Expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 in Nerve Tissues of Rats Chronically Exposed to 2,5-hexanedione

Occupational exposure and experimental intoxication with n-hexane or its metabolite 2,5-hexanedione (HD) produce a central-peripheral neuropathy. However, the mechanism remains unknown. We hypothesized that HD affected the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 in the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Male adult Wistar rats were administered by intraperitoneal injection at a dosage of 200 or 400 mg/kg HD, five days per week for 8 weeks. Samples of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, spinal cord and sciatic nerves were collected and examined for Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 expression using Western blotting. Subchronic exposure to HD resulted in significantly increased expression of both anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic protein Bax and Caspase-3 in cerebral cortex and cerebellum, which exhibited a dose-dependent pattern. Though little change was detected in spinal cord, our results showed that the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 was markedly enhanced in the sciatic nerves. These findings suggested that the changes of apoptosis-related protein level in rat nerve tissues were associated with the intoxication of HD, which might be involved in early molecular regulatory mechanism of apoptosis in the HD-induced neuropathy.     

Robust lanthanide-based assays for the detection of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2-family protein antagonists

Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2-family proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L), Bfl-1, Mcl-1, Bcl-W and Bcl-B) have been recently validated as drug discovery targets for cancer, owed to their ability to confer tumor resistance to chemotherapy or radiation. The anti-apoptotic activity of Bcl-2 proteins is due to their ability to heterodimerize with their pro-apoptotic counterparts (proteins such as Bad, Bim or Bid) via a conserved peptide region termed BH3. Thus, molecules that mimic pro-apoptotic BH3 domains represent a direct approach to overcoming the protective effects of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L). Here, we report on the development and evaluation of two novel Lanthanide-based assays that are formatted for high-throughput screening of small molecules capable of antagonizing BH3-Bcl-2 interactions. The assay conditions, robustness and reproducibility (Z' factors) are described. These assays represent useful tools to enable further studies in the search for novel, safe and effective anti-cancer agents targeting Bcl-2-family proteins.     

Involvement of Bcl-2 Family and Caspase-3-Like Protease in NO-Mediated Neuronal Apoptosis

Abstract: To clarify mechanisms of neuronal death in the postischemic brain, we examined whether astrocytes exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation exert a neurotoxic effect, using a coculture system. Neurons cocultured with astrocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation underwent apoptotic cell death, the effect enhanced by a combination of interleukin-1β with hypoxia. The synergistic neurotoxic activity of hypoxia and interleukin-1β was dependent on de novo expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and on nitric oxide (NO) production in astrocytes. Further analysis to determine the neurotoxic mechanism revealed decreased Bcl-2 and increased Bax expression together with caspase-3 activation in cortical neurons cocultured with NO-producing astrocytes. Inhibition of NO production in astrocytes by N ^G-monomethyl- l -arginine, an inhibitor of NOS, significantly inhibited neuronal death together with changes in Bcl-2 and Bax protein levels and in caspase-3-like activity. Moreover, treatment of neurons with a bax antisense oligonucleotide inhibited the caspase-3-like activation and neuronal death induced by an NO donor, sodium nitroprusside. These data suggest that NO produced by astrocytes after hypoxic insult induces apoptotic death of neurons through mechanisms involving the caspase-3 activation after down-regulation of BCl-2 and up-regulation of Bax protein levels.     

镉诱导小鼠睾丸细胞凋亡与Caspase-3、Bcl-2和Bax mRNA的表达

一个月大雄性小鼠24只,随机分为6组,用30 μmol/kg CdCl2作用小鼠睾丸不同的时间(3 h、6 h、12 h、18 h、24 h)后,利用DNA电泳、免疫组化和半定量RT-PCR技术,分析生殖细胞凋亡过程中三种关键物质Caspase-3、Bcl-2、Bax蛋白和mRNA的表达量变化.结果显示:1) DNA各组 (除对照组外)均出现不同程度断裂.2)Caspase-3蛋白表达量一直上升,与对照组相比差异极显著;Bax蛋白在12 h前一直上升,与对照组相比差异显著,12 h后又开始下降,且与对照组相比无显著差异;Bcl-2蛋白在下降,与对照组相比差异显著.3)RT-PCR结果显示Caspase-3基因表达量减少;Bax基因表达量逐渐上升;Bcl-2基因表达量波动很大.综上所述,Caspase-3、Bcl-2和Bax三个基因可能参与了镉应激状态下小鼠睾丸组织细胞的凋亡过程.     

藏红花对肝纤维化大鼠肝脏组织中Caspase-3，Bcl-2 表达的影响

目的:研究藏红花(Saffron)对肝纤维化大鼠肝组织中半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-3(Caspase-3),B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2(Bcl-2)表达的影响。方法:45只雄性SD大鼠随机均分为3组:正常组、模型组、藏红花组,除正常组外,另外两组给予40%四氯化碳橄榄油溶液腹腔注射制备肝纤维化大鼠模型,在造模的同时,藏红花组给予藏红花溶液5 m L·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)灌胃。8周后处死大鼠,留取肝脏组织,通过Masson染色观察大鼠肝纤维化的形成,免疫组化方法检测肝组织中Caspase-3及Bcl-2蛋白表达。结果:模型组大鼠肝纤维化程度最重,藏红花组较模型组纤维化程度轻,正常组大鼠肝脏无纤维化。与模型组比,藏红花组Caspase-3在肝实质内呈弱阳性表达,而纤维间隔内表达增加;Bcl-2的表达明显减少(P0.05),正常组Caspase-3及Bcl-2几乎无表达。结论:藏红花具有抗肝纤维化作用,其机制可能与调节Caspase-3,Bcl-2的表达有关。     

Enhanced Dopamine D1 and D2 Receptor Gene Expression in the Hippocampus of Hypoglycaemic and Diabetic Rats

Hypoglycaemic coma and brain injury are potential complications of insulin therapy. Hippocampal neurons are particularly vulnerable to hypoglycaemic stress leading to memory impairment. In the present article, we have investigated the dopamine (DA) content, homovanillic acid (HVA)/DA turnover ratio, DA D₁ and DA D₂ receptors in the hippocampus of insulin-induced hypoglycaemic (IIH) and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats where brain functions are impaired. The DA content decreased significantly in hippocampus of diabetic, diabetic +IIH and control +IIH rats compared to control. The HVA/DA turnover ratio also increased significantly in diabetic, diabetic +IIH and control +IIH rats compared to control. Scatchard analysis using [³H] DA in the hippocampus showed a significant increase in DA receptors of diabetic, diabetic +IIH and control +IIH rats with decreased affinity. Gene expression studies using Real-time PCR showed an increased expression of DA D₁ and DA D₂ receptors in the hippocampus of hypoglycaemic and diabetic rats. Our results indicate that the dopaminergic system is impaired in the hippocampus of hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic rats impairing DA related functions of hippocampus. We observed a prominent dopaminergic functional disturbance in the hypoglycaemic condition than in hyperglycaemia compared to control. This dopaminergic dysfunction in hippocampus during hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia is suggested to contribute to cognitive and memory deficits. This will have clinical significance in the treatment of diabetes.     

鱼藤酮致帕金森大鼠的脑黑质中凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax表达改变

目的研究鱼藤酮致帕金森病（PD）大鼠中脑黑质凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax表达的改变。方法Wistar大鼠每日颈背部皮下注射鱼藤酮2mg（kg·d）（3～6周）造模,依据所建立的评分体系记录动物行为变化,在行为学有记分并停止给鱼藤酮4、10d时,中脑黑质病理切片免疫组化染色比较黑质区域Bcl-2、Bax的表达。结果在有行为学记分4d时,记4分和8分的大鼠中脑黑质Bcl-2表达均显著减少;所有PD大鼠中脑黑质Bax表达均显著增加;Bcl-2/Bax比率均显著减少;有记分4d时,行为学记分与Bcl-2/Bax比值成负相关性。结论细胞凋亡参与了鱼藤酮帕金森模型大鼠黑质多巴胺神经细胞的损伤。     

甲基苯丙胺中毒大鼠相关脑区Caspase-3 和Bcl-2 表达的研究

目的:研究凋亡相关因子Caspase-3和Bcl-2在甲基苯丙胺神经毒性机制中所发挥的作用。方法:40只健康雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组(n=10)和实验组(又分为3个亚组,分别为注射1天后、4天后、7天后,n=10)。实验组给予20mg/kg的甲基苯丙胺腹腔注射,对照组给予相同剂量的生理盐水注射。用免疫组化检测中毒大鼠相关脑区Caspase-3和Bcl-2的表达,用图像分析技术对检测结果进行分析。结果:Caspase-3在中毒大鼠不同脑区表达逐渐增加并可见明显的阳性信号;Bcl-2在中毒大鼠不同脑区表达逐渐减弱。结论:凋亡相关因子Caspase-3和Bcl-2参与了甲基苯丙胺神经毒性机制。     

胰岛素对糖尿病大鼠下颌下腺Bcl-2和Caspase-3表达的影响及意义

目的观察胰岛素对糖尿病大鼠下颌下腺内凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2和Caspase-3表达的影响。方法 SD大鼠30只,随机分为3组,10只大鼠作为对照组(C);10只大鼠用链尿佐菌素复制糖尿病模型作为DM组;10只大鼠用链尿佐菌素复制糖尿病模型,予以胰岛素治疗作为INS组。2个月后取血检测血糖、血脂;取大鼠下颌下腺,分别进行免疫组织化学显色(SP法)和计算机图像分析系统测平均光密度。结果①血糖检测结果:C组和INS组的血糖分别与DM组血糖比较,均有差异(P0.05);②血脂检测结果:C组和INS组的TG分别与DM组TG比较,均有显著性差异(P0.05);DM组TC分别与C组和INS组TC比较,均有显著性差异(P0.05)。③免疫组化结果:与C组比较,DM组大鼠下颌下腺导管上皮细胞内Bcl-2表达显著下降(P0.05),Caspase-3表达显著增加(P0.05);与DM组比较,胰岛素组Bcl-2表达显著增加(P0.05),Caspase-3表达显著下降(P0.05)。结论 DM大鼠下颌下腺内Bcl-2表达降低和Caspase-3表达增加,可能在糖尿病时下颌下腺细胞凋亡过程中发挥重要作用,而胰岛素具有对抗糖尿病下颌下腺细胞凋亡的作用。     

Effects of Apigenin on the Expression of LOX-1, Bcl-2, and Bax in Hyperlipidemia Rats

We aimed to investigate the impact of apigenin on LOX-1, Bcl-2, and Bax expression in hyperlipidemia rats and explore the possible molecular pathological mechanism of apigenin in improving hyperlipidemia and preventing atherosclerosis. In hyperlipidemia models, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and the LOX-1 protein expression were apparently increased (P<0.01), while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax were reduced significantly (P<0.01) in comparison with the standard control group. After the treatment of apigenin, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-c, and the LOX-1 protein expression were noticeably decreased (P<0.01), while the levels of HDL-c and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were increased (P<0.01). The intima was thickened and had protrusions in the hyperlipidemia model group compared to the normal control group. In comparison with the atherosclerosis model group, the degree of aortic lesions in the low-dose, middle-dose, high-dose groups was alleviated. Apigenin can reduce the level of blood lipid, improve hyperlipidemia, and prevent atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemia rats. The molecular mechanism may be related to inhibiting LOX-1 gene expression and increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio.     

Expression of apoptosis-related genes Fas/FasL,Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 in rat corpus luteum during luteal regression

Using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, Western blot and TUNEL methods, we have studied the expression of Fas/FasL, Bcl-2/Bax and caspase-3 in the corpora lutea (CL) at various stages of pseudopregnant rat induced by injection of PMSF/hCG. The results showed that no apoptotic signal could be observed until Day 14 after hCG injection. Fas weakly expressed in the CL at all the stages increased when luteolysis took place. FasL signal increased dramatically on Day 14 and reached the maximum level on Day 21. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was detected in a time-dependent manner. At the early stage of CL development, Bcl-2 expression was stronger, while Bax was low. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the CL was completely reversed. Caspase-3 antigen could be detected throughout all the phases of CL development in a time-dependent fashion, low on Day 2 and reaching the maximum on Day 21. These results suggest that luteal regression at the late phases may be related to cell apoptosis.     

Apoptosis modulatory activities of transiently expressed Bcl-2: Roles in cytochrome c release and Bax regulation

Bcl-2 and Bcl-X_L are pro-survival members of the Bcl-2 family. These proteins have been shown to antagonize the pro-apoptotic activity of Bax and promote cell survival through blocking Bax translocation from the cytosol to mitochondria and by preventing the release of cytochrome c. However, it has been recently reported that transiently expressed Bcl-2 unexpectedly leads to significant cell toxicity. To study this intriguing phenomenon, we have carried out further analyses into the properties of transiently expressed Bcl-2. We found that various isoforms of human and different species of Bcl-2 were equally capable of inducing apoptosis. In addition, we discovered that transient expression of Bcl-2, unlike its pro-survival homolog Bcl-X_L, can lead to the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and that the resulting cell death can be inhibited by caspase and calpain inhibitors. Moreover, we have shown that unlike the pro-apoptotic protein Bid, the toxicity associated with the transient expression of Bcl-2 occurs independent of the activity of the endogenous Bax. Finally, we found that in spite of its intrinsic toxicity, transiently expressed Bcl-2 is fully capable of blocking the ectopically expressed Bax from localizing to mitochondria. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that transiently expressed Bcl-2 displays opposing functional properties.     

p14(ARF)-induced apoptosis in p53 protein-deficient cells is mediated by BH3-only protein-independent derepression of Bak protein through down-regulation of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL proteins

The p14(ARF) tumor suppressor plays a central role in regulating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. We reported previously that p14(ARF) is capable of triggering apoptosis in a p53-independent manner. However, the mechanism remained unclear. Here we demonstrate that the p53-independent activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by p14(ARF) is primarily mediated by the pro-apoptotic Bax-homolog Bak. Expression of p14(ARF) exclusively triggers a N-terminal conformational switch of Bak, but not Bax, which allows for mitochondrial permeability shift, release of cytochrome c, activation of caspases, and subsequent fragmentation of genomic DNA. Although forced expression of Bak markedly sensitizes toward p14(ARF)-induced apoptosis, re-expression of Bax has no effect. Vice versa, knockdown of Bak by RNA interference attenuates p14(ARF)-induced apoptosis, whereas down-regulation of Bax has no effect. Bak activation coincides with a prominent, caspase-independent deprivation of the endogenous Bak inhibitors Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L). In turn, mitochondrial apoptosis is fully blocked by overexpression of either Mcl-1 or Bcl-x(L). Taken together, these data indicate that in the absence of functional p53 and Bax, p14(ARF) triggers mitochondrial apoptosis signaling by activating Bak, which is facilitated by down-regulating anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L). Moreover, our data suggest that the simultaneous inhibition of two central endogenous Bak inhibitors, i.e. Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L), may be sufficient to activate mitochondrial apoptosis in the absence of BH3-only protein regulation.     

桃叶珊瑚苷对光损伤HaCaT细胞Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3表达的影响

目的:探讨桃叶珊瑚苷对紫外线B诱导的HaCaT细胞凋亡相关蛋白Bax、Bcl-2、Caspase-3表达的影响,进一步阐明桃叶珊瑚苷抗光老化的作用机制。方法:将指数生长期HaCaT细胞随机分为正常对照组、模型对照组、10~(-7)、10~(-6)、10~(-5) mol·L~(-1) AU处理组,采用64 m J·cm~(-2)的UVB照射建立细胞光损伤模型,以终浓度10~(-7)、10~(-6)、10~(-5)mol·L~(-1)AU处理光损伤细胞,试剂盒检测ROS含量、Caspase-3活性,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率,Western-Blot检测Bcl-2、Bax蛋白的表达量。结果:UV照射的HaCaT细胞ROS含量、细胞凋亡率、Caspase-3活性、Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达量均升高(P0.01),Bcl-2/Bax值降低(P0.01);不同浓度桃叶珊瑚苷处理后,ROS含量、Caspase-3活性、Bax蛋白表达量降低,Bcl-2蛋白表达量、Bcl-2/Bax值升高,10~(-6)、10~(-5) mol·L~(-1)桃叶珊瑚苷组与模型对照组相比,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05,0.01)。结论:桃叶珊瑚苷通过清除ROS,下调Bax、Caspase-3表达,上调Bcl-2表达,抑制细胞凋亡,保护受损的HaCaT细胞,拮抗光老化。     

Expression of apoptosis-related genes Fas/FasL, Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 in rat corpus luteum during luteal regression

Corpus luteum (CL) is a transient endocrine organ formed from the ovulated follicle. CL produces progesterone and estrogen that are important in preparing the uterine environment for implantation and maintaining gestation. Pregnancy maintains the CL function; otherwise, CL re-gresses rapidly. Cycling formation and regression of CL is essential for initiation of new follicular growth and differentiation, and subsequently ovulation and luteinization[1]. Luteal regression could be divided int…     

Direct Interaction of Bax and Bak Proteins with Bcl-2 Homology Domain 3 (BH3)-only Proteins in Living Cells Revealed by Fluorescence Complementation

The key event in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis is the activation of Bax and Bak by BH3-only proteins through a molecular mechanism that is still a matter of debate. Here we studied interactions among anti- and proapoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family in living cells by using bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis. Our results indicate that the antiapoptotic proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-x_L bind preferably to the BH3-only proteins Bim, PUMA, and Noxa but can also bind to Bak and Bax. We also found a direct interaction between Bim, PUMA, or Noxa with either Bax or Bak during apoptosis induction. In HeLa cells, interaction of Bim with Bax occurs in cytosol, and then Bim-Bax complexes translocate to mitochondria. Complexes of either PUMA or Noxa with Bax or Bak were always detected at mitochondria. Overexpression of Bcl-x_L or Mcl-1 delayed Bim/Bax translocation to mitochondria. These results reveal the ability of main BH3-only proteins to directly activate Bax and Bak in living cells and suggest that a complex network of interactions regulate the function of Bcl-2 family members during apoptosis.     

甲基苯丙胺中毒大鼠相关脑区Caspase-3和Bcl-2表达的研究

目的：研究凋亡相关因子Caspase-3和Bcl-2在甲基苯丙胺神经毒性机制中所发挥的作用。方法：40只健康雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组（n=10）和实验组（又分为3个亚组,分别为注射1天后、4天后、7天后,n=10）。实验组给予20mg/kg的甲基苯丙胺腹腔注射,对照组给予相同剂量的生理盐水注射。用免疫组化检测中毒大鼠相关脑区Caspase-3和Bcl-2的表达,用图像分析技术对检测结果进行分析。结果：Caspase-3在中毒大鼠不同脑区表达逐渐增加并可见明显的阳性信号;Bcl-2在中毒大鼠不同脑区表达逐渐减弱。结论：凋亡相关因子Caspase-3和Bcl-2参与了甲基苯丙胺神经毒性机制。     

雌激素对大鼠肾上腺皮质中Bcl-2和 Bax蛋白表达的影响

利用免疫组织化学SP法检测摘除卵巢及补充17β-雌二醇后大鼠肾上腺皮质各层Bcl-2和Bax蛋白表达的变化。结果表明,摘除卵巢后肾上腺皮质束状带和网状带Bcl-2和Bax表达都增加;球状带中Bax表达增加,而Bcl-2表达阴性。补充17β-雌二醇后,束状带和网状带中Bcl-2蛋白表达显著降低,Bax在束状带中表达极显著降低,而在网状带中没有阳性产物;在球状带中Bcl-2表达上升,而Bax表达下降。表明雌激素在肾上腺皮质各层发挥着复杂的作用。     

细胞凋亡中的Bcl-2家族蛋白及其BH3结构域的功能研究

凋亡相关蛋白中的Bcl-2家族是细胞凋亡的关键调节分子,由抗凋亡和促凋亡成员组成,这些成员之间通过相互协同作用调节了线粒体结构与功能的稳定性,从而在线粒体水平发挥着细胞凋亡的“开关”作用.抗凋亡成员大都分布于线粒体的外膜,与促凋亡成员的BH3结构域相互作用对细胞凋亡发挥抵抗作用.促凋亡成员则主要分布于细胞浆中,细胞接受死亡信号刺激后,促凋亡成员自身受到一系列的调节,如典型的Bax构象改变、BAD和Bik的磷酸化调节以及Bid和Bim的蛋白裂解效应等,使得促凋亡成员在凋亡信号的刺激下整合于线粒体外膜,最终导致线粒体通透转换孔的开放,进而释放包括细胞色素c、凋亡诱导因子、Smac等重要的凋亡因子,随后caspase被激活进而断裂重要的细胞内结构蛋白与功能分子,执行细胞凋亡.