ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the effects of apigenin on apoptosis and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in renal cancer A498 cells.Methods:Human renal cell carcinoma A498 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into different concentrations of apigenin (10, 20, 40 μmol/L) groups, apigenin (40 μmol/L)+ HIF-1α agonist dimethylenediaminoacetic acid (DMOG) group, HIF-1α inhibitor rifiximab (YC-1) group, and control group. Cell proliferation was detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and plate clone formation assay, apoptosis was detected using Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry, and expression of apoptotic proteins and HIF-1/NF-B pathway proteins was detected using Western blot assay.Results:Celery extract significantly inhibited the proliferation of A498 cells, and the inhibitory effect was concentration dependent ( P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the apoptosis rates of A498 cells in the 10, 20, and 40 μmol/L apigenin groups and YC-1 groups were significantly increased [(4.35±1.04)% vs (10.06±1.13)%, (18.52±2.58)%, (32.17±2.63)%, (26.94±2.41)%], as well as the expression levels of B lymphocyte tumor 2 related protein (Bax) and Cleaved Caspase-3 protein, while the expression levels of B lymphocyte tumor 2 (Bcl-2) were significantly reduced (all P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the HIF-1α protein expression levels (0.85±0.08 vs 0.63±0.06, 0.31±0.03, 0.16±0.02) and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 ratio (0.82±0.08 vs 0.51±0.05, 0.30±0.03, 0.13±0.01) of A498 cells in the 10, 20, and 40 μmol/L apigenin groups were significantly reduced (all P<0.001). Compared with the apigenin group, the apoptosis rate of A498 cells in the apigenin+ DMOG group was significantly reduced [(32.17±2.63)% vs (14.85±1.62)%], and the expression levels of Bax and Cleared Caspase-3 proteins were significantly reduced, while the expression levels of Bcl-2 proteins were significantly increased (all P<0.001). Conclusions:Apigenin may promote apoptosis in renal cancer A498 cells by inhibiting the activation of the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway.
ABSTRACT
Dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) are pluripotent stem cells with high differentiation potential isolated from dental pulp. Using DPSC for vascular regeneration may be a good option. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is an upstream gene of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the small ubiquitin like protease 1 (SENP1) can reverse the small ubiquitin like (SUMO) modification of HIF-1α. Through the regulation of SENP1/HIF-1α, good vascular regeneration characteristics have been demonstrated in many in vitro and in vivo experiments. The SENP1/HIF-1α signaling axis has varying degrees of promoting and inhibiting effects on many solid tumors. Although there is relatively little literature on the role of the SENP1/HIF-1α signaling axis in dental pulp stem cells, it can be determined that SENP1/HIF-1α plays an important role in the angiogenesis of dental pulp stem cells. This article will elucidate the SENP1/HIF-1α signaling pathway and its mechanism of promoting vascular differentiation of DPSC.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the regulatory effects and possible mechanisms of recombinant adenovirus-mediated hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha(HIF-1α)transfection on HIF-1α in post-hypoxic rat cortical neurons.Methods:(1)Preparation of rats' cerebral cortical neurons in primary culture and hypoxia model.Recombinant adenovirus-mediated HIF-1α(AdHIF-1α)transfection and recombinant Ad transduction in normal and hypoxic cells.Then they will be divided into normal control group, hypoxia group, the recombinant adenovirus hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(AdHIF-1α)gene transfection group and recombinant adenovirus empty vector(Ad)transfection group.(2)To observe the transfection of AdHIF-1α/ Ad under fluorescence microscopy.The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha(HIF-1α)were observed by Western blot analysis in each group of neurons at 12 h、24 h、48 h and 72 h.Results:Hypoxic neurons transfected with Ad/AdHIF-lα showed the obvious expression 48 h under fluorescence microscopy.At each time of the AdHIF-1α gene transfection group, the expression of HIF-1α is significantly increased, the positive expression emerges at 12 h, the expression increased at 24 h, and it reaches the peak at 48 h, until 72 h declines, and it has statistical significance compared with the hypoxia group( P<0.01, P<0.05), but the Ad group has no statistically significant differences compared with the hypoxia group. Conclusions:The transfection of recombinant adenovirus-mediated HIF-1α gene can significantly increase the expression levels of HIF-1α in hypoxic neurons, and it may play a protective role in the neurons after hypoxia.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore intrinsic mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on neovascularization in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma from the perspective of ubiquitin/ubiquitin-like protein modification balance.Methods:The human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cell line A431 was used as the research object. Cultured A431 cells at exponential growth phase were divided into 3 groups (control group, 50 μmol/L resveratrol group, and 100 μmol/L resveratrol group) to be cultured with mediums containing 0, 50, and 100 μmol/L resveratrol, respectively. Cell proliferation activity was assessed by the 3- (4,5) -dimethylthiazol (-z-y1) -2,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay after 48-hour culture; the vasculogenic mimicry formation assay was performed to evaluate the vasculogenic mimicry formation ability of A431 cells after 12-hour treatment with resveratrol; Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the relative protein expression levels of ubiquitin, small ubiquitin-related modifier-1 (SUMO1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) in different groups after 48-hour treatment with resveratrol. Then, 24 8-week-old BALB/c male thymectomized mice were randomly and equally divided into 3 groups to be subcutaneously inoculated with A431 cells in the inguinal region, followed by intraperitoneal injections of 1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg resveratrol (1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg resveratrol group), or the same volume of physiological sodium chloride solutions (control group) ; the intraperitoneal injections were done once every 3 days in all groups; all the above mice were sacrificed on the 21st day, and the tumors were resected and weighed. Immunohistochemistry assay was performed to determine the CD31 expression in tumor tissues. One-way analysis of variance was used for comparisons among multiple groups, and least significant difference (LSD) - t test was used for multiple comparisons. Results:The proliferation rate of A431 cells significantly differed among the control group, 50 μmol/L resveratrol group, and 100 μmol/L resveratrol group ( F = 17.75, P = 0.017), and was significantly lower in the 50 μmol/L resveratrol group (66.53% ± 5.09%) and the 100 μmol/L resveratrol group (35.88% ± 4.28%) than in the control group (100%, LSD- t = 21.17, 29.04, P = 0.011, 0.004, respectively) ; the total length of vessel wall-like structures formed by A431 cells significantly differed among the 3 groups ( F = 21.37, P = 0.004), and was significantly lower in the 50 μmol/L resveratrol group (102.73 ± 11.36 μm) and the 100 μmol/L resveratrol group (37.83 ± 4.19 μm) than in the control group (185.26 ± 8.02 μm, both P < 0.05) ; the relative protein expression levels of ubiquitin, SUMO1, HIF-1α, and VEGFR also significantly differed among the 3 groups, the ubiquitin protein expression was significantly higher in the 50 μmol/L resveratrol group (2.09 ± 0.13) and the 100 μmol/L resveratrol group (3.53 ± 0.16) than in the control group (0.68 ± 0.11, both P < 0.05), while the protein expression of SUMO1, HIF-1α, and VEGFR was significantly lower in the 50 μmol/L resveratrol group (1.87 ± 0.13, 0.81 ± 0.06, 0.73 ± 0.09, respectively) and the 100 μmol/L resveratrol group (1.02 ± 0.11, 0.45 ± 0.06, 0.39 ± 0.05, respectively) than in the control group (3.10 ± 0.11, 0.97 ± 0.08, 0.98 ± 0.07, respectively, all P < 0.05). In the mice experiment, the weight of subcutaneous tumors and the proportion of CD31-positive cells in tumor tissues significantly differed among the control group, 1 mg/kg resveratrol group, and 2 mg/kg resveratrol group (weight: 3.29 ± 0.57 g, 2.91 ± 0.49 g, 2.55 ± 0.52 g; proportion: 76.24% ± 5.51%, 39.45% ± 5.48%, 12.07% ± 3.54%; F = 14.33, 15.34, P = 0.019, 0.021, respectively), and were significantly lower in the 1 mg/kg resveratrol group and 2 mg/kg resveratrol group than in the control group (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:Resveratrol could inhibit tumor growth and neovascularization in tumor tissues, which were possibly associated with the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on neovascularization in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by suppressing the SUMOylation of HIF-1α protein via ubiquitin/ubiquitin-like protein modification pathways.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the expression of angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) signaling pathway in adenine-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) rat model, and to explore the role of this pathway in renal fibrosis.Methods:Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group (saline, intragastric administration, n=15) and CKD group (250 mg·kg -1·d -1 2.5% adenine, intragastric administration, n=21). At the end of the 1st, 2nd and 4th week, 5 rats were randomly selected from each group. Renal function and 24-hour urinary protein quantity were measured. HE and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of kidneys. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were used to detect renal protein and mRNA expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), ANGPTL4, bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7), Smad1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type Ⅰ collagen (Col-Ⅰ). Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the different indicators. Results:(1) Compared with the control group, the expression levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in CKD group were higher at each time point, and the expression levels of 24-hour urinary protein quantity were higher at the end of the 2nd and 4th week (all P < 0.05). (2) HE and Masson staining showed that there were obvious renal structural disorders and collagen fiber deposition at each time point in CKD group compared with the control group, which got worse with time. (3) The results of immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR showed that compared with the control group, the protein and mRNA expression levels of ANGPTL4, α-SMA and Col-Ⅰ were higher, while the protein and mRNA expression levels of BMP7 and Smad1 were lower at the end of the 1st, 2nd and 4th week, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α were higher at the end of 2nd and 4th week in CKD group (all P < 0.05). (4) Correlation analysis results showed that HIF-1α and ANGPTL4 mRNA expression were positively correlated with α-SMA mRNA ( r=0.919, P < 0.001; r=0.757, P < 0.001), and also positively correlated with Col-Ⅰ mRNA ( r=0.925, P < 0.001; r=0.777, P < 0.001). HIF-1α mRNA expression was positively correlated with ANGPTL4 mRNA ( r=0.766, P < 0.001). There were significant negative correlations between HIF-1α, ANGPTL4 mRNA and BMP7 mRNA ( r=-0.652, P < 0.001; r=-0.741, P < 0.001). Conclusions:ANGPTL4 signaling pathway may be activated in adenine-induced CKD rat model, and involved in the renal fibrosis process of CKD.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the effect of miRNA-296-5p (miR-296-5p) on the migration and invasion of hypoxia-induced pancreatic cancer cells and its related mechanisms.Methods:Human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 was selected. Pancreatic cancer tissues from 55 pancreatic cancer patients who underwent the resection and adjacent carcinoma normal pancreatic tissues from 10 patients at Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital and Bengbu Medical College First Affiliated Hospital between January 2010 and December 2014 were collected. The expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and miR-296-5p in tissue microarray of pancreatic cancer and adjacent carcinoma normal pancreatic tissues were detected by using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The relationship between miR-296-5p and HIF-1α as well as their correlation with clinicopathological characteristics of patients were analyzed. PANC-1 cells were divided into hypoxic group and normoxic group. Transwell assay was used to detect the cell migration and invasion ability of both groups. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expressions of HIF-1α and miR-296-5p under hypoxic environment of both groups. The expression of HIF-1α was interfered by transfecting small interfering RNA (siRNA). PANC-1 cells were divided into PANC-1 group (the empty control), PANC-1-NC group (the negative control) and PANC-1-siRNA group. The expression of miR-296-5p was measured. After co-transfecting miR-296-5p agonist and miR-296-5p inhibitor, the cells were divided into Agomir-miR-296-5p group (agonist group), Agomir-miR-296-5p-NC group (agonist negative control group), Antagomir-miR-296-5p group (inhibitor group) and Antagomir-miR-296-5p-NC group (inhibitor negative control group). Transwell assay was used to detect the cell migration and invasion ability of all groups. Luciferase reporter gene system was used to verify whether miR-296-5p promoter region had binding site of HIF-1α.Results:The high expression rate of HIF-1α in pancreatic cancer tissues was higher than that of adjacent carcinoma normal pancreatic tissues [81.8% (45/55) vs. 0 (0/10), P<0.01], and the high expression rate of miR-296-5p in pancreatic cancer tissues was lower than that of adjacent carcinoma normal pancreatic tissues [12.7% (7/55) vs. 90.0% (9/10), χ2 = 27.23, P<0.01]. The expression of HIF-1α was negatively correlated with that of miR-296-5p ( r = -0.53, P<0.01). The low expression of miR-296-5p was closely related with the tumor diameter, TNM staging, lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). The number of PANC-1 invasion cell was 15.3±2.1 in normoxic group and 24.7±1.5 in hypoxic group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 0.26, P = 0.003). The number of PANC-1 migration cell was 20.7±3.8 in hypoxic group and 32.7±1.2 in normoxic group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 5.25, P = 0.006). The relative expression level of HIF-1α mRNA in PANC-1 cell of hypoxic group was higher than that of normoxic group [(1.00±0.01) vs. (0.30±0.02)], and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 56.45, P<0.01); the relative expression level of miR-296-5p in PANC-1 cell of hypoxic group was lower than that of normoxic group [(1.14±0.04) vs. (3.05±0.20)], and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 16.05, P<0.01). The number of invasion cells in PANC-1 group, PANC-1-NC group and PANC-1-siRNA group was 24.7±1.5, 25.7±1.5, 12.0±1.7, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( F = 68.13, P<0.01).The cell invasion ability in PANC-1-siRNA group was decreased compared with that in PANC-1 group ( t = 9.50, P = 0.001). The number of cell migration was 32.7±1.2, 37±1.0, 17.3±1.2, respectively in PANC-1 group, PANC-1-NC group and PANC-1-siRNA group, and the difference was statistically significant ( F = 262.09, P<0.01). The cell migration ability in PANC-1-siRNA group was decreased compared with that in PANC-1 group ( t = 16.26, P<0.01). The cell invasion and migration ability in Antagomir-miR-296-5p group was increased compared with that in PANC-1 group (all P<0.05); the cell invasion and migration ability in Agomir-miR-296-5p group was decreased compared with that in PANC-1 group (all P<0.05). The results of luciferase activity detected by luciferase reporter gene system showed that miR-296-5p had the target binding to HIF-1α. Conclusions:HIF-1α plays a key role in the invasion and migration of hypoxia-induced pancreatic cancer cells through negatively reducing miR-296-5p.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the expression levels of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and mutant P53 proteins in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and their clinical significances.Methods:The data of 68 cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma confirmed by pathology in Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital from March 2015 to October 2021 were collected. The expressions of SIRT1, HIF-1α and mutant P53 proteins in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and paracancerous tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry. The correlation among SIRT1, HIF-1α and mutant P53 proteins and their relationship with clinicopathological features of patients were analyzed.Results:Among 68 colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and paracancerous tissues, SIRT1 protein was positive in 38 cases (55.88%) and 11 cases (16.18%) ( χ2 = 23.25, P < 0.001), HIF-1α protein was positive in 47 cases (69.12%) and 5 cases (7.35%) ( χ2 =54.92, P < 0.001), and mutant P53 protein was positive in 41 cases (60.29%) and 0 cases (0) ( P < 0.001). The positive expression rate of SIRT1 protein was high in patients with high clinical stage and lymph node metastasis (both P < 0.05); the positive expression rate of HIF-1α protein was high in patients with poor differentiation ( P < 0.05); the positive expression rate of mutant P53 protein was high in patients with poor differentiation and lymph node metastasis (both P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between expressions of SIRT1 and mutant P53 proteins ( rs = -0.38, P = 0.001); there was a positive correlation between expressions of HIF-1α and mutant P53 proteins ( rs = 0.56, P < 0.001); there was a negative correlation between expressions of SIRT1 and HIF-1α proteins ( rs = -0.40, P = 0.001). Conclusions:SIRT1, HIF-1α and mutant P53 proteins are highly expressed in colorectal adenocarcinoma and are correlated with clinicopathological features suggesting poor prognosis. Combined detection of the three proteins may be used for the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma and serve as a new target for treatment.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/Bcl-2/E1B 19-kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) signaling pathway in dexmedetomidine-induced reduction of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced brain injury in mice.Methods:Sixty clean-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighting 20-30 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S group), myocardial I/R group (IR group), myocardial I/R plus dexmedetomidine group (IRD group), myocardial I/R plus HIF-1α inhibitor 2ME2 group (IR-M group), and myocardial I/R plus dexmedetomidine plus HIF-1α inhibitor 2ME2 group (IRD-M group). The myocardial I/R-induced brain injury was produced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by 2 h of reperfusion in anesthetized mice.Dexmedetomidine 50 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 5 min before ischemia in IRD group and IRD-M group.In IR-M and IRD-M groups, 2ME2 15 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 5 min before ischemia.Blood samples were collected from the thoracic aorta at 2 h of reperfusion to measure the serum S-100β protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) concentrations.The animals were then sacrificed, brains were removed and hippocampi were obtained for determination of the apoptosis index (by TUNEL method) and expression of HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and phosphorylated Tau protein (p-Tau) (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of the pathological changes in hippocampal CA1 region.LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio was calculated. Results:Compared with group S, the concentrations of serum S-100β protein and NSE and apoptosis index of hippocampal neurons were significantly increased, the expression of HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin-1 and p-Tau was up-regulated, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio was increased ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes in hippocampal CA1 region were aggravated in group IR.Compared with group IR, the concentrations of serum S-100β protein and NSE and apoptosis index of hippocampal neurons were significantly decreased, the expression of HIF-1α, BNIP3 and Beclin-1 was up-regulated, the expression of p-Tau was down-regulated, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio was increased ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes in hippocampal CA1 region were significantly attenuated in group IRD.Compared with group IRD, the concentrations of serum S-100β protein and NSE and apoptosis index of hippocampal neurons were significantly increased, the expression of p-Tau was up-regulated, the expression of HIF-1α, BNIP3 and Beclin-1 was down-regulated, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio was decreased ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes in hippocampal CA1 region were aggravated in IR-M and IRD-M groups. Conclusions:HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway is involved in dexmedetomidine-induced reduction of myocardial I/R-induced brain injury in mice.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To determine the expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) , Sirt3 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) tissues and cells, and to explore their role in the occurrence and development of CSCC.Methods:From January 2019 to December 2020, 30 lesional skin tissues were obtained from patients with histopathologically confirmed poorly-, moderately- or well-differentiated CSCC, and 30 normal skin tissues were obtained from patients with non-cancerous diseases in Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University. A CSCC cell line A431 and a human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT were cultured. Immunohistochemical study, Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) were performed to determine the protein and mRNA expression of Sirt1, Sirt3 and HIF-1α in CSCC tissues of different grades of differentiation and normal skin tissues, cytochemical and immunofluorescence staining and RT-PCR were conducted to determine the protein and mRNA expression of Sirt1, Sirt3 and HIF-1α in A431 and HaCaT cells, respectively. Comparisons of measurement data among multiple groups were performed by using one-way analysis of variance, and comparisons between two groups by using t test. Results:Immunohistochemical study showed that the expression level of Sirt3 (expressed as the average optical density) was 100 ± 12.12, 117.72 ± 26.23, 127.32 ± 24.45, 132.71 ± 31.61 in the normal skin tissues and well-, moderately- and poorly-differentiated CSCC tissues respectively, and there was a significant difference among these groups ( F = 20.14, P < 0.001) ; the expression of Sirt1 and HIF-1α increased in turn from the normal skin tissues to the well-, moderately- and poorly-differentiated CSCC tissues, and significantly differred in these groups ( F = 174.50, 225.00, respectively, both P < 0.001) . As Western blot analysis revealed, the expression level of Sirt3 significantly differed among the normal skin tissues, well-, moderately- and poorly-differentiated CSCC tissues (expressed as relative gray value: 1.000 ± 0.132, 1.403 ± 0.411, 1.387 ± 0.393, 1.677 ± 0.683, respectively; F = 34.97, P < 0.001) , and so did the expression levels of Sirt1 and HIF-1α ( F = 69.29, 199.90, respectively, both P < 0.00l) , with a gradually increasing trend in their expression levels from the the normal skin tissues to well-, moderately- and poorly-differentiated CSCC tissues. RT-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of Sirt3, Sirt1 and HIF-1α was sequentially increased from the normal skin tissues to well-, moderately- and poorly-differentiated CSCC tissues, and significant differences were observed among these groups ( F = 113.00, 174.50, 50.33, respectively, all P < 0.001) . The protein expression levels of Sirt3, Sirt1 and HIF-1α were significantly higher in the A431 cells than in the HaCaT cells ( t = 16.75, 18.34, 27.76, respectively, all P < 0.001) , and so were their mRNA expression levels ( t= 14.22, 9.62, 16.86, respectively, all P < 0.001) . Conclusion:Increased expression of Sirt3, Sirt1 and HIF-1α was observed in CSCC tissues and cells, which may promote the occurrence and development of CSCC.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the anti-inflammatory effect of pomegranate peel polyphenols on a rat auriclular model of acne and its mechanism of action.Methods:Totally, 36 specific-pathogen-free SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: blank group, model group, low-, medium- and high-dose pomegranate peel polyphenol groups and positive control group. In all groups except the blank group, 0.5 ml of 100% oleic acid was applied to the openings of bilateral auricular ducts once a day for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by subcutaneous injections of 50 μl of Propionibacterium acnes suspension at the oleic acid-applied sites once a day for 3 consecutive days, so as to establish a rat auriclular model of acne. After the model was confirmed to be successfully established by naked eyes, the low-, medium-, high-dose pomegranate peel polyphenol groups were topically treated with 0.5 mg of 1.4%, 2.8%, 5.6% (mass fraction) pomegranate peel polyphenol ointment respectively, the positive control group was topically treated with 0.5 mg of clindamycin hydrochloride gel, and the blank group and model group were topically treated with the same amount of distilled water. All the topical treatments were performed twice a day for 2 consecutive weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last topical treatment, abdominal aortic blood samples were collected, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to detect the serum level of interleukin 17 (IL-17) in rats; rat auricular tissues were resected, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe histopathological changes of the skin tissues in each group, and immunohistochemical study to determine the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) , hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) , and retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt) in local tissues. Data meeting the assumptions of homogeneity of variances were analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance, and those that did not meet the assumptions of homogeneity of variances were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis H test; multiple comparisons were performed by using least significant difference- t test. Results:Compared with the model group, the pomegranate peel polyphenol groups and positive control group showed marked improvement in cysts, desquamation, crusts and epidermal keratinization, and reduced infiltration with inflammatory factors in the dermis at the modeling site. The serum level of IL-17 was significantly lower in the low-, medium- and high-dose pomegranate peel polyphenol groups (61.03 ± 5.99 ng/L, 55.35 ± 2.24 ng/L, 54.35 ± 4.29 ng/L, respectively) , positive control group (48.11 ± 4.07 ng/L) and blank group (42.10 ± 5.62 ng/L) than in the model group (70.24 ± 3.30 ng/L; t = 3.12, 5.34, 5.70, 8.29, 10.54, respectively, all P<0.05) . Immunohistochemical study revealed that the HIF-1α expression level was significantly lower in the low-, medium- and high-dose pomegranate peel polyphenol groups (0.29 ± 0.05, 0.29 ± 0.03, 0.33 ± 0.02, respectively) and positive control group (0.30 ± 0.01) than in the model group (0.41 ± 0.04; t = 4.89, 5.50, 3.62, 5.21, respectively, all P<0.05) ; the RORγt expression level was significantly lower in the low- and high-dose pomegranate peel polyphenol groups (0.28 ± 0.02, 0.31 ± 0.04, respectively) than in the model group (0.35 ± 0.02, t = 3.68, 2.18, respectively, both P<0.05) ; there was no significant difference in the mTOR expression level among these groups ( P = 0.119) . Conclusion:Pomegranate peel polyphenols could improve inflammatory reactions in the rat auriclular model of acne, which may be related to the down-regulation of HIF-1α/RORγt signaling pathway.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on the stemness and epirubicin sensitivity of hepatoma cells. MethodsHepatoma cells were selected for experiment. HepG2 hepatoma cells transfected with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid were selected as experimental group, and those transfected with pcDNA3.1 empty plasmid were selected as control group; HepG2 cells alone were selected as HepG2 group. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of HIF-1α; Western blot was used to measure the protein expression of HIF-1α; flow cytometry was used to measure the expression of CD133 on the surface of hepatoma cells. The three groups of cells were treated with epirubicin at different concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 μmol/L) for 24 hours; MTT assay was used to measure cell viability, and flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis after treatment with epirubicin (50 μmol/L). A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the HepG2 group and the control group, the experimental group had a significant increase in the mRNA expression of HIF-1α (both P<0.001), and Western blot showed high expression of HIF-1α in the experimental group. The percentage of CD133 cells was 0.040%±0.003% in the HepG2 group, 0.030%±0.010% in the control group, and 20.110%±0.600% in the experimental group, and the experimental group had a significantly higher positive rate of CD133+ than the HepG2 group and the control group (both P<0.001). At an epirubicin concentration of 25 and 50 μmol/L, the HepG2 group and the control group had significantly inhibited cell viability and a significantly lower cell viability than the experimental group (both P<005). After the treatment with 50 μmol/L epirubicin for 48 hours, the experimental group had a significantly lower cell apoptosis rate than the HepG2 group (67.9%±2.5% vs 93.6%±1.5%, P<0.001) and the control group (67.9%±2.5% vs 93.0%±1.2%, P<0001). ConclusionHepG2 cells are successfully transfected with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid, and HIF-1α can increase the percentage of liver cancer stem cells and improve their resistance to epirubicin.
ABSTRACT
Immunotherapy is a new anti-tumor method. The application of immune checkpoint inhibitor greatly improves the survival benefit for patients, but the drug resistance of immunotherapy affects the efficacy. Therefore, it is very important to explore the mechanism of drug resistance and solve the problem of drug resis-tance in tumor immunotherapy. Hypoxia in tumor microenvironment is the key factor of immune drug resistance. Hypoxia can inhibit the immune cells function and lead to immune escape through various mechanisms. It can be the breakthrough for overcoming the immunotherapy drug resistance that blocking pathway of hypoxia to promote immune resistance. By reviewing the mechanism of immunotherapy drug resistance induced by hypoxia, it is helpful to explore the development prospect of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) related targeted drugs in clinical application for immunotherapy.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the renal injury induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in diabetic rats and its relationship with solute carrier family7 member11 (SLC7A11).Methods:SPF-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 4 weeks, weighing 100-130 g, were fed with high-fat and high-sucrose diet freely.The weight of the rats was measured once a week.After the weight of the animals reached 240 g, 1% streptozotocin (STZ)-citrate buffer 35 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus.After injection of STZ, the animals were fed with high-fat and high-sucrose diet continuously.Blood samples were collected from the tail vein for determination of blood glucose concentrations 1 week later.When random blood glucose was ≥16.7 mmol/L for 3 times, the model of type 2 diabetes mellitus was considered to be established successfully.After the model was established successfully, the animals were fed with high-fat and high-sucrose diet continuously for 6 weeks.Eighteen rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected and divided into 3 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: diabetic sham operation group (group DS), diabetic myocardial I/R group (group DIR) and diabetic myocardial I/R+ HIF-1α agonist DMOG group (DIR+ DMOG group). Twelve non-diabetic rats were divided into 2 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: non-diabetic sham operation group (NS group) and non-diabetic myocardial I/R group (NIR group). The rat myocardial I/R injury model was established by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion in anesthetized rats.Blood samples were collected from the right internal carotid artery at 120 min of reperfusion for determination of the serum creatinine (Cr), urea nitrogen (BUN) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentrations (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Renal tissues were obtained for examination of the pathological changes (by HE staining method) and for determination of the expression of HIF-1α and SLC7A11 (by Western blot). The damage to the renal tubules was scored. Results:Compared with group NS, the concentrations of serum Cr, BUN and NGAL and renal tubular damage score were significantly increased in group DS and group NIR, the expression of HIF-1α and SLC7A11 was down-regulated in group DS, and the expression of HIF-1α and SLC7A11 was up-regulated in group NIR ( P<0.05). Compared with group DS, the concentrations of serum Cr, BUN and NGAL and renal tubular damage score were significantly increased, and the expression of HIF-1α and SLC7A11 was up-regulated in group DIR ( P<0.05). Compared with group NIR, the concentrations of serum Cr, BUN and NGAL and renal tubular damage score were significantly increased, and the expression of HIF-1α and SLC7A11 was down-regulated in group DIR ( P<0.05). Compared with group DIR, the concentrations of serum Cr, BUN and NGAL and renal tubular damage score were significantly decreased, and the expression of HIF-1α and SLC7A11 was up-regulated in group DIR+ DMOG ( P<0.05). Conclusion:HIF-1α is involved in the renal injury induced by myocardial I/R, which is related to regulation of the expression of SLC7A11 in rats.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) signaling pathway in the aorta of chronic kidney disease (CKD) rats with vascular calcification and to explore the role of this pathway in aortic calcification of CKD.Methods:Forty 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (CON group, n=15) and CKD with aortic calcification group (CKD+AC group, n=25). The rats were sacrificed at the end of 4 th, 6 th and 8 th week respectively and urine, blood, aorta and kidney samples were collected. The level of serum HIF-1α was tested by ELISA. The pathology changes of kidney were observed by HE staining. The aortic calcification was evaluated by alizarin red staining and calcium content detection. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were applied to detect the protein and mRNA expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and Notch1 in the aorta. Results:Compared with CON group, serum urea, creatinine, cystatin C, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus product and 24-h urine protein were significantly higher in CKD+AC group (all P<0.05). Serum HIF-1α levels were higher at 4 th and 8 th week in CKD+AC group than that in CON group (both P<0.05). There was no significant calcium deposit in the aorta of the CON group at all time points, and calcium deposits were seen in the aorta of the CKD+AC rats at each time point, which gradually increased with time. Compared with CON group, the expressions of aortic α-SMA protein and mRNA were significantly decreased in CKD+AC group at each time point, however the protein and mRNA expressions of Runx2, HIF-1α, VEGFA and Notch1 in the aorta of CKD+AC group rats were markedly increased at each time point (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the aortic calcium content was positively correlated with serum HIF-1α ( r=0.706, P<0.001) and the protein expressions of HIF-1α ( r=0.852, P<0.001), VEGFA ( r=0.747, P<0.001) and Notch1 ( r=0.813, P<0.001) in aorta. Conclusion:The HIF-1α-VEGFA-Notch1 signaling pathway is activated during aortic calcification in CKD rats, suggesting that this signaling pathway might be involved in the vascular calcification in CKD, and serum HIF-1α is expected to be one of serum markers for CKD vascular calcification.
ABSTRACT
The intervention therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has become a specific and effective method for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, some patients did not respond or responded poorly to anti-VEGF therapy, and its effects of eliminating edema and improving vision appear to be unstable in the same patient. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), an important upstream transcriptional regulator of VEGF, is an oxygen concentration-sensitive protein expressed in tissues under hypoxia. It can simultaneously target many downstream target genes except VEGF, such as placental growth factor and angiopoietin-like protein 4, to cause blood-retinal barrier damage and neovascularization, and thus participate in various pathological changes of DR to promote the occurrence and development of DR. Therefore, direct intervention of HIF-1α or targeting one or more downstream target genes regulated by HIF-1α to treat DR may have better efficacy. In the future, the development of effective and safe HIF inhibitors or anti-VEGF with HIF-1α other target gene inhibitors may have broader clinical application prospects.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of local administration of deferoxamine mesylate (DFO) on vascularization and osteogenesis and its ability to maintain the activity of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), by constantly observing early changes of vessel-like structures and bone tissues during bone defects healing.@*METHODS@#Skull critical bone defect models were constructed on a total of thirty male SD rats (6-8 weeks old). The rats were randomly divided into experimental group (DFO group) or control group (normal saline group). 300 μL 200 μmol/L DFO solution or normal saline was locally injected on the 4th day after the defect was made. On the 5th, 7th, 10th, 14th, and 28th days after surgery, three rats in each group were sacrificed respectively. HE staining and Masson staining were performed to observe new bone formation and mineralization. HIF-1α immunohistochemistry staining was performed to examine relative expression of protein. Qualitative analysis and comparation were performed by t-tests on relative expression of HIF-1α, numbers of blood vessels and percentages of mineralization tissues of new bone areas.@*RESULTS@#On the 5th, 7th, 10th, 14th and 28th days after surgery, the average numbers of blood vessels were 30.40±12.15, 62.00±17.87, 73.43±15.63, 40.00±7.84, 48.71±11.64 in the DFO group, and 18.75±6.63, 19.13±2.80, 51.35±16.21, 27.18±7.32, 30.88±13.43 in the control group. The number of blood vessels in the DFO group was significantly higher than that of the control group at each time point (P < 0.05). The mass of new bone in the DFO group was higher than that in the control group on the 14th and 28th days after surgery. The percentage of mineralization tissues of new bone area on the 14th and 28th days after injection were (27.73±5.93)% and (46.53±3.66)% in the DFO group, and (11.99±2.02)% and (31.98±4.22)% in the control group. The percentage of mineralization tissues in the DFO group was significantly higher than that of the control group at each time point (P < 0.001). The relative expression of HIF-1α in the DFO group compared with the control group was 2.86±0.48, 1.32±0.26, 1.32±0.32, 1.28±0.38 and 1.05±0.34 on the 5th, 7th, 10th, 14th and 28th days, with significant expression difference on the 5th day (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Use of DFO in bone defects promotes vascularization and osteogenesis in the defect area, and maintains the protein activity of HIF-1α temporarily.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Bone Regeneration , Deferoxamine/therapeutic use , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , SkullABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the value of combined detection of serum neurogranin (NG) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in patients with severe craniocerebral trauma.Methods:Ninety-seven patients with severe craniocerebral trauma from June 2018 to March 2020 in Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People′s Hospital were selected. According to the Glasgow outcome score (GOS), 97 patients were divided into good prognosis group (GOS>3 scores, 46 cases) and poor prognosis group (GOS ≤ 3 scores, 51 cases). The NG, HIF-1α, Glasgow coma score (GCS), acute physiology and chronic health status score Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) were compared between 2 groups. The independent risk factors of prognosis in patients with severe craniocerebral trauma were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. The diagnostic efficacy of NG and HIF-1α on poor prognosis in patients with severe craniocerebral trauma was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The correlation between serum NG, HIF-1α and APACHE Ⅱ in patients with severe craniocerebral trauma was analyzed by Pearson analysis.Results:The GCS in good prognosis group was significantly higher than that in poor prognosis group: (6.50 ± 1.74) scores vs. (4.76 ± 0.78) scores, the NG, HIF-1α and APACHE Ⅱwere significantly lower than those in poor prognosis group: (696.98 ± 158.96) ng/L vs. (875.92 ± 188.52) ng/L, (34.72 ± 13.98) μg/L vs. (51.29 ± 14.17) μg/L and (15.69 ± 3.45) scores vs. (22.58 ± 6.45) scores, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that the NG, HIF-1α, APACHEⅡ, GCS and type of craniocerebral trauma were independent risk factors on the prognosis in patients with severe craniocerebral trauma ( P<0.05 or<0.01). ROC curve analysis result showed that the AUC of NG and HIF-1αNG and HIF-1α combined detection to assess the poor prognosis in patients with severe craniocerebral trauma was significantly higher than NG and HIF-1α alone detection (0.873 vs. 0.772 and 0.821, Z = 2.276 and 1.949, P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis result showed that APACHE Ⅱ was positive correlation with serum NG and HIF-1α in severe craniocerebral trauma patients with poor or good prognosis ( r = 0.852 and 0.889, P<0.01; r = 0.717 and 0.851, P<0.01). Conclusions:The combined detection of serum NG and HIF-1α can be used as an evaluation index for the prognosis in patients with severe craniocerebral trauma, which helps to determine the severity of craniocerebral trauma and has great value for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the application value of combined detection of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) and thromboxane B 2 (TXB 2) in the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Methods:The clinical data of 136 patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction who received treatment in Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, China between February 2018 and September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were assigned to MACE group ( n = 33) and no MACE group ( n = 103) according to whether MACE occurred. The basic data was compared between the two groups. Serum levels of HIF-1α, NT-proBNP and TXB 2 prior to PCI were analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to investigate the application value of combined detection of serum HIF-1α, NT-proBNP and TXB 2 levels in the prediction of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction after PCI. Results:At 6 months after PCI, MACE occurred in 33 out of 136 patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, with the incidence of 24.26%. There were no significant differences in age, sex and accompanied diseases between MACE and no MACE groups (all P > 0.05). Serum HIF-1α level in the MACE group was significantly lower than that in the no MACE group [(31.54 ± 5.26) ng/L vs. (37.18 ± 6.94) ng/L, t = 4.286, P < 0.05]. Serum levels of NT-proBNP and TXB 2 in the MACE group were (1 246.83 ± 243.71) μg/L and (125.13 ± 20.16) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the no MACE group [(876.92 ± 173.04) μg/L, (95.73 ± 18.24) ng/L, t = 9.617, 7.835, both P < 0.05]. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff values of serum HIF-1α, NT-proBNP and TXB 2 levels in the prediction of MACE occurrence in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction after PCI were 32.67 ng/L, 1 018.27 μg/L and 112.19 ng/L, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of combined detection of serum HIF-1α, NT-proBNP and TXB 2 levels in the prediction of MACE occurrence in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction after PCI were 69.70% (23/33) and 98.06% (101/103), respectively. The specificity of the combined detection of serum HIF-1α, NT-proBNP and TXB 2 levels was higher than that of detection of serum HIF-1α, NT-proBNP or TXB 2 level alone. The area under the curve (AUC) plotted regarding the prediction of MACE occurrence in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction after PCI by combined detection of serum HIF-1α, NT-proBNP and TXB 2 levels was 0.901, which was significantly higher than the AUC obtained for detection of serum HIF-1α, NT-proBNP or TXB2 level alone ( Z = 2.007, 1.991 and 2.217, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Combined detection of serum HIF-1α, NT-proBNP and TXB 2 levels exhibits a higher value in the prediction of MACE occurrence in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction after PCI than detection of serum HIF-1α, NT-proBNP or TXB 2 level alone.
ABSTRACT
SUMMARY AIM To examine the relationship between treatment response and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) levels in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS Eighty patients with NSCLC were included in the study and treated at Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University Medical Faculty. HIF-1 α levels were measured before and after CRT by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS Patients' stages were as follows; stage IIIA (65%) and stage IIIB (35%). Squamous histology was 45%, adenocarcinoma was 44%, and others were 11%. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were given concurrently to 80 patients. Forty-five (56%) patients received cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and 35 (44%) received carboplatin-based chemotherapy. Serum HIF-1α levels (42.90 ± 10.55 pg/mL) after CRT were significantly lower than the pretreatment levels (63.10 ± 10.22 pg/mL, p<0.001) in patients with locally advanced NSCLC. CONCLUSION The results of this study revealed that serum HIF-1α levels decreased after CRT. Decrease of HIF-1α levels after the initiation of CRT may be useful for predicting the efficacy of CRT.
RESUMO OBJETIVO Examinar a relação entre a resposta ao tratamento e os níveis de fator 1 induzida por hipóxia (HIF-1α) em pacientes com câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas localmente avançado (NSCLC) que receberam quimiorradioterapia (CRT). MÉTODO Oitenta pacientes com NSCLC foram incluídos no estudo e foram tratados na Faculdade de Medicina da Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University. O nível de HIF-1α foi medido antes e depois da TRC pelo método de ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). RESULTADOS Os estágios dos pacientes foram os seguintes; estágio IIIA (65%) e estágio IIIB (35%). A histologia escamosa foi de 45%, o adenocarcinoma de 44% e o outro de 11%. Quimioterapia e radioterapia foram dadas simultaneamente a 80 pacientes. Quarenta e cinco (56%) pacientes receberam quimioterapia à base de cisplatina e 35 (44%) receberam quimioterapia à base de carboplatina. Os níveis séricos de HIF-1α (42,90 ± 10,55 pg / mL) após a TRC foram significativamente menores do que os níveis pré-tratamento (63,10 ± 10,22 pg / mL, p <0,001) em pacientes com NSCLC localmente avançado. CONCLUSÃO Os resultados deste estudo revelaram que os níveis séricos de HIF-1α diminuíram após a TRC. A diminuição dos níveis de HIF-1α após o início da TRC pode ser útil para prever a eficácia da TRC.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Adenocarcinoma/blood , Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/blood , Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/blood , Lung Neoplasms/blood , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Adenocarcinoma/therapy , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/therapy , Chemoradiotherapy , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/therapy , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on hypoxia-inducible factor1alpha (HIF-1 α) signaling pathway during hypoxia in mice with lung cancer.Methods Eighteen cleangrade healthy adult male BALB/c nude mice,aged 8 weeks,weighing 20-30 g,were divided into 3 groups (n=6 each).using a random number table method:lung cancer group (group L),hypoxia+lung cancer group (group HL),and hypoxia plus lung cancer plus dexmedetomidine group (group HLD).Human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell suspension 1× 106/150 μl was injected via the tail vein to establish the mouse model of lung cancer.After the model was established successfully,chronic intermittent hypoxia was performed as follows:the mice were placed in air-tight modular incubation chambers,and the atmosphere was controlled by a constant gas flow containing 10% O2 for 3 h once a day for 3 weeks.The mice in group HL were exposed to hypoxia.After the end of hypoxia exposure,the animals in group HLD were intraperitoneally injected with dexmedetomidine 25 μg/kg 3 times a week for 3 weeks in total.The mice in group L were placed in air-tight modular incubation chambers and the atmosphere was controlled by a constant gas flow containing 21% O2 for 3 h once a day for 3 weeks,and the equal volume of normal saline was injected intraperitoneally.The mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation,and the lung tissues were removed for determination of lung cancer nodules count,HIF-1α expression (by immunohistochemistry),expression of HIF-1α,survivin and X chromosome linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) (by Western blot),and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 (by real-time polymerase chain reaction).Results Compared with group L,the number of lung cancer nodules was significantly increased,and the expression of HIF-1α,survivin,XIAP,MMP-2 and MMP-9 was up-regulated in the other two groups (P<0.05).Compared with group HL,the number of lung cancer nodules was significantly increased,and the expression of HIF-1α,survivin,XIAP,MMP-2 and MMP-9 was up-regulated in group HLD (P<0.05).A small number of HIF-1α positive cells were found in group L,a medium number of HIF-1α positive cells in group HL,and a large number of HIF-1α positive cells in group HAD.Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can promote proliferation of tumor cells in mice with lung cancer during hypoxia,and the mechanism is related to activating HIF-1α signaling pathway.