scholarly journals Effects of Electroacupuncture on Ovarian Expression of the Androgen Receptor and Connexin 43 in Rats with Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovaries

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ge Xu ◽  
Andong Zhang ◽  
Jiandang Liu ◽  
Xi Wang ◽  
Jiwei Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Connexin 43 ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Endocrine Dysfunction ◽  
Rt Pcr

Background. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) occurs in women of reproductive age and is often characterized by reproductive and endocrine dysfunction. Androgens play a major role in PCOS, and previous studies reported abnormal expression of Connexin 43 (Cx43) in animal models of PCOS, suggesting an association of Cx43 with PCOS pathogenesis. Experimental and clinical evidence indicated that acupuncture may be a safe and effective approach for treating reproductive and endocrine disorders in women with PCOS. This study aimed to determine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on PCOS and its relationship with the expression of the androgen receptor (AR) and Cx43. Methods. In total, 30 female Sprague Dawley rats (6 weeks old) were randomly divided into three groups: control group, letrozole (LE) group, and LE + EA group. Rats were administered LE solution (1.0 mg/kg) for 21 consecutive days to induce PCOS. For the LE + EA group, additional EA treatment was conducted (2 Hz, 20 min/d) with “Guanyuan” (CV3) for 14 consecutive days. After hematoxylin-eosin staining, the ovarian structure was observed with an optical microscope, and serum levels of the following hormones were examined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); luteinizing hormone (LH), insulin (INS), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin B (INHB). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were evaluated using glucose oxidase-peroxidase. Ovarian mRNA and protein expressions of AR and Cx43 were determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Results. EA was found to restore the cyclicity and ovarian morphology in the PCOS rat model. Serum derived from the LE + EA group showed significant decreases in the levels of T, free androgen index (FAI), LH, LH/FSH ratio, AMH, INHB, and fasting serum insulin (FINS), and significant increases in the levels of E2, FSH, and SHBG. Western blot analysis showed a decreased protein expression of ovarian AR and Cx43; real-time RT-PCR showed reduced expression of ovarian mRNA levels of AR and Cx43. Conclusions. In conclusion, our results showed that EA can ease hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary morphology in PCOS rats. Furthermore, EA counteracted the letrozole-induced upregulation of AR and Cx43. These results suggested that acupuncture can break the vicious cycle initiated by excessive androgen secretion and may be an effective treatment method for improving the reproductive and endocrine dysfunction caused by PCOS.

scholarly journals Investigation into imbalance of Th1/Th2 cells in cirrhotic, hypersplenic rats

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 030006051988944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunfu Lv ◽  
Yejuan Li ◽  
Ning Liu ◽  
Yonghong Dong ◽  
Jie Deng
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Chemokine Receptors ◽  
Immunohistochemical Staining ◽  
Th2 Cells ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chemokine Receptor Ccr3

Objectives To evaluate the Th1/Th2 cell profile in spleens of cirrhotic and hypersplenic rats by investigating the expression of Th1-associated chemokine receptors CXCR3, CCR5 and Th2-associated chemokine receptor CCR3. Methods Experimental liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism were induced in rats by the intragastric administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4; 40% solution [0.3 ml/100g, twice/week for 8 weeks]) and confirmed by pathology and hemogram. Presence of the three chemokine receptors was investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemical staining, and western blot analysis. Results By comparison with control animals (n=10), RT-PCR demonstrated that CXCR3 and CCR5-mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the hypersplenic rats (n=26) and CCR3-mRNA levels were lower. Immunohistochemical staining showed that by comparison with controls, the mean density of the Th1-associated CXCR3 and CCR5 receptors was significantly increased but there was no difference between groups in Th2-associated CCR3 receptors. Western blot analysis showed that by comparison with controls, hypersplenic rats had higher levels of CXCR3 and CCR5 protein but lower levels of CCR3 protein. Conclusions The abnormal expression of Th1-associated chemokine receptors in spleens of rats with cirrhosis and hypersplenism induced by CCL4 suggests that a functional imbalance between Th1/Th2 cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypersplenism.

scholarly journals Stimulation of iodide uptake by human chorionic gonadotropin in FRTL-5 cells: effects on sodium/iodide symporter gene and protein expression

2002 ◽  
pp. 655-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Arturi ◽  
I Presta ◽  
D Scarpelli ◽  
JM Bidart ◽  
M Schlumberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Iodide Uptake ◽  
Protein Levels

BACKGROUND: Various clinical and experimental findings support the concept that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can stimulate iodide uptake in thyroid cells. DESIGN: We investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of hCG on iodide uptake, and particularly its action on the expression of Na+/I- symporter (NIS) mRNA and protein. METHODS: Iodide uptake was analyzed in FTRL-5 cells by measuring (125)I concentrations in cells after a 30-min exposure to 0.1 microCi carrier-free Na (125)I in the presence or absence of hCG or, for control purposes, TSH. Expression of NIS mRNA and NIS protein synthesis were evaluated, respectively, with a semiquantitative 'multiplex' RT-PCR method and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Iodide uptake was increased by hCG in a dose- and time-dependent manner: maximal effects were observed after 72 h of stimulation. The effect was cAMP dependent and paralleled that of TSH, although it lacked the early cycloheximide-independent component seen with TSH, and its peak effect was lower. Semiquantitative multiplex RT-PCR revealed that hCG produced a significant increase in NIS mRNA levels that was detectable after 4 h and peaked after 48 h. In contrast, in TSH-stimulated FRTL-5 cells, maximum NIS mRNA expression was observed after 24 h of stimulation. Western blot analysis demonstrated that hCG also caused a 2.5-fold increase over basal values in NIS protein levels, which was similar to that observed after TSH stimulation although the peak effects of the latter hormone were less marked and occurred earlier. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that hCG stimulates iodide uptake in FRTL-5 cells by increasing NIS mRNA and protein levels. Thus, the functional status of the thyroid may be influenced by hCG-dependent changes in NIS expression occurring during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Quercetin Protects RIMVECs From Inflammatory Damage, Pyroptosis and Cell Migration by Inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huixin Zhang ◽  
Yeye Li ◽  
Zhongjie Liu
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Inflammatory Damage

Abstract Background: Intestinal mucosal microvascular endothelial cells (MEC) have multiple functions and play an important role in intestinal bowel diseases (IBD). Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many plants and fruits. It was reported that quercetin can treat several gastrointestinal cancers, but its effect on bacterial enteritis and pyroptosis-related diseases has been rarely studied. This article aims to explore the effect and mechanism of quercetin on inflammatory injury and pyroptosis of RIMVECs.Methods: The inflammatory damage and pyroptosis in RIMVECs were induced by LPS and ATP. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence methods were used to detect TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways, inflammatory factors (IL-1β and IL-18) and pyroptosis-related proteins (Caspase-1 and GSDMD). The expression and distribution of ZO-1 were detected by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence method. The late apoptosis and necrosis of cells were measured by cell flow cytometry. Results: The results showed that different concentrations (5, 10, 20μM) of quercetin not only significantly reduced the protein and mRNA levels of TLR4, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD, but also down-regulated the protein expression, mRNA and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. Quercetin also inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and the degradation of IκB. At the same time, quercetin increased the cell migration rate and the expression level of ZO-1, and reduced the number of late apoptotic cells (P<0.05). Conclusions: Our data indicated that Quercetin reduced the inflammatory response and pyroptosis induced by LPS/ATP through the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, and protected the migration and tight junctions of RIMVECs.

Inhibition of PRAME Expression Causes Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis In Leukemic Cells

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 1695-1695
Author(s):  
Norina Tanaka ◽  
Yan-Hua Wang ◽  
Masayuki Shiseki ◽  
Minoko Takanashi ◽  
Toshiko Motoji
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Acute Leukemia ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Leukemic Cells ◽  
Rt Pcr

Abstract Abstract 1695 Introduction: The preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma (PRAME) was originally described as a tumor-associated antigen recognized by autologous cytotoxic T cells against a melanoma surface antigen. PRAME seems to act as a dominant repressor of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) signaling, but the function of PRAME in leukemia remains unclear. In the present study, we clarified the function of PRAME in leukemia, by the method of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-induced knockdown of PRAME using a leukemic cell line. To elucidate the clinical significance of PRAME expression in acute leukemia, especially its role at the relapse of disease, expression of PRAME mRNA levels and cell cycle profiles were analyzed in acute leukemia at the time of diagnosis and relapse in paired samples. Methods: The K562 cell line was used in siRNA experiments. After PRAME siRNA transfection, the effect on cell growth was examined by colony formation assay and cell counts in liquid culture. Furthermore, cell cycle analysis and apoptotic assays (annexinV assay and caspase-3 activity assay) were performed to assess the time course from day 1 to day 6. At the same time, the possible changes in various gene expressions and protein levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis. As clinical samples, PRAME mRNA levels were measured in a total of 44 acute leukemia patients. We also examined the relationship between PRAME expression and the percentages of S phase in leukemic cells taken from 35 paired acute leukemia patients from whom sufficient blast cells were obtained. Results: A significant decrease in cell growth was observed in liquid culture and colony formation assay of the PRAME-inhibited cells. At the same time, cell cycle analysis showed a significant decrease of cells in the S phase and increase of cells in the G0/G1 phase in PRAME siRNA-treated cells. Among the cell cycle related genes analyzed with quantitative real-time RT-PCR, a clear increase of p27 expression was observed between day 3 and day 6 in PRAME siRNA-treated cells. Increase of p27 protein expression was also confirmed with western blot analysis. Furthermore, PRAME siRNA-treated cells showed a change of erythroid regulatory genes. Our result observed an increase in GATA-1 protein from day 3 to day 6, a decrease in GATA-2 protein from day 1 to day 5, and a decrease in PU.1 protein from day 2 to day 6, as well as quantitative real-time RT-PCR. On annexin V assay, the percentage of apoptotic cells gradually increased from day 3 to day 6 in PRAME siRNA-treated cells. The total percentage of apoptotic cells on day 6 was 45.5% (early apoptotic cells 33.1%, late apoptotic/necrotic cells 12.4%) in PRAME siRNA-treated cells and only 10.1% (early apoptosis 8.0%, late apoptosis 2.1%) in control cells. Caspase-3 was activated on day 3 in PRAME siRNA-treated cells, then increased gradually with the maximum activity being observed on day 6 (33.4%) using antibody against cleaved caspase-3 by flow cytometory. Western blot analysis showed that a faint band of cleaved caspase-3 protein was detected after day 3, and then an obviously augmented band was observed on days 5–6. In 51.4% of clinical samples in our study, the PRAME expression level was higher at relapse than at diagnosis. In the group in which PRAME expression was higher at relapse, the percentage of S phase cells at relapse was significantly increased compared to that at diagnosis (median, 2.4% at diagnosis vs. 6.8% at relapse, P = 0.02, n = 18). Conclusions: Inhibition of PRAME by siRNA in K562 cells suggested that PRAME expression is associated with cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 phase to S phase, inhibition of apoptosis and blocking of cell differentiation. Furthermore, we found cell cycle progression in leukemia patients in whom PRAME was highly expressed at relapse. The PRAME gene may be one of the important genes influencing proliferation of leukemic cells. Insights into the function of PRAME are expected to provide a new perspective on characteristics at relapse in acute leukemia, making it an attractive molecular target for potential therapy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Prima-1Met Combined with Bortezomib Has Synergistic Anti-Myeloma Activity By Modulation of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Regulating Genes

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 4213-4213
Author(s):  
Priya Khoral ◽  
Robert J Guo ◽  
Jahangir Abdi ◽  
Hong Chang
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Drug Combination ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Novel Therapeutic

Abstract INTRODUCTION Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a plasma-cell malignancy characterized by dismal prognosis and a high level of relapse, thus novel therapeutic approaches are needed. PRIMA-1Met is a novel small molecule showing anti-tumour activity and currently in clinical phase I-II trials. We recently demonstrated that PRIMA-1Met has potent anti-MM activity in vitro and in vivo. Bortezomib (BTZ) is a proteasome inhibitor that has been successfully used for treating some cases of relapsed MM. The aim of the current study is to determine whether PRIMA-1Met could be used in combination with BTZ to enhance the cytotoxic effects in myeloma cells. METHODS Using three different MM cell lines (LP1, U266 and 8226), we established dose response curves for both PRIMA-1Met and BTZ, and tested drug cytotoxicity using MTT assays. We then tested drug cytotoxicity of a range of concentrations of the drugs in combination. The Chou Talay method was used to determine whether or not the drug combinations were synergistic. A gene expression array was used to investigate the mechanism of the drug combination's effects. Total RNA was isolated from MM cell pellets, then synthesized cDNAs were applied to real time RT-PCR gene expression arrays containing 84 genes of interest. The genes selected were involved in apoptotic as well as cell growth and proliferation pathways. After normalization to 4 different housekeeping genes, fold changes in gene expression were analyzed in both drug treated and control samples using the 2-ΔΔCt algorithm. Western blot analysis was used to further investigate proteins of interest. RESULTS Cell viability of 8226, LP1 and U266 cells treated with individual concentrations of PRIMA-1Met (10uM) and BTZ (10nM) was on average 65%, 45% and 72.5%, respectively. However, combination of above doses reduced viability to 20% in 8226 and LP1, and to 40% in U266. The Chou Talay method identified this drug combination as synergistic in 2 out of the three tested cell lines, with Combination Index (CI) values of 0.72 in 8226 and 0.582 in U266. The gene expression analysis in real time RT-PCR indicated that the drug combination resulted in downregulation of genes involved in cell cycle and proliferation (CCND1, CDK4, CDK6, CDK2, IGFIR), genes from the Bcl-2 family of apoptosis regulation (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Mcl-1), as well as MDM2 from the p53 signalling pathway, and MYC, which is involved in both apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Western blot analysis revealed up-regulation of cleaved caspase-3 and -9, implying involvement of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in the drug combination's activity. CONCLUSION Our results reveal that PRIMA-1Met synergistically enhances the anti-MM effect of BTZ, leading to a significantly higher level of MM cell death. Real time RT-PCR gene array analysis offers some insight into the mechanism of this combination's effect, implicating apoptotic, cell cycle and growth regulating genes. Our study provides framework for further evaluation of this drug combination as a novel therapeutic strategy in MM. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3 contribute to regulation of intracellular pH in murine duodenal epithelial cells

2000 ◽  
Vol 278 (2) ◽  
pp. G197-G206 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Praetorius ◽  
D. Andreasen ◽  
B. L. Jensen ◽  
M. A. Ainsworth ◽  
U. G. Friis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Intracellular Ph ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Acid Extrusion ◽  
Molecular Expression ◽  
Nhe Isoforms

Na+/H+-exchangers (NHE) mediate acid extrusion from duodenal epithelial cells, but the isoforms involved have not previously been determined. Thus we investigated 1) the contribution of Na+-dependent processes to acid extrusion, 2) sensitivity to Na+/H+ exchange inhibitors, and 3) molecular expression of NHE isoforms. By fluorescence spectroscopy the recovery of intracellular pH (pHi) was measured on suspensions of isolated acidified murine duodenal epithelial cells loaded with 2′,7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein. Expression of NHE isoforms was studied by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Reduction of extracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]o) during pHirecovery decreased H+ efflux to minimally 12.5% of control with a relatively high apparent Michaelis constant for extracellular Na+. The Na+/H+exchange inhibitors ethylisopropylamiloride and amiloride inhibited H+ efflux maximally by 57 and 80%, respectively. NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3 were expressed at the mRNA level (RT-PCR) as well as at the protein level (Western blot analysis). On the basis of the effects of low [Na+]o and inhibitors we propose that acid extrusion in duodenal epithelial cells involves Na+/H+ exchange by isoforms NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3.

scholarly journals Integrin β3 Mediates the Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via the Notch Pathway

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 985-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weisen Wang ◽  
Zhi Wang ◽  
Dingyuan Tian ◽  
Xi Zeng ◽  
Yangdong Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Notch Signaling Pathway ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Integrin Β3 ◽  
Endothelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Tgf Β1

Background/Aims: Neointimal hyperplasia is responsible for stenosis, which requires corrective vascular surgery, and is also a major morphological feature of many cardiovascular diseases. This hyperplasia involves the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). We investigated whether integrin β3 can modulate the EndMT, as well as its underlying mechanism. Methods: Integrin β3 was overexpressed or knocked down in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The expression of endothelial markers and mesenchymal markers was determined by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence staining, and western blot analysis. Notch signaling pathway components were detected by real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Cell mobility was evaluated by wound-healing, Transwell, and spreading assays. Fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1) promoter activity was determined by luciferase assay. Results: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 treatment or integrin β3 overexpression significantly promoted the EndMT by downregulating VE-cadherin and CD31 and upregulating smooth muscle actin α and FSP-1 in HUVECs, and by enhancing cell migration. Knockdown of integrin β3 reversed these effects. Notch signaling was activated after TGF-β1 treatment of HUVECs. Knockdown of integrin β3 suppressed TGF-β1-induced Notch activation and expression of the Notch downstream target FSP-1. Conclusion: Integrin β3 may promote the EndMT in HUVECs through activation of the Notch signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Investigations on ornithobacterium rhinotracheale in broiler flocks in elazig province located in the east of turkey

2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (No. 8) ◽  
pp. 305-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Ozbey ◽  
H. Ongor ◽  
D. T Balik ◽  
V. Celik ◽  
A. Kilic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Major Band ◽  
Cell Extracts ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Ornithobacterium Rhinotracheale

In the present study, lung, trachea and serum samples from broiler flocks slaughtered at an abattoir in Elazig province located in the East of Turkey were examined for the presence of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale using culture and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The identity was latter proved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), western blot analysis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. A total of 324 serum and 250 lung and trachea samples were collected from 10 commercially reared chicken flocks showing respiratory manifestations. The samples were obtained from different flocks. The causative agent (ORT) was isolated from trachea (1.5%) of five chickens and from both lung and trachea (0.4%) of only one chicken in the bacteriological examination of tissues. The presence of antibodies against ORT was detected in 33 (10.2%) of the 324 sera by ELISA. A 784 bp fragment of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified using specific primers in the PCR. All ORT isolates that were positive by culture were also detected to be positive by the PCR. SDS-PAGE protein profiles of whole cell extracts showed a high similarity for all the isolates with a major band of the molecular weight of 33&nbsp;kDa (kiloDalton). Results of Western blot analysis indicate four antigenic fractions predominantly with molecular weights of 33, 42, 52 and 66 kDa.

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