Hyaluronic acid-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cells via CD44 and TGF-β2

ABSTRACT Purpose: The epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cells plays a role in posterior capsule opacification, a fibrotic process that leads to a common type of cataract. Hyaluronic acid has been implicated in this fibrosis. Studies have investigated the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. However, the role of TGF-β2 in hyaluronic acid-mediated fibrosis of lens epithelial cell remains unknown. We here examined the role of TGF-β2 in the hyaluronic acid-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells. Methods: Cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLEB3) were infected with CD44-siRNA by using the Lipofectamine 3000 transfection reagent. The CCK-8 kit was used to measure cell viability, and the scratch assay was used to determine cell migration. Cell oxidative stress was analyzed in a dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay and by using a flow cytometer. The TGF-β2 level in HLEB3 cells was examined through immunohistochemical staining. The TGF-β2 protein level was determined through western blotting. mRNA expression levels were determined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Treatment with hyaluronic acid (1.0 μM, 24 h) increased the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HLEB3 cells. The increase in TGF-β2 levels corresponded to an increase in CD44 levels in the culture medium. However, blocking the CD44 function significantly reduced the TGF-β2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition response of HLEB3 cells. Conclusions: Our study showed that both CD44 and TGF-β2 are critical contributors to the hyaluronic acid-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells, and that TGF-β2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition is regulated by CD44. These results suggest that CD44 could be used as a target for preventing hyaluronic acid-induced posterior capsule opacification. Our findings suggest that CD44/TGF-β2 is crucial for the hyaluronic acid-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells.

microRNA-26a inhibits extracellular matrix synthesis in high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cells by regulating ferroptosis / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the effect and possible mechanism of microRNA-26a(miR-26a)on the syn-thesis of extracellular matrix(ECM)induced by high glucose(HG)in renal tubular epithelial cells(RTECs).Methods A model of diabetic kidney disease(DKD)was constructed by inducing RTECs with HG.MiR-26a was overexpressed in HG-induced RTECs,and RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to assess the effects of miR-26a on ECM synthesis and ferroptosis-related markers in HG-treated RTECs.Ferrostatin(Fer-1)was used to inhibit ferroptosis in the DKD model,and its impact on ECM synthesis was evaluated.RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to measure ferroptosis-related markers,and fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the intensity of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Results Compared with the control group,the expression of miR-26a decreased in HG-treated cells,while the expression levels of ECM synthesis-related indexes fibronectin and collagen Ⅰ in-creased.After overexpressing miR-26a,the HG+miR-26a group showed a significant increase in miR-26a expres-sion and a decrease in fibronectin and collagen Ⅰ expression compared to the HG group.In terms of ferroptosis,the protein and mRNA expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 significantly decreased,the expression of TFR-1 and AC-SL4 significantly increased,and the fluorescence intensity of ROS was significantly enhanced in the HG group com-pared with the control group.Inhibition of ferroptosis in the HG+Fer-1 group resulted in significant changes in fer-roptosis and ECM synthesis-related indicators expression levels compared to the HG group.Furthermore,re-expres-sion of miR-26a in the HG+miR-26a led to significant changes in ferroptosis-related indicators expression levels and decreased ROS fluorescence intensity compared to the HG group.Conclusions In HG-induced RTECs,miR-26a inhibits the occurrence of ferroptosis,thus reducing ECM synthesis.

HPV16 E6 mediates oncogenic transformation of cervical epithelial cells by downregulating DHRS2 expression / 陆军军医大学学报

Objective To explore the effects of HPV16 E6 on genes and signaling pathways in cervical epithelial cells and to screen genes associated with oncogenic transformation.Methods HUCEC models infected with HPV16 E6 were constructed,and transcriptome sequencing was performed to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs),which were subjected to Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment to analyze the differential signaling pathways.RT-qPCR was used to validate major differentially down-regulated expressed genes.After predicting the major differentially expressed proteins by molecular docking analysis,the expression of major differential genes in HUCEC cell model was verified by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.In addition,RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to further verify the expression of major differential genes in cervical cancer cell lines,SiHa and CaSki.Results A total of 55 genes with more than two-fold differential expression were screened.The results centering on down-regulated genes showed that the negatively regulated differential gene was mainly enriched in redox processes;KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that it was mainly associated with carbohydrate metabolism and cancer.RT-qPCR results showed that the down-regulated differential expression trends of the selected 10 genes were basically consistent with the sequencing results.Molecular docking analysis predicted an interaction between DHRS2 and HPV16 E6,and RT-qPCR and Western blotting confirmed that HPV16 E6 down-regulated DHRS2 mRNA(P＜0.01)and protein(P＜0.05)and ETV5 protein expression(P＜0.01).In SiHa and CaSki cells,compared with the control group,the mRNA and protein expression of DHRS2 was downregulated and positively correlated with the trend of P53 protein expression(P＜0.05).Conclusion HPV16 E6 can mediate oncogenic transformation of cervical cells and promote cervical carcinogenesis through downregulating DHRS2 expression.

Effects of respiratory syncytial virus infection on nasal epithelial barrier function in chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)infection on the expression of key factors in the epithelial barrier of the human nasal epithelial cells(hNECs)derived from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP)and normal control mucosa.METHODS RSV with different multiplicity of infection(MOI)(0.1 and 0.3)infected hNECs derived from patients with CRSwNP(n=21)and normal control mucosa(n=9)for 24 h and 48 h,respectively.To detect the gene expression ZO-1,ZO-2,Claudin-1,Claudin-4,Occludin,E-cadherin and N-cadherin,total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into cDNA for real-time fluorescence quantification PCR.RESULTS The relative expression level of ZO-1,ZO-2,Claudin-1,Claudin-4,Occludin,E-cadherin and N-cadherin were decreased in hNECs post RSV infection.However,there was a statistical difference only in hNECs derived from CRSwNP(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in hNECs infected with RSV between eosinophilic CRSwNP(ECRSwNP)and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP(nonECRSwNP).CONCLUSION RSV infection could disrupt the epithelial barrier of the nasal mucosa,and patients with CRSwNP are more severely affected by RSV infection compared to healthy controls.The impact of RSV infection on mucosa between ECRSwNP group and nonECRSwNP group was no significant difference.

Research advances on the age-related macular degeneration / 基础医学与临床

Age-related macular degeneration(AMD)is a serious threat to the visual health of the elderly,and the dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelial cells(RPE)is a significant etiology risk.Aging process leads to RPE repli-cation senescence,and some environment factors like light exposure and cigarette exposure may lead to RPE stress premature aging,and the decreased lysosomal digestion ability of senescent RPE cells may lead to the accumulation of lipofuscin,triggering the occurrence of early AMD.A series of homeostatic imbalances in aging retina,such as cell senescence-renewal imbalance,oxidative stress-antioxidant imbalance,chronic inflammatory-anti-inflammatory imbalance,intestinal barrier and intestinal microbiota imbalance and pro-angiogenesis-antiangiogenic imbalance all contribute to the development of AMD.

Effects of wedelobata on apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory cytokines in the alveolar epithelium infected by Streptococcus pneumonia / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the regulatory effects of wedelobata on apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory factors in the alveolar epithelial cells infected by Streptococcus pn e um on i a e.Methods Alveolar epithelial cells A549 were divided into infection group(1×108/CFU/mL cultured cells of Streptococcus pneumoniae),control group(no treatment),infection+wedelolactone low-dose group,middle-dose group and high-dose group(pretreated with wedelolactone at 10,20 and 40 μmol/L and then cultured cells of Streptococcus pneumoniae at 1×108/CFU/mL).Alveolar epithelial cells A549 were divided into infection group(1×108/CFU/mL cultured cells of Streptococcus pneumoniae),control group(no treatment),infection+wedelolactone low-dose group,middle-dose group and high-dose group(pretreated with wedelolactone at 10,20 and 40 μmol/L and then cultured cells of Streptococcus pneumoniae at 1×108/CFU/mL).Results Compared with control group,the apoptosis rate,the relative expression levels of Bax,Caspase-3 protein,IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA were higher in infection group,infection + wedelolide low dose group,medium dose group and high dose group,while the expression level of Bcl-2 protein was lower(P＜0.05).Compared with the infected group,the apoptosis rate,the relative expression levels of Bax,Caspase-3 protein,IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA and the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein were lower in the infected + wedelolide low dose,medium dose and high dose groups.Moreover,the apop-tosis rate,the expression levels of Bax,Caspase-3 protein,IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA were the highest in the infected + wedelactone high-dose group,and the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein were the lowest(P＜0.05).Conclusion The apoptosis rate of alveolar epithelial cells infected by Streptococcus pneumoniae decreased and the secretion of inflammatory factors decreased after the intervention of wedelia lactone.

Involvement of RNF99 in potential link between ubiquitination and septic shock via TAK1/NF-κB signal-ing pathway / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the potential relationship between ubiquitination of transforming growth factor kinase 1(TAK1)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway mediated by ring finger protein 99(RNF99)and septic acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods Plasmid and siRNA transfection were conducted to overexpress or knock down RNF99 in MLE12,and expressions of p65 phosphate and p65 protein were analyzed.The protein interaction between RNF99 and TRAF6 or TAK1 was analyzed by immunoprecipitation assay.Forty mice were randomly divided into WT plus PBS,WT plus LPS,RNF99 specific expression(TG)plus PBS,and TG plus LPS groups,with 10 mice in each group.Sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg LPS.Results As compared with vector group,protein expression levels of TRAF6 and TAK1 in MLE12 cells decreased significantly in RNF99 group(P<0.05).Ubiquitinated TRAF6 protein increased in MLE12 cells with RNF99 knockdown.As compared with LPS plus vector group,phosphorylation level of p65 in MLE12 cells was signifi-cantly lower in LPS plus RNF99 group(P<0.05).As compared with si-NC group,protein expression levels of RNF99 and IκBα in si-RNF99 group decreased significantly(P<0.05).As compared with LPS plus si-NC group,phosphorylation level of p65 in LPS plus si-RNF99 group increased significantly(P<0.05).The staining percentage of CD68 macrophages in lung tissues was significantly lower in TG plus LPS group than in WT plus LPS group(P<0.05).Phosphorylation level of p65 in lung tissues was significantly lower in TG plus LPS group than in WT plus LPS group(P<0.05).Conclusion RNF99 regulates NF-κB signaling pathway by interacting with the key regulator of NF-κB signaling pathway(TRAF6/TAK1),and improves lung injury after intraperitoneal injection of LPS in mice.

Effect of long-chain non-coding ribonucleic acid HAGLR targeting micro ribo-nucleic acid-625-5p on lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis and inflammatory factor expression in retinal pigment epithelial cells / 眼科新进展

Objective To investigate whether long-chain non-coding ribonucleic acid HAGLR(LncRNA HAGLR)can affect lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced apoptosis and expression of inflammatory factors of retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)cells by targeted regulation of the expression of micro ribonucleic acid-625-5p(miR-625-5p),so as to lay an experi-mental foundation for revealing the mechanism of retinopathy.Methods LPS-induced human retinal pigment epithelial(ARPE-19)cells were set as the LPS group,and normally cultured ARPE-19 cells were assigned to the Con group.Quanti-tative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression levels of LncRNA HAGLR and miR-625-5p.Based on different transfection reagents,the cells were divided into the LPS+sh-NC group,LPS+sh-HAGLR group,LPS+miR-NC group,LPS+miR-625-5p group,LPS+sh-HAGLR+anti-miR-NC group,and LPS+sh-HAGLR+anti-miR-625-5p group.Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis rate;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the lev-els of interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β);the targeting relationship between LncRNA HAGLR and miR-625-5p was verified;Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of activated cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 and 9(cleaved-Caspase 3 and cleaved-Caspase 9).Results Compared with the Con group,the LPS group showed an increase in the expression level of LncRNA HAGLR and a decrease in the expression level of miR-625-5p(both P＜0.05),and there were increases in apoptosis rate,protein levels of cleaved-Caspase 3 and cleaved-Caspase 9,and levels of IL-6 and IL-1β(all P＜0.05).Compared with the LPS+sh-NC group,the LPS+sh-HAGLR group showed decreases in apoptosis rate,protein levels of cleaved-Caspase 3 and cleaved-Caspase 9,and levels of IL-6 and IL-1β(all P＜0.05);LncRNA HAGLR could negatively regulate the expression level of miR-625-5p(P＜0.05).Compared with the LPS+miR-NC group,the LPS+miR-625-5p group showed an increase in the expression level of miR-625-5p and decreases in apoptosis rate,protein levels of cleaved-Caspase 3 and cleaved-Caspase 9,and levels of IL-6 and IL-1β(all P＜0.05).Compared with the LPS+sh-HAGLR+anti-miR-NC group,the LPS+sh-HAGLR+anti-miR-625-5p group showed a decrease in the expression level of miR-625-5p and increases in apoptosis rate,protein levels of cleaved-Caspase 3 and cleaved-Caspase 9,and levels of IL-6 and IL-1β(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Interference on LncRNA HAGLR expression can realize the targeted regulation of miR-625-5p expression to inhibit the apoptosis and inflammatory factor expression,reducing LPS-induced injury of ARPE-19 cells.

Research progress on the role of cell aging in dry age-related macular degen-eration / 眼科新进展

Dry age-related macular degeneration(AMD)is a degenerative disease affecting the macular region of the retina,and aging changes in retinal and choroidal tissues are an important factor in AMD pathogenesis.Cell aging is an irre-versible state of cell cycle arrest triggered by certain physiological processes or stressful injury,affecting a variety of physi-ological and pathological processes.An increasing number of studies have shown that cell aging plays an essential role in the occurrence and development of AMD.This paper reviews the mechanisms of cell aging and its relationship with dry AMD,aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of dry AMD.

Expression of long-chain non-coding RNA-P21 in hydrogen peroxide induced human lens epithelial cells damage / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To detect the changes in the biological activity and expression of long-chain non-coding RNA-p21 (lncRNA-p21) in human lens epithelial cells HLE-B3 damage induced by hydrogen peroxide.Methods:HLE-B3 cells were divided into normal control group and hydrogen peroxide group, which were cultured in normal culture medium and culture medium containing 200 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours, respectively.Cell viability was determined by MTS colorimetric method.Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected using ROS assay kits.Cell apoptosis was tested by flow cytometry.Cell Caspase-3 activity was detected using Caspase-3 assay kit.Expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins related to cell apoptosis were determined by Western Blot.Cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry.Cell proliferation ability was detected by EDU proliferation assay kit.The expression of lncRNA-p21 in cells was detected by real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).The localization of lncRNA-p21 in cells was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization.Results:The ROS content of cells in hydrogen peroxide group was (4.65±0.38), significantly higher than (1.00±0.01) of normal control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=16.66, P<0.05).Compared with the normal control group, the cell apoptosis rate was significantly increased, the activity of Caspase-3 was enhanced, and the relative expression of Bax was significantly increased in the hydrogen peroxide group, with statistically significant differences ( t=20.69, 39.80, 12.73, all at P<0.05).Compared with the normal control group, the proportion of G2 phase cells in the hydrogen peroxide group significantly increased, showing a statistically significant difference ( t=23.10, P<0.05).The EDU-positive cell rate of hydrogen peroxide group was (25.41±6.99)%, significantly lower than (50.58±9.15)% of normal control group ( t=6.559, P<0.05).The relative expression level of lncRNA-p21 in the hydrogen peroxide group was 2.36±0.29, significantly higher than 1.02±0.02 in the normal control group ( t=7.893, P<0.05).The fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments indicate that lncRNA-p21 was localized in the cytoplasm. Conclusions:In the oxidative stress model induced by hydrogen peroxide, the proliferation ability of lens epithelial cells significantly decreases, the apoptosis level significantly increases, and the expression levels of ROS and lncRNA-p21 enhances.lncRNA-p21 may be involved in the oxidative stress injury process of lens epithelial cells.

Effect of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-induced Autophagy on Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonatal Rats / 医学研究杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of inhibiting autophagy induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)on necrotiz-ing enterocolitis(NEC)in neonatal rats.Methods First,the NEC model of neonatal rats was established.Then,the intestinal epitheli-al cells were isolated and divided into three groups:control group,inhibition group and induction group.The control group was cultured normally,the inhibition group was added with 4-phenylbutyric acid,and the induction group was added with tunicamycin for 24hours.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the expression of the cellular inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and intestinal fatty acid binding protein(I-FABP)in each group.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reac-tion(RT-qPCR)was used to detect the mRNA expression level of the markers of ERS glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78)and oxy-gen-regulated protein 150(ORP150).Western blot was used to detect the expression of autophagy related proteins LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ and p62.Results Compared with the control group,the expression of p62 in the inhibition group increased significantly,the expression of TNF-α,I-FABP,GRP78,ORP150,LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the inhibition group was significantly decreased,while the expression of p62 in the induc-tion group was significantly decreased,the expressions of TNF-α,Ⅰ-FABP,GRP78,ORP150,LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly increased,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Inhibition of ERS induced autophagy activation can alleviate intestinal mucosal injury and inflammatory response in neonatal rats with NEC and improve intestinal barrier function.

Regulatory effect of retinoid X receptor on oxidative stress response in-duced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in rat type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the regulatory role of retinoid X receptor(RXR)in oxidative stress response of rat type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells(AECII)induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation(HR).METHODS:The AECII were di-vided into control(C)group,HR group,HR+solvent dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)group(HD group),HR+RXR agonist 9-cis-retinoic acid(9-RA)group(RA group),and HR+RXR antagonist HX531 group(HX group).Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)method was used to measure the cell viability.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of surfactant protein A(SP-A)and RXRα in AECII.Kits were detected to the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in cells.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructural changes of the cells.Western blot was used to detect the protein level of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2).RT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of Nrf2 mRNA.RESULTS:Compared with C group,the cell viability and SOD activity in HR,HD,RA and HX groups were decreased significantly(P<0.05),the MDA content were increased significantly(P<0.05),the Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression levels were decreased significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the immuno-fluorescence expression of RXRα was significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with HR and HX groups,the cells in RA group showed significantly increased cell viability(P<0.05),increased SOD activity(P<0.05),decreased MDA con-tent(P<0.05),increased Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression levels(P<0.01),and significantly increased immunofluo-rescence expression of RXRα(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Hypoxia/reoxygenation can aggravate the oxidative stress re-sponse of rat AECII,and RXR agonist intervention can alleviate HR-induced rat AECII injury by inhibiting oxidative stress.

Mechanism Study of Soufeng Yuchuan Formula on Regulating Airway Remodeling in Asthmatic Rats Based on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation / 中药新药与临床药理

Objective To explore the mechanism of Suofeng Yuchuan Formula on inhibiting airway remodeling in asthma by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transformation(EMT).Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into normal control group,model control group,Dexamethasone group,high-,medium-and low-dose groups of Soufeng Yuchuan Formula,with 10 rats in each group.In addition to the normal control group,the other groups were injected and inhaled with ovalbumin(OVA)to replicate the asthma rat model.The rats in each group were killed after 21 days of administration of the corresponding drug.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue.The ultrastructure of epithelial cells in rat lung was observed by transmission electron microscope.The contents of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1)and interleukin-17(IL-17)in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)was used to detect mRNA expressions of TGF-β1,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),E-cadherin and N-cadherin in lung homogenate.Protein expression levels of TGF-β1,α-SMA,E-cadherin and N-cadherin in lung tissue were detected by Western Blot.Results Compared with the normal control group,the serum contents of TGF-β1 and IL-17 in the model control group were significantly increased(P＜0.01).The mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β1,α-SMA and N-cadherin in lung tissues were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01),while the mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01).HE staining showed thickening of airway wall and alveolar wall,and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the visual field,and the inflammation score was significantly increased(P＜0.01).Transmission electron microscopy showed that the epithelial cells of lung tissue had severe edema.Local dissolution and thinning of intracellular matrix,and obvious swelling of organelles were observed.Compared with model control group,the contents of TGF-β1 and IL-17 in serum of dexamethasone group and all doses of Soufeng Yuchuan Formula groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β1,α-SMA and N-cadherin were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),while the mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The inflammatory cell infiltration of lung tissue and thickening of bronchial wall and alveolar wall were found to be reduced.The inflammation score of dexamethasone group and high-dose group of Suofeng Yuchuan Formula was reduced(P＜0.05).Ultrastructure showed that the degree of edema of epithelial cells was significantly reduced,the cell membrane was intact,the intracellular matrix was uniform,and most of the organelles were slightly swollen.Conclusion Soufeng Yuchuan Formula can reduce the level of TGF-β1,thereby improve EMT in lung tissue,and achieve the purpose of preventing and treating airway remodeling in asthma.

Exploring the Effect of Medication-Containing Serum of Pingwei Capsules （平胃胶囊） on MNNG-Induced Inflammatory Cancer Transformation of Human Gastric Mucosal Epithelial Cells Based on Raf/MEK/ERK Pathway / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Pingwei Capsules （平胃胶囊） for chronic atrophic gastritis from rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma / mitogen-activated protein kinase /extracellular-signal-regulated kinase （Raf/MEK/ERK） pathway that influences the activation of fibrosarcoma protein/mitogen. MethodsFifteen SD rats were randomly divided into 5 rats in the blank group and 10 rats in Pingwei Capsules group. The rats in the blank group were given 1 ml/100 g of saline by gavage， and the rats in Pingwei Capsules group were given 0.63 g/（kg·d） of Pingwei Capsule suspension by gavage， and serum was collected for 3 consecutive days. N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine （MNNG） was used to induce human gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 to establish a precancerous lesion cell model. The successful cells were divided into control group （10% fetal bovine serum）， blank serum group （10% fetal bovine serum plus 10% blank serum）， and medication-containing serum group （serum with medication of Pingwei Capsule）， and the volume fraction and time of intervention of Pingwei Capsule-containing serum were screened by CCK-8 assay. Human gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 were divided into normal group， model group， blank serum group， medication-containing serum group， U0126 group， and combined group， with 6 replicate wells in each group. After successful modelling of the cells in all groups except the blank group， an equal volume of fetal bovine serum was added to the normal and model groups， an equal volume of blank serum was added to the blank serum group， a screening volume fraction of Pingwei Capsule-containing serum was added to Pingwei Capsule group， a 10 μmol/L mitogen-activated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1 （MEK1） inhibitor U0126 was administered in the U0126 group， an equal dose of Pingwei Capsule-containing serum plus 10 μmol/L of U0126 was administered to the combined group. After the selected incubation time， the level of interleukin 6 （IL-6） was detected in the cells by ELISA， the expression of IL-6 and MEK1 was detected by immunofluorescence， and the expression of IL-6， Raf， MEK1， and ERK mRNA was detected by RT-qPCR， and the expression of IL-6， Raf， MEK1， and ERK mRNA in the cells was detected by Western blot. ResultsThe 5.35% volume fraction， 48 h intervention of Pingwei Capsule-containing serum was selected for subsequent experiments. Compared with the normal group， the IL-6 content in cell supernatants and the expression of IL-6， Raf， MEK1， ERK mRNA and ERK1/2 proteins in cells increased in the model group and blank serum group （P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， all of the above indexes were improved in medication-containing serum group， U0126 group， and combined group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with medication-containing serum group， the expression of IL-6， MEK1 expression， the expression of IL-6， Raf， MEK1 and ERK mRNA， and the expression of IL-6， Raf， MEK1 and ERK1/2 proteins reduced in the cells of combined group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the U0126 group， IL-6 expression reduced and IL-6， MEK1 and ERK1/2 protein expression reduced in cells of combined group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionThe Pingwei Capsule-containing serum may play a role in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis by improving the inflammation-cancer transformation of GES-1 cells through inhibiting the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway.

Effects of evodiamine on inflammation and apoptosis of airway epithelial cells in asthma model rats and its mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects and potential mechanism of evodiamine on inflammatory response and apoptosis of epithelial cells in asthma model rats. METHODS SD rats were separated into control group， model group， evodiamine low-dose group （10 mg/kg）， evodiamine high-dose group （20 mg/kg）， dexamethasone group （positive control， 0.5 mg/kg）， epidermal growth factor （EGF） group [mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） activator， 10 μg]， evodiamine high-dose+EGF group （20 mg/kg evodiamine+10 μg EGF）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group， the other groups were sensitized by 3-point injection of 10% ovalbumin（OVA）-aluminium hydroxide mixture and stimulated by inhalation of 2%OVA nebulized liquid to establish an asthma model. The count of inflammatory cells （macrophages and lymphocytes） in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） was detected in each group； pathological changes of lung tissue in rats were observed； the apoptosis of airway epithelial cells， the levels of serum inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α， interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-4]， the expressions of pathway-related proteins p38 MAPK， phosphorylated p38 MAPK （p-p38 MAPK）， signal transduction and transcription activating factor 1 （STAT1）] and apoptosis-related proteins [B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax）] were all detected in lung tissue. RESULTS Compared with the control group， bronchial mucosal edema， thickening of alveolar septa and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the lung tissue of rats in the model group； the number of inflammatory cells， apoptosis rate of airway epithelial cells， the levels of inflammatory factors， p-38 MAPK/p-38 MAPK， and the protein expressions of Bax and STAT1 were increased significantly； the expressions of Bcl-2 protein and Bcl-2/Bax were reduced significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the pathological changes in lung tissues were alleviated to varying degrees in evodiamine low-dose and high-dose groups， and dexamethasone groups， and the above indicators were significantly reversed. However， the change trends of corresponding indicators in the EGF group were opposite to the above （P＜0.05）. EGF could significantly attenuate the effect of high-dose evodiamine on inflammatory response in asthmatic rats （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Evodiamine can relieve inflammatory reactions and inhibit the apoptosis of airway epithelial cells in asthmatic rats， the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting p38 MAPK/STAT1 signaling pathway.

Effects of evodiamine on inflammation and apoptosis of airway epithelial cells in asthma model rats and its mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects and potential mechanism of evodiamine on inflammatory response and apoptosis of epithelial cells in asthma model rats. METHODS SD rats were separated into control group， model group， evodiamine low-dose group （10 mg/kg）， evodiamine high-dose group （20 mg/kg）， dexamethasone group （positive control， 0.5 mg/kg）， epidermal growth factor （EGF） group [mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） activator， 10 μg]， evodiamine high-dose+EGF group （20 mg/kg evodiamine+10 μg EGF）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group， the other groups were sensitized by 3-point injection of 10% ovalbumin（OVA）-aluminium hydroxide mixture and stimulated by inhalation of 2%OVA nebulized liquid to establish an asthma model. The count of inflammatory cells （macrophages and lymphocytes） in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） was detected in each group； pathological changes of lung tissue in rats were observed； the apoptosis of airway epithelial cells， the levels of serum inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α， interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-4]， the expressions of pathway-related proteins p38 MAPK， phosphorylated p38 MAPK （p-p38 MAPK）， signal transduction and transcription activating factor 1 （STAT1）] and apoptosis-related proteins [B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax）] were all detected in lung tissue. RESULTS Compared with the control group， bronchial mucosal edema， thickening of alveolar septa and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the lung tissue of rats in the model group； the number of inflammatory cells， apoptosis rate of airway epithelial cells， the levels of inflammatory factors， p-38 MAPK/p-38 MAPK， and the protein expressions of Bax and STAT1 were increased significantly； the expressions of Bcl-2 protein and Bcl-2/Bax were reduced significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the pathological changes in lung tissues were alleviated to varying degrees in evodiamine low-dose and high-dose groups， and dexamethasone groups， and the above indicators were significantly reversed. However， the change trends of corresponding indicators in the EGF group were opposite to the above （P＜0.05）. EGF could significantly attenuate the effect of high-dose evodiamine on inflammatory response in asthmatic rats （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Evodiamine can relieve inflammatory reactions and inhibit the apoptosis of airway epithelial cells in asthmatic rats， the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting p38 MAPK/STAT1 signaling pathway.

Effect of miR-141-3p targeting HMGB1 on LPS-induced A549 cell injury / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To investigate the effect of miR-141-3p on LPS induced A549 cell injury by targeting high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) ．@*Methods @#A549 cells derived from type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells were taken as the study object，miR-141-3p mimics，mimics NC，HMGB1 gene overexpression plasmid (pcDNA3. 1-HMGB1) and empty Vector were transfected into A549 cells respectively or co-transfected，then 10 μg / ml LPS was used for 24 h．Cell proliferation activity was detected by cell counting kit-8 ( CCK-8) ．The activity of lactate dehydrogenase ( LDH) in the supernatant of cell culture was detected by colorimetry．The apoptosis level of each group was detec- ted by flow cytometry．The levels of interleukin (IL) -1 β , IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) ．Dual luciferase reporter gene assay verified the targeted regulatory relationship between miR-141-3p and HMGB1 . @*Results @#After treatment with LPS ，the proliferative activity of A549 cells and the expression level of miR-141-3p decreased ( P ＜0. 05 ) ，the apoptosis rate increased ( P < 0. 05) ，the levels of IL-1 β , IL-6，TNF-α and the activity of LDH in supernatant increased (P＜0. 05) ．Overex- pression of miR-141-3p increased the proliferation activity of A549 cells treated with LPS (P ＜0. 05 ) ，and de- creased the apoptosis rate and the levels of IL-1 β , IL-6，TNF-α in cells and LDH activity in supernatant (P < 0. 05) ．However，overexpression of HMGB1 gene could reverse the ameliorative effect of miR-141-3p on LPS-in- duced A549 cell injury．Dual luciferase reporter gene experiment confirmed that HMGB1 was the downstream target gene of miR-141-3p．@*Conclusion @# miR-141-3p can inhibit LPS-induced apoptosis，reduce the expression level of inflammatory factors，and improve the damage of A549 cells，which may be related to the targeted regulation of HMGB1 expression.

Mechanism of ferroptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress in sepsis related lung injury / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To explore the mechanism of ferroptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERs ) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) .@*Methods @#In order to determine the effects of LPS on oxidative stress and Fe2 + level of mouse capillary alveolar epithelial cells (MLE12 cells ) , the cells were treated with LPS (0 , 1 , 2 , 5 μg/ml) for 24 h . To verify the role of ferroptosis in lipopolysaccharide ( LPS)-induced cell death , MLE12 cells were divided into control ( Con ) group , iron removal inhibitor ( Fer-1) group , LPS group and LPS + Fer-1 group . LPS + Fer-1 group was pretreated with 10 μmol/L Fer-1 for 6 h , then the cells were exposed to 5 μg/ml LPS for 24 h . Con group was treated with solvent DMSO for 24 h . Fer-1 group was pretreated with 10 μmol/L Fer-1 for 6 h , and then treated with DMSO for 24 h . The cells in LPS group were exposed to 5 μg/ml LPS for 24 h . The MLE12 cells were divided into three groups : Con + Vector group , Con + sequence similarity family 134 mem ber B ( FAM134B ) group , LPS + Vector group and LPS + FAM134B group . After transfected with vector or FAM134B overexpression plasmid for 48 h , the cells were exposed or not exposed to 5 μg/ml LPS for 24 h . Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 . The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) , glutathione and iron , the protein levels of ferroptosis markers [ cyclooxygenase 2(PTGS2) , glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)] and ERs markers [glucose reg ulatory protein 78( GRP78) , activated transcription factor 4 ( ATF4) and C/EBP homologous protein ( CHOP)] were measured in different groups . In order to further confirm the results of in vitro cell experiments , 40 mice were randomly divided into Con + Vector group , Con + FAM134B group , LPS + Vector group and LPS + FAM134B group , with 10 mice in each group . LPS induced sepsis models were established in LPS + Vector group and LPS + FAM134B group , and the levels of GPX4 and ERs in lung tissue were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and protein blot. @*Results @#LPS treatment increased the levels of PTGS2 and MDA , and decreased the levels of GPX4 and GSH in MLE12 cells in a dose dependent manner. Compared with LPS group , the cell viability , GPX4 and GSH levels in LPS + Fer-1 group increased significantly (P < 0.05) , while the PTGS2 protein level and MDA level decreased significantly (P < 0.05) . Compared with LPS + Vector group , LPS + FAM134B group significantly increased cell viability (P < 0.05) , decreased PTGS2 protein level (P < 0.05) and increased GPX4 level ( P < 0.05) . At the same time , the level of MDA in LPS + FAM134B group was lower than that in LPS + Vector group (P < 0.05) , and the level of GSH was higher than that in LPS + Vector group (P < 0.05) . In animal experiment , compared with LPS + Vector group , the expression levels of 4 HNE , ATF4 and CHOP in lung tissue of LPS + FAM134B group decreased significantly ( P < 0.05 ) , and the expression levels of GPX4 , FAM134B group in creased significantly (P < 0.05) .@*Conclusion @#LPS induces ferroptosis and ERs in MLE12 cells in a dose depend ent manner. Activating the endoplasmic reticulum autophagy associated FAM134B receptor helps to inhibit ERs and alleviate cell ferroptosis .

Research progress on the relationship between miRNA and pathogenesis of cataract / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

The microRNA(miRNA)is a widely present small non-coding RNA(ncRNA), with a length of 20-25 nucleotides. The miRNA in eye tissue plays crucial roles in normal eyes by participating in processes such as cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Cataracts are the main cause of blindness worldwide. Research has shown that miRNA is related to the occurrence and development of cataracts, and it has new application prospects as a potential target for the treatment and prevention of cataracts. This article reviews the relationship between miRNA and the occurrence and development of cataracts through several different pathogenesis mechanisms, including oxidative damage, apoptosis, autophagy, and epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT).

Effects of vaccarin on amikacin-induced damage to renal tubular epithelial cells / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To establish an in vitro renal injury model of amikacin (AKN) and investigate the protective effect and mechanism of vaccarin (VA) in the AKN-induced in vitro renal injury model .@*Methods @#Human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were cultured in vitro and incubated with different drugs of AKN or/and VA to de- termine the optimal drug concentration based on cell viability tested by MTT. The changes in intracellular oxidative stress were assessed using the dihydroethidium ( DHE) probe and malondialdehyde ( MDA) /glutathione ( GSH) assay kits at different time points . Total RNA was extracted , and RT-qPCR was performed to detect the changes in the gene expression of kidney injury molecule-1 ( KIM-1) and neutropil gelatinase-associated lipocalin ( NGAL) . Western blot analysis was performed to detect the levels of ferroptosis-related markers solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in HK-2 cell lysis .@*Results @#High concentrations of AKN significantly decreased the viability of HK-2 cells in vitro , with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of (5 . 74 ±0. 47) mmol/L. VA at concentrations of 25 - 100 μmol/L increased the viability of AKN-stimulated HK- 2 cells (P < 0. 05) . After treatment with AKN (4 mmol/L) , the mRNA expression levels of KIM-1 and NGAL were significantly higher than those of the negative control (NC) group ( P < 0. 001) . VA (50 μmol/L) significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of KIM-1 (P < 0. 01) and NGAL (P < 0. 05) . The intensity of DHE staining increased after 3 hours of AKN treatment , but the difference was not statistically significant. However , the intensity of DHE staining was significantly higher in the 6 - 24 hours group compared to the 0 - hour group (P < 0. 01) . Furthermore , MDA levels significantly increased , while GSH levels significantly decreased after 6 - 24 hours of AKN treatment , with statistically significant differences (P < 0. 05) . After 6 - 24 hours of AKN stimula- tion , the ferroptosis-related proteins SLC7A11 and GPX4 both significantly decreased (P < 0. 001) . Co-incubation with VA for 24 hours effectively reversed the changes in DHE staining , MDA and GSH levels , as well as the chan- ges of SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein levels (P < 0. 001) .@*Conclusion @#In this study , an in vitro renal injury model was established by stimulating HK-2 cells with high concentrations of AKN , and it was found that VA might allevi- ate the damage to renal tubular cells caused by AKN via inhibiting oxidative stress related ferroptosis .