Qianlongtong Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Hyperplastic Prostate Cells

Qianlongtong is a compound made from traditional Chinese herbs and it has proven to be very effective to treat patients with benign prostate hypertrophy. However, its mechanism is still unknown. This study is designed to investigate the effect of Qianlongtong on proliferation and apoptosis of hyperplastic prostate cells. Flow cytometry (FCM) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) were used to assess proliferation and apoptosis of hyperplastic prostate cells in the following groups: control group, tamoxifen group, and groups with low, moderate, and high dosage of Qianlongtong. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to investigate the underlying mechanisms for increased apoptosis. Cells treated with Qianlongtong were mainly blocked in the G0/G1 phase. The apoptotic index of each group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The apoptotic index in the high- and moderate-dosage groups was similar to that in the tamoxifen group. The high- and moderate-dosage groups had lower Bcl-2 and higher Bax messenger RNA (mRNA) levels compared with the control group. Qianlongtong inhibits proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of hyperplastic prostate cells.

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The effects of the metformin on inhibition of UVA-induced expression of MMPs and COL-I in human skin fibroblasts

European Journal of Inflammation ◽

10.1177/2058739219876423 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

pp. 205873921987642

Author(s):

Bangsheng Cui ◽

Qi Liu ◽

Ling Tong ◽

Xuefeng Feng

Keyword(s):

Human Skin ◽

Protein Level ◽

Messenger Rna ◽

Mrna Level ◽

Skin Fibroblasts ◽

Control Group ◽

Type I ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Human Skin Fibroblasts ◽

Induced Expression

This study was to investigate the effects of metformin (MF) on ultraviolet A (UVA)-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and type I collagen (COL-I) in human skin fibroblasts (HSFs). HSFs were cultured in vitro and divided into control group, UVA group, and UVA + MF group. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by flow cytometry with fluorescent probe 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) staining. Meanwhile, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to examine the relative messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of aging-related genes, including MMP1, MMP3, and COL-I. Moreover, the expression of MMP1, MMP3, and COL-I proteins was further detected by western blot. Compared with the control group, the ROS content in the UVA group was increased significantly ( P < 0.05), while the ROS content in the UVA + MF group was evidently lower than that in the UVA group ( P < 0.05). In addition, the MMP1 and MMP3 mRNA levels were significantly elevated, while the COL-I mRNA was significantly decreased in UVA-induced HSF cells compared with the control cells. However, MF could significantly inhibit the improved MMP1 and MMP3 mRNA level and increase the COL-I mRNA level. Moreover, MF could significantly reverse the increasing MMP1 and MMP3 protein level and decreasing COL-I protein level induced by UVA. In conclusion, MF can increase the antioxidant capacity of cells and increase the synthesis of COL-I by inhibiting the level of intracellular ROS and the expression of related MMPs, thereby inhibiting the UVA-induced photoaging effect of HSF.

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Opium may affect coronary artery disease by inducing inflammation but not through the expression of CD9, CD36, and CD68

Journal of Investigative Medicine ◽

10.1136/jim-2021-001935 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. jim-2021-001935

Author(s):

Mohammad Amin Momeni-Moghaddam ◽

Gholamreza Asadikaram ◽

Mohammad Masoumi ◽

Erfan Sadeghi ◽

Hamed Akbari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coronary Artery Disease ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

Messenger Rna ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Control Group ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Opium Addiction ◽

Ifn Γ ◽

Artery Disease

The molecular mechanisms of opium with regard to coronary artery disease (CAD) have not yet been determined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of opium on the expression of scavenger receptors including CD36, CD68, and CD9 tetraspanin in monocytes and the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in patients with CAD with and without opium addiction. This case–control study was conducted in three groups: (1) opium-addicted patients with CAD (CAD+OA, n=30); (2) patients with CAD with no opium addiction (CAD, n=30); and (3) individuals without CAD and opium addiction as the control group (Ctrl, n=17). Protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of CD9, CD36, and CD68 were evaluated by flow cytometry and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR methods, respectively. Consumption of atorvastatin, aspirin, and glyceryl trinitrate was found to be higher in the CAD groups compared with the control group. The plasma level of TNF-α was significantly higher in the CAD+OA group than in the CAD and Ctrl groups (p=0.001 and p=0.005, respectively). MDA levels significantly increased in the CAD and CAD+OA groups in comparison with the Ctrl group (p=0.010 and p=0.002, respectively). No significant differences were found in CD9, CD36, CD68, IFN-γ, and NOx between the three groups. The findings demonstrated that opium did not have a significant effect on the expression of CD36, CD68, and CD9 at the gene and protein levels, but it might be involved in the development of CAD by inducing inflammation through other mechanisms.

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The effects of dopamine on prolactin mRNA levels in rat pituitary cells in culture

Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1139/y92-050 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 70 (3) ◽

pp. 403-407 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Seon H. Shin ◽

John S. Elce

Keyword(s):

Ascorbic Acid ◽

Messenger Rna ◽

Control Group ◽

Pituitary Cells ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Cells In Culture ◽

Cell Extracts ◽

Rat Pituitary ◽

Rat Pituitary Cells ◽

Prolactin Mrna

Dopamine is known to be the prolactin-release inhibiting factor, but the effects of dopamine itself on regulation of prolactin messenger RNA have been little studied because of the instability of dopamine. We have compared the effects of dopamine and bromocriptine on the levels of prolactin mRNA and on the rates of synthesis, storage, and release of prolactin in primary cultured rat pituitary cells. The cells were incubated for 72 h with no secretagogue (control group) or in the presence of either dopamine (10 μmol/L) plus ascorbic acid (100 μmol/L) or bromocriptine (0.1 μmol/L). Prolactin mRNA was measured in cell extracts by means of slot blots, and newly synthesized prolactin was measured in similar incubations by the addition of [3H]leucine, followed by gel electrophoresis. The levels of total prolactin were measured by radioimmunoassay. Prolactin mRNA was reduced to 78 ± 9% (mean ± SEM) of control levels in bromocriptine-treated cells and to 59 ± 7% in dopamine-treated cells, demonstrating that dopamine stabilized by ascorbic acid was able to reduce the levels of prolactin mRNA in rat pituitary cells in culture. Dopamine may act at sites in addition to the dopaminergic D2 receptor, since the level of prolactin mRNA was reduced more by a supramaximal dose of dopamine than by a supramaximal dose of bromocriptine. The results of the [3H]prolactin and prolactin measurements suggested that availability of mRNA was not a major factor in controlling the rate of prolactin synthesis.Key words: prolactin, dopamine, bromocriptine, prolactin mRNA, prolactin biosynthesis, cell culture.

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Inhibition of acrolein-induced apoptosis by the antioxidant selenium

Toxicology and Industrial Health ◽

10.1177/0748233720909043 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 84-92

Author(s):

Ayşe Başardı Gökçe ◽

Banu Eren ◽

Dilek Sağir ◽

Burcu Demirel Yilmaz

Keyword(s):

Chromatin Condensation ◽

Light And Electron Microscopy ◽

Environmental Pollutant ◽

Apoptotic Index ◽

Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽

Control Group ◽

Albino Rats ◽

Protective Agent ◽

Electron Microscopic ◽

Induced Apoptosis

In this study, the effects of a potent antioxidant, selenium, on apoptosis induced by acrolein, a cytotoxic and genotoxic environmental pollutant, were investigated by immunohistochemical and electron microscopic methods. One hundred adult male Wistar albino rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into four main groups: control, acrolein, selenium, and acrolein + selenium. The animals in the experimental groups were given 1 mg/kg/day selenium and 4 mg/kg/day acrolein daily for 7 days by gavage. After drug administration, each group was divided into subgroups according to the time they were to be euthanized: 12th hour, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th day. The rats in each group at the determined time were euthanized and their livers were removed. Routine histological procedures were performed for light and electron microscopy examinations. After applying the Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay on the liver sections, apoptotic index values were calculated. Comparing the liver sections of the rats in the acrolein group and the control group, acrolein was found to cause a significant increase in the apoptotic index. The apoptotic index values of the acrolein + selenium group decreased compared to the acrolein group. In the electron microscopic examinations, apoptotic findings were observed in the liver tissues of the rats given acrolein, such as chromatin condensation in the nucleus of hepatocytes, dilatations in the perinuclear space, and cytoplasmic vacuolization. These apoptotic findings were not observed in the acrolein + selenium group after the 12th hour. These findings show that selenium may potentially be useful as a protective agent for people exposed to acrolein.

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Inhibitory Activities of Dimeric Ellagitannins Isolated from Cornus alba on Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26113446 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (11) ◽

pp. 3446

Author(s):

Dong-Hui Park ◽

Kwan-Hee Park ◽

Jun Yin ◽

Min-Ji Kim ◽

Seong-Eun Yoon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy ◽

Positive Control ◽

Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽

Prostatic Hypertrophy ◽

Control Group ◽

Cornus Alba ◽

Prostate Cells ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽

Inhibitory Activities

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is an intractable chronic inflammatory disease. We studied the efficacy of two ellagitannins, namely camptothin B (1) and cornusiin A (2) that were isolated from Cornus alba (CA) for the treatment of BPH, which is a common health issue in older men. The ellagitannins (1 and 2) were evaluated on its inhibitory activities of the enzyme 5α-reductase and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, its interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 production, and its anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction in prostate cells that show hypertrophy (RWPE-1 cell). In inhibition of 5α-reductase, the ellagitannins (1 and 2) showed potential effects, compared to the positive control, finasteride. In the case of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, 1 and 2 showed good inhibitory effects as compared to the control group treated with LPS. The ellagitannins (1 and 2) were also shown to inhibit proliferation of, and induce apoptosis in, the RWPE-1 cell. These results suggest that the ellagitannins (1 and 2) may be good candidates for the treatment of BPH.

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Thymoquinone is a protective agent that reduces the negative effects of doxorubicin in rat testis

Human & Experimental Toxicology ◽

10.1177/0960327120924108 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 39 (10) ◽

pp. 1364-1373 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

E Öztürk ◽

E Kaymak ◽

AT Akin ◽

D Karabulut ◽

H Murat Ünsal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Caspase 3 ◽

Total Antioxidant Status ◽

Serum Testosterone ◽

Testicular Tissue ◽

Apoptotic Index ◽

Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽

Control Group ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Protective Agent ◽

Testosterone Levels

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is used for treatment of many cancer types. Thymoquinone (THQ) is a powerful antioxidant agent used for reducing side effects of several drugs. The aim of this study is to determine possible therapeutic effects of THQ on doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Methods: Rats were divided into five groups ( n = 8): control, THQ, olive oil, DOX (a single dose of 15 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) on seventh day of the experiment), and DOX + THQ (10 mg/kg THQ per day and 15 mg/kg DOX i.p. on seventh day). Animals were euthanized, and testis tissues were evaluated histopathologically. Caspase 3 and HSP90 immunostaining were performed to determine the expression levels of these proteins among groups. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase 2′-deoxyuridine, 5′-triphosphate nick-end labeling method was used for evaluation of apoptotic index. Moreover, serum testosterone levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) in testicular tissue were measured by ELISA assay. Results: The DOX group had histopathological deterioration compared to the control group. There was an increase in apoptotic index, caspase 3 and HSP90 expressions in the DOX group. While TAS level of the DOX group decreased, TOS level increased when compared with the other groups. Serum testosterone levels in the DOX group decreased compared to the control group. However, there was improvement in testicular tissue in DOX + THQ group compared to the DOX group. There was a decrease in apoptotic index, caspase 3, and HSP90 expressions in DOX + THQ group compared to the DOX group. Testosterone level of DOX + THQ significantly increased compared to the DOX group. Conclusion: We suggest that THQ can be used as a protective agent to reduce the toxic effects of DOX.

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Effect of Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kanehira Leaf Aqueous Extract on Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation and Hair Growth

Cell Transplantation ◽

10.1177/0963689717741139 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 256-263 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Tung-Chou Wen ◽

Yuan-Sheng Li ◽

Karthyayani Rajamani ◽

Horng-Jyh Harn ◽

Shinn-Zong Lin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Messenger Rna ◽

Hair Growth ◽

Leaf Extract ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Water Extract ◽

Dermal Papilla ◽

Control Group ◽

Mrna Levels

In this study, we explored the effect of the water extract of Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kanehira (COK) leaves on hair growth by in vitro and in vivo assays. Using an in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, it was found that the proliferation of rat vibrissae and human hair dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) was significantly enhanced by the COK leaf extract treatment. As determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of some hair growth–related factors including vascular endothelial growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), and transforming growth factor-β2 were found to be higher in the cultured hDPCs exposed to COK leaf extract than those in the untreated control group. In the hair-depilated C57BL/6 mouse model, the stimulation of hair growth was demonstrated in the group of COK leaf extract treatment. Both photographical and histological observations revealed the promotion of the anagen phase in the hair growth cycle by the COK leaf extract in the C57BL/6 mice. Finally, the ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) showed that the COK extract contained mostly cinnamic aldehyde and a small amount of cinnamic acid. The results suggest that the COK leaf extract may find use for the treatment of hair loss.

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Reproductive toxicity of cadmium in pubertal male rats induced by cell apoptosis

Toxicology and Industrial Health ◽

10.1177/07482337211022615 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 074823372110226

Author(s):

Lingna Yi ◽

Juan Dai ◽

Yong Chen ◽

Yeqing Tong ◽

You Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reproductive System ◽

Messenger Rna ◽

Dose Group ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Male Reproductive System ◽

Male Rats ◽

Control Group ◽

High Dose ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Cd Exposure

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that is widely present in modern industrial production. It is a known, highly toxic environmental endocrine disruptor. Long-term exposure to Cd can cause varying degrees of damage to the liver, kidney, and reproductive system of organisms, especially the male reproductive system. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Cd toxicity in the male reproductive system during puberty. Eighteen healthy 6-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (control group, low-dose group, and high-dose group) according to their body weight, with six in each group. Cd (0, 1, and 3 mg/kg/day) was given by gavage for 28 consecutive days. The results showed that Cd exposure to each dose group caused a decrease in the testicular organ coefficient and sperm count, compared with the control group. Cd exposure resulted in significant changes in testicular morphology in the 3 mg/kg/day Cd group. In the 1 and 3 mg/kg/day Cd groups, serum testosterone decreased and apoptosis of testicular cells increased significantly ( p < 0.05). In addition, compared with the control group, the activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in each Cd exposure dose group decreased, but the content of malondialdehyde in the high-dose, 3 mg/kg/day Cd treatment group significantly increased ( p < 0.05). Although Cd exposure caused an increase in the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in the testicular tissues ( p < 0.05), Bcl-2 expression was unchanged ( p > 0.05). The expression level of Akt mRNA in testicular tissue of rats in the high-dose 3 mg/kg/day Cd group was increased ( p < 0.05). Our data suggest that Cd affected testosterone levels, and apoptosis was observed in spermatids.

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Arginase Isoform Expression in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm8111809 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 1809 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Diana Vlad ◽

Silviu Albu

Keyword(s):

Nitric Oxide ◽

Chronic Rhinosinusitis ◽

Defense Mechanisms ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Control Group ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Tissue Samples ◽

Endoscopic View ◽

Important Regulator ◽

Arginase I

Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as an important regulator of upper airway inflammation, mainly as part of the local naso-sinusal defense mechanisms. Increased arginase activity can reduce NO levels by decreasing the availability of its precursor, L-arginine. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been associated with low levels of nasal nitric oxide (nNO). Thus, the present study investigates the activity of arginase I (ARG1) and II (ARG2) in CRS and its possible involvement in the pathogenesis of this disease. Under endoscopic view, tissue samples of pathologic (n = 36) and normal (n = 29) rhinosinusal mucosa were collected. Arginase I and II mRNA levels were measured using real-time PCR. Our results showed low arginase I activity in all samples. The levels of ARG2 were significantly higher in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis compared to the control group (fold regulation (FR) 2.22 ± 0.42 vs. 1.31 ± 0.21, p = 0.016). Increased ARG2 expression was found in patients with CRS without nasal polyposis (FR 3.14 ± 1.16 vs. 1.31 ± 0.21, p = 0.0175), in non-allergic CRS (FR 2.55 ± 0.52 vs. 1.31 ± 0.21, p = 0.005), and non-asthmatic CRS (FR 2.42 ± 0.57 vs. 1.31 ± 0.21, p = 0.028). These findings suggest that the upregulation of ARG2 may play a role in the pathology of a distinctive phenotype of CRS.

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Activation of Apoptosis in a βB1-CTGF Transgenic Mouse Model

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22041997 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 1997

Author(s):

Maximilian Weiss ◽

Sabrina Reinehr ◽

Ana M. Mueller-Buehl ◽

Johanna D. Doerner ◽

Rudolf Fuchshofer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Open Angle Glaucoma ◽

Bipolar Cells ◽

Nerve Degeneration ◽

Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Progression Rate ◽

Suitable Model ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Gabaergic Synapse ◽

Slow Progression

To reveal the pathomechanisms of glaucoma, a common cause of blindness, suitable animal models are needed. As previously shown, retinal ganglion cell and optic nerve degeneration occur in βB1-CTGF mice. Here, we aimed to determine possible apoptotic mechanisms and degeneration of different retinal cells. Hence, retinae were processed for immunohistology (n = 5–9/group) and quantitative real-time PCR analysis (n = 5–7/group) in 5- and 10-week-old βB1-CTGF and wildtype controls. We noted significantly more cleaved caspase 3+ cells in βB1-CTGF retinae at 5 (p = 0.005) and 10 weeks (p = 0.02), and a significant upregulation of Casp3 and Bax/Bcl2 mRNA levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, more terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL+) cells were detected in transgenic mice at 5 (p = 0.03) and 10 weeks (p = 0.02). Neurofilament H staining (p = 0.01) as well as Nefh (p = 0.02) and Tubb3 (p = 0.009) mRNA levels were significantly decreased at 10 weeks. GABAergic synapse intensity was lower at 5 weeks, while no alterations were noted at 10 weeks. The glutamatergic synapse intensity was decreased at 5 (p = 0.007) and 10 weeks (p = 0.01). No changes were observed for bipolar cells, photoreceptors, and macroglia. We conclude that apoptotic processes and synapse loss precede neuronal death in this model. This slow progression rate makes the βB1-CTGF mice a suitable model to study primary open-angle glaucoma.

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