[Knock-down of long intergenic noncoding RNA cyclooxygenase 2 (lincRNA-COX2) inhibits apoptosis and polarization into M1 in Listeria monocytogenes-infected macrophages].

Objective To investigate the effect of long intergenic non-coding RNA COX2 (lincRNA-COX2) on apoptosis and polarization of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)-infected RAW264.7 cells. Methods RAW264.7 cells were cultured and divided into control group (uninfected cells), Lm infection group, negative control of small interfering RNA (si-NC) group, si-NC and Lm infection group, small interfering RNA of lincRNA-COX2 (si-lincRNA-COX2) group, si-lincRNA-COX2 and Lm infection group. RAW264.7 cells were infected with MOI=10 Lm for 6 hours, and then the inhibition efficiency of siRNA transfection was detected by fluorescence microscope and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression levels of cleaved-caspase-3(c-caspase-3), caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2), Bcl2 associated X protein (BAX), arginase 1 (Arg1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were detected by Western blot analysis. Results c-caspase-3/caspase-3, BAX/Bcl2 and iNOS were significantly up-regulated, while the level of Arg1 was down-regulated in Lm-infected RAW264.7 cells compared with control group. LincRNA-COX2 knockdown inhibited the increase of protein levels for BAX/Bcl2, c-caspase-3/caspase-3 and iNOS in Lm-infected RAW264.7 cells, while the level of Arg1 in Lm-infected RAW264.7 cells was up-regulated. Conclusion Knockdown of lincRNA-COX2 can inhibit cell apoptosis and suppress the macrophage polarization into M1 type in Lm-infected RAW264.7 cells.

Influence of Trichomonas vaginalis macrophage migration inhibitory factor on the proliferation activity of prostate epithelial cell line and its preliminary mechanism.

Currently, the pathogenesis of prostate diseases is still under investigation, but it is generally clinically recognized to be related to the imbalance of prostate cell viability. Trichomonas vaginalis macrophage migration inhibitory factor (TvMIF) has been reported to induce the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells, but for normal PECs, the relationship between them has not been reliably confirmed. Therefore, this research aims to determine the influence of macrophage TvMIF on prostate epithelial cells (PECs) and its preliminary mechanism. The activity of RWPE-1 human normal prostate epithelial cells, the inflammatory response state, the expression of miR-451, and the effect of miR-451 on RWPE-1 were detected after TvMIF intervention. We found that TvMIF can enhance RWPE-1 cell proliferation and activate inflammatory factors by suppressing miR-451, thus taking part in the development and proliferation of diseases such as prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis.

Listeria monocytogenes crosses blood brain barrier through Rho GTPases induced migration of macrophages and inflammatory interleukin expression.

Listeria monocytogenes crossing the blood-brain barrier in the form of "Trojan Horse" is of great significance for the establishment of bacterial encephalitis and meningitis. Induction of cell migration and crossing the blood-brain barrier is very important to understand the Listeria pathogenesis. The Rho GTPases family is considered a key factor in regulating cell migration. This study was designed to investigate the expression of Rho GTPases and their effect on the behavior of cell migration and the stimulation of immune factors. Selective Rho GTPases were investigated by real-time PCR and Western blot. Among these, the expression of RhoA was significantly increased following the infection of Listeria monocytogenes in macrophages. Further, we found that RhoA improves the migration of macrophages and expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. The expression of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α possibly facilitates the migration and adhesion of macrophages to cross the blood-brain barrier. This study provides preliminary ground to investigate the detailed mechanism of Listeria monocytogenes crossing the blood-brain barrier.

LincRNA-Cox2 regulates IL6/JAK3/STAT3 and NF-κB P65 pathway activation in Listeria monocytogenes-infected RAW264.7 cells.

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) can lead to high mortality rates relative to other foodborne pathogens. Lm-induced inflammation is partly characterized by macrophage activation. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important roles in various biological processes. However, it is unknown how lncRNAs regulate the host response to Lm infection. To identify the role of lncRNA in Lm infection, we used in vitro and in vivo models. We found that lincRNA-Cox2 was highly expressed in Lm-infected RAW264.7 cells. LincRNA-Cox2 knockdown resulted in reduced proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, migration ability and enhanced phagocytosis of Lm. LincRNA-Cox2 knockdown also reduced the phosphorylation of Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB P65, which are known to be involved in inflammatory responses. Experimentally inhibiting the protein and phosphorylation levels of STAT3 resulted in reduced proinflammatory cytokines and enhanced phagocytosis of Lm by the RAW264.7 cells. Our research suggests that lincRNA-Cox2 plays important roles in inflammation, the phagocytic function and cell migration ability of RAW264.7 cells by activating interleukin (IL)-6/JAK3/STAT3 signaling, and lincRNA-Cox2 also regulates NF-κB P65 nuclear translocation. Our research provides new insights into the regulatory role of lincRNA-Cox2 in Lm infection.

[TNF-α activates RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and increases permeability of endothelial cells infected with Listeria monocytogenes].

Objective To investigate the role of Ras homolog gene (Rho) A/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway in tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) promoting hyper-permeability of vascular endothelial cells infected by Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) . Methods The cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were divided into a control group (uninfected cells), TNF-α treatment group (100 ng/mL TNF-α, for 2 hours), Lm infection group (infected with MOI=10 Lm for 2 hours, then added gentamicin for 0.5 hour), Lm infection and TNF-α treatment group (infected with Lm and then treated with 100 ng/mL TNF-α for 2 hours), and Y-27632 inhibitor group combined with Lm infection and TNF-α treatment (treated with 50 µmol/L ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 for 30 minutes, and then Lm infection and TNF-α treatment as above). The protein levels of RhoA, zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), occludin and ROCK in HUVECs were detected by Western blot analysis; the permeability of HUVECs was analyzed by the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) leakage; and the distribution of F-actin in HUVECs was detected by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled phalloidine staining. Results TNF-α reduced the expression of tight junction protein ZO-1 and occludin in Lm-infected HUVECs, promoted its hyper-permeability and cytoskeletal rearrangement, and up-regulated the expression of RhoA and ROCK. ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 obviously inhibited the cytoskeleton rearrangement and hyper-permeability of HUVECs induced by TNF-α. Conclusion TNF-α can enhance hyper-permeability of HUVECs infected by Lm, which may be regulated by RhoA/Rock signaling pathway.

[Increased apoptosis and down-regulation of RhoA in HepG2 cells infected by Listeria monocytogenes].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the apoptosis of HepG2 cells infected by Listeria monocytogenes EGD strain (Lm-EGD) as well as Rho family small GTPases RhoA expression. METHODS: HepG2 cells were infected with Lm-EGD (MOI=10 and MOI=100) and collected 1 hour and 20 hours after infection. After harvesting, the apoptosis of HepG2 cells was determined by flow cytometry combined with annexin V-FITC/PI assay. RhoA and caspase 3 mRNAs were analyzed by reverse-transcription PCR. The caspase 3 activity was detected by colorimetric assay. And Western blotting was used to detect RhoA expression in HepG2 cells. RESULTS: Lm invasion promoted HepG2 cell apoptosis and down-regulated RhoA mRNA and protein expression. Additionally, caspase 3 expression was up-regulated following Lm infection. CONCLUSION: Lm infection could promote host cell apoptosis and down-regulate RhoA expression.

Toxoplasma gondii ROP18: potential to manipulate host cell mitochondrial apoptosis.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that may manipulate host cell mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. In our experiment, 293T cells were transfected with the p3×FLAG-CMV-Myc-ROP18 vector and expressed the ROP18-Myc fusion protein. Cell apoptosis was induced by 0.5 µg/mL actinomycin D (ActD) and was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. The cell mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by JC-1. Cytochrome c (Cyto-c) from mitochondria and the cytoplasm was measured by Western blot. The Bcl-2 and Bax coding gene expression levels were detected by real-time PCR. We found, in vitro, that T. gondii ROP18 significantly suppressed 293T cell apoptosis induced by ActD and maintained mitochondrial membrane potential and integrity, thereby preventing the release of Cyto-c from mitochondria into the cytoplasm. The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in ROP18-overexpressing cells was significantly higher than that of the negative control. Therefore, we speculate that ROP18 could suppress host cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in vitro.

The Functional Variant in the 3'UTR of IGF1 with the Risk of Gastric Cancer in a Chinese Population.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: IGF-1 can act as an endocrine hormone and its signaling server as essential roles in regulating tumorigenesis. Polymorphisms in IGF-1 have been reported associated bad prognosis of with human cancer, but their association with the risk of human gastric cancer (GC) has not been found so far. In this study rs6218 located in the 3'UTR of IGF-1 was selected to evaluate its relationship with the risk of GC among Chinese population. METHODS: Questionnaire, SNaPshot genotype assay, real time PCR assay, cell transfection and the dual luciferase reporter assay were used in our study. RESULTS: SNP rs6218 in IGF-1 3'-UTR was involved in the occurrence of GC by acting as a tumor promotion factor while rs6128 acting as a risk factor. SNP rs6128 was also could be regulated by miR-603 which caused an up-regulation of IGF-1 in patients with UC and CC genotype. Furthermore, the carriers of UC and CC genotype presented a big tumor size as well as the high probability of metastasis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our findings have shown that the SNP rs6218 in IGF-1 3'-UTR, through disrupting the regulatory role of miR-603 in IGF-1 expression, rs16128 in IGF-1 might act as a promotion factor in the pathogenesis of GC.

Slit2/Robo1 signaling promotes intestinal tumorigenesis through Src-mediated activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

Slit2 is often overexpressed in cancers. Slit2 is a secreted protein that binds to Roundabout (Robo) receptors to regulate cell growth and migration. Here, we employed several complementary mouse models of intestinal cancers, including the Slit2 transgenic mice, the ApcMin/+ spontaneous intestinal adenoma mouse model, and the DMH/DSS-induced colorectal carcinoma model to clarify function of Slit2/Robo1 signaling in intestinal tumorigenesis. We showed that Slit2 and Robo1 are overexpressed in intestinal tumors and may contribute to tumor generation. The Slit2/Robo1 signaling can induce precancerous lesions of the intestine and tumor progression. Ectopic expression of Slit2 activated Slit2/Robo1 signaling and promoted tumorigenesis and tumor growth. This was mediated in part through activation of the Src signaling, which then down-regulated E-cadherin, thereby activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Thus, Slit2/Robo1 signaling is oncogenic in intestinal tumorigenesis.

The genome sequence of a novel simian adenovirus in a chimpanzee reveals a close relationship to human adenoviruses.

Recently, several reports have revealed that some simian adenoviruses (AdVs) strains show a close relationship to human AdVs. In the present study, a simian AdV strain named SAdV-ch1 was detected in chimpanzees in China, and its complete genome was determined. Phylogenetic analysis revealed SAdV-ch1 clustering in a clade that was separate from all of the other simian AdVs but genetically close to a human AdV strain, HAdV-18 (GenBank no. GU191019), sharing 92.5 % sequence identity with it. Recombination analysis provided evidence that a recombination event had occurred between SAdV-ch1 and HAdV-61 (JF964962), where SAdV-ch1 exchanged partial of its hexon gene segment with HAdV-61, leading to the recombinant HAdV-31 (AM749299).

Separation and purification of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites from in vitro and in vivo culture systems.

In this study, we evaluated four methods to separate and purify Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites from in vivo and in vitro culture systems, including trypsin digestion, purification with a 3-µm filter, CF-11 cellulose purification, and Percoll purification. Our results indicate that both purification with a 3-µm filter and CF11 cellulose purification methods remove leukocytes or HeLa cells, and can therefore be used as candidate methods for the purification of in vivo and in vitro culture products. Trypsin digestion had a high tachyzoite recovery rate, but 22.35% of leukocytes and 69.64% of HeLa cells remained in the purified products. Percoll solution [30% (v/v)] also had a high tachyzoite recovery rate, but 3.44% of leukocytes and 61.61% of HeLa cells remained in the purified products. The 40% Percoll solution was also a candidate method for purifying tachyzoites from in vivo culture products, with a 65.45% tachyzoite recovery rate and without leukocytes.

[Preliminary study on the immunological characteristics of permissive and non-permissive hosts infected with Schistosoma japonicum].

OBJECTIVE: To study the difference among immune responses of three kinds of experimental animals with different susceptibility to the infection of Schistosoma japonicum, and preliminarily explore the mechanism of the immune response in permissive and non-permissive hosts. METHODS: Twelve animals of each kind of rodents, C57BL/6 mice, Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and Microtus fortis, were randomly divided into the infected group and uninfected group each with 6 animals. In infected groups of C57BL/6 mice, SD rats, and M. fortis, each animal was infected with 20, 200 and 1000 cercariae of S. japonicum, respectively. 42 d later, all rodents were sacrificed. Adult worms in portal vein and granulomas in liver were observed and the sera were collected. The levels of cytokines IL-10 and IFN-gamma as well as serum IgG, IgG2a, and IgG1 were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: At the 42th day post infection, worms in portal vein and liver granulomas were observed in C57BL/6 mice and SD rats, but not in M. fortis. The level of IL-10 in the sera of SD rats [(2.21 +/- 0.12) pg/ml] was significantly higher than that in the sera of M. fortis [(1.64 +/- 0.39) pg/ml] and C57BL/6 mice [(0.10 +/- 0.04) pg/ml] (P<0.01). IL-10 in the sera of M. fortis was also significantly higher than that in the sera of C57BL/6 mice (P<0.01). IFN-gamma in the sera of SD rats [(0.21 +/- 0.11) pg/ml] was significantly higher than that in the sera of M. fortis [(0.11 +/- 0.03) pg/ml] and C57BL/6 mice [(0.09 +/- 0.02) pg/ml] (P<0.05), but no difference between M. fortis and C57BL/6 mice (P>0.05). The levels of IgG (1.53 +/- 0.31), IgG1 (1.48 +/- 0.44) and IgG2a (0.41 +/- 0.11) in SD rats were significantly higher than that in the sera of M. fortis (0.48 +/- 0.14, 0.15 +/- 0.03 and 0.12 +/- 0.061) (P<0.01). The levels of IgG (1.21 +/- 0.16), IgG1 (0.88 +/- 0.31) in C57BL/6 mice were significantly higher than that in the sera of M. fortis (P<0.01). IgG1 antibody is the predominant subclass in the three kinds of rodents. The levels of IL-10, IFN-gamma and antibody subclass IgG, IgG1, IgG2a in all non-infected rodents were not detected. CONCLUSION: IL-10 in non-permissive hosts, which is an essential agent in the regulation of Th2 immune response, is higher than that in permissive host It may play an important role in the resistance to schistosome in the non-permissive hosts.

[Effects of oral type II collagen on serum antibody and the cytokine cxpression in Peyer's patches].

AIM: To explore the effects of oral type II collagen (CII) on the morphology, cytokine expressions of Peyer's patches(PP)and the levels of serum specific IgG, IgA, IgM. METHODS: CII was orally administrated to Kunming mice in continuous 10 days at different dosage. The CII or adjuvant immunization was given at 11 d and 21 d. The blood and Peyer's patches were collected at 11 d, 21 d and 31 d. The PP hyperplasy was observed by light microscope after HE staining. The fluorescent real time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ and TGF-ß1 in PP lymph node. The serum specific IgG, IgA, IgM contents were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: After oral administration of CII for 10 d, the PP lymph node hyperplasia was active and the cap-shape structure could be seen clearly in high dose group, the serum IgA could be detected, the gene expressions of IL-17, TNF-α and IFN-γ were inhibited. After the CII initial immunity, the IgA, IgM, IL-17 levels were descended and TGF-ß1 level was increased in the experiment groups as compared with control group(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). After the CII booster, IgA was notably increased in high dose group(P < 0.05), in experiment groups IgM was still suppressed (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and TGF-ß1 levels were higher than control group(P < 0.05). In adjuvant immunization groups the cytokine expressions were similar to CII immunization groups, the differences of serum specific IgG, IgA, IgM could not be observed as compared with control group. CONCLUSION: The oral administration of CII can increase the serum specific IgA and suppress the gene expressions of IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ in the Peyer's patches. It can still have inhibitory action on the serum specific IgA, IgM and IL-17 gene expressions after CII immunization. The results indicate that the changes of the serum specific antibodies and cytokine gene expressions play an important role on treating rheumatoid arthritis by oral CII to induce immune tolerance.

Effect of select medium supplements on in vitro development of Cryptosporidium andersoni in HCT-8 cells.

We evaluated the effect of fetal calf serum (FCS), glucose, ascorbic acid, calcium pantothenate, folic acid, and insulin on the growth of Cryptosporidium andersoni in human colon tumor (HCT-8) cells. After being incubated for 48 h, the proliferation of parasites was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and the development of C. andersoni was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Ten percent FCS was the best concentration for C. andersoni culture. Glucose, ascorbic acid, and insulin had a significant effect on the growth of C. andersoni when added into 10% FCS RPMI 1640. Calcium pantothenate had no significant effect and folic acid had the inhibited effect. We also observed the stages of trophozoite, macrogamont, microgamont, type I meront, type II meront, and sporozoite of C. andersoni in HCT-8 cells by TEM. Our results indicated that the best medium for C. andersoni was 10% FCS RPMI 1640 medium containing 50 mM glucose, 50 microg/ml ascorbic acid, and 0.3 U/ml insulin. Real-time PCR could provide a quick and precise technique to determine the proliferation of parasites. Cultivation of C. andersoni in HCT-8 cells will facilitate the study of interactions between parasites and host cells as well as provide a reliable system for evaluating anticryptosporidial compound efficacy.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity of GAS in vitro.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The sarcotesta of Ginkgo biloba is a Chinese herbal medicine used for treating toxoplasmosis, a serious disease requiring treatment with antibiotics that can have serious side effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the anti-Toxoplasmagondii activity of ginkgolic acids (GAs) isolated from the Ginkgo biloba sarcotesta in Toxoplasmagondii-infected human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The safe concentration of GAs for HFF cells was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) cell proliferation assay. The presence of Toxoplasmagondii was measured by [3H]-thymine deoxyriboside ([3H]-TdR) and [3H]-leucine ([3H]-Leu) incorporation, as well as Giemsa staining. The positive control was the commonly used and highly effective antibiotic azithromycin. RESULTS: Light microscopy revealed that most HFF cells were infected after 4h of exposure to Toxoplasmagondii. After 48 h of exposure to either GAs or azithromycin, Toxoplasmagondii DNA and protein synthesis were minimal, there were no visible parasites in HFF cells, and the HFF cells had no significant morphological changes. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that GAs have significant anti-Toxoplasma activity with low toxicity to HFF cells, suggesting that GAs could be an alternative treatment for toxoplasmosis.