Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase attenuates 3-hydroxykynurenine-induced neuronal cell death

3-Hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), an endogenous tryptophan metabolite, is known to have toxic effects in brain. However, the molecular mechanism of the toxicity has not been well identified. In this study, we investigated the involvement of MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the 3-HK-induced neuronal cell damage. Our results showed that 3-HK induced apoptotic neuronal cell death and ERK phosphorylation occurred during cell death. Inhibition of ERK activation using PD98059 considerably increased cell death. Furthermore, cell death was preceded by mitochondrial malfunction including collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and cytochrome c release from mitochondria to the cytosol. Interestingly, inhibition of ERK dramatically increased mitochondrial malfunction, and enhanced caspase activation, resulting in enhanced neuronal cell death. Thus, our results show that ERK plays a protective role by maintaining mitochondrial function and regulating caspase activity under conditions of cellular stress.     

MCC950对脑出血大鼠神经损伤的作用*

目的: 研究NLRP3炎性小体抑制剂MCC950对脑出血(ICH)大鼠神经损伤的作用。方法: 72只SD大鼠随机分为3组(n=24):sham组、ICH组和MCC950组。ICH组和MCC950组采用自体非抗凝血注射方法建立大鼠脑出血模型后,给予MCC950组大鼠腹腔注射MCC950 10 mg/kg(2 mg/ml),连续给药3 d。模型建立72 h后,进行前肢放置实验、转角实验和mNSS评分,观察ICH大鼠神经功能情况;新鲜脑组织切片,观察血肿体积变化情况;HE染色,观察脑组织病理学改变情况;干湿比重法,观察脑组织水肿变化情况;FJC染色,观察神经元退化的情况;TUNEL染色,观察神经元凋亡情况;Western blot,观察NLRP3、ASC、caspase-1、IL-1β、IL-18、GSDMD蛋白表达及激活水平的情况。结果: 与sham组比较,ICH组大鼠左前肢放置成功百分比和左侧转身百分比显著下降(P＜0.01,P＜0.05),mNSS评分显著升高(P＜0.01),右侧脑内血肿体积显著增大,血肿周围脑组织中小胶质细胞数量增加,神经元数量减少,神经细胞肿胀,排布不均,部分细胞固缩性坏死,染色加深,右侧基底部含水量显著增多(P＜0.05),血肿周围脑组织中FJC阳性和TUNEL阳性细胞数量显著增加(P＜0.05),NLRP3、ASC、caspase-1、pro-caspase-1、caspase-1/pro-caspase-1比值、GSDMD-N、GSDMD、GSDMD-N/GSDMD比值、IL-1β和IL-18水平显著升高(P＜0.01,P＜0.05)。与ICH组比较,MCC950组大鼠左前肢放置成功百分比和左侧转身百分比显著升高(P＜0.05),mNSS评分显著降低(P＜0.01),右侧脑内血肿体积显著减小,血肿周围脑组织中神经细胞肿胀显著减轻,固缩坏死细胞数量减少,右侧基底含水量显著减少(P＜0.05),血肿周围脑组织中FJC阳性和TUNEL阳性细胞数量显著减少(P＜ 0.05),NLRP3、ASC、caspase-1、pro-caspase-1、caspase-1/pro-caspase-1比值、GSDMD-N、GSDMD、GSDMD-N/GSDMD比值、IL-1β和IL-18水平显著降低(P＜0.05)。结论: MCC950可以通过抑制NLRP3炎性小体介导的炎症反应和细胞焦亡改善ICH后的神经损伤。     

Effects of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids on levels of eNOS phosphorylation and relevant signaling transduction path-ways involved

Vascular endothelial cells play crucial roles in regulating cardiovascular function, maintaining car-diovascular homeostasis and preventing the occur-rence of cardiac and cerebral vascular diseases. All these protective effects are fulfilled through various vasoactive products secreted by endothelium including nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin (PGI2) and endothe-lium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). NO, pro-duced from L-arginine by endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS), is an impor…     

Effects of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids on levels of eNOS phosphorylation and relevant signaling transduction pathways involved

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a key enzyme responsible for the regulation of vascular homeostasis. Many humor factors and mechanical forces can affect eNOS activity via phosphorylation modification but the mechanisms involved vary with stimuli applied. We have demonstrated that cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase-dependent metabolites of arachidonic acid, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), can robustly up-regulate eNOS expression and its activity, however the relevant signaling pathways responsible for activity regulation are not well known. In this study, we explored the role of PI3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in eNOS expression and its phosphorylation in response to EETs via direct addition of EETs into cultured bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAECs) and recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated transfection of CYP epoxygenase genes CYPF87V and CYP2C11 to produce endogenous EETs followed by co-treatment with PI3K or Akt inhibitor. Results show that both exogenous and endogenous EETs could remarkably enhance eNOS expression and its phosphorylation at Ser1179 and Thr497 residues; PI3K inhibitor LY294002 could inhibit EETs-induced increase in eNOS-Ser(P)¹¹⁷⁹ but had no effect on the change of eNOS-Thr(P)⁴⁹⁷, while Akt inhibitor could attenuate the increase in phosphor-eNOS at both residues; both of the two inhibitors could block EETs-enhanced eNOS expression. These results lead to conclusions: (i) EETs-mediated regulation of eNOS activity may be related with the changes of phosphorylation level at eNOS-Ser¹¹⁷⁹ via PI3K/Akt and eNOS-Thr⁴⁹⁷ via Akt; (ii) PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is involved in the up-regulation of eNOS expression by EETs.     

Interferon alpha induces cell death through interference with interleukin 6 signaling and inhibition of STAT3 activity

In multiple myeloma, which commonly depends on interleukin 6, IL-6, survival signaling induced by this cytokine is largely mediated by activation of STAT3. Interferon alpha (IFNalpha) treatment of cell lines derived from multiple myeloma or of myeloma tumor cells ex vivo leads to apoptosis. In this study we demonstrate that IFNalpha treatment of the two myeloma cell lines, U266-1984 and U-1958, results in the decrease of STAT3 activity as demonstrated by a diminished STAT3/3 DNA-binding activity and the shift from STAT3/3 towards STAT1/1 and STAT3/1 complexes in EMSA, leading to the down-regulation of known STAT3 target genes such as Bcl-X(L), Mcl-1 and survivin. Ectopic expression of a form of STAT3, STAT3C, rescued U266-1984 cells from IFNalpha-induced apoptosis. IFNalpha promoted sustained accumulation of tyrosine phosphorylated STAT3C in the nucleus and a prolonged DNA binding of the STAT3/3 homodimers in EMSA. The shift towards a sustained STAT3 response in IFNalpha-treated STAT3C-transfected cells led to a hyper-induction of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins. Thus our data demonstrated that IFNalpha is able to interfere with IL-6 signaling by inhibiting STAT3 activity and that the abrogation of STAT3 activity accounts for the ability of IFNalpha to induce apoptosis in myeloma cells.     

Histone deacetylase inhibitors promote eNOS expression in vascular smooth muscle cells and suppress hypoxia‐induced cell growth

Hypoxia stimulates excessive growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributing to vascular remodelling. Recent studies have shown that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) suppress VSMC proliferation and activate eNOS expression. However, the effects of HDI on hypoxia‐induced VSMC growth and the role of activated eNOS in VSMCs are unclear. Using an EdU incorporation assay and flow cytometry analysis, we found that the HDIs, butyrate (Bur) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) significantly suppressed the proliferation of hypoxic VSMC lines and induced apoptosis. Remarkable induction of cleaved caspase 3, p21 expression and reduction of PCNA expression were also observed. Increased eNOS expression and enhanced NO secretion by hypoxic VSMC lines were detected using Bur or SAHA treatment. Knockdown of eNOS by siRNA transfection or exposure of hypoxic VSMCs to NO scavengers weakened the effects of Bur and SAHA on the growth of hypoxic VSMCs. In animal experiments, administration of Bur to Wistar rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 28 days ameliorated the thickness and collagen deposition in pulmonary artery walls. Although the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was not obviously decreased with Bur in hypoxic rats, right ventricle hypertrophy index (RVHI) was decreased and the oxygen partial pressure of arterial blood was elevated. Furthermore, cell viability was decreased and eNOS and cleaved caspase 3 were induced in HDI‐treated rat pulmonary arterial SMCs. These findings imply that HDIs prevent hypoxia‐induced VSMC growth, in correlation with activated eNOS expression and activity in hypoxic VSMCs.     

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase overexpression by neuronal cells in neurodegeneration: a link between inflammation and neuroprotection

The roles of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthases in neurones have been extensively investigated; by contrast, the biological significance of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) overexpression that occurs in several pathological conditions has not yet been studied. We have started addressing this issue in a cell model of neurodegeneration, i.e. human SKNBE neuroblastoma cells transfected with a mutant form of alsin, a protein causing an early-onset type of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS2. We found that eNOS, which is endogenously expressed by these cells, was activated by tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine that plays important roles in ALS2 and several neurodegenerative diseases. The TNF-α-dependent eNOS activation occurred through generation, by sphingosine-kinase-1, of sphingosine-1-phosphate, stimulation of its membrane receptors and activation of Akt, as determined using small interference RNA and dominant negative constructs specific for the enzymes and receptors. eNOS activation by TNF-α conferred cytoprotection from excitotoxicity and neurotoxic cues such as reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum stress, DNA damage, and mutated alsin itself. Our results suggest that overexpression of eNOS by neurones is a broad-range protective mechanism activated during damage and establish a link of pathophysiological relevance between this enzyme and inflammation accompanying neurodegenerative diseases. These findings also question the concept that high NO output in the presence of oxidative stress leads always to peroxynitrite formation contributing to neurodegeneration.     

Chelerythrine induces apoptosis via ROS‐mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and STAT3 pathways in human renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a heterogeneous histological disease and it is one of the most common kidney cancer. The treatment of RCC has been improved for the past few years, but its mortality still remains high. Chelerythrine (CHE) is a natural benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid and a widely used broad‐range protein kinase C inhibitor which has anti‐cancer effect on various types of human cancer cells. However, its effect on RCC has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the effect and mechanism of CHE on RCC cells. Our study showed that CHE induced colony formation inhibition and G2/M cell cycle arrest in a dose‐dependent manner in RCC cells. In addition, CHE increased cellular ROS level, leading to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inactivating STAT3 activities and inducing apoptosis in RCC cells which were suppressed by NAC, a special ROS inhibitor. We further found that both knockdown of ATF4 protein and overexpression of STAT3 protein could reduce CHE‐induced apoptosis in Caki cells. These results demonstrated that the apoptosis induced by CHE was mediated by ROS‐caused ER stress and STAT3 inactivation. Collectively, our studies provided support for CHE as a potential new therapeutic agent for the management of RCC.     

The transcription factor Grainyhead like 3 (GRHL3) affects endothelial cell apoptosis and migration in a NO-dependent manner

Migratory capacity and resistance to apoptosis are crucial for proper endothelial function. In a screen for anti-apoptotic genes in a breast cancer cell line, we identified Grainyhead like 3 (GRHL3). Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate whether GRHL3 is expressed in endothelial cells and moreover, to determine its role in migration, apoptosis and senescence. GRHL3 is expressed in human endothelial cells. GRHL3 is required for endothelial cell migration. The underlying mechanism is independent of vascular endothelial growth factor. GRHL3 induces Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation and its expression is increased by physiological concentrations of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dependent migration is completely dependent on GRHL3 expression. Moreover, GRHL3 inhibits apoptosis of endothelial cells in an eNOS-dependent manner. Thus, loss of GRHL3 may result in endothelial dysfunction in vivo. One may consider new therapeutic strategies with the aim to conserve GRHL3 expression in the vasculature.     

细胞外信号调节激酶在丹参单体IH764-3诱导肝星状细胞凋亡中的作用

目的：探讨丹参单体1H764-3对H202刺激的肝星状细胞（HSCs）增殖、凋亡等细胞行为的影响及细胞外信号调节激酶,（ERKt）在其中的调节作用。方法：应用体外细胞培养技术,采用直接细胞计数法、0H．胸腺嘧啶核苷（0H-TdR）掺入法测定HSCs增殖;透射电镜、膜联蛋白（Annexin-V）／磺化丙啶（PI）双标记流式细胞术测定nscs凋亡;分别应用Western blot和逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）技术测定ERK1蛋白及其mRNA的表达。结果：①H202具有刺激HSC8增殖的作用;②丹参单体IH764-3剂量依赖性抑制也02刺激的HSCs增殖;③Annexin-V／PI检测显示,10mg／L,20mg／L,30mg／L及40mg／LIH764-3干预48h后各组凋亡率分别为6．35％、9．28％、15．10％、19．69％,而H2O2组为2．30％;30ms／L IH764-3干预HSCs不同时间（12h、24h、48h）的凋亡率分剐是6．73％、10．34％、15．10％,呈时间依赖性;④丹参单体IH764-3干预组,HSCs的ERK1蛋白及其mRNA表达下调。结论：丹参单体IH764-3可以抑制HSCs增殖并诱导其凋亡;这种作用与其抑制ERK1蛋白和ERK1 mRNA表达有关。     

(−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Potentiates the Cytotoxicity Induced by Benzyl Isothiocyanate and Hydrogen Peroxide in Human Jurkat T Lymphocytes

(?)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-induced apoptosis was along both the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways in Jurkat cells. Co-treatment with EGCG potentiated the cytotoxicity induced by benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and H₂O₂, both being inhibited by ERK and JNK inhibitors. These results suggest the significant role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in the apoptosis induction regulated by EGCG alone and in combination.     

程序性细胞死亡因子4与单纯疱疹病毒US3蛋白相互作用及参与细胞凋亡

程序性细胞死亡因子-4（programmed celld eath-4,PDCD4）通过阻断相关基因的转录与翻译从而抑制肿瘤发生,单纯疱疹病毒-1（herpes simplex virus-1,HSV-1）US3蛋白激酶可有效调控病毒基因产物或外源因素引致的细胞凋亡。近期研究证明PDCD4在病毒感染细胞中以US3依赖及非依赖两种模式被磷酸化修饰,其中受US3修饰的PDCD4仍定位细胞核并随之被降解,这可能是细胞凋亡被抑制的主要原因之一,此外,PDCD4沉默可阻断复制不完全病毒引致的细胞凋亡,表明PDCD4与HSV-1 US3阻断细胞凋亡途径直接相关。本文综述了这两种蛋白及其作用关系的研究进展,为解析病毒与细胞相互作用机理提供新方向。     

Pectolinarin inhibits proliferation,induces apoptosis,and suppresses inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes by inactivating the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B pathway

Rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs), a pathological hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), exhibit the characteristics of tumor cells. The extracts of Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense have been shown to possess antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of pectolinarin, a flavonoid compound isolated from C. japonicum var. ussuriense, on RA. Cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry analysis and Western blot analysis of Bax and Bcl-2 levels. Inflammation was assessed by detecting the expressions and secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was also measured. The effects of pectolinarin on the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway were examined by Western blot. We found that pectolinarin significantly inhibited cell viability at 24 and 48 hours in a dose-dependently manner in RA-FLSs. Pectolinarin reduced the apoptotic rate, increased Bax level, and decreased Bcl-2 level in RA-FLSs. Pectolinarin inhibited the messenger RNA expression and secretion of IL-6 and IL-8, as well as the production of PGE2 and NO in RA-FLSs. Furthermore, pectolinarin inactivated the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway in RA-FLSs. Activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by 740Y-P impaired the effects of pectolinarin on cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammation in RA-FLSs. In conclusion, pectolinarin suppressed cell proliferation and inflammatory response and induced apoptosis in RA-FLSs via inactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.