Background The accumulation of free radicals and advanced glycation end products(AGEs)in cell plays a veryimportant role in replicative senescence.Aminoguanidine(AG)has potential antioxidant effects and decreases AGEl...Background The accumulation of free radicals and advanced glycation end products(AGEs)in cell plays a veryimportant role in replicative senescence.Aminoguanidine(AG)has potential antioxidant effects and decreases AGElevels.This study aimed to investigate its effect on replicative senescence in vitro.Methods The effects of aminoguanidine on morphology,replicative lifespan,cell growth and proliferation,AGEs,DNAdamage,DNA repair ability and telomere length were observed in human fetal lung diploid fibroblasts(2BS).Results Aminoguanidine maintained the non-senescent phenotype of 2BS cells even at late population doubling(PD)and increased cumulative population doublings by at least 17-21 PDs.Aminoguanidine also improved the potentials ofgrowth and proliferation of 2BS cells as detected by the MTT assay.The AGE levels of late PD cells grown from early PDin DMEM containing aminiguanidine decreased significantly compared with those of late PD control cells and were similarto those of young control cells.In addition,the cells pretreated with aminoguanidine had a significant reduction in DNAstrand breaks when they were exposed to 200 μmol/L H_2O_2 for 5 minutes which indicated that the compound had astrong potential to protect genomic DNA against oxidative stress.And most of the cells exposed to 100 μmol/L H_2O_2 hadmuch shorter comet tails and smaller tail areas after incubation with aminoguanidine-supplemented DMEM,whichindicated that the compound strongly improved the DNA repair abilities of 2BS cells.Moreover,PD55 cells grown fromPD28 in 2 mmol/L or 4 mmol/L aminoguanidine retain telomere lengths of 7.94 kb or 8.12 kb,which was 0.83 kb or 1.11kb longer than that of the control cells.Conclusion Aminoguanidine delays replicative senescence of 2BS cells and the senescence-delaying effect ofaminoguanidine appear to be due to its many biological properties including its potential for proliferation improvement,itsinhibitory effect of AGE formation,antioxidant effect,improvement of DNA repair ability and the slowdown of telomereshortening.展开更多
Objective To reveal the role of Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) in regulating human diploid fibroblast (2BS cell) senescence as well as the possible mechanisms involved.Methods Using a PI3Ks specific inhibitor,...Objective To reveal the role of Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) in regulating human diploid fibroblast (2BS cell) senescence as well as the possible mechanisms involved.Methods Using a PI3Ks specific inhibitor, LY294002, cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation, senescence association β-galactosidase staining as well as senescence association CKIs, p16 INK4 and p21 Cip1 protein expressions were all measured in the low passages of 2BS cells.Results Both 25 μmol/L and 50 μmol/L concentrations of LY294002 could cause a significant decrease in cells entering into S phase, and this cell cycle of G 1 phase arrest was dose-dependent. Meanwhile, LY294002 contributed to apoptosis, caused 2BS cell growth arrest, and activated senescence association β-galactosidase (P<0.05). In addition, LY294002 could induce time-course expressions of p16 INK4 and p21 Cip1 in 2BS cell lines.Conclusions PI3Ks inhibitor LY294002 could induce senescence-like changes in 2BS cell lines. Two enescence associated CKIs,p16 INK4 and p21 Cip1, might be involved in this senescence phenotype proceeding in 2BS cell lines.展开更多
[Objectives]To study the effect and mechanism of baicalin on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in human fibroblast like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis(HFLS-RA).[Methods]To confirm that baicalin alleviated the...[Objectives]To study the effect and mechanism of baicalin on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in human fibroblast like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis(HFLS-RA).[Methods]To confirm that baicalin alleviated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA,the expression of NLRP3 before and after baicalin treatment was observed by immunofluorescence.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1 after baicalin treatment for 48 h,and the contents of IL-1 and IL-18 in the supernatents were detected by ELISA.In order to explore the mechanism of baicalin alleviating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,the corresponding relationship between let-7i-3p and PIK3CA was verified by double luciferin and Westen blot analysis.The expression of let-7i-3p and PI3K before and after baicalin intervention was detected by RT-qPCR.let-7i-3p interference was used to verify whether baicalin mitigated the activation of enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome.[Results]Baicalin(50 and 100 mg/L)significantly reduced the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,inhibited the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1,and the secretion of IL-1 and IL-18.let-7i-3p and PIK3CA had a targeted correspondence,and baicalin up-regulated the expression of let-7i-3p and down-regulated the expression of PIK3CA.Baicalin attenuated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome enhanced by let-7i-3p interference.[Conclusions]Baicalin can up-regulate let-7i-3p expression,inhibit PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal transduction,and thus reduce the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the distribution of bone morphogenetic protein receptors (BMPRs) in human scleral fibroblsasts (HSFs) and in human sclera. METHODS: Primary HSFs were cultured in vitro . The mRNA levels of BMP-2 an...AIM: To investigate the distribution of bone morphogenetic protein receptors (BMPRs) in human scleral fibroblsasts (HSFs) and in human sclera. METHODS: Primary HSFs were cultured in vitro . The mRNA levels of BMP-2 and BMPRs in HSFs were assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein distributions of BMP-2 and BMPRs in HSFs were further detected by immunocytofluorescence and western blot. Their protein expression was also detected in frozen human posterior scleral sections by immunohistofluorescence. RESULTS: BMP-2 and BMPRs were expressed in both HSFs and human sclera not only at mRNA level but also at protein level. The expressions of BMPRIA and BMPRII were higher than that of BMPRIB in the cytoplasm and cell membrane of HSFs in vitro. Western blot further verified the results of immunocytofluorescence. In human sclera, BMP2, BMPR IB and BMPR II were found to be expressed in the cytomatrix of HSF, and weak signal was detected about BMPRIA. CONCLUSION: BMP-2 and all three subtypes of BMPRs were found in HSFs and may play a role in scleral remodeling.展开更多
In order to investigate the effect of curcumin on proliferation and apoptosis of human pterygium fibroblasts (HPF) in culture and search for a new method to prevent the recurrence after pterygium surgery, HPF was incu...In order to investigate the effect of curcumin on proliferation and apoptosis of human pterygium fibroblasts (HPF) in culture and search for a new method to prevent the recurrence after pterygium surgery, HPF was incubated with 0-160 μmol/L curcumin for 24-96 h. The MTT method was used to assay the biologic activities of curcumin at different time points and different doses. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry. The cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). Admini- stration of 20-80 μmol/L curcumin for 24-72 h could significantly inhibit HPF proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P<0.05). After treatment with curcumin at different concentrations of 20, 40, 80 and 160 μmol/L for 24 h, FCM revealed there was a significant sub-G1 peak at each concentration. The number of HPF in G0/G1 phase was increased, while in S phase, it was decreased (P<0.05). At the concentration of 20-80 μmol/L, curcumin, in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), could inhibit the expression of PCNA in HPF. It was suggesterd that curcumin could significantly in- hibit the proliferation of HPF, make HPF arrest in G0/G1 phase and induce the apoptosis of HPF in a dose- and time-dependent manner.展开更多
Objective:To estimate electroporation(EP) influence on malignant and normal cells.Methods: Two cell lines including human malignant melanoma(Me-43) and normal human gingival fibroblast(HCFs) were used.EP parameters we...Objective:To estimate electroporation(EP) influence on malignant and normal cells.Methods: Two cell lines including human malignant melanoma(Me-43) and normal human gingival fibroblast(HCFs) were used.EP parameters were the following:230,1000,1 730,2 300 V/cm;30 μ s by 3 impulses for every case.The viability of cells after EP was estimated by MTT assay. The ullrastructural analysis was observed by transmission electron microscope(Zeiss EM 900). Results:In the current study we observed the intracellular effect following EP on Me-43 and HGF cells.At the conditions applied,we did not observe any significant damage of mitochondrial activity in both cell lines treated by EP.Conversely,we showed that EP in some conditions can stimulate cells to proliferation.Some changes induced by EP were only visible in electron microscopy.In fibroblast cells we observed significant changes in lower parameters of EP(230 and 1 000 V/cm).After applying higher electric field intensities(2 300 V/cm) we detected many vacuoles,myelin-like bodies and swallowed endoplasmic reticulum.In melanoma cells such strong pathological modifications after EP were not observed,in comparison with control cells. The ultrastructure of both treated cell lines was changed according to the applied parameters of EP.Conclusions:We can claim that EP conditions are cell line dependent.In terms of the intracellular morphology,human fibroblasts are more sensitive to electric field as compared with melanoma cells.Optimal conditions should be determined for each cell line.Summarizing our study,we can conclude that EP is not an invasive method for human normal and malignant cells. This technique can be safely applied in chemotherapy for delivering drugs into tumor cells.展开更多
Collagen is a major extracellular matrix protein.Given the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profiles of these bioactive compounds,there has been increasing interest in using collagen derived peptides and pe...Collagen is a major extracellular matrix protein.Given the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profiles of these bioactive compounds,there has been increasing interest in using collagen derived peptides and peptide-rich collagen hydrolysates for skin health,due to their immunomodulatory,antioxidant and proliferative effects on dermal fibroblasts.However,all hydrolysates are not equally effective in exerting the beneficial effects;hence,further research is needed to determine the factors that improve the therapeutic applicability of such preparations.We used different enzymatic conditions to generate a number of different collagen hydrolysates with distinct peptide profiles.We found that the use of two rather than one enzyme for hydrolysis generates a greater abundance of low molecular weight peptides with consequent improvement in bioactive properties.Testing these hydrolysates on human dermal fibroblasts showed distinct actions on inflammatory changes,oxidative stress,type I collagen synthesis and cellular proliferation.Our findings suggest that different enzymatic conditions affect the peptide profile of hydrolysates and differentially regulate their biological activities and potential protective responses on dermal fibroblasts.展开更多
Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is one of the most fatal diseases worldwide.Pulmonary fibrosis occurs early in ARDS,and its severity plays a crucial role in ARDS mortality rate.Some studies suggested that fib...Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is one of the most fatal diseases worldwide.Pulmonary fibrosis occurs early in ARDS,and its severity plays a crucial role in ARDS mortality rate.Some studies suggested that fibroproliferation is an essential mechanism in ARDS.Mitofusion2(Mfn2)overexpression plays a role in inhibiting cell proliferation.However,the role and potential mechanism of Mfn2 on the proliferation of fibroblasts is still unknown.In this study,we aimed at exploring the effect of Mfn2 on the human embryonic lung fibroblasts(HELF)and discussed its related mechanism.The HELF were treated with the Mfn2 overexpressing lentivirus(adv-Mfn2).The cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry.MTT,PCR and Western blotting were used to investigate the effect of Mfn2 on the proliferation of the HELF,collagen expression,the RAS-RAF-1-ERK1/2 pathway and the expression of cycle-related proteins(p21,p27,Rb,Raf-1,p-Raf-1,Erk1/2 and p-Erk1/2).The co-immunoprecipitation assay was used to explore the interaction between Mfn2 and Ras.The results showed that the overexpression of Mfn2 inhibited the proliferation of the HELF and induced the cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase.Meanwhile,Mfn2 also inhibited the expression of collagen I,p-Erk and p-Raf-1.In addition,an interaction between Mfn2 and Ras existed in the HELF.This study suggests that the overexpression of Mfn2 can decrease the proliferation of HELF in ARDS,which was associated with the inhibition of the RAS-RAF-1-ERK1/2 pathway.The results may offer a potential therapeutic intervention for patients with ARDS.展开更多
The effects of DK2,a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist,on cultured human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs) in virto were studied.The HPFs were incubated with 0-200 μmol/L DK2 for 12-72 h.The MTT method...The effects of DK2,a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist,on cultured human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs) in virto were studied.The HPFs were incubated with 0-200 μmol/L DK2 for 12-72 h.The MTT method was used to assay the bio-activity of DK2 at different doses and time.The cytotoxic effect of DK2 was measured by LDH release assay.The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were flow cytometrically detected.The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in each group was detected by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blotting.The results showed that administration of 1-75 μmol/L DK2 for 12-72 h could significantly inhibit HPF proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner.DK2-treated cells did not release significant amount of LDH as compared with rosiglitazone-treated cells.After treatment with DK2 at concentrations of 15,25 μmol/L for 24 h,the number of HPFs in G 0 /G 1 phase was significantly increased while that in S phase was significantly decreased (P<0.05),leading to arrest at G 0 /G 1 phase.The apoptosis rates of HPF cells in drug-treated groups were significantly higher than the rate of control group (P<0.05).At the dosage range between 15-25 μmol/L,DK2 could inhibit the expression of PCNA mRNA and protein in HPFs in a dose-dependent fashion (P<0.05).It was concluded that PPARγ agonist can significantly inhibit HPF proliferation,resulting in the arrest at G 0 /G 1 phase,induce the apoptosis of HPFs,and suppress the synthesis of PCNA,in dose-and time-dependent manners.展开更多
Rationale:Guillain Barre syndrome(GBS)is an acute neurological illness leading to quadriparesis with respiratory involvement.It can be triggered by infections,vaccinations,surgery,trauma,transplantation and drugs.Anti...Rationale:Guillain Barre syndrome(GBS)is an acute neurological illness leading to quadriparesis with respiratory involvement.It can be triggered by infections,vaccinations,surgery,trauma,transplantation and drugs.Anti-rabies cell culture vaccines introduced to overcome the high rate of neurological complications associated with tissue based rabies vaccine,can be very rarely associated with GBS.Patient concerns:A 50-year-old female presented with acute severe upper back pain evolving into pure motor quadriparesis following administration of human diploid cell vaccine for rabies.Diagnosis:Acute motor axonal neuropathy variant of GBS following anti-rabies human diploid cell vaccine.Interventions:Intravenous high dose steroids.Outcomes:Patient recovered completely within 1 month.Lessons:Although anti-rabies cell culture vaccines are highly immunogenic and safe,they are rarely associated with GBS.Clinicians should be aware of this link because prompt diagnosis and treatment can result in complete recovery and avoid complications.展开更多
Periodontitis is a highly prevalent,chronic,non-specific,and immunologically devastating disease of periodontal tissues,caused by microbial infection.This study aims to examine the efficacy and protective mechanism of...Periodontitis is a highly prevalent,chronic,non-specific,and immunologically devastating disease of periodontal tissues,caused by microbial infection.This study aims to examine the efficacy and protective mechanism of triclosan(TCS),a bisphenolic,non-cationic component of oral care products,against periodontal inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide purified from Porphyromonas gingivalis(LPS-PG).TCS markedly downregulated interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-8,and IL-15 in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts(HPDLFs)treated with LPS-PG.By using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)approach,318 differentially expressed proteins(161 upregulated and 157 downregulated)were identified in TCS-pretreated HPDLFs.TCS upregulated HSPA5 and HSP90B1 but downregulated HSPA2.Besides,TCS upregulated miR-548i in HPDLFs,which downregulated IL-15.These results indicate that TCS attenuates the activation of HPDLFs and downregulates the inflammatory cytokines through various mechanisms,thus highlighting its protective role in periodontal inflammation.展开更多
AIM: To describe the significant over-expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), which is a signal transduction and cell proliferation related gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).METHODS: Following ...AIM: To describe the significant over-expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), which is a signal transduction and cell proliferation related gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).METHODS: Following DNA microarray, Northern blot and quantitative real-time PCR were employed to confirm FGFR3 expression difference in HCC tissues and surrounding non-neoplastic liver tissue. FGFR3 expression levels were further determined by immunohistochemical study in 43 cases of HCC.RESULTS: Northern blot results showed the significant over-expression of FGFR3 in HCC tissues, which was consistent with that from DNA microarray. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated that the mean ratio of FGFR3 mRNA to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GADPH) mRNA in HCC tissue was 0.250, whereas the ratio in non-neoplastic liver tissue was 0.014. Statistical analyses of 43 cases of HCC revealed that HCC scored higher than the matched non-neoplastic liver tissues.Examination of clinicopathological features revealed a strong correlation of over-expression of FGFR3 with poor tumor differentiation and high nuclear grade.CONCLUSION: Over-expression of FGFR3 may play an important role in liver carcinogenesis. FGFR3 may be an ideal candidate as a molecular marker in the diagnosis of HCC and a potential therapeutic target.展开更多
AIM: To study the protective effect of non-mitogenic human acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on cardiac oxidative injury in vivo.METHODS: Ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated from 1- to 3-d-old neonatal SD mic...AIM: To study the protective effect of non-mitogenic human acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on cardiac oxidative injury in vivo.METHODS: Ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated from 1- to 3-d-old neonatal SD mice and cultured in Dulbecco's minimum essential medium supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum under an atmosphere of 50 mL/L CO2-95% air at 37 ℃, as well as assessed by immunocytochemical assay. We constructed the cardiomyocyte injury model by exposure to a certain concentration of H2O2.Cellular viability, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity,leakage of maleic dialdehyde and anti-apoptosis effect were included to evaluate the cardiac protective effect of non-mitogenic human acidic FGF.RESULTS: Over 50% of the cardiomyocytes beat spontaneously on the 2nd d of culture and synchronously beat after being cultured for 3 d. Forty-eight hours after plating was completed, the purity of such cultures was 95% myocytes, assessed b,y an immunocytochemical assay. Cellular viability dramatically decreased with the increasing of the concentration of H2O2. Non-mitogenic human acidic FGF showed significant resistance to the toxic effect of H2O2, significantly increased the cellular viability as well as the activity of SOD, and dramatically decreased the leakage of maleic dialdehyde as well as the cellular apoptosis rate.CONCLUSION: Hydrogen peroxide shows strong cytotoxicity to the cultured cardiac myocytes, and non-mitogenic human acidic FGF shows strong cardio-protective effect when exposed to a certain concentration of H2O2.展开更多
Magnetic resonance image (MRI) systems with a much higher magnetic flux densitywere developed and applied for potential use in medical diagnostic. Recently, much attention hasbeen paid to the biological effects of sta...Magnetic resonance image (MRI) systems with a much higher magnetic flux densitywere developed and applied for potential use in medical diagnostic. Recently, much attention hasbeen paid to the biological effects of static, strong magnetic fields (SMF). With the 13 T SMFfacility in the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the present study focusedon the cellular effects of the SMF with 13 T on the cell viability and the cell cycle distributionin immortalized hamster cells, such as human-hamster hybrid (A_L) cells, Chinese hamster ovary(CHO) cells, DNA double-strand break repair deficient mutant (XRS-5) cells, and human primaryskin fibroblasts (AG1522) cells. It was found that the exposure of 13 T SMF had less effect onthe colony formation in either nonsynchronized or synchronized A_L cells. Moreover, as comparedto non-exposed groups, there were slight differences in the cell cycle distribution no matter ineither synchronized or nonsynchronized immortalized hamster cells after exposure to 13 T SMF.However, it should be noted that the percentage of exposed AG1522 cells at G0/G1 phase wasdecreased by 10% as compared to the controls. Our data indicated that although 13 T SMF hadminimal effects in immortalized hamster cells, the cell cycle distribution was slightly modified bySMF in human primary fibroblasts.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the infection of human embryo fibroblast cell line HF cells by CMV as well as the effects of CMV on β-actin mRNA and microfilaments. Methods: HF cells shape was observed after the infection ...Objective: To investigate the infection of human embryo fibroblast cell line HF cells by CMV as well as the effects of CMV on β-actin mRNA and microfilaments. Methods: HF cells shape was observed after the infection of CMV.RT-PCR assay was used to detect the mRNA expression of CMV immediate early (IE) gene, β-actin and GAPDH genes of HF cells infected by CMV. CMV particles and cell microfilaments were detected with electron microscope. Results: Shape of HF cell changed after the infection by CMV. HF cells infected by CMV could express IE mRNA and the expression of β-actin mRNA decreased in a time-and titer-dependent manner compared with the uninfected HF cells whose expression of GAPDH mRNA did not change much. CMV particles were found with electron microscope in the cells. Microfilaments were ruptured and shortened after the infection of CMV. Conclusion: CMV can not only infect human embryo fibroblast cells line HF cells and replicate in the cells, but can also affect the expression of β-actin mRNA and the microfilaments.展开更多
The effect of collagen-chitosan membrane with different proportionate collagen and bFGF were investigated for culture human fibroblast. The optimum weight ratio of collagen/chitoson and bFGF were selected. Using cultu...The effect of collagen-chitosan membrane with different proportionate collagen and bFGF were investigated for culture human fibroblast. The optimum weight ratio of collagen/chitoson and bFGF were selected. Using culture human fibroblast technologies and cytotoxicity evaluated in vitro, Cell morphology was observed. Experimental results show that collagen-chitosan with bFGF promoted human fibroblast adhesion and supported cell proliferation for a long time. Furthermore collagen-chitosan membrane obviously degrade after 18d when human fibroblast was exhibited fusion spreading, compacting and stabilize. Cytotoxic to human fibroblast was revealed very low . Collagen- chitosan with bFGF should be useful as a tissue engineering biomaterial scaffold for cell culture.展开更多
Purpose:To investigate the effect of apigenin on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) and its underlying mechanism. Methods:After a 48 h treatment of cultur...Purpose:To investigate the effect of apigenin on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) and its underlying mechanism. Methods:After a 48 h treatment of cultured HTFs with apigenin.(80 μmol/L),the GJIC was detected by a scrape-loading/dye transfer technique with Lucifer yellow dye and rhodamine (Rh) dextran. The coupling index represents a quantification of GJIC where a high coupling index is associated with a greater number of cells demonstrating cell-cell communication through gap junction channels.The changes in connexin 43 (Cx43) distribution and the expression of Cx43 at the protein and mRNA levels were statistically compared between the two groups by means of immunocytochemistry, western blotting,and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results:The functioning of GJIC in the HTFs was significantly enhanced after 48 hours by apigenin treatment when compared with the control cells. In the apigenin group, the intercellular dye transfer grade was above 9, while this value was only grade 3-4 in the control group. The coupling index was significantly increased up to 9.205±0.3621 in the apigenin group,compared with 5.1775 ±0.3177 in the control group (F=279.581, P=0.000). The expression of Cx43 at the protein and mRNA levels was significantly up-regulated in the apigenin group compared with the control group. Conclusion:Apigenin can significantly enhance the function of GJIC in HTFs by up-regulating the expression of Cx43 at both the protein and mRNA levels,suggesting that the enhancement of GJIC in HTFs by apigenin probably acts as an important mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of apigenin on HTF proliferation.展开更多
Differentiation of human fibroblasts into functional neurons depends on the introduction of viral-mediated transcription factors, which present risks of viral gene integration and tumorigenicity. In recent years, alth...Differentiation of human fibroblasts into functional neurons depends on the introduction of viral-mediated transcription factors, which present risks of viral gene integration and tumorigenicity. In recent years, although some studies have been successful in directly inducing neurons through sustained expression of small molecule compounds, they have only been shown to be effective on mouse-derived cells. Thus, herein we delivered vectors containing Epstein-Barr virus-derived oriP/Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 encoding the neuronal transcription factor, Ascl1, the neuron-specific microRNA, miR124, and a small hairpin directed against p53, into human fibroblasts. Cells were incubated in a neuron-inducing culture medium. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect Tuj-1, microtubule-associated protein 2, neuron-specific nucleoprotein NeuN and nerve cell adhesion molecules in the induced cells. The proportion of Tuj1-positive cells was up to 36.7% after induction for 11 days. From day 21, these induced neurons showed neuron-specific expression patterns of microtubule-associated protein 2, NeuN and neural cell adhesion molecule. Our approach is a simple, plasmid-based process that enables direct reprogramming of human fibroblasts into neurons, and provides alternative avenues for disease modeling and neurodegenerative medicine.展开更多
The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of modified nonequilibrium plasma with chlorhexidine digluconate(CHX) on human gingival fibroblasts(HGFs), and to evaluate the biosecurity of modified nonequil...The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of modified nonequilibrium plasma with chlorhexidine digluconate(CHX) on human gingival fibroblasts(HGFs), and to evaluate the biosecurity of modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX as a new method of root canal treatment. Tissue samples taken from human gingiva were primarily cultured and passaged. Cells from passages 3–7 were used. HGFs were treated by modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX for 0 min(control group), 30 s, 1 min, 1.5 min, 3 min, 5 min, and 10 min, respectively, and then they were incubated for 0, 24, and 48 h. After that, cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was applied to analyze the cytotoxicity of modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX on HGFs. There was no significant difference between the 0 h group treated with the modified nonequilibrium plasma for 1 min and the control group(P>0.05). However, there were significant differences between all the other treated groups and the control group(P<0.05). When treated for 1.5 min or shorter, the cell viability was obviously increased; while treated for 3 min or longer, it was obviously reduced. Moreover, when successively cultured for 0, 24, and 48 h, cell viability was decreased at first and then increased in the 3-min-treated and 5-min-treated groups. The modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX was of no influence on cell viability in 1.5 min treatment, and it could be safely used on root canal treatment.展开更多
基金This work was supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30672469)the Beijing Natural Science Foundation(No.7062030)
文摘Background The accumulation of free radicals and advanced glycation end products(AGEs)in cell plays a veryimportant role in replicative senescence.Aminoguanidine(AG)has potential antioxidant effects and decreases AGElevels.This study aimed to investigate its effect on replicative senescence in vitro.Methods The effects of aminoguanidine on morphology,replicative lifespan,cell growth and proliferation,AGEs,DNAdamage,DNA repair ability and telomere length were observed in human fetal lung diploid fibroblasts(2BS).Results Aminoguanidine maintained the non-senescent phenotype of 2BS cells even at late population doubling(PD)and increased cumulative population doublings by at least 17-21 PDs.Aminoguanidine also improved the potentials ofgrowth and proliferation of 2BS cells as detected by the MTT assay.The AGE levels of late PD cells grown from early PDin DMEM containing aminiguanidine decreased significantly compared with those of late PD control cells and were similarto those of young control cells.In addition,the cells pretreated with aminoguanidine had a significant reduction in DNAstrand breaks when they were exposed to 200 μmol/L H_2O_2 for 5 minutes which indicated that the compound had astrong potential to protect genomic DNA against oxidative stress.And most of the cells exposed to 100 μmol/L H_2O_2 hadmuch shorter comet tails and smaller tail areas after incubation with aminoguanidine-supplemented DMEM,whichindicated that the compound strongly improved the DNA repair abilities of 2BS cells.Moreover,PD55 cells grown fromPD28 in 2 mmol/L or 4 mmol/L aminoguanidine retain telomere lengths of 7.94 kb or 8.12 kb,which was 0.83 kb or 1.11kb longer than that of the control cells.Conclusion Aminoguanidine delays replicative senescence of 2BS cells and the senescence-delaying effect ofaminoguanidine appear to be due to its many biological properties including its potential for proliferation improvement,itsinhibitory effect of AGE formation,antioxidant effect,improvement of DNA repair ability and the slowdown of telomereshortening.
基金This work was supported by the National Science Foundation of China(No.G399301070)and the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China(No.G200057001 and G1999053906).
文摘Objective To reveal the role of Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) in regulating human diploid fibroblast (2BS cell) senescence as well as the possible mechanisms involved.Methods Using a PI3Ks specific inhibitor, LY294002, cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation, senescence association β-galactosidase staining as well as senescence association CKIs, p16 INK4 and p21 Cip1 protein expressions were all measured in the low passages of 2BS cells.Results Both 25 μmol/L and 50 μmol/L concentrations of LY294002 could cause a significant decrease in cells entering into S phase, and this cell cycle of G 1 phase arrest was dose-dependent. Meanwhile, LY294002 contributed to apoptosis, caused 2BS cell growth arrest, and activated senescence association β-galactosidase (P<0.05). In addition, LY294002 could induce time-course expressions of p16 INK4 and p21 Cip1 in 2BS cell lines.Conclusions PI3Ks inhibitor LY294002 could induce senescence-like changes in 2BS cell lines. Two enescence associated CKIs,p16 INK4 and p21 Cip1, might be involved in this senescence phenotype proceeding in 2BS cell lines.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82360802):the Natural Science Foundation of Ningxia Province,China(2022AAC 03152).
文摘[Objectives]To study the effect and mechanism of baicalin on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in human fibroblast like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis(HFLS-RA).[Methods]To confirm that baicalin alleviated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA,the expression of NLRP3 before and after baicalin treatment was observed by immunofluorescence.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1 after baicalin treatment for 48 h,and the contents of IL-1 and IL-18 in the supernatents were detected by ELISA.In order to explore the mechanism of baicalin alleviating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,the corresponding relationship between let-7i-3p and PIK3CA was verified by double luciferin and Westen blot analysis.The expression of let-7i-3p and PI3K before and after baicalin intervention was detected by RT-qPCR.let-7i-3p interference was used to verify whether baicalin mitigated the activation of enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome.[Results]Baicalin(50 and 100 mg/L)significantly reduced the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,inhibited the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1,and the secretion of IL-1 and IL-18.let-7i-3p and PIK3CA had a targeted correspondence,and baicalin up-regulated the expression of let-7i-3p and down-regulated the expression of PIK3CA.Baicalin attenuated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome enhanced by let-7i-3p interference.[Conclusions]Baicalin can up-regulate let-7i-3p expression,inhibit PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal transduction,and thus reduce the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81070753)Fundamental Research Funds of State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology,China(No.2010C02)
文摘AIM: To investigate the distribution of bone morphogenetic protein receptors (BMPRs) in human scleral fibroblsasts (HSFs) and in human sclera. METHODS: Primary HSFs were cultured in vitro . The mRNA levels of BMP-2 and BMPRs in HSFs were assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein distributions of BMP-2 and BMPRs in HSFs were further detected by immunocytofluorescence and western blot. Their protein expression was also detected in frozen human posterior scleral sections by immunohistofluorescence. RESULTS: BMP-2 and BMPRs were expressed in both HSFs and human sclera not only at mRNA level but also at protein level. The expressions of BMPRIA and BMPRII were higher than that of BMPRIB in the cytoplasm and cell membrane of HSFs in vitro. Western blot further verified the results of immunocytofluorescence. In human sclera, BMP2, BMPR IB and BMPR II were found to be expressed in the cytomatrix of HSF, and weak signal was detected about BMPRIA. CONCLUSION: BMP-2 and all three subtypes of BMPRs were found in HSFs and may play a role in scleral remodeling.
文摘In order to investigate the effect of curcumin on proliferation and apoptosis of human pterygium fibroblasts (HPF) in culture and search for a new method to prevent the recurrence after pterygium surgery, HPF was incubated with 0-160 μmol/L curcumin for 24-96 h. The MTT method was used to assay the biologic activities of curcumin at different time points and different doses. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry. The cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). Admini- stration of 20-80 μmol/L curcumin for 24-72 h could significantly inhibit HPF proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P<0.05). After treatment with curcumin at different concentrations of 20, 40, 80 and 160 μmol/L for 24 h, FCM revealed there was a significant sub-G1 peak at each concentration. The number of HPF in G0/G1 phase was increased, while in S phase, it was decreased (P<0.05). At the concentration of 20-80 μmol/L, curcumin, in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), could inhibit the expression of PCNA in HPF. It was suggesterd that curcumin could significantly in- hibit the proliferation of HPF, make HPF arrest in G0/G1 phase and induce the apoptosis of HPF in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
基金Suppoted by statutory funds of Medical Wroelaw University andresearch Tellowship within"Development Program of Wroclaw Medical University"funded from European Social Fund.Human CapitalNational Cohesion Strategy(Contract No.UDA-POKL.04.01.01-00-010/08-00)
文摘Objective:To estimate electroporation(EP) influence on malignant and normal cells.Methods: Two cell lines including human malignant melanoma(Me-43) and normal human gingival fibroblast(HCFs) were used.EP parameters were the following:230,1000,1 730,2 300 V/cm;30 μ s by 3 impulses for every case.The viability of cells after EP was estimated by MTT assay. The ullrastructural analysis was observed by transmission electron microscope(Zeiss EM 900). Results:In the current study we observed the intracellular effect following EP on Me-43 and HGF cells.At the conditions applied,we did not observe any significant damage of mitochondrial activity in both cell lines treated by EP.Conversely,we showed that EP in some conditions can stimulate cells to proliferation.Some changes induced by EP were only visible in electron microscopy.In fibroblast cells we observed significant changes in lower parameters of EP(230 and 1 000 V/cm).After applying higher electric field intensities(2 300 V/cm) we detected many vacuoles,myelin-like bodies and swallowed endoplasmic reticulum.In melanoma cells such strong pathological modifications after EP were not observed,in comparison with control cells. The ultrastructure of both treated cell lines was changed according to the applied parameters of EP.Conclusions:We can claim that EP conditions are cell line dependent.In terms of the intracellular morphology,human fibroblasts are more sensitive to electric field as compared with melanoma cells.Optimal conditions should be determined for each cell line.Summarizing our study,we can conclude that EP is not an invasive method for human normal and malignant cells. This technique can be safely applied in chemotherapy for delivering drugs into tumor cells.
基金This study was funded by grants from Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency(ALMA)and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council(NSERC)of Canada to JW.The funders had no role in the study design,data collection and analysis,decision to publish or preparation of this manuscript。
文摘Collagen is a major extracellular matrix protein.Given the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profiles of these bioactive compounds,there has been increasing interest in using collagen derived peptides and peptide-rich collagen hydrolysates for skin health,due to their immunomodulatory,antioxidant and proliferative effects on dermal fibroblasts.However,all hydrolysates are not equally effective in exerting the beneficial effects;hence,further research is needed to determine the factors that improve the therapeutic applicability of such preparations.We used different enzymatic conditions to generate a number of different collagen hydrolysates with distinct peptide profiles.We found that the use of two rather than one enzyme for hydrolysis generates a greater abundance of low molecular weight peptides with consequent improvement in bioactive properties.Testing these hydrolysates on human dermal fibroblasts showed distinct actions on inflammatory changes,oxidative stress,type I collagen synthesis and cellular proliferation.Our findings suggest that different enzymatic conditions affect the peptide profile of hydrolysates and differentially regulate their biological activities and potential protective responses on dermal fibroblasts.
基金This project was supported by Wuhan Medical Science Foundation of China(No.WX17B07,No.WX19A09,and No.WJ2019H324).
文摘Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is one of the most fatal diseases worldwide.Pulmonary fibrosis occurs early in ARDS,and its severity plays a crucial role in ARDS mortality rate.Some studies suggested that fibroproliferation is an essential mechanism in ARDS.Mitofusion2(Mfn2)overexpression plays a role in inhibiting cell proliferation.However,the role and potential mechanism of Mfn2 on the proliferation of fibroblasts is still unknown.In this study,we aimed at exploring the effect of Mfn2 on the human embryonic lung fibroblasts(HELF)and discussed its related mechanism.The HELF were treated with the Mfn2 overexpressing lentivirus(adv-Mfn2).The cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry.MTT,PCR and Western blotting were used to investigate the effect of Mfn2 on the proliferation of the HELF,collagen expression,the RAS-RAF-1-ERK1/2 pathway and the expression of cycle-related proteins(p21,p27,Rb,Raf-1,p-Raf-1,Erk1/2 and p-Erk1/2).The co-immunoprecipitation assay was used to explore the interaction between Mfn2 and Ras.The results showed that the overexpression of Mfn2 inhibited the proliferation of the HELF and induced the cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase.Meanwhile,Mfn2 also inhibited the expression of collagen I,p-Erk and p-Raf-1.In addition,an interaction between Mfn2 and Ras existed in the HELF.This study suggests that the overexpression of Mfn2 can decrease the proliferation of HELF in ARDS,which was associated with the inhibition of the RAS-RAF-1-ERK1/2 pathway.The results may offer a potential therapeutic intervention for patients with ARDS.
基金supported by a grant from the Natural Sciences Foundation of Hubei Province,China(No.2008CDA055)
文摘The effects of DK2,a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist,on cultured human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs) in virto were studied.The HPFs were incubated with 0-200 μmol/L DK2 for 12-72 h.The MTT method was used to assay the bio-activity of DK2 at different doses and time.The cytotoxic effect of DK2 was measured by LDH release assay.The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were flow cytometrically detected.The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in each group was detected by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blotting.The results showed that administration of 1-75 μmol/L DK2 for 12-72 h could significantly inhibit HPF proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner.DK2-treated cells did not release significant amount of LDH as compared with rosiglitazone-treated cells.After treatment with DK2 at concentrations of 15,25 μmol/L for 24 h,the number of HPFs in G 0 /G 1 phase was significantly increased while that in S phase was significantly decreased (P<0.05),leading to arrest at G 0 /G 1 phase.The apoptosis rates of HPF cells in drug-treated groups were significantly higher than the rate of control group (P<0.05).At the dosage range between 15-25 μmol/L,DK2 could inhibit the expression of PCNA mRNA and protein in HPFs in a dose-dependent fashion (P<0.05).It was concluded that PPARγ agonist can significantly inhibit HPF proliferation,resulting in the arrest at G 0 /G 1 phase,induce the apoptosis of HPFs,and suppress the synthesis of PCNA,in dose-and time-dependent manners.
文摘Rationale:Guillain Barre syndrome(GBS)is an acute neurological illness leading to quadriparesis with respiratory involvement.It can be triggered by infections,vaccinations,surgery,trauma,transplantation and drugs.Anti-rabies cell culture vaccines introduced to overcome the high rate of neurological complications associated with tissue based rabies vaccine,can be very rarely associated with GBS.Patient concerns:A 50-year-old female presented with acute severe upper back pain evolving into pure motor quadriparesis following administration of human diploid cell vaccine for rabies.Diagnosis:Acute motor axonal neuropathy variant of GBS following anti-rabies human diploid cell vaccine.Interventions:Intravenous high dose steroids.Outcomes:Patient recovered completely within 1 month.Lessons:Although anti-rabies cell culture vaccines are highly immunogenic and safe,they are rarely associated with GBS.Clinicians should be aware of this link because prompt diagnosis and treatment can result in complete recovery and avoid complications.
基金This work was funded by the innovative development funds of Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine(Y2018CX19).
文摘Periodontitis is a highly prevalent,chronic,non-specific,and immunologically devastating disease of periodontal tissues,caused by microbial infection.This study aims to examine the efficacy and protective mechanism of triclosan(TCS),a bisphenolic,non-cationic component of oral care products,against periodontal inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide purified from Porphyromonas gingivalis(LPS-PG).TCS markedly downregulated interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-8,and IL-15 in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts(HPDLFs)treated with LPS-PG.By using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)approach,318 differentially expressed proteins(161 upregulated and 157 downregulated)were identified in TCS-pretreated HPDLFs.TCS upregulated HSPA5 and HSP90B1 but downregulated HSPA2.Besides,TCS upregulated miR-548i in HPDLFs,which downregulated IL-15.These results indicate that TCS attenuates the activation of HPDLFs and downregulates the inflammatory cytokines through various mechanisms,thus highlighting its protective role in periodontal inflammation.
基金Supported by Ralph M. Parsons Foundation and Shanghai Educational Commission Grant, No. 04BC32, and Sino American Cancer Foundation
文摘AIM: To describe the significant over-expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), which is a signal transduction and cell proliferation related gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).METHODS: Following DNA microarray, Northern blot and quantitative real-time PCR were employed to confirm FGFR3 expression difference in HCC tissues and surrounding non-neoplastic liver tissue. FGFR3 expression levels were further determined by immunohistochemical study in 43 cases of HCC.RESULTS: Northern blot results showed the significant over-expression of FGFR3 in HCC tissues, which was consistent with that from DNA microarray. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated that the mean ratio of FGFR3 mRNA to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GADPH) mRNA in HCC tissue was 0.250, whereas the ratio in non-neoplastic liver tissue was 0.014. Statistical analyses of 43 cases of HCC revealed that HCC scored higher than the matched non-neoplastic liver tissues.Examination of clinicopathological features revealed a strong correlation of over-expression of FGFR3 with poor tumor differentiation and high nuclear grade.CONCLUSION: Over-expression of FGFR3 may play an important role in liver carcinogenesis. FGFR3 may be an ideal candidate as a molecular marker in the diagnosis of HCC and a potential therapeutic target.
基金Supported by the National 863 Project, No. 2001AA215131 and No. 2002AA2Z3318
文摘AIM: To study the protective effect of non-mitogenic human acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on cardiac oxidative injury in vivo.METHODS: Ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated from 1- to 3-d-old neonatal SD mice and cultured in Dulbecco's minimum essential medium supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum under an atmosphere of 50 mL/L CO2-95% air at 37 ℃, as well as assessed by immunocytochemical assay. We constructed the cardiomyocyte injury model by exposure to a certain concentration of H2O2.Cellular viability, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity,leakage of maleic dialdehyde and anti-apoptosis effect were included to evaluate the cardiac protective effect of non-mitogenic human acidic FGF.RESULTS: Over 50% of the cardiomyocytes beat spontaneously on the 2nd d of culture and synchronously beat after being cultured for 3 d. Forty-eight hours after plating was completed, the purity of such cultures was 95% myocytes, assessed b,y an immunocytochemical assay. Cellular viability dramatically decreased with the increasing of the concentration of H2O2. Non-mitogenic human acidic FGF showed significant resistance to the toxic effect of H2O2, significantly increased the cellular viability as well as the activity of SOD, and dramatically decreased the leakage of maleic dialdehyde as well as the cellular apoptosis rate.CONCLUSION: Hydrogen peroxide shows strong cytotoxicity to the cultured cardiac myocytes, and non-mitogenic human acidic FGF shows strong cardio-protective effect when exposed to a certain concentration of H2O2.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 30570442, 10225526)Hundred Talents Program of The Chinese Academy of Sciences and Foundation of President, of The Hefei Institutes of Physical Sciences, CAS
文摘Magnetic resonance image (MRI) systems with a much higher magnetic flux densitywere developed and applied for potential use in medical diagnostic. Recently, much attention hasbeen paid to the biological effects of static, strong magnetic fields (SMF). With the 13 T SMFfacility in the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the present study focusedon the cellular effects of the SMF with 13 T on the cell viability and the cell cycle distributionin immortalized hamster cells, such as human-hamster hybrid (A_L) cells, Chinese hamster ovary(CHO) cells, DNA double-strand break repair deficient mutant (XRS-5) cells, and human primaryskin fibroblasts (AG1522) cells. It was found that the exposure of 13 T SMF had less effect onthe colony formation in either nonsynchronized or synchronized A_L cells. Moreover, as comparedto non-exposed groups, there were slight differences in the cell cycle distribution no matter ineither synchronized or nonsynchronized immortalized hamster cells after exposure to 13 T SMF.However, it should be noted that the percentage of exposed AG1522 cells at G0/G1 phase wasdecreased by 10% as compared to the controls. Our data indicated that although 13 T SMF hadminimal effects in immortalized hamster cells, the cell cycle distribution was slightly modified bySMF in human primary fibroblasts.
文摘Objective: To investigate the infection of human embryo fibroblast cell line HF cells by CMV as well as the effects of CMV on β-actin mRNA and microfilaments. Methods: HF cells shape was observed after the infection of CMV.RT-PCR assay was used to detect the mRNA expression of CMV immediate early (IE) gene, β-actin and GAPDH genes of HF cells infected by CMV. CMV particles and cell microfilaments were detected with electron microscope. Results: Shape of HF cell changed after the infection by CMV. HF cells infected by CMV could express IE mRNA and the expression of β-actin mRNA decreased in a time-and titer-dependent manner compared with the uninfected HF cells whose expression of GAPDH mRNA did not change much. CMV particles were found with electron microscope in the cells. Microfilaments were ruptured and shortened after the infection of CMV. Conclusion: CMV can not only infect human embryo fibroblast cells line HF cells and replicate in the cells, but can also affect the expression of β-actin mRNA and the microfilaments.
文摘The effect of collagen-chitosan membrane with different proportionate collagen and bFGF were investigated for culture human fibroblast. The optimum weight ratio of collagen/chitoson and bFGF were selected. Using culture human fibroblast technologies and cytotoxicity evaluated in vitro, Cell morphology was observed. Experimental results show that collagen-chitosan with bFGF promoted human fibroblast adhesion and supported cell proliferation for a long time. Furthermore collagen-chitosan membrane obviously degrade after 18d when human fibroblast was exhibited fusion spreading, compacting and stabilize. Cytotoxic to human fibroblast was revealed very low . Collagen- chitosan with bFGF should be useful as a tissue engineering biomaterial scaffold for cell culture.
基金supported by Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation Project (No.ZR2010HM015)
文摘Purpose:To investigate the effect of apigenin on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) and its underlying mechanism. Methods:After a 48 h treatment of cultured HTFs with apigenin.(80 μmol/L),the GJIC was detected by a scrape-loading/dye transfer technique with Lucifer yellow dye and rhodamine (Rh) dextran. The coupling index represents a quantification of GJIC where a high coupling index is associated with a greater number of cells demonstrating cell-cell communication through gap junction channels.The changes in connexin 43 (Cx43) distribution and the expression of Cx43 at the protein and mRNA levels were statistically compared between the two groups by means of immunocytochemistry, western blotting,and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results:The functioning of GJIC in the HTFs was significantly enhanced after 48 hours by apigenin treatment when compared with the control cells. In the apigenin group, the intercellular dye transfer grade was above 9, while this value was only grade 3-4 in the control group. The coupling index was significantly increased up to 9.205±0.3621 in the apigenin group,compared with 5.1775 ±0.3177 in the control group (F=279.581, P=0.000). The expression of Cx43 at the protein and mRNA levels was significantly up-regulated in the apigenin group compared with the control group. Conclusion:Apigenin can significantly enhance the function of GJIC in HTFs by up-regulating the expression of Cx43 at both the protein and mRNA levels,suggesting that the enhancement of GJIC in HTFs by apigenin probably acts as an important mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of apigenin on HTF proliferation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81471126(to XZC)and 81771216(to XZC)the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province of China,No.LY17H090005(to JLP)a grant from the Medical Science and Technology Plan Project of Zhejiang Province of China,No.2016KYB119(to JLP)
文摘Differentiation of human fibroblasts into functional neurons depends on the introduction of viral-mediated transcription factors, which present risks of viral gene integration and tumorigenicity. In recent years, although some studies have been successful in directly inducing neurons through sustained expression of small molecule compounds, they have only been shown to be effective on mouse-derived cells. Thus, herein we delivered vectors containing Epstein-Barr virus-derived oriP/Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 encoding the neuronal transcription factor, Ascl1, the neuron-specific microRNA, miR124, and a small hairpin directed against p53, into human fibroblasts. Cells were incubated in a neuron-inducing culture medium. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect Tuj-1, microtubule-associated protein 2, neuron-specific nucleoprotein NeuN and nerve cell adhesion molecules in the induced cells. The proportion of Tuj1-positive cells was up to 36.7% after induction for 11 days. From day 21, these induced neurons showed neuron-specific expression patterns of microtubule-associated protein 2, NeuN and neural cell adhesion molecule. Our approach is a simple, plasmid-based process that enables direct reprogramming of human fibroblasts into neurons, and provides alternative avenues for disease modeling and neurodegenerative medicine.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81271189)the Hubei Provincial Science and Technology Support Program of China(No.2015BCE058)
文摘The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of modified nonequilibrium plasma with chlorhexidine digluconate(CHX) on human gingival fibroblasts(HGFs), and to evaluate the biosecurity of modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX as a new method of root canal treatment. Tissue samples taken from human gingiva were primarily cultured and passaged. Cells from passages 3–7 were used. HGFs were treated by modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX for 0 min(control group), 30 s, 1 min, 1.5 min, 3 min, 5 min, and 10 min, respectively, and then they were incubated for 0, 24, and 48 h. After that, cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was applied to analyze the cytotoxicity of modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX on HGFs. There was no significant difference between the 0 h group treated with the modified nonequilibrium plasma for 1 min and the control group(P>0.05). However, there were significant differences between all the other treated groups and the control group(P<0.05). When treated for 1.5 min or shorter, the cell viability was obviously increased; while treated for 3 min or longer, it was obviously reduced. Moreover, when successively cultured for 0, 24, and 48 h, cell viability was decreased at first and then increased in the 3-min-treated and 5-min-treated groups. The modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX was of no influence on cell viability in 1.5 min treatment, and it could be safely used on root canal treatment.
