The effect of MAGE-A1 gene on NIH3T3 cells

Objective: Melanoma antigen genes(MAGE) genes have been found in many kinds of tumor tissue, but not in normal tissue except testis and placentas. The Ags encoded by MAGE genes therefore are strictly tumor-specific. The most current researches associated with these genes focus on the tumor vaccination using these Ags. Few reports are concerning these genes‘ functions. In this study, we investigated the role of MAGE-A1 gene on NIH3T3 cells after transferring with it. Methods: Clone the MAGE-A1 into the plasmids pEGFP-C3 and pcDNA3.1, then transfer the reconstructed plasmids and primary plasmids into the NIH3T3 cells using a new transfer reagent FuGENE 6. Selecting the positively transferred cells by G418. Identified by RT-PCR, Western blot, Immunocytochemistry,Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope and Fluoroscope. The cells mobile ability was measured with Millicell-PCF. The cell cycle and apoptosis were measured with Flow Cytometry. Results: The apoptosis rate of NIH3T3 cells that transferred with control plasmid pcDNA3.1 was 13.4% and the ratios that stay in S phase and G2-M phase were 5.68% and 1.04,% respectively. The apoptosis rate of NIH3T3 cells that transferred with pcDNA3, l-A1 was 0.90% and the ratios that stayed in S phase and G2-M phase were 19.31% and 13.47% respectively. The apoptosisrate of the cells that transferred with control plasmid pEGFP-C3 was 1.87%, a little higher than 1.47% of those transferred with pEGFP-C3-A1. Conclusion:The MAGE-A1 gene may enhance the cell cycle, inhibit the apoptosis and raise the mobile ability of NIH3T3 cells.     

RETROVIRUS-MEDIATED TNF-α GENE TRANSFER INTO TCA8113 CELLS

Objective To investigate whether TNF-α gene-modified Tca8113 cells (Tca8113/TNF-α) can be used as vaccine for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods TNF-α gene was transduced into Tca8113 cells in vitro with retroviral vector carring genes for both TNF-α and Neo^R. After that, presence and expression of exogenous gene in the transgenic cells, expression of HLA antigen on the cells, expression of TNF-α and survival rate of the cells after irradiation and cryopreservation, and mutagenic activity of the cells were analyzed by PCR technique, ELISA technique, FACS technique, ^60 Co irradiation inactivation test, cryopreservation test, and Ames test, respectively. Results The presence of both TNF-α and Neo^R gene and expression of TNF-α gene were demonstrated in transgenic cells. The levels of the HLA-A, B, C, DR expressed by Tca8113/TNF-α were higher than by the parental cells. Tca8113/TNF-α continued to secrete TNF-α for 14 d, there was a secretion peak time from d4 to d6;and, all the cells died by d14 after irradiation. The Level of TNF-α secreted by Tca8113/TNF-α cryopreserved for 48 h was no different from that cryopreserved for I week after irradiation, the level of TNF-α secreted by the cryopreserved cells was just a little lower than that secreted by the noncryopreserved cells. Both DNA and supernatant of the cells have no mutagenic activity. Conclusion TNF-α gene can be transduced into Tco8113 cells with retroviral vector, and the cells can express TNF-α. Expression of HLA Ⅰ,Ⅱ antigens on Tco8113 cells can be increased by TNF-Ⅱ gene transduction. Irradiation is a reliable inactivation method, and cryopreservation is a feasible conservation method for Tca8113/TNF-α. Ames test result indicate that Tca8113/TNF-α has no mutagenic activity.     

Immunity of Unloaded Dendritic Cells in Lung Melanoma of Mice

In order to investigate the immunity of unloaded dendritic cells(DCs) derived from murine bone marrow to preexisting lung melanoma metastases of mice,MO5 were intravenously in-jected to induce lung metastases in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice.Unloaded GM-CSF DCs,PBS and DCs SIINFEKEL were subcutaneously injected into the mice,which were divided as experimental group,negative control group and positive control group respectively.Monoclonal antibody was used to deplete NK or T cells separately.The immunity-inhibitory effects on the lung melanoma were ob-served and the corresponding effector cells were examined.It was found that in the experimental and positive groups,the regression was induced in metastatic nodules in the lungs of tumor-bearing mice,but abrogated by treatment with anti-asialo-GM1 but not anti-CD8.It was concluded that the unloaded DCs could suppress the lung melanoma metastases to some extent,which was mediated by NK cells,and could be used as a potent therapeutic agents for lung tumor.     

Suppression of breast cancer proliferation and induction of apoptosis via AKT and ERK1/2 signal transduction pathways by synthetic polypeptide derived from viral macrophage inflammatory protein II

SDF-1α,a ligand for the chemokine receptor CXCR4,is well known for mediating the migration of breast cancer cells.In a previous study we demonstrated that a synthetic 21-mer peptide antagonist of CXCR4(NT21MP) derived from the viral macrophage inflammatory protein Ⅱ could antagonize tumor growth in vivo by inhibiting cellular proliferation and inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells.However,the role of SDF-1α in the signaling pathways underlying the proliferation of human breast cancer cells and associated signaling pathways and inhibiting signal pathways of NT21MP remained unclear.The present study investigated the mechanism of NT21MP on anti-tumor in breast cancer in vitro.The effect of NT21MP on the viability of cells was determined by the MTT assay.Annexin V-FITC and PI staining was performed to detect early stage apoptosisin SKBR3 cells treated with SDF-1α and AMD3100 or NT21MP.Western blotting techniques were used to assay the composition of phosphoproteomics and total proteins present in the SKBR3 breast cancer cells.RT-PCR and Western blotting technique were used to detect the effect of NT21MP and AMD3100 on Bcl-2 and Bax expression.The results indicated that SDF-1α prevented apoptosis and promoted the proliferation of SKBR3 human breast cancer cells.As compared with untreated SKBR3 cells,Treatment with SDF-1α significantly increased cell viability,and NT21MP abolished the protective effects of SDF-1α dose-dependently(P<0.05).There was a significant decrease in the percentage of apoptotic cells after SDF-1α treatment as compared with control group(2.7%±0.2% vs.5.7%±0.4%,P<0.05).But pretreatment of SKBR3 cells with NT21MP significantly attenuated the antiapoptotic effects of SDF-1α as compared with SKBR3 cells without NT21MP pretreatment.The proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of SDF-1α in SKBR3 cells were associated with an increase in AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation as well as a decrease in Bax expression and an increase in Bcl-2 expression.These changes in intracellular processes were blocked by NT21MP in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05).In conclusion,NT21MP efficiently inhibits SDF-1α-induced proliferation and antiapoptosis in SKBR3 cells by reducing the levels of phosphorylated AKT and ERK1/2,as well as decreasing the ratio of expression of Bcl-2 relative to Bax.     

Effect of Allicin in Antagonizing Mice's Bladder Cancerin vitro and in vivo

Objective: To explore anti-tumor effect and mechanism of Allicin in treating murine bladder tumor. Methods: To observe Allicin's effect on MBT-2 tumor cells in vitro, 100 μg/ml Allicin was added to the tumor cell culture, and the morphology of tumor cells was observed by phase contrast microscope 6 hrs later. The direct effects of Allicin on tumor cell growth in vitro in the MTT Assay was also evaluated. To determine anti-tumor effect of Allicin in vivo, C3H/He mice were randomly grouped prior to initiation of experiment. The mice received 1×105 MBT-2 cells administered subcutaneously into the right posterior flank on the Day 0 the experiment started. Allicin was injected at the site near tumor transplantation on the Day 1. The mice were examined for tumor development and the tumors were measured in two dimensions with calipers twice a week. On Day 21 the tumors were resected and examined pathologically to see the immune response. Results: The observation of morphology of MBT-2 cells in vitro and MTT a     

Evaluation of tumor formation of three bladder cancer cell lines in nude mice

This study examined the differences in tumor formation of three bladder tumor cell lines (BIU-87, T24 and EJ) after subcutaneously transplanted into nude mice, in order to find the best technique for establishing in vivo bladder tumor model. BIU-87, T24 and EJ cells at logarithmic phase were re-suspended in serum-free medium. The cells suspensions of the identical concentration were subcutaneously transplanted into nude mice and then the success rate and tumor growth were compared among the three cell groups. The results of tumor formation were pathologically evaluated. Lung, liver and kidney tissues were also pathologically examined for distant metastasis. The proliferation of the three cells were determined by immunohistochemically detecting the PCNA expression in the tumors. The results showed that the success rates of EJ and T24 cells were significantly higher than that of BIU-87 cells and no distant metastasis was noted among the three groups. The proliferation levels of EJ and T24 cells was significantly higher than that of BIU-87. But at the later stage of tumor formation, as compared with T24 cells, EJ grew more vigorously, soon resulting in the central necrosis of tumor, which affected the measurement of the actual size of the tumors. Moreover, PCNA staining exhibited that the proliferation of EJ and T24 was significantly higher than that of BIU-87 cells. It is concluded that as compared with BIU-87 cells, EJ and T24 cells had higher success rates, with not significant differences in death rate and distant metastasis found among them. There existed no significant difference in tumor formation between EJ and T24 cells and T24 cells do not rupture easily, which makes it a better cell line for the establishment of in vivo bladder tumor model.     

Effect of N-tosyl-L-phenylalanylchloromethyl Ketone on Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha -induced NF-κB Activation and Apoptosis in U937 Cell Line

Summary: To investigate the effect of N-tosyl-L-phenylalanylchloromethyl ketone (TPCK) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced NF-κB activation and apoptosis in U937 cell line, changes and subcellular localization of NF-κB/p65 and IκB-α were observed by fluorescencemicroscopy and expression and degradation of IκB-α by flow cytometry. The apoptosis of U937 cells was measured by flow cytometry and electrophoresis of DNA. Immunolfluorescence assay showed that NF-κB/p65,IκB-α only localized in cytoplasm. After TNF-α stimulation, p65 was localized only in nuclei, and IκB-α was only localized in cytoplasm and decreased. The changes of TNF-α stimulation were specifically inhibited by TPCK. Flow cytometry also revealed the downregulation of IκB-α protein during TNF-α-induced apoptosis and the down-regulation was specifically inhibited by TPCK. Flow cytometry also showed the apoptosis of U937 cells after TNF-α induction. DNA ladder can be detected in cells treated by TNF-α. It is concluded that degradation of IκB-α protein and NF-κB/p65 translocation occur during TNF-α-induced apoptosis of U937 cells, suggesting the activation of NF-κB.TPCK-sensitive protease plays an important role in the degradation of IκB-α protein induced by TNF-α in U937 cells. TPCK sensitive protease also plays an important role in the apoptosis of U937 cells induced by TNF-α.     

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-lalpha Suppressing Apoptosis and Increasing Tolerance of Lung Cancer Cells to Chemotherapy

In order to construct plasmid of hypoxia-inducible factor-lalpha （HIF-1α）, and transfect into human lung cancer cells A549, the change in sensitivity of lung cancer cells A549 to chemotherapy was observed. HIF-1α mRNA structure region was amplified by RT-PCR and inserted into plasmid pcDNA3. The expression plasmid pcDNA3/HIF-1α was transfected into A549 with LipofectAMINE^TM2000. The expression of HIF-1α protein was detected by Western blot. After A549 cells were transfected with HIF-1α prior to addition of 5-Fu, the growth activity was measured by growth curve, apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry at 48 h, and the levels of caspase3 and MDR-1 were determined by Western blot. The results showed that the constructed expression plasmid was analyzed with restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis. Two DNA lanes at 2.55 kb and 5.4 kb respectively were found, which were consistent with that expected. The growth rate in 5-Fu group was significantly inhibited, and the apoptosis index and caspase3 activity were increased significantly as compared with control group. After HIF-1α being transfected into A549, the activity of MDR-1 was increased and the effect of 5-Fu was weakened. In conclusion, HIF-1α can promote chemoresistance by increasing the activation of MDR1 and suppressing apoptosis during lung cancer cells A549 in- duced with 5-Fu.     

Reactivation of Latent Infection of Human Herpesvirus 8 in BC-3 Cells from Primary Effusion Lymphoma by Recombinant CytokinesSimilar to that Produced by HIV-1-infected T Cells

Objective:To study and confirm that recombinant cytokines similar to those produced by HIV-1 infected T cells induced lytic cycle replication of human pervirus 8(HHV-8) in BC-3 cells,another cell line from primary effusion lymphoma(PEL).Methods:The persistent stimulation of BC-3 was conducted by several cytokines known to be produced by HIV-1-infected T cells and important in grouth and proliferation of Kaposi‘s sarcoma(KS) cells in vitro,such as the inter feron-γ（IFN-γ）,the hepatocyte grouth factor /scatter factor (HGF/SF),the Oncostain M(OSM),and the tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）which is not produced by HIV-1-infeted T cells.Treated and antrented BC-3 cells were collected at the 3rd and 7th day of persistent stimulation,respeclively.Immunohistochemical(IHC) staining. Northern blot,quantitative PCR(real-time PCR) and electron microscopy(EM) were carried out to detect the expression of immumogenic protein ORF59,messenger RNA(mRNA) of minor capsid protein ORF26,and the presence of viral particles of HHV-8 from treated and untreated BC-3 cells.Results:It showed that IFN-γ,HGF/SF/OSM,and TNF-α were found to induce an increase in mRNA expression of ORF26 when added individually to BC-3 cells.Particularly,ORF26 expression stimulated with IFN-γ and TNF-α respectively,increased 6.1 and 2.5-fold(from,real-time PCR results) at the 7th day when compared with untreated BC-3 cells.Meanwhile ,about 20% of IFN-γ stimulated BC-3 cells expressed ORF59 at the 7th day as compared with 1.5% of untreated BC-3 cells when IHC staining was employed.In addition,viral particles of HHV-8 were readily idelified in BC-3 cells stimulated with IFN-γ at the 7th day with EM analysis.Conclusion:TNF-α and recombinant cytokines being similar to those produced by HIV-1 infected T Cells could really induce HHV-8 lytic cycle replication in BC-3 cells,another cell line of PEL.     

Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in liver tumors after transcatheter arterial embolization in an animal model

To examine the effect of transcatheter arterial embolization （TAE） of liver tumors on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） expression in the residual viable tumor, a total of 30 New Zealand White rabbits implanted with VX2 liver tumor were divided into 2 groups. TAE-treated group animals （n=15） were subjected to TAE with 150–250 μm polyvinyl alcohol particles. Control group animals （n=15） underwent sham embolization with distilled water. Six hours, 3 days or 7 days after TAE, the animals were sacrificed, and samples of tumor and adjacent normal liver tissue were harvested. Expression of HIF-1α protein was examined immunohistochemically. Real-time PCR was performed to examine the HIF-1α mRNA levels. Our results showed that HIF-1α protein was expressed in the VX2 tumors but not in the adjacent normal liver tissue. The HIF-1α-positive tumor cells were located predominantly at the periphery of necrotic tumor regions. The mean levels of HIF-1α protein were significantly higher in TAE-treated tumors than those in control tumors （P=0.002）. Among the three sacrificing time points, the difference in increase in HIF-1α protein was significant between the two groups at the sacrificing time point of 6 h and 3 days after TAE （P=0.020, P=0.031, respectively）, whereas no significant increase was noted 7 days after TAE （P=0.502）. In contrast, although HIF-1α mRNA was expressed in TAE-treated and control VX2 tumors, there existed no significant difference in the HIF-1α mRNA level between the two groups （P=0.372）. It is concluded that TAE of liver tumors increases the expression of HIF-1α at protein level in the residual viable tumor, which could be attributed to hypoxia generated by the procedure.     

Anti-tumor effect of bufalin on the orthotopic transplantation tumor model of human hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice

Objective: To investigate anti-tumor effect of bufalin on the orthotopic transplantation tumor model of human hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice. Methods: BEL-7402 cells of human hepatocellular carcinoma were inoculated to form subcutaneous tumors in nude mice by subcutaneous injection. Then the subcutaneous tumors were implanted into the liver of nude mice, and the orthotopic transplantation tumor models of human hepatocellular carcinoma were established. Seventy-five models were randomized into 5 groups ( n = 15) . Bufalin was injected intraperitoneally into the 3 groups at dose of 1.5,1 and 0.5 mg/kg for day 15 - 24, respectively. NS group were injected equal volume saline as above and adriamycin were injected intraperitoneally into ADM group at dose of 8.0 mg/kg for day 15. Ten mice in each group were killed at day 25 and detected on morphological and ultrastructural changes in myocardium, brain, liver, kidney and tumor tissues by pathology and electron microscope. The survival time in each group     

Effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on proliferation and differentiation in NIH3T3 cells

Objective:To investigate the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)on the proliferation and differentiation in NIH3T3 cells.Methods:NIH3T3 cells were treated by various concentrations of PNS 0,0.05, 0.10,0.20,and 0.40 g/L.The vitality and proliferation potential of cells were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay,the alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity was measured by p-nitrophenyl phosphate(pNPP)assay,and the mineralization formation ability was tested for the cellular differentiation toward osteoblast,as well as the expression level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinasel/2(P-ERK1/2),extracellular signal-regulated kinasel/2(ERK1/2)protein kinase was analyzed by Western blot with total cell lysate of NIH3T3 cells treated by PNS.Results:Both MTT andρNPP assay showed that optical density(OD)values were increased in response to PNS treatment at a dose-dependent pattern. The mineralization formation ability was enhanced in PNS-treated NIH3T3 cells compared with untreated cells. Meanwhile,the expression level of P-ERK1/2 protein kinase was up-regulated in PNS-treated NIH3T3 cells, while,the expression level of ERK1/2 protein kinase revealed no obvious difference with or without PNS treated cells.Conclusion:PNS could pay a role to promote the proliferation and differentiation in NIH3T3 cells by means of up-regulation of P-ERK1/2 protein kinase.     

Effect of Phosphorus—32 Glass Microspheres on the Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Nude Micer

Objective To study anticancer effect and ultrastructural influence of phosphorus-32 glass microspheres(^32P-GMS) injected in the hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice.Methods The ultrastructural changes of tumor in both the treatment group and control group were examined by transmission electron microscope.Results In the treatment group,a large number of tumor cells were killed and the death rate of tumor cells was much higher(35%-70%).Ultrastructurally,severe nuclear damage was observed in the dead cells.The early characteristics of necrosis such as margination of heterochromatin were also found in some tumor cells.Besides,well-differentiated tumor cells,degenerative tumor cells and some lymphocytes were seen.The skin and muscle close to the tumor were normal.In the control group,the tumor consisted of poor differentiated tumor cells,in which there were only a few appototic cells(5%).Conclusion The results suggest that the local administration of^32P-GMS produces obviously the anticancer effect.     

Anti-tumor effect of pEgr-interferon-γ-endostatin gene-radiotherapy in mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma and its mechanism

Background Gene-radiotherapy, the combination of gene therapy and radiation therapy, is a new paradigm for cancer treatment. To enhance anti-tumor effect of gene-radiotherapy, in this study we construct a radiationinducible dual-gene co-expression vector pEgr-interferon(IFN)-γ/- endostatin and studied the anti-tumor effect of pEgr-IFN-γ/-endostatin gene-radiotherapy in mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma and its mechanism.Methods Gene recombinant technique was used to construct dual-gene co-expression plasmid pEgr-IFN-γ endostatin, and single-gene expression plasmid pEgr-IFN-γ and pEgr-endostatin. The plasmids packed by liposome were injected locally into the tumors of the mice, and the tumors were irradiated with 5 Gy X-ray 36 hours later. The tumor growth rate at different time and mean survival period of the mice were observed.Cytotoxic activity of splenic cytotoxic T-lymphocyte ( CTL), natural killer (NK) cell and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion activity of peritoneal macrophages of the mice in various groups were evaluated 15 days after irradiation. The intratumor micro-vessel density was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining 10 days after irradiation.Results The tumorgrowthrate of the mice in dual-gene-radiotherapy group was significantly lower than those in control group, 5 Gy group and single-gene-radiotherapy group at different time after gene-radiotherapy, and the mean survival period of which was longer. Cytotoxic activity of splenic CTL, NK and TNF-α secretion activity of peritoneal macrophages of the mice in dual-gene-radiotherapy group were significantly higher than those in control group, 5 Gy X-ray irradiation group and pEgr-endostatin gene-radiotherapy group 15 days after irradiation. The intratumor micro-vessel density of the mice in dual-gene-radiotherapy group was significantly lower than those in control group, 5 Gy X-ray irradiation group and pEgr-IFN-γ/gene-radiotherapy group.Conclusion The anti-tumor effect of dual-gene-radiotherapy was significantly better than that of single-gene-radiotherapy by combining the enhancement of anti-tumor immunologic function induced by IFN-γ/with the antiangiogenesis function of endostatin.