Sodium pyruvate protects against H2O2 mediated apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cell line-SK-N-MC

Free radicals are involved in neuronal damage. The present study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of sodium pyruvate—a free radical scavenger against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cell line-SK-N-MC. On exposure to H₂O₂ (0.025 mM) cells exhibited apoptosis within 24 h, demonstrating a high caspase 3 activity by 3 h followed by cleavage of PARP that was maximum at 24 h. A break down in the mitochondrial membrane potential was observed 3 h onwards. Sodium pyruvate protected cells significantly (P<0.05) against apoptosis in a dose dependent manner as assessed for cell viability by dye exclusion method and apoptosis by TUNEL. Sodium pyruvate significantly inhibited caspase 3 activity, cleavage of PARP and breakdown of mitochondrial membrane potential. These data suggest that sodium pyruvate protects neuronal damage caused by H₂O₂.     

氧化应激诱导HepG2肝癌细胞凋亡的研究(英)

目的：直接暴露细胞于活性氧能诱导发生凋亡，本文研究氧化应激诱导HepG2肝癌细胞的死亡及其机制。方法：暴露细胞于2 mmol/L过氧化氢产生氧化应激，用DNA凝胶电泳检测细胞凋亡，用荧光染色法检测细胞线粒体膜电位变化，Western blotting检测细胞浆中细胞色素c变化，fluorometric assay kit检测caspase活性变化。结果：氧化应激作用于HepG2细胞后12 h开始发生凋亡；氧化应激作用后4 h，细胞线粒体膜电位明显下降；胞浆中细胞色素c浓度呈时间依赖性增高；氧化应激作用8 h、12 h后细胞内caspase-3、caspase-9活性分别升高6.7及3.6倍，但caspase-8活性无变化。结论：氧化应激能诱导HepG2肝癌细胞发生凋亡，其途径与线粒体通路及caspase激活有关。     

Manganese superoxide dismutase protects from TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis by increasing the steady-state production of H2O2

Manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) has been well established to be essential for protection from a variety of apoptotic stimuli. Here we demonstrate that the antiapoptotic effects of SOD2 are attributed to its ability to generate H(2)O(2) and that its efficient removal resensitizes cells to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced apoptosis. SOD2 overexpression in HT-1080 cells leads to a decrease in the fluorescence of the superoxidesensitive fluorophore, dihydroethidium, and a concomitant increase in oxidation of the H2O2-sensitive dye, dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA). The rate of aminotriazole-inhibited catalase activity also was increased when SOD2 is overexpressed and reflects a 1.6-fold increase in the steady-state production of H(2)O(2). The increase in H(2)O(2) was associated with decreased sensitivity to TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis, as measured by monitoring the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspase activation, poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and accumulation of hypodiploid DNA content. Both the increase in H2O2 and resistance to TNF-mediated apoptosis were reversed by coexpression of catalase. The lipid hydroperoxide scavengers, beta-hydroxytoluene and trolox, and the iron chelator, desferroxamine, showed partial recovery of TNF-induced apoptosis. These findings indicate that increases in the intracellular steady-state production of H(2)O(2) by SOD2 can block the activation of key processes fundamental to the process of programmed cell death.     

SARS-CoV nucleocapsid protein induced apoptosis of COS-1 mediated by the mitochondrial pathway

To investigate the apoptosis effect of SARS coronavirus nucleocapsid protein on cultured cell lines and to explore the possible pathway of apoptosis. pCDNA3.1(-)/his-myc vector containing the SARS coronavirus nucleocapsid gene (N), matric gene (M), spike gene (S) were transfected into COS-1, Huh-7 and HepG2 cells. Apoptosis induced by SARS coronavirus N protein under starvation of serum of COS-1 cells was monitored by Annexin V and electron microscopy assays. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) were determined by flow cytometric assay. Cytochrome C, cleaved caspase (cysteine aspartic acid protease)-3, 9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were detected by Western blot. After removal of serum in COS-1 cells, we observed the loss of DeltaPsim, the increase of ROS and cytochrome C release into cytosol and subsequent activation of caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. The pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk can block the activation of caspase 3, 9 and PARP cleavage. In conclusion, SARS coronavirus N protein can induce apoptosis of COS-1 cells by activating mitochondrial pathway. SARS coronavirus M, S protein can not induce apoptosis in COS-1, HepG2 and Huh-7 and SARS coronavirus N protein can not induce apoptosis in HepG2 and Huh-7 by methods used in this study.     

Lytic infection with vaccinia virus activates caspases in a Bcl-2-inhibitable manner

Vaccinia virus (VV) is considered to cause lytic infection of most cells, with lysis being regarded equivalent to necrosis. Activation of caspases has not been associated with necrosis. However, we observed the activation and activity of caspases in epithelial cells HeLa G and BSC-40 lytically infected with VV. Using three different flow-cytometric approaches, we characterized the distinct stages of caspase cascade in VV-infected cells: a cleaved, activated form of caspases detected using a fluorescent pan-caspase inhibitor; caspase activity assayed by cleavage of a non-fluorescent substrate into a fluorescent product; caspase-specific cleavage of death substrates characterized by a fluorescent antibody detecting a neo-epitope in cytokeratin-18. All of these approaches yielded an increased fluorescent signal in VV-infected cells compared to mock-infected controls. Additionally, the signal was decreased by the expression of Bcl-2. The cleavage of cytokeratin-18 was confirmed by western blotting, but another key protein involved in apoptosis, PARP, was not cleaved in VV-infected lytic cells. The necrotic phenotype of the cells was confirmed by increased cell membrane permeability and/or decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, our data suggest that VV infection of the epithelial cells HeLa G and BSC-40 initiates the apoptotic program, however, apoptosis is not completed and switches into necrosis.     

Caspase-9途径在丁酸钠诱导结肠癌细胞株HT-29凋亡中的作用

目的： 探讨caspase-9途径在丁酸钠(NaBt)诱导人结肠癌细胞株HT-29凋亡中的作用。方法： HT-29细胞体外培养至对数生长期,分别及联合给予5.0 mmol/L丁酸钠、20 μmol/L z-VAD-fmk、z-DEVD-fmk、z-IETD-fmk、z-LEHD-fmk处理24 h,并设空白对照。以Annexin V-FITC法联合PI染色,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡,JC-1染色检测线粒体膜电位变化,caspase活性检测试剂盒检测caspase-3、caspase-8、caspase-9的活性。结果： (1)丁酸钠诱导的HT-29细胞凋亡［（35.40±0.70）%］可被z-VAD-fmk抑制［（1.33±0.59）%］,亦可被z-DEVD-fmk抑制［（1.40±0.52）%］,并可被z-LEHD-fmk抑制［（1.27±0.91）%］,均P<0.01;但是z-IETD-fmk不能够抑制该作用［（32.10±2.33）%］,P>0.05;(2)丁酸钠干预HT-29细胞后,线粒体膜电位降低(5.53±0.91),z-VAD-fmk、z-DEVD-fmk、及z-LEHD-fmk 能够阻断这种作用(9.80±1.15, 10.23±0.50, 10.33±1.02), P<0.05;而z-IETD-fmk未显示对该作用的改变（5.93±1.31）, P>0.05;(3)丁酸钠干预HT-29细胞后,caspase-3、caspase-9的活性增高2-3倍,caspase-8的活性无显著变化,P>0.05。结论： 丁酸钠主要是通过线粒体途径,激活caspase-9,启动细胞凋亡环节,从而激发下游的效应caspases,诱导HT-29细胞凋亡。     

Bax cleavage implicates caspase-dependent H2O2-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes. We aimed to examine the involvement of caspases and calpains in H2O2-induced hepatic cell apoptosis. TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells appeared in parallel with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and procaspase-3 proteolysis by H2O2 treatment in a dose-dependent manner (250-1,000 micro M). Bcl-xL and intact Bax expression levels decreased when H2O2 was >250 micro M. The cleaved form of Bax appeared prior to caspase-3 activation, increasing in a dose-dependent manner. A pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-fmk, completely blocked H2O2-induced procaspase-3 proteolysis and PARP cleavage without changing Bax cleavage, but partially attenuated H2O2-induced apoptosis. Calpeptin, a calpain inhibitor, did not inhibit caspase-3 activation, Bax cleavage or apoptosis. Our results indicate that Bax cleavage is upstream signal of caspase-dependent apoptosis in hepatocytes exposed to H2O2, but not independent upon calpain. Molecular targeting of Bax cleavage may allow the development of strategies to prevent hepatic I/R injury.     

Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase activation mediates lung epithelial cell death in vitro but is not essential in hyperoxia-induced lung injury

Hyperoxia induces extensive DNA damage and lung cell death by apoptotic and nonapoptotic pathways. We analyzed the regulation of Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a nuclear enzyme activated by DNA damage, and its relation to cell death during hyperoxia in vitro and in vivo. In lung epithelial-derived A549 cells, which are known to die by necrosis when exposed to oxygen, a minimal amount of PARP-1 was cleaved, correlating with the absence of active caspase-3. Conversely, in primary lung fibroblasts, which die mainly by apoptosis, the complete cleavage of PARP-1 was concomitant to the induction of active caspase-3, as assessed by Western blot and caspase activity. Blockade of caspase activity by Z-VAD reduced the amount of cleaved PARP-1 in fibroblasts. Hyperoxia induced PARP activity in both cell types, as revealed by poly-ADP-ribose accumulation. In A549 cells, the final outcome of necrosis was dependent on PARP activity because it was prevented by the PARP inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide. In contrast, apoptosis of lung fibroblasts was not sensitive to 3-aminobenzamide and was not affected by PARP-1 deletion. In vivo, despite evidence of PARP activation in hyperoxia-exposed mouse lungs, absence of PARP-1 did not change the extent of lung damage, arguing for redundant oxidative stress-induced cell death pathways.     

2‐(Pro‐1‐ynyl)‐5‐(5,6‐dihydroxypenta‐1,3‐diynyl) Thiophene Induces Apoptosis Through Reactive Oxygen Species‐Mediated JNK Activation in Human Colon Cancer SW620 Cells

2‐(Pro‐1‐ynyl)?5‐(5,6‐dihydroxypenta‐1,3‐diynyl) thiophene (PYDDT) is a naturally occurring thiophene isolated from the roots of Echinops grijsii, a Chinese herbal medicine used to treat colon cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. There are many reports on the clinical use of Echinops grijsii alone or in combination with other herbs to treat malignant tumors. We previously reported that the expression and activity of phase II enzymes including GSTs and NQO1 could be induced through the activation of Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway by the treatment of PYDDT. In this study, we reported the anticancer effect and mechanism of PYDDT against human colon cancer SW620 cells. Our results demonstrate that treatment of SW620 cells with PYDDT leads to induction of mitochondrial‐mediated apoptosis, which is characterized by the cleavage of PARP, activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, down‐regulation of Bcl‐2, and mitochondrial translocation of Bax. The PYDDT treatment caused the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the activation of JNK but not p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases and ERK1/2. Specific JNK inhibitor SP600125 prevented the PYDDT‐induced down‐regulation of Bcl‐2, mitochondrial translocation of Bax, activation of caspase 3, and apoptosis of SW620 cells. Moreover, PYDDT‐induced apoptosis as well as activation of JNK was abrogated by the pretreatment with antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine. Taken together, these findings suggest that PYDDT induces apoptosis in SW620 cells through a ROS/JNK‐mediated mitochondrial pathway. Anat Rec, 298:376–385, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

p38 MAPK在顺铂诱导肾小管上皮细胞凋亡中的作用

目的:探讨p38 MAPK在顺铂诱导大鼠近端肾小管上皮细胞(RPTC)凋亡中的作用。方法:首先采用Western blot实验检测0、5、10和20μmol/L顺铂处理24 h对细胞凋亡的影响,确定最佳处理剂量;而后采用20μmol/L顺铂联合50 mg/L p38 MAPK抑制剂SB203580刺激RPTC,实验分为对照组、顺铂组及顺铂+SB203580(加入SB203580处理RPTC 1 h后再给予顺铂处理24 h)。采用相差荧光显微镜观察和流式细胞术分析顺铂处理后RPTC的凋亡情况;采用Ac-DEVD-AFC试剂盒检测RPTC裂解液中的caspase活性;Western blot实验检测p38、磷酸化p38、cleaved PARP和cleaved caspase-3等的蛋白水平;pH计检测顺铂处理后RPTC外环境pH值改变。结果:20μmol/L顺铂处理RPTC 24 h,可以明显诱导细胞凋亡;顺铂处理15 min后RPTC中p38 MAPK开始磷酸化并达到高峰。顺铂处理后12.08%的RPTC呈凋亡形态,具有增强的caspase活性,并且cleaved PARP和cleaved caspase-3水平明显升高(P0.05);p38 MAPK抑制剂SB203580可抑制p38的磷酸化,降低RPTC的凋亡率和caspase活性,并减少cleaved PARP和cleaved caspase-3的蛋白水平。同时,SB203580可逆转顺铂诱导的RPTC培养基pH值的改变。结论:p38 MAPK的磷酸化在顺铂诱导的RPTC凋亡中发挥作用。顺铂诱导RPTC凋亡后,可改变细胞外酸性环境,并可被p38 MAPK抑制剂SB203580所抑制。     

13-甲基十四烷酸诱导膀胱癌细胞株T24 凋亡的机制研究

目的： 研究13-甲基十四烷酸诱导膀胱癌T24细胞凋亡的作用,探讨其可能的机制。方法：将不同浓度的13-甲基十四烷酸作用于膀胱癌T24细胞,用MTT法检测细胞增殖, 流式细胞仪（FCM）检测细胞周期,TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡指数,蛋白免疫印迹法分析参与凋亡的蛋白。结果：药物处理2 h后p38、JNK磷酸化增强,AKT磷酸化减弱,8 h后线粒体中细胞色素C释放,FADD及磷酸化FADD没有明显变化,caspase酶底物 PARP、lamin B、RB在12 h出现明显的裂解片段,且药物诱导T24细胞凋亡的过程有时间浓度依赖效应。结论：在13-MTD诱导T24细胞凋亡的过程中p38MAPK和JNK/SAPK信号通路被激活,PI3K/AKT信号通路被抑制,进而激活线粒体凋亡途径,使线粒体内的细胞色素C释放到胞浆,激活caspase酶,裂解相应的凋亡底物lamin B、Rb、PARP,促进T24细胞凋亡。     

氧化砷诱导食管癌细胞凋亡线粒体形态改变

通过研究食管癌细胞株ＳＨＥＥＣＩ细胞凋亡早期线粒体的形态改变和ｂｃｌ－２ｂａｘ的表达,以了解三氧化二砷（Ａｓ２Ｏ３）作用于食管癌细胞的机制。方法食管癌细胞株ＳＨＥＥＣ１用１、２、３μｍｏｌ／Ｌ Ａｓ２Ｏ３作用２、４、６、１２、２４ｈ。用Ａｎｎｅｘｉｎ－Ｖ荧光探针,流式细胞仪和ＤＮＡ组方图检早期凋亡细胞;光镜和电镜检测凋亡细胞的形态学改变;用罗达明（Ｒｈｏｄａｍｉｎ１２３）荧光探针检查活细胞线粒体的     

Molecular mechanisms of 3,3′‐dichlorobenzidine‐mediated toxicity in HepG2 cells

3,3′‐Dichlorobenzidine (DCB) (CAS 91–94‐1), a synthetic, chlorinated, primary aromatic amine, is typically used as an intermediate in the manufacturing of pigments for printing inks, textiles, paints, and plastics. In this study, we found that DCB could significantly inhibit the cell viability of HepG2 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Flow cytometry revealed that DCB induced G2/M‐phase arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. DCB treatment dramatically induced the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ_m) and enhanced the enzymatic activities of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 whilst hardly affecting caspase‐8 activity. Furthermore, Western blotting indicated that DCB‐induced apoptosis was accompanied by the down‐regulation of Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. These results suggested that DCB led to cytotoxicity involving activation of mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis through Bax/Bcl‐2 pathways in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, HepG2 cells treated with DCB showed significant DNA damage as supported by the concentration‐dependent increase in olive tail moments as determined by the comet assay and by concentration‐ and time‐dependent increase in histone H2AX phosphorylation (γ‐H2AX). Two‐dimensional‐difference gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE), combined with mass spectrometry (MS), was used to unveil the differences in protein expression between cells exposed to 25 µM or 100 µM of DCB for 24 hr and the control cells. Twenty‐seven differentially expressed proteins involved in DNA repair, unfolded protein response, metabolism, cell signaling, and apoptosis were identified. Among these, 14‐3‐3 theta, CGI‐46, and heat‐shock 70 protein 4 were confirmed using Western blot assay. Taken together, these data suggest that DCB is capable of inducing DNA damage and some cellular stress responses in HepG2 cells, thus eventually leading to cell death by apoptosis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:407–420, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Fatty acid-induced apoptosis in neonatal cardiomyocytes: redox signaling

Exposure of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes to palmitate and glucose produces apoptosis as seen by cytochrome c release, caspase 3-like activation, DNA laddering, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. The purpose of this study was to understand the role of reactive oxygen species in the initiation of programmed cell death by palmitate. We found that palmitate (but not oleate) produces inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I, accumulation of ceramide, and inhibition of electron transport complex III. These events are subsequent to cytochrome c release and loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential. No differences in H2O2 production or N-terminal c-Jun kinase phosphorylation were detected between myocytes incubated in palmitate and control myocytes (nonapoptotic) incubated in oleate. These results suggest that the palmitate-induced loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential is not associated with H2O2 synthesis and that a membrane potential is required to generate reactive oxygen species following ceramide inhibition of complex III.     

The efficiency of Poly(ADP‐Ribose) Polymerase (PARP) cleavage on detection of apoptosis in an experimental model of testicular torsion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological and apoptotic changes occurring in the rat ipsilateral and contralateral testes, after experimental spermatic cord torsion, and to explore and the role of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage in testicular torsion–detorsion injury. A total of 37 Wistar albino rats were subjected to 720° unilateral spermatic cord torsion for 1, 2 and 4 h, followed by 4‐h reperfusion, or else to a sham operation (control group). Histology of the testicle was evaluated using haematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining and Johnsen's scoring system. Germ cell apoptosis was evaluated via active caspase‐3 immunostaining, and PARP expression levels were evaluated via Western blotting. The mean Johnsen's tubular biopsy scores (JTBS) of the ipsilateral testicles were lower for all torsion groups than for the controls (P < 0.05), but the JTBS of the contralateral testicles were only lower in the 4‐h torsion group (P < 0.05). The mean apoptosis score (AS) of the ipsilateral and contralateral testicles was significantly higher in the torsion groups than in the sham group. AS increased correlatively with torsion time, in both testicles. The effect of testicular torsion on PARP cleavage was time dependent, with the highest effect observed after 4 h of testicular torsion (P < 0.05). Testicular torsion caused time‐dependent histological changes, apoptosis and increases in PARP cleavage. Our results suggest that testicular torsion–detorsion injury caused cell damage and germ cell apoptosis that apparently involved cleavage of PARP. Increased PARP cleavage could, in turn, lead to enhanced apoptosis.     

Activation of caspase-3-like enzymes in non-apoptotic T cells

The activation of the caspase family of cysteine proteases is a key step in the implementation of apoptotic cell death leading to further downstream effects such as DNA fragmentation. In cultured tumor cells, caspase activity appears only when cells are undergoing apoptosis. Here we show that human and murine T lymphocytes acquire high intracellular activities of cell death-specific caspases upon activation by mitogens and IL-2 without evidence that apoptosis is proceeding. The highest activity is seen when cells are mitogen activated for 3 days. On a per cell basis, caspase activity in activated T cells is much higher than in tumor cells induced to undergo apoptosis. In the presence of exogenously added IL-2 cells stay alive and maintain a high level of caspase activity while IL-2 withdrawal results in cell death and decline of caspase activity. Caspase activity can also be measured in extracts from spleen and lymph nodes from mice injected with superantigen. While in tumor cell lines caspase activity correlates with cleavage of poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) and DNA fragmentation, in activated T cells cleavage products of cellular PARP can be detected whereas DNA fragmenting activity appears only upon IL-2 withdrawal which coincides with cell death. These data show that caspase activation in intact cells does not necessarily lead to cell death and argue for a checkpoint in the apoptotic pathway downstream of caspases. Furthermore, they provide a molecular correlate for the high susceptibility of activated T cells for apoptosis.     

Differential response of the human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 to Shiga toxin types 1 and 2

Shiga toxins (Stxs) are expressed by the enteric pathogens Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 and certain serotypes of Escherichia coli. Stx-producing bacteria cause bloody diarrhea with the potential to progress to acute renal failure. Stxs are potent protein synthesis inhibitors and are the primary virulence factors responsible for renal damage that may follow diarrheal disease. We explored the use of the immortalized human proximal tubule epithelial cell line HK-2 as an in vitro model of Stx-induced renal damage. We showed that these cells express abundant membrane Gb(3) and are differentially susceptible to the cytotoxic action of Stxs, being more sensitive to Shiga toxin type 1 (Stx1) than to Stx2. At early time points (24 h), HK-2 cells were significantly more sensitive to Stxs than Vero cells; however, by 72 h, Vero cell monolayers were completely destroyed while some HK-2 cells survived toxin challenge, suggesting that a subpopulation of HK-2 cells are relatively toxin resistant. Fluorescently labeled Stx1 B subunits localized to both lysosomal and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compartments in HK-2 cells, suggesting that differences in intracellular trafficking may play a role in susceptibility to Stx-mediated cytotoxicity. Although proinflammatory cytokines were not upregulated by toxin challenge, Stx2 selectively induced the expression of two chemokines, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) and MIP-1β. Stx1 and Stx2 differentially activated components of the ER stress response in HK-2 cells. Finally, we demonstrated significant poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage after exposure to Stx1 or Stx2. However, procaspase 3 cleavage was undetectable, suggesting that HK-2 cells may undergo apoptosis in response to Stxs in a caspase 3-independent manner.     

2‐Chlorodeoxyadenosine (cladribine) induces apoptosis in human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells

2‐Chlorodeoxyadenosine (cladribine, CdA) is an immunosuppressive drug that is licensed to treat hairy cell leukaemia, and has been shown recently to have beneficial effects in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The therapeutic effects of CdA have been suggested to be mediated partly through its potent toxicity towards lymphocytes. However, the effects of CdA on other immune cells are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of CdA on the induction of apoptosis in human monocytes, monocyte‐derived immature (ImDC) and mature (mDC) dendritic cells. Treatment of monocytes with CdA strongly induced apoptosis after 24 h, while apoptosis induction in DC was evident after 72 h. Furthermore, CdA treatment strongly induced caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 in monocytes, whereas activation of caspases was undetected in DC. The mitochondrial membrane potential in DC was reduced significantly after CdA treatment. DNA hypodiploid assessment showed fragmented nuclei in DC after CdA treatment together with activation of p53 protein. These results revealed that CdA induces caspase‐independent apoptosis in DC and suggest cell type specific effects of CdA. This mechanism may contribute to the effect of CdA in autoimmune diseases.     

Synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced in human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines by a combined treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and triptolide

Cholangiocarcinoma is known to be relatively resistant to chemotherapy. One alternative approach is to use a combination of an immunomodulating agent with an anticancer drug. Here we studied the synergistic actions of TNF-alpha and triptolide (a diterpene epoxide prepared from Tripterygium wilfordii), previously shown to have antitumor activity against hamster cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells. Three human CCA cell lines (HuCCA-1, HubCCA-1, KKU-100 cell lines) were subjected to a combined treatment of TNF-alpha (0.1-10 ng/ml) and triptolide (5-50 ng/ml) for 24 hours in microculture plates. The combination of TNF-alpha and triptolide had a significantly increased cytotoxic activity over that of triptolide alone (p < 0.05). Under the same conditions, TNF-alpha by itself was not cytotoxic to these cell lines. Similarly, the combined treatment could also accelerate apoptotic cell death in all three human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. The combined treatment of TNF-alpha at 10 ng/ml and triptolide at 50 ng/ml for 6-10 hours achieved a percentage of apoptotic cells shown by DAPI staining of 18-65%, compared to only 6-20% apoptotic cells for triptolide alone. Analyzing the possible mechanisms of the combined treatment, we found by Western blot that at 6 hours, there was a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage which was not detectable by the treatment of either TNF-alpha or triptolide alone. The cleavage of PARP was inhibited when the cells were pretreated with the enzyme inhibitor AC-DEVD-CMK, suggesting that apoptosis induced by the combination of TNF-alpha and triptolide involved activation of caspase 3. These results indicate that apoptosis of human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines as induced by a combination of TNF-alpha and triptolide is mediated through caspase 3 activation.     

硫化氢对抗过氧化氢对PC12细胞的损伤作用

目的探讨硫化氢(hydrogen sulfide,H2S)对抗过氧化氢(hydrogen peroxide,H2O2)对PC12细胞的损伤作用及有关机制。方法应用H2O2在PC12细胞建立氧化应激损伤的实验模型;应用甲氮甲唑蓝(MTT)法检测细胞存活率,碘化丙啶(PI)染色流式细胞技术(FCM)检测细胞凋亡率,罗丹明123(Rhodamine 123,Rh123)染色FCM检测细胞线粒体膜电位(mitochondrial membrane potential,MMP),双氢罗丹明123染色FCM检测细胞内活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)的含量。应用硫化氢钠(sodium hydrosulfide,NaHS)作为H2S的供体。结果200μmol和400μmolH2O2作用PC12细胞24h均使细胞的存活率明显降低及凋亡率显著增加,200μmolH2O2引起PC12细胞的MMP明显降低及ROS生成显著增多。当NaHS与H2O2(200或400μmol/L)共同作用于PC12细胞时,NaHS(100～400μmol/L)浓度依赖性的阻断H2O2引起PC12细胞的存活率降低及细胞凋亡率增加。400μmolNaHS明显地阻断200μmolH2O2引起PC12细胞的MMP降低及ROS增多。结论H2S能明显地保护PC12细胞对抗H2O2引起的损伤,阻断MMP降低及ROS生成可能是H2S的细胞保护机制之一。