Activation of Raf-1 during Experimental Gastric Ulcer Healing Is Ras-Mediated and Protein Kinase C-Independent

Our previous study demonstrated increases in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) phosphorylation and receptor tyrosine kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1 and ERK2) activities in the ulcer margin of experimental gastric ulcer during healing. However, the intermediate steps linking activated receptor tyrosine kinase to ERKs during ulcer healing are as yet unknown. Raf-1 is upstream of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK/ERK) and can be activated by Ras-dependent and/or Ras-independent mechanisms. Therefore, we studied Raf-1 activity, its potential activators protein kinase C (PKC) and Ras, and expression and associations of adapter proteins Shc, Grb2, and Sos during experimental gastric ulcer healing. To investigate if Raf-1-ERK activation is attributable to the epithelial component of ulcer margins, we studied the effect of EGF on PKC, Ras, and ERK activities in a rat gastric epithelial cell line (RGM1). Our results demonstrate that gastric ulceration significantly increases Raf-1 kinase activity, Grb2 and Ras protein, and Shc-Grb2 and Grb2-Sos complex levels. In contrast, PKC activity and protein level were significantly decreased in the ulcer margins. In RGM1 cells, EGF significantly increased Ras and ERK2 activities without affecting PKC activity. These findings indicate that Raf-1 activation during gastric ulcer healing is Ras mediated, involves Shc-Grb2-Sos, and is PKC-independent.     

Expression of PI(4,5)P2-binding proteins lowers the PI(4,5)P2level and inhibits FcgammaRIIA-mediated cell spreading and phagocytosis

We found that FcgammaRII-mediated cell spreading and phagocytosis were correlated with an increase of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P(2)] level in cells. During the spreading, a long-lasting elevation of PI(4,5)P(2) and concomitant actin polymerization occurred. Filopodia and lamellae of spreading cells were enriched in phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase Ialpha (PIP5-kinase Ialpha) that colocalized with PI(4,5)P(2 )and actin filaments. Both spreading and phagocytosis were inhibited by expression of the C(374-440) fragment of PIP5-kinase Ialpha or the pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase Cdelta(1 )(PLCdelta(1)-PH), two probes binding PI(4,5)P(2). These probes reduced the amount of PI(4,5)P(2) in the cells, evoked reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and abolished PI(4,5)P(2) elevation during phagocytosis. Simultaneously, PLCdelta(1)-PH-GFP reduced the amount of PIP5-kinase Ialpha associated with the plasma membrane. In vitro studies demonstrated that PIP5-kinase Ialpha-GST bound PI(4,5)P(2), phosphatidylinositol 4-monophosphate, and less efficiently, phosphatidic acid. The data suggest that the PLCdelta(1)-PH domain, and possibly also the C(374-440) fragment, when expressed in cells, can compete with endogenous PIP5-kinase Ialpha for PI(4,5)P(2 )binding in the plasma membrane leading eventually to PI(4,5)P(2) depletion.     

Selective cyclooxygenase-2 blocker delays healing of esophageal ulcers in rats and inhibits ulceration-triggered c-Met/hepatocyte growth factor receptor induction and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 activation

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, both nonselective and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective, delay gastric ulcer healing. Whether they affect esophageal ulcer healing remains unexplored. We studied the effects of the COX-2 selective inhibitor, celecoxib, on esophageal ulcer healing as well as on the cellular and molecular events involved in the healing process. Esophageal ulcers were induced in rats by focal application of acetic acid. Rats with esophageal ulcers were treated intragastrically with either celecoxib (10 mg/kg, once daily) or vehicle for 2 or 4 days. Esophageal ulceration triggered increases in: esophageal epithelial cell proliferation; expression of COX-2 (but not COX-1); hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, c-Met; and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2). Treatment with celecoxib significantly delayed esophageal ulcer healing and suppressed ulceration-triggered increases in esophageal epithelial cell proliferation, c-Met mRNA and protein expression, and ERK2 activity. In an ex vivo organ-culture system, exogenous HGF significantly increased ERK2 phosphorylation levels in esophageal mucosa. A structural analog of celecoxib, SC-236, completely prevented this effect. These findings indicate that celecoxib delays esophageal ulcer healing by reducing ulceration-induced esophageal epithelial cell proliferation. These actions are associated with, and likely mediated by, down-regulation of the HGF/c-Met-ERK2 signaling pathway.     

缺血性糖尿病足部溃疡皮肤Vδ1T细胞胰岛素样生长因子1与诱生型一氧化氮合酶的表达

背景：皮肤Vδ1T细胞分泌的一系列细胞因子能促进伤口愈合,但与糖尿病足部皮肤组织溃疡难以愈合的关系尚未见报道。 目的：观察缺血性糖尿病患者足部溃疡皮肤Vδ1T细胞中胰岛素样生长因子1与诱生型一氧化氮合酶的表达。 方法：选取缺血性糖尿病足部溃疡患者及正常对照者足部全层皮肤,各10例。双酶标免疫荧光标记测量Vδ1T细胞及胰岛素样生长因子1、诱生型一氧化氮合酶蛋白表达。 结果与结论：缺血性糖尿病足部溃疡患者Vδ1T细胞中胰岛素样生长因子1蛋白表达较对照者明显减少(P < 0.01);诱生型一氧化氮合酶蛋白表达明显增加((P  < 0.01)。提示Vδ1T细胞中胰岛素样生长因子1减少可能与缺血性糖尿病足部溃疡难以愈合有关,而胰岛素样生长因子1减少与溃疡皮肤Vδ1T细胞诱生型一氧化氮合酶表达增加,产生氧化应激有关。     

Protective role of heat shock protein 27 in gastric mucosal injury

Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) mediates cytoprotective effects through its function as a molecular chaperone and through the phosphorylation-dependent stabilization of actin filaments. The role of HSP27 in gastric ulcer formation and healing is, however, unknown. The expression of HSP27 was studied in human gastric tissue specimens obtained from patients with gastric ulcers and from healthy Helicobacter pylori-negative individuals, who received low-dose aspirin, rofecoxib, and the combination in a prospective study. The susceptibility of the gastric mucosa to indomethacin-induced lesions was further studied in transgenic mice overexpressing human HSP27 (Tg(huHSP27)) and compared with wild-type mice (Wt). The expression of HSP27, COX-1, and COX-2 was investigated in Tg(huHSP27) mice and Wt mice by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. While no specific changes in HSP27 expression were found following exposure of healthy human gastric mucosa to oral administration of aspirin or refocoxib, chronic gastric ulcers showed strong HSP27 expression at the ulcer base and margins. Here it was expressed by granulation tissue and regenerating surface epithelium. In Tg(huHSP27) mice, overexpression of HSP27 led to a significant decrease of indomethacin-induced erosions and ulcers compared with Wt mice. COX-1 and COX-2 levels did not change. HSP27 is involved in chronic gastric ulcer repair mechanisms in humans, while overexpression of human HSP27 in gastric epithelial cells in mice reduces the susceptibility to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric ulceration. This indicates that HSP27 expression is critical for mucosal protection in the stomach.     

Mucosal expression of cyclooxygenase isoforms 1 and 2 is increased with worsening damage to the gastric mucosa

AIMS : To test the hypothesis that both COX-1 and COX-2 expression in human gastric mucosa is up-regulated in the presence of inflammation as seen in patients with gastritis and gastric ulcers. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed immunohistochemistry using COX-1 and COX-2 monoclonal antibodies on gastric biopsies from 59 patients with normal mucosa, gastritis and gastric ulcers. Expression of COX-1 and COX-2 was quantified using an intensity proportion scoring system. Expression of COX-1 was primarily seen in the lamina propria mononuclear cells with some expression in deep gastric glands in the ulcer group. Expression of COX-2 was primarily seen in the deep gastric glands with focal expression in the lamina propria mononuclear cells. We found a stepwise increase in the expression of both COX-1 and COX-2 as mucosal damage progressed from normal to gastritis to gastric ulcer. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that both COX-1 and COX-2 expression in the gastric mucosa are increased in the setting of gastritis and gastric ulceration. Although this increased expression may be due, at least in part, to an increase in inflammatory cell numbers, this study raises the possibility that both COX-1 and COX-2 are inducible, contrary to the traditionally held view of only COX-2 being inducible.     

Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Helicobacter pylori-Infected Gastric Mucosae of Mice: Apoptosis, Cell Proliferation, and Inflammatory Activity

Helicobacter pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are two well-known important causative factors of gastric damage. While H. pylori increases apoptosis and the proliferation of gastric epithelial cells and is an important factor in peptic ulcer and gastric cancer, NSAIDs induce cell apoptosis and have antineoplastic effects. We investigated the effects of NSAIDs (a nonselective cyclooxygenase [COX] inhibitor [indomethacin] and a selective COX-2 inhibitor [NS-398]) on the apoptosis and proliferation of gastric epithelial cells and gastric inflammation in H. pylori-infected mice. C57BL/6 mice were sacrificed 8 weeks after H. pylori SS1 inoculation. Indomethacin (2 mg/kg) or NS-398 (10 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously once daily for 10 days before sacrifice. The following were assessed: gastric inflammatory activity, gastric COX protein expression by Western blotting; gastric prostaglandin E(2) levels by enzyme immunoassay, apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling, and cell proliferation by Ki67 immunostaining. Compared to the controls, H. pylori infection and/or NSAID treatment increased COX-1 and COX-2 protein expression. Gastric prostaglandin E(2) levels, apoptotic index, cell proliferation index, neutrophil activity, and the degree of chronic inflammation were all increased by H. pylori infection, and these effects were significantly decreased by indomethacin treatment. However, NS-398 treatment after H. pylori infection did not induce a significant reduction, although it did result in a tendency to decrease. These results show that NSAIDs can reverse the increased apoptosis and proliferation of epithelial cells and inflammatory activity in the stomachs of H. pylori-infected mice and that, like COX-2 activation, COX-1 induction contributes to the change of gastric mucosal cell turnover and inflammation induced by H. pylori infection.     

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1, mPGES-2 and cytosolic PGES expression in human gastritis and gastric ulcer tissue

Recently, three different prostaglandin E2 synthases have been identified: microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1, cytosolic PGES (cPGES), and mPGES-2; however, their role and connection to cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in the gastric ulcer repair process remain unknown. Therefore, we examined mPGES-1, cPGES, and mPGES-2 expression and localization in the stomach in vitro and in vivo. Tissues were obtained from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-infected patients and consisted of surgical resections of gastric ulcers, or biopsies of gastric ulcers or gastritis. mPGES-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analysis, respectively. mPGES-1, cPGES, and mPGES-2 localization were analyzed immunohistochemically. Induction of PGES expression in response to interleukin (IL)-1beta was examined in vitro in the cultured human gastric fibroblast line Hs262.St. Real-time PCR analysis of mPGES-1 mRNA expression in biopsy samples showed significantly higher expression levels in open than in closed gastric ulcer tissue. Western blot analysis showed mPGES-1 protein expression limited to open ulcer tissue, while mPGES-2 and cPGES immunoreactivities were seen in both open and closed ulcer tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis showed strong mPGES-1 expression in fibroblasts and macrophages of the ulcer bed, paralleling COX-2 expression. cPGES and mPGES-2 expression levels were seen in both fibroblasts of the ulcer bed and in epithelial cells. Furthermore, stronger cPGES and mPGES-2 immunoreactivities were seen in scattered mast cell-like cells and neuroendocrine-like cells, respectively. Induction of mPGES-1 expression in response to IL-1beta was seen in cultured gastric fibroblasts in vitro, and double immunostaining showed mPGES-1 coexpression with COX-2 in fibroblasts of the ulcer bed in vivo. In conclusion, mPGES-1, cPGES, and mPGES-2 are all expressed in gastric ulcer tissue, but only mPGES-1 parallels COX-2 expression in mesenchymal and inflammatory cells of the ulcer bed, suggesting a key role for this enzyme in the ulcer repair process.     

IGF-1 up-regulates K+ channels via PI3-kinase, PDK1 and SGK1

Involvement of voltage-gated (Kv) potassium channels in IGF-1-induced proliferation of HEK293 cells was studied by patch-clamp, RT-PCR and FACS analysis. IGF-1 up-regulated outwardly rectifying whole-cell K+ current starting after 1 h of incubation and reaching a maximum after 4-6 h. The IGF-1-stimulated current was voltage-gated with an activation threshold of -30 mV to -40 mV, a half-maximal activation at +5.3+/-1.8 mV, and time constants for activation and inactivation of 4.5+/-0.4 ms and 43.5+/-5.6 ms ( n=10), respectively. The current was inhibited by TEA, margatoxin, agitoxin-2 and stichodactyla toxin. PCR amplification of different Kv subunits from HEK293 cDNA demonstrated the expression of Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv3.1 and Kv3.4 mRNA. Quantitative RT-PCR showed up-regulation of Kv1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 mRNA by IGF-1. The effect of IGF-1 on K+ current was blocked by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), wortmannin and LY294002, and mimicked by overexpression of human 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (hPDK1) or serum- and glucocorticoid-dependent kinase-1 (hSGK1), both sequential downstream targets of PI3-kinase. IGF-1-induced proliferation of HEK293 cells was inhibited by both K+ channel blockers and inhibitors of PI3-kinase. In conclusion, IGF-1 through PI3-kinase, PDK1 and SGK1 up-regulates Kv channels, an effect required for the proliferative action of the growth factor.     

Retinoic acid signaling through PI 3-kinase induces differentiation of human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells

The specific signals required for actin polymerization in response to extracellular factors remain unknown. However, in many cell types, there is a correlation between actin polymerization, activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), and the production of the second messenger phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate. Increased levels of PI 3-kinase have been detected during cell growth and transformation. However, PI 3-kinase is also activated during differentiation, suggesting that PI 3-kinase and its lipid products also play a role in the regulation of cellular differentiation. The newly characterized CAC-1 cell line established from a poorly differentiated human endometrial adenocarcinoma (Exp. Mol. Pathol. 69 (2000), 175) was used as a model to investigate the role of PI 3-kinase in differentiation induction. CAC-1 cells differentiated upon treatment with pharmacological doses of retinoids (1 micro M of 13-cis or all-trans), evidenced by actin filament reorganization, and cell enlargement. PI 3-kinase staining is primarily localized to perinuclear regions in untreated cells. However, retinoic acid treatment induced PI 3-kinase to relocalize throughout the cytoplasm. Subcellular fractionation and Western blotting confirmed that PI 3-kinase decreased in the particulate fraction, concurrent with retinoid-induced differentiation. Interestingly, pretreatment with the PI 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin (100 nM) prior to retinoic acid treatment prevented retinoic acid-induced actin reorganization and cell enlargement. To distinuish whether retinoid regulation of PI 3-kinase is mediated through traditional nuclear retinoic acid receptors, the levels of retinoic acid receptor-beta (RAR-beta) protein were evaluated. Retinoid treatment did not alter RAR-beta protein levels compared to controls. These data suggest that PI 3-kinase activity and cytoplasmic relocalization are required for retinoid-induced differentiation of poorly differentiated human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells.     

羽扇豆醇增强对沉默ST3GalⅢ基因的MDA-MB-231细胞侵袭转移的抑制作用

目的 探索羽扇豆醇（Lupeol）增强对沉默ST3GalⅢ基因的人乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞侵袭转移的抑制作用。方法 体外培养沉默ST3GalⅢ基因的MDA-MB-231细胞。采用细胞黏附实验,Transwell侵袭实验,细胞划痕实验检测羽扇豆醇对ST3GalⅢ沉默的MDA-MB-231细胞侵袭转移能力的作用。Western blotting检测各组细胞转移相关基质金属蛋白酶（MMP）-2、9和磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶/蛋白激酶B/核因子κB（PI3K/Akt/NF-κB）信号通路蛋白的表达情况。结果 ST3GalⅢ基因沉默及低浓度（5 μmol/L）羽扇豆醇对MDA-MB-231细胞的增殖及凋亡无明显影响。羽扇豆醇对ST3GalⅢ沉默的MDA-MB-231细胞黏附、迁移和侵袭有明显的抑制作用,且相关蛋白MMP-2、-9和PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路蛋白表达均下调。结论 羽扇豆醇体外能增强对沉默ST3GalⅢ基因的人乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞侵袭和转移的抑制作用,其机制可能与抑制MMP-2、-9的蛋白表达及影响了PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路有关。     

Interplay between cytoskeletal polymerization and the chondrogenic phenotype in chondrocytes passaged in monolayer culture

Tubulin and actin exist as monomeric units that polymerize to form either microtubules or filamentous actin. As the polymerization status (monomeric/polymeric ratio) of tubulin and/or actin have been shown to be important in regulating gene expression and phenotype in non‐chondrocyte cells, the objective of this study was to examine the role of cytoskeletal polymerization on the chondrocyte phenotype. We hypothesized that actin and/or tubulin polymerization status modulates the chondrocyte phenotype during monolayer culture as well as in 3D culture during redifferentiation. To test this hypothesis, articular chondrocytes were grown and passaged in 2D monolayer culture. Cell phenotype was investigated by assessing cell morphology (area and circularity), actin/tubulin content, organization and polymerization status, as well as by determination of proliferation, fibroblast and cartilage matrix gene expression with passage number. Bovine chondrocytes became larger, more elongated, and had significantly (P < 0.05) increased gene expression of proliferation‐associated molecules (cyclin D1 and ki67), as well as significantly (P < 0.05) decreased cartilage matrix (type II collagen and aggrecan) and increased fibroblast‐like matrix, type I collagen (COL1), gene expression by passage 2 (P2). Although tubulin polymerization status was not significantly (P > 0.05) modulated, actin polymerization was increased in bovine P2 cells. Actin depolymerization, but not tubulin depolymerization, promoted the chondrocyte phenotype by inducing cell rounding, increasing aggrecan and reducing COL1 expression. Knockdown of actin depolymerization factor, cofilin, in these cells induced further P2 cell actin polymerization and increased COL1 gene expression. To confirm that actin status regulated COL1 gene expression in human P2 chondrocytes, human P2 chondrocytes were exposed to cytochalasin D. Cytochalasin D decreased COL1 gene expression in human passaged chondrocytes. Furthermore, culture of bovine P2 chondrocytes in 3D culture on porous bone substitute resulted in actin depolymerization, which correlated with decreased expression of COL1 and proliferation molecules. In 3D cultures, aggrecan gene expression was increased by cytochalasin D treatment and COL1 was further decreased. These results reveal that actin polymerization status regulates chondrocyte dedifferentiation. Reorganization of the cytoskeleton by actin depolymerization appears to be an active regulatory mechanism for redifferentiation of passaged chondrocytes.     

血管内皮生长因子-C促进淋巴管内皮细胞的增殖、迁移和F-肌动蛋白重组

目的 研究血管内皮生长因子-C(VEGF-C)对于淋巴管内皮细胞增殖和迁移的作用，探讨VEGF-C促进淋巴管新生的机制。方法 从狗的胸导管分离和培养淋巴管内皮细胞。标记内皮细胞的VEGFR-3和F-肌动蛋白，在荧光显微镜和共聚焦激光扫描显微镜下观察。用VEGF-C刺激后，计数增殖细胞和迁移细胞，测量细胞迁移距离，并与bFGF和VEGF的作用进行比较。结果 淋巴管内皮细胞表达VEGFR-3，静脉内皮细胞为阴性。bFGF和VEGF-C促进淋巴管内皮细胞的增殖，VEGF-C的作用比bFGF强。与对照组相比，bFGF、VEGF和VEGF-C组引起迁移细胞的数目增多和迁移距离增大，VEGF-C的作用最强。在VEGF-C组的迁移细胞，F-肌动蛋白和应力纤维明显增多。结论 淋巴管内皮细胞特异性表达VEGFR-3，VEGF-C促进淋巴管内皮细胞的增殖和迁移，引起F-肌动蛋白的重组和应力纤维形成。