mammalian (rat) forebrain act as neural stem cells (NSCs), and that these cells can be activated to divide by a combination of injury and growth factor stimulation. Several markers of asymmetric cell division (ACD), a characteristic of true stem cells, are expressed asymmetrically in the ependymal layer but not in the underlying subventricular zone (SVZ), and when the brain is treated with a combination of local 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) with systemic delivery of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha), ependymal cells divide asymmetrically and transfer progeny into the SVZ. The SVZ cells then divide as transit amplifying cells (TACs) and their progeny enter a differentiation pathway. The stem cells in the ependymal layer may have been missed in many previous studies because they are usually quiescent and divide only in response to strong stimuli.     

Role of c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase in the development, survival and neoplastic transformation of mast cells

The c-kit gene is allelic with the dominant spotting ( W ) locus on mouse chromosome 5 and encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase. The llgand for c-klt receptor is stem cell factor (SCF), which is the principal growth factor for mast cells. The loss-of-function mutations of c-kit receptor affect the development of mast cells, thereby resulting in a depletion of mast cells. The abundant expression of c-ktt receptor is indispensable for the survival of mast cells. In addition, the galn-of-function mutations of c-kit receptor were found in several tumor mast cell lines. When these galn-of-function mutations were introduced to cells of murine interleukin (IL)-3-dependent cell lines, the expression of c-kit receptor with constitutive tyrosine kinase activity not only abrogated the IL-3 requirement of the cells, but also caused them to become tumorlgenic in nude athymic mice. The gain-of-function mutations of c-kit receptor appear to result in the malignant transformation of mast cells. Taken together, the signals from the c-ktt receptor are essential for the development, survival, and malignant transformation of mast cells.     

宁心红杞胶囊对老龄雌性大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞超微结构的影响

目的：观察天然药物干预下老龄雌性大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞超微结构的变化。方法：以自然衰老雌性大鼠为实验模型,按临床等效剂量胃饲由天然植物药加工制成的宁心红杞胶囊8周后,取其卵泡中颗粒细胞,用透射电镜进行观察。结果：模型组颗粒细胞胞体变小,胞质中的各种细胞器和分泌颗粒数量明显减少,可见较多的凋亡细胞和凋亡小体。用药组细胞体积增大,胞质内细胞器数量增多,线粒体、滑面内质网、粗面内质网、高尔基复合体等结构大体正常,细胞间缝隙连接增多。偶见凋亡的颗粒细胞,未见凋亡小体。结论：宁心红杞胶囊具有调控颗粒细胞凋亡的作用,能抑制凋亡进程,这可能是其临床治疗围绝经期综合征的作用机制之一。     

Re-evaluation of fibroblasts and fibroblast-like cells

Summary Scanning electron microscopic observations of connective tissue cells show a new aspect of the nature of fibroblasts, and the subsequent broad survey of references makes clear that fibroblasts of many tissues have various features which are regarded as atypical of fibroblasts, and at the same time that various connective tissue cells in different organs have features typical of fibroblasts. Both morphological and functional features of fibroblasts are more or less common to those of fibroblast-like cells, and differences among these cells are quantitative rather than qualitative. Therefore, it is almost impossible to set clear-cut criteria for distinguishing genuine fibroblasts from a large population of fibroblast-like cells. The majority of cells sharing features of fibroblasts, if not all, seem to belong to the same population of cells. They are probably adapted to special functional needs in their own micro-environment that are peculiar to local or pathological or experimental conditions. It is proposed to categorize these cells into subtypes depending on their main functions: 1, fibrogenesis; 2, tissue skeleton or barrier; 3, intercellular communication system; 4, gentle contractile machinery; 5, endocrine activity; and 6, vitamin A-storing. Re-evaluation of fibroblasts and fibroblast-like cells is required to facilitate their better understanding.