TNF-alpha secretion and macrophage mortality induced by cobalt and chromium ions in vitro-qualitative analysis of apoptosis

Metal ion toxicity is a major cause for concern in metal-metal hip replacements. A previous study in our laboratory demonstrated that Co(2+) and Cr(3+) induce macrophage apoptosis in vitro at 24h, with the implication of a caspase-3 pathway. The aim of the present study was to look at the effect of a prolonged incubation time on macrophage response with regards to TNF-alpha secretion and macrophage mortality, more specifically apoptosis. J774 macrophages were exposed for up to 48 h to 0-10 ppm Co(2+) and 0-500 ppm Cr(3+). ELISA results demonstrated that Co(2+ )and Cr(3+) induced a concentration- and time-dependent increase of TNF-alpha secretion, but a decrease at the highest concentrations of Cr(3+) (350-500 ppm). This decrease was most likely due to a high toxicity of Cr(3+) at such concentrations. Higher levels of TNF-alpha were observed with Co(2+) than Cr(3+), demonstrating a higher stimulatory effect of this ion. Trypan blue and flow cytometry results demonstrated that both Co(2+) and Cr(3+) ions induce macrophage mortality in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The number of cells decreased when ion concentrations increased, especially at 48 h. In parallel with the TNF-alpha results, Co(2+) was more toxic than Cr(3+) since the maximal effects were reached with lower concentrations (8-10 ppm vs. 350-500 ppm, respectively). DNA analysis demonstrated that both Co(2+) and Cr(3+) ions induce macrophage apoptosis, with a stronger signal at 24h than at 48 h, suggesting the presence of more necrosis after 48 h. PARP cleavage, another marker of apoptosis, was observed at both 24 and 48 h, with a maximum intensity at 48 h and with the highest concentrations of ions. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that both Co(2+) and Cr(3+) ions can induce the release of TNF-alpha and macrophage mortality in a dose- and time-dependent manner. More specifically, Co(2+) and Cr(3+) ions induced apoptosis after both 24 and 48 h incubation, although DNA analysis suggested the presence of necrosis at 48 h. The relative importance of apoptosis and necrosis in the induction of macrophage mortality by these metal ions remains to be investigated.     

硼替佐米上调fas、bcl2l12、caspase-9和caspase-3基因表达

目的： 探讨硼替佐米诱导慢性粒细胞白血病细胞株K562细胞凋亡及新基因bcl2l12在其中的作用。方法: MTT比色法观察硼替佐米对K562细胞的生长抑制作用;Annexin-V标记和线粒体跨膜电位（Δψm）分析细胞凋亡;RT-PCR方法检测0、6、12和24 h fas、bcl2l12、bcl-2、 bim、bax、caspase-3和caspase-9基因表达变化。结果: 硼替佐米抑制K562细胞生长呈时间和剂量依赖性,24 h和48 h半数抑制浓度分别为161.41 nmol/L和96.33 nmol/L;硼替佐米诱导K562细胞凋亡,12 h Annexin-V阳性细胞就开始增高,并呈时间依赖性,Δψm减低;RT-PCR显示fas、bcl2l12、caspase-3和caspase-9表达增高,但bcl-2、bim和bax表达无明显改变。结论: 硼替佐米可以抑制K562生长并诱导凋亡,上调fas、bcl2l12,使线粒体膜电位下降,激活caspase-9和caspase-3基因,促使DNA发生断裂可能是其诱导凋亡的机制之一。     

Effect of cobalt and chromium ions on human MG-63 osteoblasts in vitro: morphology, cytotoxicity, and oxidative stress

Recent studies demonstrated that Co(2+) and Cr(3+) ions induced cell mortality, TNF-alpha secretion, and oxidation of proteins in macrophages. However, little is known about the effects of corrosion products on the osteogenic cells, which have a crucial role in controlling bone remodeling. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Co(2+) (0-10 ppm) and Cr(3+) (0-150 ppm) on human MG-63 osteoblast-like cells in term of cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Microscopic analysis demonstrated changes in shape, size, and number of cells. Co(2+) had a greater effect on these parameters than Cr(3+). Cell counting showed a significant decrease in the number of MG-63 osteoblasts in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with Co(2+) more toxic than Cr(3+). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) analysis also showed a decreased cellular activity in presence of Co(2+) and Cr(3+) ions. Oxidized and nitrated proteins, two markers of oxidative stress, were detected as single bands and revealed time- and dose-dependent protein modifications. We also studied the expression of three antioxidant enzymes. The expression of heme oxygenase-1 was increased by both ions after 24h, before decreasing gradually thereafter. Glutathione peroxidase expression was also increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner by both Co(2+) and Cr(3+) ions. Co(2+) decreased catalase expression while Cr(3+) increased it in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that Cr(3+) and Co(2+) have a cytotoxic effect on MG-63 osteoblasts and have the potential to modify their redox state.     

抗HER-2抗体chA21对人乳腺癌SKBR3细胞凋亡的诱导作用及其机制

目的探讨抗HER-2工程抗体chA21在体外对高表达HER-2的人乳腺癌SKBR3细胞凋亡的诱导作用及其分子机制。方法采用透射电镜和原位末端标记技术(TUNEL)观察和检测chA21对SKBR3细胞凋亡的诱导,采用免疫细胞化学技术检测凋亡相关基因bc l-2、bax、Fas及caspase-3表达的改变。结果chA21作用72 h,可见SKBR3细胞凋亡,chA21高浓度组(5.4mg/L)凋亡指数显著高于低浓度组(0.2 mg/L)(P<0.01);chA21处理组SKBR3细胞的bax、Fas及caspase-3表达增加,而bc l-2表达及bc l-2/bax比值降低,上述改变在chA21高、低两个浓度组间有显著差异(P<0.01)。结论chA21在体外可诱导SK-BR3细胞凋亡,其分子机制与调节凋亡相关基因bax、bc l-2、Fas及caspase-3的表达有关。     

Apoptosis and expression of caspases 3, 6 and 8 in malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

In this study we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of caspases 3, 6 and 8 in 85 malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and in 4 hyperplastic lymph nodes. The extent of apoptosis and the immunohistochemical expression of bcl-2 and bax was also studied. Caspase 3 immunoreactivity was seen in 84/85 (99%), caspase 6 in 46/85 (54%), and caspase 8 in 66/85 (78%) lymphomas. The immunoreactivity for caspase 3 was diffuse cytoplasmic while antibodies to caspase 6 and 8 showed granular and fragmented, sometimes also nuclear immunopositivity. High-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas expressed strong caspase 6 and 8 immunoreactivity significantly more often than low-grade lymphomas (p = 0.016 and p = 0.0002, respectively). Strong caspase 3 immunoreactivity was also seen more often in high-grade lymphomas, but the association did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.14). There was a strong association between the expression of caspase 3 and 6 (p = 0.032), caspase 3 and 8 (p = 0.042), and especially between caspase 6 and 8 (p = <0.00001). There was a significant difference in the apoptotic index between low-grade (0.59+/-0.44%) and high-grade lymphomas (1.96+/-1.92%) (p<0.001). Strong bcl-2 expression was seen in 35/80 (44%) and strong bax expression in 20/80 (25%) lymphomas. No significant association was found between the expression of bcl-2 or bax and the expression of the caspases. According to the results the expression of caspases 6 and 8 is upregulated in high-grade compared with low-grade lymphomas and probably contributes to the execution of apoptosis in them. A similar tendency could also be seen with caspase 3. The expression of the three caspases is significantly associated, suggesting that it is mutually regulated. Finally, the results suggest that the expression of bcl-2 or bax does not influence the expression of caspases 3, 6 and 8 in malignant lymphomas to a significant degree.     

心肌再灌注对抑郁大鼠心肌细胞凋亡以及bcl-2、bax和caspase-3表达的影响

目的: 探讨心肌缺血再灌注(I/R)对抑郁大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及凋亡基因bcl-2、bax和 caspase-3 的影响。方法: Wistar大鼠32只,随机分为4组,每组各8只。A组:非抑郁大鼠假手术组;B组:抑郁大鼠假手术组;C组:非抑郁大鼠心肌I/R组;D组:抑郁大鼠心肌I/R组。采用慢性轻度不可预知性应激结合孤养制备抑郁模型,用敞箱实验和液体消耗实验观察大鼠行为改变;运用结扎左冠状动脉前降支的方法复制心肌I/R模型。运用 TUNEL法检测心肌凋亡细胞;运用免疫组化法和逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)方法检测bcl-2、bax和 caspase-3 的表达。结果: (1)与A、B组比较,C、D组心肌细胞凋亡数量显著增加(P<0.01),A、B两组间比较无显著差异;与C组比较,D组心肌细胞凋亡数量显著增加(P<0.05)。(2)与A、B组比较,C、D组Bcl-2、Bax和caspase-3蛋白和mRNA表达显著增加(P<0.01),A、B两组间比较无显著差异; 与C组比较,D组Bcl-2蛋白和mRNA表达显著减少(P<0.05),而Bax和caspase-3蛋白和mRNA表达显著增加(P<0.05)。结论: 心肌缺血再灌注可加重抑郁大鼠缺血心肌细胞凋亡,其机制可能与上调bax和 caspase-3 基因表达、下调 bcl-2 基因表达有关。     

二苯乙烯苷对同型半胱氨酸诱导血管内皮细胞凋亡及bcl-2、bax、caspase-3表达的影响

 目的：研究何首乌二苯乙烯苷（TSG）对同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞（HUVECs）凋亡及bcl-2、bax和caspase-3 mRNA表达的影响。方法：建立Hcy （3 mmol/L）所致培养HUVECs核损伤模型,TSG（1和10 μmol/L）提前2 h预孵育,然后再以Hcy处理,作为TSG保护组。用Hoechst 33342核染色法观察HUVECs细胞核损伤状态,以流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡情况,用实时荧光定量RT-PCR法检bcl-2、bax和caspase-3 mRNA的表达。结果：经3 mmol/L Hcy处理后,与正常培养的细胞相比,HUVECs核损伤加重,凋亡细胞比例升高,bcl-2表达降低（P＜0.01）,bax和caspase-3表达增加（P＜0.01）。TSG 1 μmol/L和10 μmol/L预孵育后再经3 mmol/L Hcy处理,与单经3 mmol/L Hcy损伤模型组相比,HUVECs细胞核损伤降低,凋亡率下降,bcl-2的表达增加（P＜0.05）,bax和caspase-3表达降低（P＜0.05）。结论：TSG具有降低Hcy所致HUVECs的细胞损伤和抑制凋亡的作用,其机制可能与影响bcl-2、bax和caspase-3的表达有关。     

Cobalt and chromium ions induce nitration of proteins in human U937 macrophages in vitro

The in situ localization of nitrotyrosine, a product of the nitration of tyrosine residues by peroxynitrite, in the interface membranes from Co--Cr--Mo and Ti--Al--V prostheses provided evidence of nitric oxide-induced oxidative damage in the periprosthetic environment. In the present study, we compared the effects of different wear products from hip prostheses on the nitration of proteins in macrophages in vitro. Nitration of proteins was measured by Western blot using a polyclonal antibody directed against nitrotyrosines. Results showed that Co(2+) and Cr(3+) ions induced the nitration of a 79 +/- 4 kDa protein in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Indeed, the stimulation was significant (p < 0.05) after 24 h with 10 ppm Co(2+) and reached a plateau level between 48 and 72 h. With Cr(3+), the stimulation was significant (p < 0.05) only after 48 and 72 h. The effect of both Co(2+) and Cr(3+) ions was inhibited by glutathione monoethyl-ester that provides protection against oxidative stress. However, ultrahigh-molecular-weight-polyethylene and alumina ceramic particles had no significant effect on the nitration of proteins. Finally, the results showed that nitrated proteins are mainly found in the cytoplasmic fraction of cells and are absent from the nucleus. In conclusion, our results show that Co(2+) and Cr(3+) ions induce the nitration of cytoplasmic proteins in human U937 macrophages, suggesting that metal ions from MM prostheses have the potential to modify protein function in the periprosthetic environment and in circulating cells.     

Immunohistochemical analysis of cleaved caspase-3 detects high level of apoptosis frequently in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas of the central nervous system

The purpose of the present paper was to examine the level of apoptosis and the relationships among apoptosis, apoptosis-associated proteins, and proliferating potential in lymphoma tissues to clarify the characteristics of apoptosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) of the central nervous system (CNS). The formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of CNS and non-CNS DLBCL (20 cases each) were studied by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-nick end labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemistry, using antibodies against single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), cleaved caspase-3, bcl-2, bax, p53, Fas and Ki-67. The cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry detected apoptosis of the lymphoma cells most sensitively compared to TUNEL and ssDNA immunohistochemistry. High expression (grade + + or + + +) of cleaved caspase-3 was found more frequently in CNS DLBCL (11 cases, 55%) than non-CNS DLBCL (three cases, 15%; P = 0.009). Bax-positivity of lymphoma cells was increased in six cases of CNS DLBCL, which also showed high positivity of cleaved caspase-3. There was no significant correlation between the cleaved caspase-3-positivity and the Ki-67 positivity. The present study indicates that the number of apoptotic cells and expression level of cleaved caspase-3 were significantly higher in CNS DLBCL than non-CNS DLBCL, and that the correlation of bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression was often present in CNS DLBCL.     

肿瘤抑制因子RUNX3对人胃癌细胞中凋亡相关基因表达的影响

 目的：研究肿瘤抑制因子人类Runt相关转录因子3(RUNX3)对人胃癌细胞BGC823中凋亡相关基因B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病基因-2（bcl-2）、bax、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-3（caspase-3）、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-8（caspase-8）、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-9（caspase-9）表达的影响,以揭示RUNX3促进胃癌细胞凋亡的作用机制。方法：首先构建人Runx3的真核生物表达载体pcDNA3.1- Runx3,将pcDNA3.1-Runx3及空载体pcDNA3.1分别转染BGC823细胞48 h后,提取细胞的总RNA和蛋白质,应用逆转录-聚合酶链反应 (RT-PCR)和蛋白免疫印迹（Western blotting）分别检测转染不同载体的细胞内RUNX3的表达情况,然后用RT-PCR和Western blotting检测凋亡相关基因bcl-2、bax、caspase-3、caspase-8和caspase-9的表达及蛋白的表达,β-actin作为内对照。结果：我们成功构建了人Runx3的真核生物表达载体pcDNA3.1-Runx3,将其转染BGC823细胞后,RT-PCR和Western blotting结果均显示：转染pcDNA3.1-Runx3的细胞中RUNX3的表达水平明显高于转染空载体pcDNA3.1的细胞(P<0.05);转染pcDNA3.1-Runx3的细胞中bcl-2基因的表达水平明显降低,caspase-3、caspase-9基因的表达水平明显增加(P<0.05)。结论：在BGC823细胞中,RUNX3通过下调bcl-2,上调caspase-3、caspase-9的表达促进细胞的凋亡。     

Activation and relocalization of caspase 3 during the apoptotic cascade of human mesothelioma cells

Apoptosis plays an important role in cancer biology. We investigated the expression of caspases 3 and 8 in malignant mesothelioma and malignant mesothelioma cell lines and putative changes in their ultrastructural expression prior and after exposure to epirubicin. Further studies were conducted to compare these changes to the localization and expression of the bcl-2 group of proteins bcl-X, bax and mcl-1, and Fas-Fas ligand in the same cells. In the histological samples, caspase 3 and 8 immunoreactivity was seen in 27/37 (73%) and 16/37 (43%) of the mesotheliomas. The immunostaining was cytoplasmic diffuse, granular, and occasionally nuclear. All six mesothelioma cell lines expressed caspases 3 and 8 by immunoblotting. After exposure to epirubicin the extent of apoptosis was increased in all cell lines investigated, being weakest in the most resistant M38K cell line. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed immunogold labeling for caspases 3 and 8 in the mitochondria with the accumulation of caspase 3 in the apoptotic bodies, while the mitochondrial localization of the bcl-2 proteins appeared to be very stable. Fas receptor could be detected by flow cytometry, whereas the most resistant cell line (M38K) lacked Fas ligand when assessed by RT-PCR. These results suggest the importance of caspase 3 during the apoptotic process of mesothelioma cells and indicate that epirubicin-induced apoptosis is independent of the mitochondrial pathway.     

芹菜素诱导人胃癌细胞凋亡作用及机制研究

目的：研究芹菜素（apigenin, API）致人胃癌细胞凋亡作用及其机制。方法：培养人胃癌BGC823细胞株，加入不同浓度的API，孵育48 h。PI染色流式细胞术（FCM）分析测定凋亡率；罗丹明染色FCM分析测定细胞线粒体跨膜电位(Δψm)；Caspase-9分光光度法检测试剂盒测定caspase-9活性；Western印迹检测线粒体凋亡信号转导通路相关蛋白的表达，包括bax，bcl-2，caspase-9和caspase-3。结果： API（20，40和80 μg/mL）作用48 h能呈浓度依赖性地诱导BGC823细胞凋亡。而且，API也能降低BGC823细胞的Δψm，增加caspase-9活性，促进细胞色素c（Cyt c）释放，上调bax，caspase-9和caspase-3蛋白的表达，同时下调bcl-2蛋白表达，且呈剂量依赖性。结论：API通过活化线粒体信号转导途径诱导人胃癌细胞凋亡。     

Exogenous ARC down-regulates caspase-3 expression and inhibits apoptosis of broiler chicken cardiomyocytes exposed to hydrogen peroxide

Apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) is highly involved in apoptosis induced by oxidative stress or ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Furthermore, even though the exact mechanism is still unknown, some studies suggest that exogenous ARC also possesses anti-apoptotic ability. The study investigated whether mouse-derived ARC acquires anti-apoptotic ability and the pathway of regulation in chick embryo cardiomyocytes. To evaluate whether mouse-derived ARC can inhibit chick embryo cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide, recombinant pcDNA3.1/ARC plasmid was acquired and transfected into chick embryo cardiomyocytes. ARC-related gene (caspase-2, caspase-8, caspase-3, and caspase-9, cytochrome C, bcl-2, and XIAP) mRNA and protein expression levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Here we demonstrate that hydrogen peroxide induced apoptosis in chick embryo cardiomyocytes in a time-dependent manner and that this effect could be suppressed by mouse-derived ARC expression. Moreover, unlike endogenous ARC, exogenous ARC was exclusively expressed in the cytoplasm and down-regulated caspase-2, caspase-8, and caspase-3, bcl-2, and XIAP gene expression levels. However, only caspase-3 protein levels were decreased. In addition, threonine 149 phosphorylation by CK2 was required for exogenous ARC to exert an anti-apoptotic effect in chicken embryo cardiomyocytes and suggested exogenous ARC may in part share the same pathway of regulation with endogenous ARC. These results indicate that mouse-derived ARC plays an important role in protection of chick embryo cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression levels.     

慢病毒介导的caspase-3沉默对大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞增殖和凋亡的影响

 目的：探讨沉默caspase-3对大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞（MSCs）增殖、细胞周期和凋亡的影响。方法：构建靶向caspase-3的shRNA重组慢病毒并转染MSCs,通过real-time PCR和Western blotting 在mRNA及蛋白水平鉴定转染结果。采用MTS法检测细胞增殖,流式细胞术检测细胞周期。Real-time PCR检测bcl-2和bax mRNA的表达。Hoechst荧光染色法检测细胞的凋亡情况。结果：Real-time PCR和Western blotting结果均表明成功建立稳定转染shRNA-caspase-3的大鼠MSCs细胞株。沉默caspase-3使MSCs的增殖率明显提高（P＜0.05）,且S期细胞百分比明显增多,为（52.66±0.30）%。沉默caspase-3后bcl-2 mRNA表达上调,bax mRNA表达下调,bcl-2/bax比值升高（P＜0.05）。转染组的细胞凋亡率为（15.01±1.73）%,低于空载体组的（25.67±3.05）%和空白对照组的（23.67±1.16）%（P＜0.05）。结论: 沉默caspase-3能调控MSCs的细胞周期,促进细胞增殖,减少细胞凋亡。     

Quantitative analysis of macrophage apoptosis vs. necrosis induced by cobalt and chromium ions in vitro

The potential toxicity of metal ions in tissues surrounding metal-metal hip replacements is a cause for concern. Previous studies conducted in our laboratory demonstrated that Co(2+) and Cr(3+) induce TNF-alpha secretion in macrophages, as well as cell mortality. However, the degree of apoptosis and necrosis remained to be investigated. The aim of the present study was to quantify the rate of macrophage mortality by apoptosis vs. necrosis induced by Co(2+) and Cr(3+). J774 mouse macrophages were incubated in growth medium containing 0-10 ppm Co(2+) and 0-500 ppm Cr(3+) for 24 and 48 h under conventional cell culture conditions. Transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry (Annexin-V fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assay) and a specific cell death detection ELISA were used to illustrate cell death and differentiate between apoptotic and necrotic cells. Cell culture exposed to low concentrations of Co(2+) (0-6 ppm) revealed a low degree of mortality. In contrast, at the highest concentrations (8-10 ppm), late apoptosis occurred within 24 h. After 48 h, however, there was a clear evidence for an increase in the rate of necrosis while apoptosis occurred at much lower rate. Macrophages exposed to Cr(3+) demonstrated a predominance of apoptosis after 24h. At concentrations lower than 250 ppm, early and late apoptosis occurred at the same rate. At higher concentrations (250-500 ppm), the number of early apoptotic cells decreased in favor of late apoptosis. After 48 h, lower concentrations of Cr(3+) (150 ppm) induced a higher degree of early apoptosis than after 24 h, and some necrosis. At higher concentrations, the percentage of early apoptotic cells decreased, while necrosis became predominant over late apoptosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that macrophage mortality induced by metal ions depends on the type and concentration of metal ions as well as the duration of their exposure. Overall, apoptosis was predominant after 24 h with both Co(2+) and Cr(3+) ions, but high concentrations induced mainly necrosis at 48 h. These results point to the potential for these ions of inducing tissue damage by necrosis if present in large concentrations in vivo.     

Expression of Cell Death-Associated Proteins in Neuronal Apoptosis Associated with Pontosubicular Neuron Necrosis

Expression of apoptosis-associated proteins p53, bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3/CPP32, activation of caspase-3, and modification of proteins via poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation was studied in pontosubicular neuron necrosis (PSN), a form of perinatal brain damage revealing the morphological hallmarks of neuronal apoptosis. Immunoreactivity for p53 was completely absent. The majority of cells stained with the bax and procaspase-3 antibodies did not show morphological signs of apoptosis. In contrast, an antibody against activated caspase-3 almost exclusively stained cells with apoptotic morphology. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated proteins were only rarely detected in cells with apoptotic morphology. The expression patterns of bax, procaspase-3, bcl-2, and p53 in PSN were similar to that found in age-matched control brains. However, activated caspase-3 and poly-ADP-ribosylated proteins were exclusively found in apoptotic cells. These data indicate that detection of active caspase-3 is a reliable marker for apoptosis in formalin-fixed human tissue, and that neuronal apoptosis in pontosubicular neuron necrosis is accompanied by a pronounced activation of caspase-3.     

Induction of protein oxidation by cobalt and chromium ions in human U937 macrophages

Metal particles and ions from hip prostheses have the potential to induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), making them prime suspects for disturbing the cellular balance of oxidants/antioxidants (redox state of the cell). To better understand the cellular effect of metal ions from metal-on-metal prostheses, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of cobalt (Co2+) and chromium (Cr3+) ions on protein oxidation in human U937 macrophages. Protein oxidation was measured by Western blot using antibodies directed against dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNP)-derivatized protein carbonyls, the most commonly measured products of protein oxidation in biological samples. Three DNP-derived proteins were detected. The first has a molecular weight of 16 kDa and is expressed at a very low level. The second has a molecular weight of 48 kDa and its level is not regulated by metal ions. The third is a 69 kDa protein and its level is regulated by Co2+ and Cr3+ ions. Therefore, the last band served as a marker of protein oxidation in the present study. Results showed that Co2+ and Cr3+ ions induced a time- and dose-dependent protein oxidation reaching 6.5 and 2.9 times the control after 72 h, respectively, which were inhibited by the antioxidant glutathione monoethyl-ester. Finally, results showed that the oxidized proteins are mainly found in the cytoplasmic fraction of the cells and are absent from the nucleus. In conclusion, our results suggest that metal ions from metal-on-metal prostheses have the potential to modify the redox state of cells both locally (periprosthetic environment) or systematically (circulating cells). The long term effect of these ions on protein oxidation in vivo remains to be investigated.     

caspase-3、bcl-2蛋白在非霍奇金淋巴瘤组织的表达及其与细胞凋亡和增殖的关系

目的探讨caspase-3、bcl-2蛋白在非霍奇金淋巴瘤(NHL)发生、发展中的可能作用及相互关系.方法应用TdT介导的dUTP缺口末端标记(TUNEL)技术和免疫组织化学链霉素抗生物素-过氧化酶(SP)法,检测5例反应性增生淋巴组织和119例NHL组织中的细胞凋亡和增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、caspase-3、bcl-2蛋白的表达水平.结果 caspase-3和bcl-2在119例NHL中表达的阳性率分别为86.6%(103例)和53.8%(64例).二者在良、恶性淋巴组织中的表达方式相反在反应性增生淋巴滤泡中心caspase-3高表达而bcl-2阴性表达,滤泡套区caspase-3阴性表达而bcl-2高表达;在肿瘤性滤泡中心bcl-2常高表达而caspase-3常表达减弱或不表达;在NHL中二者的表达与肿瘤恶性度呈相反关系,高度恶性组中caspase-3的表达(44.4%)高于低度恶性组(23.7%,P<0.01),而B细胞性淋巴瘤中bcl-2的表达(42.6%)低于低度恶性组(75.5%,P<0.01);caspase-3的表达与凋亡指数呈正相关(r=0.512, P <0.01)),bcl-2的表达与凋亡指数呈负相关(r=-0.436, P<0.01).此外,NHL的凋亡指数与增殖指数呈显著正相关(r=0.710, P<0.01).结论 caspase-3可能参与了NHL的凋亡调节机制.caspase-3和bcl-2蛋白在良、恶性淋巴组织中常呈现相反的表达方式,提示二者在淋巴细胞增殖动力学调节中可能存在着密切联系.