妊娠兔胎盘细胞凋亡及凋亡相关基因 Bcl-2和Bax表达的动态变化

以新西兰雌兔为动物模型,研究妊娠期间胎盘细胞凋亡及其凋亡调控蛋白Bcl-2和Bax表达的动态变化.基因组DNA凝胶电泳实验检测到妊娠中期和晚期胎盘基因组DNA中出现典型的凋亡特征--DNA梯带,而且DNA断裂值在妊娠早、中、晚期分别为:0.14、0.49和1.43,与妊娠早期相比,妊娠中、晚期胎盘基因组DNA断裂值有显著性增加.TUNEL实验和活化caspase-3的免疫定位实验表明,在妊娠早期胎盘中存在细胞凋亡,而且在各妊娠期中细胞凋亡主要发生于合体滋养层.免疫印迹法分析表明,Bcl-2和Bax随妊娠的进行其表达量明显增加,Bax∶Bcl-2比值在妊娠早、中、晚期分别为:0.89,0.91和1.25,呈增加趋势.实验结果说明,在兔正常妊娠中,胎盘合体滋养层细胞发生凋亡,且随妊娠的进行,凋亡细胞数量增多,胎盘细胞凋亡主要与细胞中Bax∶Bcl-2的比例相关.     

妊娠兔胎盘细胞凋亡及凋亡相关基因Bcl-2和Bax表达的动态变化

以新西兰雌兔为动物模型。研究妊娠期间胎盘细胞凋亡及其凋亡调控蛋白Bcl-2和Bax表达的动态变化,基因组DNA凝胶电泳实验检测到妊娠中期和晚期胎盘基因组DNA中出现典型的凋亡特征-DNA梯带,而且DNA断裂值在妊娠早、中、晚期分别为：0.14,0.49和1.43,与妊娠早期相比,妊娠中,晚期胎盘基因组DNA断裂值有显著性增加,TUNEL实验和活化caspase-3的免疫定位实验表明,在妊娠早期胎盘中存在细胞凋亡,而且在各妊娠期中细胞凋亡主要发生于合体滋养层,免疫印迹法分析表明,Bcl-2和Bax随妊娠的进行其表达量明显增加,Bax:Bcl-2比值在妊娠早、中、晚期分别为：0.89,0.91和1.25,呈增加趋势,实验结果说明,在兔正常妊娠中,胎盘合体滋养层细胞发生凋亡,且随妊娠的进行,凋亡细胞数量增多,胎盘细胞凋亡主要与细胞中Bax:Bcl-2的比例相关。     

米非司酮对恒河猴母胎界面细胞凋亡和凋亡分子p53表达的影响

胎盘形成过程中发生活跃的细胞增殖、迁移和凋亡等活动。p53蛋白是参与调节细胞周期和凋亡过程的原癌基因。本实验用原位末端标记、蛋白印迹和免疫组织化学方法研究正常和米非司酮(RU486)处理后恒河猴母胎界面绒毛和蜕膜组织细胞凋亡及p53蛋白表达。在正常妊娠的恒河猴母胎界面,凋亡信号主要集中在合体滋养层和细胞柱内的一些滋养层细胞;p53蛋白主要定位于细胞滋养层。在母体蜕膜中,也在部分基质细胞中检测到细胞凋亡和p53蛋白表达。经过RU486处理2d后,胎盘绒毛和母体蜕膜中凋亡细胞数都显著增加,绒毛中增加的凋亡信号集中于细胞滋养层。同时,RU486处理也导致绒毛细胞滋养层和蜕膜基质细胞中p53表达明显增加。以上结果提示,在正常妊娠中,生理性的细胞凋亡和p53表达可能是控制细胞滋养层细胞增殖、保持胎盘组织动态平衡的一个重要机制;RU486终止早孕的可能途径之一是促进母胎界面细胞凋亡,推测p53参与这一过程。     

Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA在恒河猴药物流产胎盘中的表达

目的：通过检测重要的细胞凋亡调节因子Bax和Bcl-2的表达,探讨恒河猴胎盘细胞凋亡与药物流产的关系。方法：利用RT-PCR和原位杂交的方法检测恒河猴对照组和药物流产组(RU-486与AG诱导)胎盘中Bax和Bcl-2mRNA的表达。结果：Bax mRNA在流产胎盘中的表达量明显高于对照组胎盘。在胎盘绒毛滋养层细胞可见明显表达,基底层蜕膜细胞也有表达。Bcl-2mRNA在流产胎盘中的表达量明显低于对照组胎盘,表达部位与Bax类似。结论：RU-486和AG可能通过上调Bax mRNA和下调Bcl-2mRNA的表达,导致胎盘组织凋亡细胞的数量明显增加,从而影响胎盘的正常结构和功能,增加了流产的危险性。     

大田软海绵酸对FL细胞DNA的损伤及凋亡相关蛋白表达的影响

本文旨在探讨大田软海绵酸对人羊膜细胞DNA的损伤及凋亡相关蛋白表达的影响。实验用0、20、40、608、0、100 nmol/L OA诱导FL细胞4h后,检测DNA损伤程度的彗星实验表明,OA对FL细胞DNA的损伤随染毒浓度的升高而增加。蛋白免疫印迹法显示凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax和p53的表达与染毒浓度呈负相关;用100 nmol/L OA分别诱导2h、4h、8h后发现,三种蛋白的表达与染毒时间也呈负相关。由此可知在OA诱导的FL细胞凋亡中,损伤DNA,降低Bcl-2蛋白的表达可能参与了凋亡的部分作用,而Bax和p53蛋白则可能与OA诱导的细胞增殖有关。     

莪术油诱导人胃腺癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡的研究

该实验目的是探究莪术油(zedoray turmeric oil,ZTO)诱导人胃腺癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡的作用。不同浓度的ZTO作用人胃腺癌SGC-7901细胞48 h后,采用台盼兰拒染法检测细胞生长抑制率;光学显微镜、荧光显微镜、透射电镜下观察细胞的形态和超微结构;琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测DNA片段化;Annexin V-FITC法检测细胞的凋亡率;实时荧光定量PCR和Western blot检测Bax、Bcl-2 m RNA和蛋白表达水平。结果显示,作用人胃腺癌SGC-7901细胞48 h,ZTO的最佳浓度是110μg/m L,IC50为(108.002±0.305)μg/m L;显微镜下细胞呈不同程度的凋亡特征;DNA电泳可见梯状条带;最佳药物浓度作用细胞48 h的早期凋亡率为(25.07±0.82)%;Bax表达水平升高,Bcl-2表达水平降低,Bax/Bcl-2比值显著升高(P0.05),表明ZTO通过上调Bax表达、下调Bcl-2表达诱导人胃腺癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡。     

细胞色素c的释放是多巴胺诱导PC12细胞凋亡的重要环节

通过末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导dUTP缺口翻译法和DNA凝胶电泳观察多巴胺(DA)对PC12细胞凋亡的诱导作用, 并经蛋白质印迹法检测胞浆细胞色素c、Bcl-2和Bax蛋白以及活化型半胱氨酸蛋白酶3(caspase-3)水平. 结果表明, 在DA诱导PC12细胞凋亡的过程中, 可见PC12细胞中活化型caspase-3蛋白表达, 胞浆中细胞色素c水平明显增高, 同时Bcl-2蛋白水平下降, 而Bax蛋白水平明显增加. 环孢菌素A预处理对细胞色素c释放和caspase-3激活有明显的抑制作用, 而对Bcl-2和Bax蛋白影响不明显. 结果提示, Bcl-2和Bax蛋白、细胞色素c以及caspase-3可能参与DA诱导PC12细胞凋亡, 线粒体细胞色素c向胞浆释放可能是其中的中心环节.     

滋养层细胞凋亡调控的研究

胎盘滋养层是母体与胎儿之间进行氧气、营养物质和代谢物交换的组织。大量研究证实 ,滋养层细胞凋亡是正常妊娠过程中存在的一种生理现象 ,具有重要的生理意义。滋养层细胞的凋亡受到Bcl 2家族蛋白、Fas FasL系统、p5 3蛋白及细胞因子等多种因素的调控。本文主要介绍滋养层细胞凋亡的调控及滋养层细胞凋亡与妊娠相关疾病的研究进展。     

妊娠兔胎盘细胞凋亡及其相关基因Bcl-2和Bax表达的动态变化

妊娠兔胎盘细胞凋亡及其相关基因Bcl-2和Bax表达的动态变化@刘喆$中国科学院动物研究所计划生育生殖生物学国家重点实验室! 中国 北京100080 @杨颖$中国科学院动物研究所计划生育生殖生物学国家重点实验室! 中国 北京100080 @彭景楩$中国科学院动物研究所计划生育生殖生物学国家重点实验室! 中国 北京100080     

大蒜素诱导人食管癌EC-109细胞凋亡

为寻找毒副作用小并且治疗效果好的抗癌药物,研究大蒜素对人食管癌EC-109细胞凋亡的影响,同时探讨了大蒜素引发细胞凋亡的可能机制。通过激光共聚焦显微镜观察细胞形态变化,琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测DNA片段化情况,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率和线粒体膜电位变化,qRT-PCR和Western blotting检测细胞凋亡相关基因Bax、Bcl-2的mRNA和蛋白表达水平。结果显示,大蒜素作用人食管癌EC-109细胞48 h后,线粒体膜电位显著降低,并且早期凋亡细胞和晚期凋亡细胞所占百分比均显著增加。同时,与对照组相比,Bax mRNA和蛋白水平均显著升高(p<0.05),Bcl-2 mRNA和蛋白水平均显著降低(p<0.05)。据此,本研究得出大蒜素可诱导人食管癌EC-109细胞凋亡,并呈剂量依赖性,有潜在的药用价值。     

Effect of IFNgamma on caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax expression, and apoptosis in rabbit placenta

The purpose of this study was to determine whether apoptosis in placenta was affected by IFNgamma, which can induce abortion, and whether the effect of IFNgamma on apoptosis resulted from an intrinsic program of apoptosis, which was regulated by Bcl-2 and Bax. DNA fragmentation analysis indicated that cleavage of DNA into 180 bp and its polymers were recognized in placenta in control and IFNgamma treated groups. Quantitative analysis of low molecular weight fragments of DNA revealed a significant increase in cases of 100,000 IU IFNgamma treatment compared with those in normal pregnancy (P<0.05). An analysis in situ revealed that apoptosis occurred predominantly in syncytiotrophoblast. Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in placenta was evaluated by immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry study. Bcl-2 was expressed predominantly in syncytiotrophoblast, and was not expressed in cytotrophoblast of all cases. Whereas Bax was expressed in cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblasts were found to be negative for Bax protein expression in all cases. Both Bcl-2 and Bax expression was decreased 0.44 fold and 0.46 fold by 50,000 IU IFNgamma and 0.41 fold and 0.03 fold by 100,000 IU IFNgamma. This resulted in change of a 0.07 fold increase in the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio in 50,000 IU IFNgamma treated groups and 0.41 fold increase in 100,000 IU IFNgamma treated groups as compared with those in control groups. The difference in Bax to Bcl-2 ratio between control and 100,000 IU IFNgamma treated groups was significant (P<0.05). The localization of caspase-3, the executioner of apoptosis, was detected in some cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast and increased 0.03 fold and 0.68 fold in 50,000 IU IFNgamma and 100,000 IU IFNgamma treated groups, respectively. There was significant difference between control and 100,000 IU IFNgamma treated groups (P<0.05). The results showed that high dose of IFNgamma administration increased the extent of apoptosis in placenta, the Bax to Bcl-2 ratio, and the activated caspase-3.     

Endocannabinoids participate in placental apoptosis induced by hypoxia inducible factor-1

During pregnancy, apoptosis is a physiological event critical in the remodeling and aging of the placenta. Increasing evidence has pointed towards the relevance of endocannabinoids (ECs) and hypoxia as modulators of trophoblast cell death. However, the relation between these factors is still unknown. In this report, we evaluated the participation of ECs in placental apoptosis induced by cobalt chloride (CoCl₂), a hypoxia mimicking agent that stabilizes the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α). We found that HIF-1α stabilization decreased FAAH mRNA and protein levels, suggesting an increase in ECs tone. Additionally, CoCl₂ incubation and Met-AEA treatment reduced cell viability and increased TUNEL-positive staining in syncytiotrophoblast layer. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblast. Finally, HIF-1α stabilization produced an increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, activation of caspase 3 and PARP cleavage. All these changes in apoptotic parameters were reversed with AM251, a CB1 antagonist. These results demonstrate that HIF-1α may induce apoptosis in human placenta via intrinsic pathway by a mechanism that involves activation of CB1 receptor suggesting a role of the ECs in this process.     

Apoptosis and related proteins in placenta of intrauterine fetal death in prostaglandin f receptor-deficient mice

The present study investigated whether the increase of apoptosis in the placenta is associated with intrauterine fetal death in prostaglandin F receptor-deficient mice. Apoptosis was demonstrated within placental and decidual tissue by the TUNEL method. The majority of apoptosis was found in syncytiotrophoblast tissues. Enhanced TUNEL-positive staining in the syncytiotrophoblast layer was scattered in the placental tissues in clusters of apoptotic cells in the death group. Marked TUNEL-positive cells were identified in decidua of both groups. The rate of apoptosis in the placenta and decidua in the death group was higher than that in the survival group (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the level of active caspase-3 protein expression in the placenta in the death group was much higher than that in the survival group. The level of Bcl-2 protein expression in the placenta in the death group was much lower than that in the survival group. Western blot analysis demonstrated that increased expression of the active form of caspase-3 was detected in the placenta and decidua in the death group compared with that in the survival group. In contrast, a decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 was detected in the placenta and decidua in the death group compared with that in the survival group. Enhanced expression of Bax:Bcl-2 ratio was detected in placenta and decidua in the death group compared with that in the survival group. Thus, significantly increased apoptosis in the mouse placenta and decidua might be involved in the pathophysiologic mechanism of intrauterine fetal death.     

Alteration of the Bcl-2:Bax ratio in the placenta as pregnancy proceeds

The placenta is the primary site of nutrient and gas exchange between mother and foetus. During human placental development, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis occur at different stages. In order to clarify some of the molecular mechanisms underlying these events, we investigated the pattern of expression of two members of the Bcl-2 family in human placenta samples and compared them to the level of apoptosis detected by the TUNEL method.In particular, we evaluated the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax and their ratio during the first and third trimester. We found that Bcl-2 was generally expressed at low levels during the entire gestational period. On the other hand, Bax was low during the first trimester but increased towards the end of gestation. In accordance with the change of ratio of these two molecules, the increase of apoptotic cells was observable in the third trimester. These data indicate that Bcl-2 and Bax are spatio-temporally regulated during placental development and that the different expression of the above mentioned genes is at least in part responsible for the delicate balance between cell proliferation and programmed cell death in the human placenta during pregnancy.     

Expression of Bcl-2 and p53 at the fetal-maternal interface of rhesus monkey

To study the apoptosis and its mechanism at the fetal-maternal interface of early gestation, localization of apoptotic cells in the implantation sites of the rhesus monkey on day 17, 19, 28 and 34 of pregnancy were first examine by using the TUNEL technique. The expression of Ki67, a molecular marker of proliferating cells, and two apoptotic proteins, B cell lymphoma/leukaemia-2 (Bcl-2) and P53, were then studied by immunohistochemistry. Apoptotic nuclei were observed mainly in the syncytiotrophoblast. Ki67 was confined almost exclusively to cytotrophoblasts. The localization of Bcl-2 protein follows that of the apoptotic nuclei and its expression level increased as the development of the placenta progressed on. P53 was detected to some extent in cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblast covering the basal feet of the anchoring villi during the late stage of placentation. Based on these observations, it might be suggested that Bcl-2 could be possible to play an interesting role in limiting degree of nuclear degradation and sustaining cell suvival in the multi-nucleated syncytiotrophoblast cells during early pregnancy, and P53 could also be essential in regulating the trophoblastic homeostasis by controlling its proliferation or apoptosis.     

Apoptosis in canine corpus luteum during spontaneous and prostaglandin-induced luteal regression

Spontaneous luteal regression and prostaglandin-induced luteolysis in bitches were evaluated by measuring the apoptotic index for DNA fragmentation and the relative level of Bax gene expression in ovaries removed from nine untreated nonpregnant bitches at selected times during diestrus and in nine pregnant bitches after 1 day of administering abortive doses of a PGF-analog gel formulation given intravaginally at selected times during gestation. Nonpregnant diestrus was divided into three periods (early, mid and late) based on vaginal cytology and plasma progesterone concentration. Pregnant bitches were treated with a PGF-analog gel at corresponding stages of pregnancy (early, mid and late) and evaluated by ultrasound. Another eight pregnant bitches were similarly studied and serum progesterone concentrations were determined after 1, 2, 3 or 4 days of PGF-analog gel. Corpora lutea obtained by ovariohysterectomy were analyzed for apoptotic internucleosomal DNA fragmentation relative to that in a control cell line (U937), using an apoptotic DNA ladder kit and gel electrophoresis and for relative expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene by RT-PCR and electrophoresis. In nonpregnant bitches, the DNA fragmentation apoptotic index was greater in late than in early diestrus (P < 0.01). The index after 1 day of PGF-analog gel was higher in early pregnant bitches than in early diestrus bitches (P < 0.05); it was highest in midpregnancy (P < 0.05). The degree of apoptosis was related to the number of times PGF-analog gel was administered. Bax mRNA was detected in the corpus luteum (CL) and Bax expression increased from early to middiestrus in nonpregnant subjects (P < 0.05). Potential elevation in Bax due to PGF-analog gel treatment in pregnancy was only significant in relation to normal diestrus during early pregnancy (P < 0.01). In conclusion, we inferred that the effects of endogenous or exogenous prostaglandin on CL life span in bitches involved increases in apoptotic activity and that increased apoptosis was implicated in normal luteal regression in nonpregnant bitches.     

Prostaglandin F2alpha-mediated activation of apoptotic signaling cascades in the corpus luteum during apoptosis: involvement of caspase-activated DNase

Prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) acting via a G protein-coupled receptor has been shown to induce apoptosis in the corpus luteum of many species. Studies were carried out to characterize changes in the apoptotic signaling cascade(s) culminating in luteal tissue apoptosis during PGF(2alpha)-induced luteolysis in the bovine species in which initiation of apoptosis was demonstrable at 18 h after exogenous PGF(2alpha) treatment. An analysis of intrinsic arm of apoptotic signaling cascade elements revealed that PGF(2alpha) injection triggered increased ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 in the luteal tissue as early as 4 h posttreatment that remained elevated until 18 h. This increase was associated with the elevation in the active caspase-9 and -3 protein levels and activity (p < 0.05) at 4-12 h, but a spurt in the activity was seen only at 18 h posttreatment that could not be accounted for by the changes in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio or changes in translocation of Bax to mitochondria. Examination of luteal tissue for FasL/Fas death receptor cascade revealed increased expression of FasL and Fas at 18 h accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) induction in the caspase-8 activity and truncated Bid levels. Furthermore, intrabursal administration of specific caspase inhibitors, downstream to the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic signaling cascades, in a pseudopregnant rat model revealed a greater importance of extrinsic apoptotic signaling cascade in mediating luteal tissue apoptosis during PGF(2alpha) treatment. The DNase responsible for PGF(2alpha)-induced apoptotic DNA fragmentation was found to be Ca(2+)/Mg(2+)-dependent, temperature-sensitive DNase, and optimally active at neutral pH conditions. This putative DNase was inhibited by the recombinant inhibitor of caspase-activated DNase, and immunodepletion of caspase-activated DNase from luteal lysates abolished the observed DNA fragmentation activity. Together, these data demonstrate for the first time temporal and spatial changes in the apoptotic signaling cascades during PGF(2alpha)-in-duced apoptosis in the corpus luteum.     

Platelet-activating factor-induced apoptosis is blocked by Bcl-2 in rat intestinal epithelial cells

Plateletactivating factor (PAF) is a key mediator in pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) but mechanisms of PAF-induced mucosal injury are poorly understood. To determine whether apoptosis and the Bcl-2-family of apoptosis regulatory gene products play a role in PAF-induced mucosal injury, we stably and conditionally overexpressed bcl-2 in rat small intestinal epithelial cells-6 under the control of a lactose-inducible promoter. Western blot analysis and immuno-histochemistry were used to verify inducible Bcl-2 and to analyze Bcl-2 and a proapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, Bax, subcellular distribution. DNA fragmentation was quantified by ELISA, caspase activity was measured by using fluorogenic peptide substrates, and mitochondrial membrane potential was assayed by 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) and fluorescence digital imaging. Bcl-2 expression was highly inducible by lactose analog isopropyl-beta-(d)-thiogalactoside (IPTG) and was localized predominantly to mitochondria. In the absence of bcl-2 overexpression and after treatment with PAF, Bax translocated to mitochondria, and mitochondrial membrane potential collapsed within 1 h, followed by caspase-3 activation, which peaked at 6 h with an ensuing DNA fragmentation maximizing at 18 h. After IPTG-induction of bcl-2 expression, PAF failed to induce DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, Bax translocation, or a collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. These data are the first to show that PAF can activate apoptotic machinery in enterocytes via a mechanism involving Bax translocation and collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and that both of these events are under control by bcl-2 expression levels. A better understanding of the role of PAF and Bcl-2 family of apoptosis regulators in epithelial cell death might aid design of better therapeutic or preventive strategies for IBDs.