Kaurene diterpene induces apoptosis in U87 human malignant glioblastoma cells by suppression of anti-apoptotic signals and activation of cysteine proteases

Gliomas are the most common and malignant primary brain tumors in humans. Studies have shown that classes of kaurene diterpene have anti-tumor activity related to their ability to induce apoptosis. We investigated the response of the human glioblastoma cell line U87 to treatment with ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (kaurenoic acid, KA). We analyzed cell survival and the induction of apoptosis using flow cytometry and annexin V staining. Additionally, the expression of anti-apoptotic (c-FLIP and miR-21) and apoptotic (Fas, caspase-3 and caspase-8) genes was analyzed by relative quantification (real-time PCR) of mRNA levels in U87 cells that were either untreated or treated with KA (30, 50, or 70 µM) for 24, 48, and 72 h. U87 cells treated with KA demonstrated reduced viability, and an increase in annexin V- and annexin V/PI-positive cells was observed. The percentage of apoptotic cells was 9% for control cells, 26% for cells submitted to 48 h of treatment with 50 µM KA, and 31% for cells submitted to 48 h of treatment with 70 µM KA. Similarly, in U87 cells treated with KA for 48 h, we observed an increase in the expression of apoptotic genes (caspase-8, -3) and a decrease in the expression of anti-apoptotic genes (miR-21 and c-FLIP). KA possesses several interesting properties and induces apoptosis through a unique mechanism. Further experiments will be necessary to determine if KA may be used as a lead compound for the development of new chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of primary brain tumors.     

DEK表达下调通过抑制胃癌SGC-7901细胞中NF-κB信号途径诱导细胞凋亡

目的:研究DEK表达下调对胃癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡的影响,并分析其与NF-κB信号途径及凋亡相关蛋白表达的关系。方法:将DEK siRNA和对照siRNA转染胃癌SGC-7901细胞,并将SGC-7901细胞分为未处理组、对照siRNA组及DEK siRNA组。采用实时荧光定量PCR和Western blot检测3组胃癌SGC-7901细胞中DEK mRNA和蛋白的表达;流式细胞术检测3组SGC-7901细胞凋亡的变化;Caspase-Glo-3/9试剂盒检测3组SGC-7901细胞中caspase-3和caspase-9的活性;Western blot技术检测3组SGC-7901细胞中NF-κB信号途径关键调控蛋白p65及凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2和Bax的表达。结果:与未处理组和对照siRNA组相比,DEK siRNA组SGC-7901细胞中DEK的mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著下调(P0.05)。DEK siRNA组SGC-7901细胞的早期凋亡率和总凋亡率均显著高于未处理组和对照siRNA组(P0.05)。最为显著的是,DEK siRNA转染细胞后,p65和Bcl-2蛋白表达下调,Bax蛋白表达上调,并伴随caspase-3和caspase-9活性上升。结论:DEK表达下调介导的SGC-7901细胞凋亡可能与NF-κB信号途径密切相关。     

Integrin β1对胃癌细胞SGC7901多药耐药性的影响

目的:探究整合素β1(integrinβ1)对胃癌多药耐药性的影响及可能的作用机制。方法:Western blot法及q PCR实验检测胃癌细胞株SGC-7901及胃癌耐药细胞株SGC-7901/DDP中integrinβ1的表达情况。采用integrinβ1反义寡核苷酸转染,敲减胃癌耐药细胞株SGC-7901/DDP中integrinβ1的表达,CCK-8法检测细胞活力,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡,Western blot法检测integrinβ1、Bcl-2/Bax、cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3、细胞色素C(CytC)和p-AKT/AKT的蛋白水平。结果:耐药细胞株SGC7901/DDP中integrinβ1的mRNA及蛋白表达水平均明显高于亲本细胞株;并且在亲本细胞株SGC7901中加入顺铂、长春新碱及5-氟尿嘧啶等化疗药物刺激后,integrinβ1的蛋白表达水平明显升高。敲减integrinβ1的表达可诱导胃癌耐药细胞SGC7901/DDP的凋亡,增加细胞对化疗药物的敏感性;此外下调Bcl-2/Bax、p-AKT~(Ser473)和p-AKT~(Thr308)的蛋白水平,同时促进线粒体Cyt-C的释放,上调cleaved caspase-3的蛋白水平。结论:敲减胃癌顺铂耐药细胞SGC7901/DDP的integrinβ1表达可恢复细胞对化疗药物的敏感性,促进细胞经线粒体路径的凋亡,其机制可能与抑制AKT的磷酸化,阻断该信号通路有关。     

亚硒酸钠通过线粒体途径诱导人胃癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡的机制

目的通过检测亚硒酸钠诱导人胃癌SGC-7901细胞系凋亡过程中Bax/Bcl-2、线粒体膜电位和细胞色素C(Cyt C)表达的变化,探讨亚硒酸钠诱导胃癌细胞凋亡的作用机制。方法将人胃癌细胞系SGC-7901细胞加入不同浓度亚硒酸钠(2.5、5.0、10.0mol/L)的培养液中培养24h、48h,免疫细胞化学法和免疫印迹法(Western blotting)检测Bax/Bcl-2蛋白的表达;以罗丹明123(rhodamine123)为细胞染色剂,采用流式细胞技术检测细胞的线粒体膜电位的变化;Western blotting检测细胞质Cyt C和线粒体Cyt C蛋白含量的变化。结果免疫细胞化学法和Western blotting检测结果显示,亚硒酸钠能够能够提高Bax蛋白的表达(P0.05)、降低Bcl-2蛋白的表达(P0.05),且呈剂量依懒性;流式细胞术结果显示,亚硒酸钠能够降低细胞线粒体膜电位;提示:亚硒酸钠可以通过改变Bax、Bcl-2蛋白的含量,降低线粒体的膜电位来诱导细胞凋亡。Western blotting检测结果显示,亚硒酸钠能够提高细胞质Cyt C蛋白的表达(P0.05)并降低线粒体内Cyt C蛋白的表达(P0.05),促使线粒体内的Cyt C向细胞质内释放。结论亚硒酸钠通过上调Bax并下调Bcl-2蛋白表达,降低线粒体膜电位,促进Cyt C从线粒体释放到细胞质,通过线粒体途径诱导人胃癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡。     

Juglone-induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells via the mitochondrial pathway

This study was designed to investigate the effect of juglone on the apoptosis of human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells. The cytotoxic activity of juglone on SGC-7901 cells was tested by the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The morphological changes in the cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The apoptotic rate, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial transmembrane potential and the expression of cytochrome c protein were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were examined by Western blot. Caspase 3 activity was determined with a microplate reader. Our results were as follows: the GI₅₀ values for SGC-7901 cells were 36.51±1.05 μmol/L (24 h) and 25.37±1.19 μmol/L (48 h). After 24 h of exposure to juglone (5, 10, 15 and 20 μmol/L), the cells presented the typical morphological changes of apoptosis, and the rate of apoptosis was found to increase in a dose-dependent manner. After cells were treated with juglone at the same dose for 24 h, the level of ROS was significantly higher, the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly down-regulated and the expression of Bax was significantly up-regulated compared to the control. The mitochondrial transmembrane potential was significantly lower, and the expression of the cytochrome c protein was significantly higher relative to the control. Caspase 3 was activated in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, juglone can induce apoptosis in SGC-7901 cells through a mitochondrial pathway that seems to be mediated by the generation of ROS and a reduction in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio.     

Effect of different durations of overdistention on rat bladder function and morphology

We investigated the contribution of the duration of overdistention (DOD) to rat bladder function and morphology and explored its possible molecular mechanisms. Bladder overdistention was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) by an infusion of saline. Forty rats were divided into 5 groups submitted to different DOD, i.e., 1, 2, 4, and 8 h, and control. Bladder function was evaluated by cystometry. Morphological changes were observed by light and transmission electron microscopy. Compared to control (44.567 ± 3.472 cmH₂O), the maximum detrusor pressure of groups with 2-, 4- and 8-h DOD decreased significantly (means ± SEM): 32.774 ± 3.726, 31.321 ± 2.847, and 29.238 ± 3.724 cmH₂O. With the increase of DOD, inflammatory infiltration and impairment of ultrastructure were more obvious in bladder tissue. Compared to control (1.90 ± 0.77), the apoptotic indexes of groups with 1-, 2-, 4-, and 8-h DOD increased significantly (6.47 ± 2.10, 10.66 ± 1.97, 13.91 ± 2.69, and 18.33 ± 3.28%). Compared to control (0.147 ± 0.031/0.234 ± 0.038 caspase 3/β-actin and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios), both caspase 3/β-actin and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios of 1-, 2-, 4-, and 8-h DOD increased significantly (0.292 ± 0.037/0.508 ± 0.174, 0.723 ± 0.173/1.745 ± 0.471, 1.104 ± 0.245/4.000 ± 1.048, and 1.345 ± 0.409/8.398 ± 3.332). DOD plays an important role in impairment of vesical function and structure. With DOD, pro-apoptotic factors increase and anti-apoptotic factors decrease, possibly contributing to the functional deterioration and morphological changes of the bladder.     

Matrine inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells via upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of matrine on proliferation and apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and its relevant molecular mechanisms. Methods: Breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 was cultured with series concentrations of Matrine in vitro. The proliferation and apoptosis of MCF-7 cells were investigated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, and Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) measurements. The expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were detected by Annexin V/propidium iodide coupled staining. The morphological changes of MCF-7 cell were examined. Results: The inhibition rates of MCF-7 cells were 6.01%-37.01%, 7.56%-53.92%, and 10.86%-70.23% for 24, 48, and 72 hours after Matrine treatment, respectively. The proliferation of MCF-7 cells was significantly inhibited by Matrine administration, with a time and dose dependent manner. The rates apoptotic cells was between 4.17±0.25% and 19.63±0.17% in 0.25-2.0 mg/ml Matrine groups, which had significant increased compare with the control groups (1.10±0.08%, P<0.05). Meanwhile, increased Bax expression, but decreased Bcl-2 expression was observed in MCF-7 cell line. MMP were significantly decreased by Matrine treatment. Conclusions: Matrine significantly inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis in breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells, which is related to Bax, Bcl-2 signaling and MMP.     

西兰花多肽组分II诱导神经胶质瘤细胞凋亡的作用及其机制研究

 目的：探讨西兰花多肽组分II诱导胶质瘤细胞凋亡的作用及机制。方法：培养人神经胶质瘤SHG-44细胞,将其分为对照组以及3、10、30和100 mg/L西兰花多肽组分II组,MTT法检测西兰花多肽组分II作用后细胞活力的变化;Annexin V/PI 检测细胞的凋亡率;倒置显微镜观察西兰花多肽组分II诱导细胞凋亡的形态学变化;免疫细胞化学和Western blotting法检测西兰花多肽组分II作用后Bax、Bcl-2蛋白表达,Western blotting法检测caspase-3蛋白表达。结果：西兰花多肽组分II作用SHG-44细胞24 h 、48 h和72 h时均可以降低细胞活力,作用呈时间-剂量依赖性。Annexin V/PI 检测细胞凋亡率发现,各用药组细胞凋亡率随着药物剂量的增加而显著升高。倒置显微镜下观察,西兰花多肽组分II作用SHG-44细胞72 h后,各用药组细胞的密度随药物浓度升高而明显降低,并可见到明显的凋亡小体。细胞免疫组织化学和Western blotting结果显示,药物作用SHG-44细胞72 h后,与对照组比较,细胞Bax蛋白表达呈上升趋势,Bcl-2蛋白表达呈下降趋势,各用药组Bax/Bcl-2比值均明显增加（P<0.05或P<0.01）;Western blotting检测caspase-3蛋白发现,各药物组caspase-3蛋白表达量均增加,与空白对照组比较,30和100 mg/L西兰花多肽组分II组差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）。结论：西兰花多肽组分II可提高神经胶质瘤细胞中Bax/Bcl-2蛋白的比值,促进caspase-3蛋白活化,从而诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡。     

鳕鱼皮寡肽对人胃癌细胞SGC-7901增殖凋亡的影响及机制

目的 探讨鳕鱼皮寡肽（CSO）对人胃癌细胞（SGC-7901）的增殖影响。 方法 用不同浓度CSO处理体外培养的SGC-7901细胞后,荧光显微镜下观察细胞4’6-二脒 基-2-苯基吲哚（DAPI）染色后细胞形态变化,应用CCK-8 实验检测细胞活力,免疫印迹法和流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡及细胞周期。 结果 CSO对SGC-7901细胞增殖有明显的抑制作用,且并呈剂量、时间效应关系（P<0.05）。作用于SGC-7901胃癌细胞24 h、48 h和72 h的IC50分别是156.90 g/L、102.10 g/L、73.13 g/L。DAPI染色后发现,SGC-7901细胞随着CSO浓度增加可见大量的细胞核碎裂,荧光强烈。24h细胞凋亡率检测显示,细胞随着浓度的增加凋亡率呈上升趋势,表明CSO对SGC-7901呈浓度效应关系。细胞周期观察发现,SGC-7901细胞G₁期细胞数随着CSO浓度的增加而递增,而S/G₂期细胞随着浓度的细胞递降。Caspase-3、Caspase-9随着CSO浓度的逐渐增高表达上调,Bcl-2表达下调。 结论 鳕鱼皮寡肽能抑制人胃癌细胞（SGC-7901）增殖,诱导凋亡,抑癌机制可能与Caspase-3、Caspase-9上调和Bcl-2下调相关。     

Upregulation of Bax and Bcl-2 following prenatal cocaine exposure induces apoptosis in fetal rat brain

Cocaine abuse during pregnancy has been associated with numerous adverse perinatal outcomes. Aims: The present study was to determine whether prenatal cocaine exposure induced apoptosis and the possible role of Bcl-2 family genes in the programming cell death in fetal rat brain. Main methods: Pregnant rats were treated with cocaine subcutaneously (30 & 60 mg/kg/day) from day 15 to 21 of gestation. Then the fetal and maternal brains were isolated. Key findings: Cocaine produced a dose-dependent decrease in fetal brain weight and brain/body weight ratio (P<0.05). Apoptotic nuclei in fetal brain were increased from 2.6 ± 0.1 (control) to 8.1± 0.6 (low dose) and 10.4 ± 0.2% (high dose) (P<0.05). In accordance, cocaine dose dependently increased activities of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 (% of control) in the fetal brain by 177%, 155%, 174%, respectively, at 30 mg/kg/day, and by 191%, 176%, 274%, respectively, at 60 mg/kg/day. In contrast, cocaine showed no effect on caspase activities in the maternal brain. Cocaine produced a dose-dependent increase in both Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression in the fetal brain, and increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 at dose of 30 mg/kg/day (P<0.05). Significance: Our study has demonstrated that prenatal cocaine exposure induces apoptosis in the fetal brain, and suggested that up-regulating Bax/Bcl-2 gene expression may be involved in cocaine-induced apoptosis. The increased apoptosis of neuronal cells in the fetal brain is likely to play a key role in cocaine-induced neuronal defects during fetal development.     

活血行气方抑制人胃癌SGC-7901细胞株增殖及诱导其凋亡的实验研究

目的探讨活血行气方药物血清治疗人胃癌SGC-7901的作用。方法采用血清药理学方法,制备药物血清,应用MTT法测定细胞增殖抑制率,在光、电镜下观察细胞凋亡的的形态学变化。结果药物血清作用24h,中药小剂量组(5μl/ml)未见明显抑制作用,其余各组(10μl/ml,20μl/ml)均表现出不同程度的抑制作用;作用48h,中药小剂量组出现抑制作用,各药物血清组随着作用时间的延长抑制更明显,抑制效应呈时间依赖性。顺铂的抑制作用强于药物血清。光镜下,HE染色药物血清组细胞,为圆形或卵圆形,核染色质密集。电镜下人胃癌SGC-7901细胞为圆形,微绒毛及突起明显减少,伪足消失,线粒体空泡化,核染色质凝集,可见调亡小体。凋亡细胞百分率与药物浓度呈正相关。结论活血行气方具有明显抑制人胃癌SGC-7901细胞增殖、诱导细胞凋亡的作用,活血行气方与顺铂合用有协同作用。     

TRAIL联合紫杉醇诱导胃腺癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡作用研究

目的:观察紫杉醇联合肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体(TRAIL)诱导人胃腺癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡的作用及其协同作用机制。方法:将TRAIL、紫杉醇及TRAIL联合紫杉醇诱导SGC-7901细胞48小时,用流式细胞仪(FCM)检测细胞凋亡率和线粒体跨膜电位的改变;用MTT法检测SGC-7901细胞增殖反应;用免疫印迹(Westernblot)法检测TRAIL死亡受体DR4(TRAIL-R1)、DR5(TRAIL-R2)的表达变化。结果:TRAIL和/或紫杉醇对SGC-7901细胞增殖有抑制作用,两者联合用药组对细胞增殖的抑制率较单独用药明显增加(P<0.01);联合用药组细胞凋亡率较单独用药组明显增加(P<0.01);0.3μmol/L紫杉醇作用48小时后,DR4表达明显升高(P<0.05),而DR5表达没有明显改变(P>0.05)。结论:紫杉醇可协同TRAIL诱导SGC-7901细胞凋亡,DR4表达增加可能是其协同作用的机制。     

Effects of portulacerebroside a on apoptosis of human leukemia HL60 cells and p38/JNK signaling pathway

Acute myeloid leukemia is known as one of the most malignant diseases. We aimed at exploring the effect of portulacerebroside A (PCA) on the apoptosis in human leukemia HL60 cells and clarify the possible mechanisms involved in. By MTT analysis, we found that PCA (1-100 μM) inhibited the cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and cell cycle was arrested at G0/G1 period. PCA treatment from 5 to 50 μM dose-dependently induced apoptosis from 12.7 ± 1.56% to 52.7 ± 6.214% of HL60 cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was decreased and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated obviously. mRNA expressions and protein levels of Bax/Bcl-2, caspase-3 and caspase-9 were elevated significantly. ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathway were blocked detected by western blot analysis. In conclusion, PCA can act as a new agent for leucocythemia treatment.     

3β，5α，6β-三羟基胆甾烷诱导恶性胶质瘤细胞的凋亡

 目的：研究3β,5α,6β-三羟基胆甾烷(Triol)诱导恶性胶质瘤细胞凋亡的作用及其机制。方法：以不同浓度的Triol作用于C6细胞和A172细胞不同时间。采用MTT法检测细胞存活率,Hoechst 33342染色和TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡,试剂盒检测caspase活性变化,蛋白免疫印记方法检测凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2家族蛋白的变化。结果：Triol可呈剂量和时间依赖性降低C6细胞和A172细胞的存活率;Triol处理细胞48 h,C6细胞和A172细胞的IC50值分别为（17.8±0.6)μmol/L和(20.6±0.2)μmol/L。Hoechst 33342染色、TUNEL检测和凋亡执行酶caspase-3活性检测结果显示,给药组中2种细胞都出现明显凋亡核象、TUNEL阳性细胞数增多和caspase-3的激活。Triol作用于C6细胞12 h、24 h和48 h后,在凋亡外通路中激活的caspase-8和在凋亡内通路中激活的caspase-9活性均随时间升高,抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2和Bcl-xL的表达量随时间降低,而促凋亡蛋白Bak的表达量随时间升高。结论：Triol通过激活内、外凋亡通路引起恶性胶质瘤细胞的凋亡,且 Bcl-2家族蛋白在此过程中起重要的调控作用。     

3-cinnamoyl-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one (CHP) inhibits human ovarian cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis

Coumarins induce apoptosis by activating mitochondrial pathway and caspase-3-dependent apoptotic pathway. In the present study, we first time investigated the effect of 3-cinnamoyl-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one (CHP) on induction of apoptosis in human ovarian carcinoma cells. The data from MTT assay revealed a significant inhibitory effect on cell viability at 30 (87%) and 50 μM (74%) concentration of CHP in OVCAR-3 and OVCAR-420 cells, respectively after 72 h. Apoptosis analysis using annexin V/PI double staining followed by flow cytometry showed 59 and 52% binding to annexin V-FITC in OVCAR-3 and OVCAR-420 cells respectively. propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry examination indicated a significant increase in percentage of cells in G2/M phase after treatment with CHP compared to DMSO control group. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay kit showed increase in levels of ROS. We used rhodamine-123 (Rh-123) staining and flow cytometry assay to determine changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΛΨm). The results revealed that CHP significantly decreased MMP to 85.65 ± 1.2443% & 49.78 ± 1.6554% at 10 and 30 μM respectively in OVCAR-3 compared to 95.97 ± 2.1243% in control group. Western blot analysis clearly indicated a significant increase in the expression of Caspase-3, Bax, and release of Cytochrome c and decrease in Bcl-2, CDK1 and Cyclin B1 expression on treatment with CHP. Therefore, CHP may become a potential candidate for the treatment of human ovarian cancers.     

Neural Cell Apoptosis Induced by Microwave Exposure Through Mitochondria-dependent Caspase-3 Pathway

To determine whether microwave (MW) radiation induces neural cell apoptosis, differentiated PC12 cells and Wistar rats were exposed to 2.856GHz for 5min and 15min, respectively, at an average power density of 30 mW/cm². JC-1 and TUNEL staining detected significant apoptotic events, such as the loss of mitochondria membrane potential and DNA fragmentation, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy and Hoechst staining were used to observe chromatin ultrastructure and apoptotic body formation. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was used to quantify the level of apoptosis. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3 and PARP were examined by immunoblotting or immunocytochemistry. Caspase-3 activity was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation in neural cells 6h after microwave exposure. Moreover, the mitochondria membrane potential decreased, DNA fragmentation increased, leading to an increase in the apoptotic cell percentage. Furthermore, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, expression of cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3 and PARP all increased. In conclusion, microwave radiation induced neural cell apoptosis via the classical mitochondria-dependent caspase-3 pathway. This study may provide the experimental basis for further investigation of the mechanism of the neurological effects induced by microwave radiation.     

大鼠急性心肌梗死后的心肌细胞凋亡和凋亡相关基因表达的变化

目的： 观察大鼠急性心肌梗死（AMI）后的心肌细胞凋亡和caspase-3、Bcl-2和Bax表达的变化。 方法: 105只雌性SD大鼠，随机取78只结扎左冠状动脉建立AMI模型，24 h存活43只作为心肌梗死组（MI组）；另27只设为假手术组（S组）；两组再按观察时点随机分为48 h和4周两亚组，即：MI 48 h（n=11）和MI 4周（n=13）组，S48 h（n=10）和S4周（n=10）组。末端脱氧核糖核苷酸转移酶介导的dUTP切口末端标记技术（TUNEL）和DNA凝胶电泳检测心肌细胞凋亡。免疫组化方法和Western blotting检测caspase-3、Bcl-2和Bax的表达。 结果： MI 48 h组动脉收缩压（SBP）、舒张压（DBP）、平均压（MAP）、左心室收缩压（LVSP）和左心室内压最大上升下降速率（±dp/dt）均显著低于S组（P<0.05, P<0.01），左心室舒张末压（LVEDP）显著高于S组（P<0.05）；MI 4周组除SBP、DBP和MAP无显著差异（均P>0.05）外，上述其它指标的变化与MI 48 h组相同，且LVEDP升高更为显著（P<0.01）；MI 48 h和4周两组梗死/疤痕区、梗死边缘区和非梗死区的心肌细胞凋亡指数均显著升高P<0.05,P<0.01），心肌细胞中“凋亡执行因子”caspase-3和“凋亡促进基因”Bax的表达亦均显著增高（P<0.05,P<0.01），而“凋亡抑制基因”Bcl-2仅在MI 48 h组梗死区心肌细胞中表达增加，“抑制凋亡复合基因”Bcl-2/Bax的比值仅在MI 48 h组降低。 结论： 大鼠AMI后，梗死区及其边缘区和非梗死区均有心肌细胞凋亡发生，伴“凋亡执行因子”caspase-3和“凋亡促进基因”Bax的表达增加；AMI早期，“凋亡抑制基因”Bcl-2在梗死区表达增加，但“抑制凋亡复合基因”Bcl-2/Bax的比值下降。     

δ-Cadinene inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer cells via caspase-dependent apoptosis and cell cycle arrest

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of mortality among all cancers in females and is the primary cause of mortality from gynecological malignancies. The objective of the current research work was to evaluate a naturally occurring sesquiterpene-δ-Cadinene for its antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on human ovary cancer (OVCAR-3) cells. We also demonstrated the effect of δ-Cadinene on cell cycle phase distribution, intracellular damage and caspase activation. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was used to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of δ-cadinene on OVCAR-3 cells. Cellular morphology after δ-cadinene treatment was demonstrated by inverted phase contrast microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the effect of δ-cadinene on cell cycle phase distribution and apoptosis using propidium iodide and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/PI kit. The results revealed that δ-cadinene induced dose-dependent as well as time-dependent growth inhibitory effects on OVACR-3 cell line. δ-cadinene also induced cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation and nuclear membrane rupture which are characteristic of apoptosis. Treatment with different doses of δ-cadinene also led to cell cycle arrest in sub-G1 phase which showed dose-dependence. Western blotting assay revealed that δ-cadinene led to activation of caspases in OVCAR-3 cancer cells. PARP cleavage was noticed at 50 µM dose of δ-cadinene with the advent of the cleaved 85-kDa fragment after exposure to δ-cadinene. At 100 µM, only the cleaved form of PARP was detectable. Pro-caspase-8 expression remained unaltered until 10 µM dose of δ-cadinene. However, at 50 and 100 µM dose, pro-caspase-8 expression was no longer detectable. There was a significant increase in the caspase-9 expression levels after 50 and 100 µM δ-cadinene treatments.