Incorporation of lycopene into chylomicron remnant-like particles enhances their induction of lipid accumulation in macrophages

Lipid accumulation in macrophages exposed to chylomicron remnant-like particles containing the dietary antioxidant lycopene was investigated. After incubation with THP-1 macrophages (48 h), chylomicron remnant-like particles containing lycopene (lycCRLPs) as compared to those without (CRLPs) caused significantly more lipid accumulation in the cells, and this was due to increases in both the triacylglycerol (+100%) and cholesterol (+62%) content. In addition, expression of mRNA for diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), a key enzyme in triacylglycerol synthesis, was significantly decreased by lycCRLPs, but not CRLPs. These findings suggest that lycopene from the diet may promote, rather than retard, lipid accumulation in macrophages during its transport in the blood in chylomicron remnants.     

Oxidation of chylomicron remnant-like particles inhibits their uptake by THP-1 macrophages by apolipoprotein E-dependent processes

The influence of the oxidative state of chylomicron remnants (CMR) on the mechanisms of their uptake and induction of lipid accumulation by macrophages derived from the human monocyte cell line, THP-1, during foam cell formation was investigated using chylomicron-remnant-like particles (CRLPs) at 3 different levels of oxidation. The oxidative state of CRLPs was varied by exposure to CuSO(4) (oxCRLPs) or incorporation of the antioxidant, probucol (pCRLPs) into the particles. oxCRLPs caused significantly less accumulation of triacylglycerol in the macrophages than CRLPs, and their rate of uptake was lower, while pCRLPs caused more lipid accumulation and were taken up faster. Uptake of all 3 types of particles was inhibited to a similar extent when entry via the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor related protein (80-90%), LDL receptor (-30-40%), CD36 (-40%) and phagocytosis (-35-40%) was blocked using lactoferrin, excess LDL, anti-CD36 and cytochalasin D, respectively, but blocking scavenger receptors-A or -B1 using poly inosinic acid or excess HDL had no effect. These findings show that oxidation of CRLPs lowers their rate of uptake and induction of lipid accumulation in macrophages. However, oxidation does not change the main pathways of internalisation of CRLPs into THP-1 macrophages, which occur mainly via the LRP with some contribution from the LDLr, while CD36 and phagocytosis have only a minor role, regardless of the oxidative state of the particles. Thus, the effects of CMR oxidation on foam cell formation contrast sharply with those of LDL oxidation and this may be important in the role of dietary oxidized lipids and antioxidants in modulating atherosclerosis.     

Ellagic acid affects mRNA expression levels of genes that regulate cholesterol metabolism in HepG2 cells

Ellagic acid has been shown to improve cholesterol metabolism in animal studies, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this function have not been fully understood. We performed DNA microarray analysis to elucidate the effects of ellagic acid on cholesterol metabolism in HepG2 hepatocytes. This revealed that the expression levels of several genes related to cholesterol metabolism, including the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), were changed by ellagic acid treatment. Using a real-time PCR and immunoblot we confirmed that ellagic acid treatment up-regulated mRNA and protein expression level of the LDLR. Moreover, In the presence of 25 μM ellagic acid, extracellular apoB protein and MTP mRNA levels were significantly decreased. These findings indicate that ellagic acid improves cholesterol metabolism through the up-regulation of LDLR, down-regulation of MTP mRNA and reduces extracellular apoB levels. The ellagic acid-induced up-regulation of LDLR occurred via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway in HepG2 hepatocytes.

Abbreviations: LDLR: low-density lipoprotein receptor; apoB: apolipoprotein B; PKC: diacylglycerol-protein kinase C; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; ERK: p42/44 extracellular signal-regulated kinase; JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinase; VLDLR: very low density lipoprotein receptor; PPARδ: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ; SREBPs: sterol regulatory element-binding proteins; MTP: microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein; LPDS: lipoprotein-deficient serum     

The toxicity of opiates and their metabolites in HepG2 cells

The toxicity of codeine (C), codeinone (CO), morphine (M), oxycodone (OC), pholcodine (P) and pholcodine-N-oxide (P-NOX) was assessed in HepG2 cells by determining cell viability via the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage through the membrane, depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) and measurement of total protein content. Incubation of C, M, OC, P or P-NOX with HepG2 cells resulted in no significant loss of cell viability, depletion of GSH or decreased total protein content. In contrast, with CO there was a marked depletion of GSH with significant differences from control cells (P<0.05) being detected after as little as 5 min. This effect preceded the loss of cell viability and the decrease in total protein content. To identify the cause of GSH depletion during incubations with CO, the incubation solutions were analysed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Analysis showed that a codeinone-glutathione conjugate (CO-SG) had been formed. This adduct was synthesised and characterised by LC/MS/MS and by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). CO-SG was quantified in the incubation solutions using the synthesised standard substance. Results obtained in this study support the hypothesis that the toxicity of CO may be partly due to GSH depletion. The absence of LDH leakage and GSH depletion in the incubations containing C or OC suggests, that the presence of both a double bond at Delta 7 and an adjoining keto-group in the 6-position are necessary to elicit the toxicity of M analogues with regard to GSH depletion.     

Caffeine attenuates lipid accumulation via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in HepG2 cells

The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of caffeine on lipid accumulation in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Significant decreases in the accumulation of hepatic lipids, such as triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol were observed when HepG2 cells were treated with caffeine as indicated. Caffeine decreased the mRNA level of lipogenesis-associated genes (SREBP1c, SREBP2, FAS, SCD1, HMGR and LDLR). In contrast, mRNA level of CD36, which is responsible for lipid uptake and catabolism, was increased. Next, the effect of caffeine on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway was examined. Phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase were evidently increased when the cells were treated with caffeine as indicated for 24 h. These effects were all reversed in the presence of compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. In summary, these data indicate that caffeine effectively depleted TG and cholesterol levels by inhibition of lipogenesis and stimulation of lipolysis through modulating AMPK-SREBP signaling pathways. [BMB Reports 2013; 46(4): 207-212]     

Involvement of catalase in the apoptotic mechanism induced by apigenin in HepG2 human hepatoma cells

Apigenin has been reported to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells; however, the mechanism underlying its action is not completely understood. Here, we evaluated the effects of apigenin on the levels of expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes, and the involvement of ROS in the mechanism of cell death induced by apigenin in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. Upon treatment with apigenin, HepG2 cells displayed a reduction in cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and some morphological changes. In addition, apigenin treatment induced ROS generation and significantly decreased the mRNA levels and activity of catalase and levels of intracellular GSH. On the other hand, apigenin treatment did not alter the expression or activity levels of other antioxidant enzymes. Addition of exogenous catalase significantly reduced the effects of apigenin on HepG2 cell death. We also demonstrated that HepG2 cells are more sensitive to apigenin-mediated cell death than are primary cultures of mouse hepatocytes, suggesting a differential toxic effect of this agent in tumor cells. Our results suggest that apigenin-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells may be mediated by a H₂O₂-dependent pathway via reduction of the antioxidant defenses.     

Inhibition of Sudan I genotoxicity in human liver-derived HepG2 cells by the antioxidant hydroxytyrosol

The chemoprotective effect of hydroxytyrosol (HT) against Sudan I-induced genotoxicity was investigated in a human hepatoma cell line, HepG2. The comet assay and micronucleus (MN) assay were used to monitor genotoxicity. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured using a fluorescent probe, 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). The levels of oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation were estimated by immunocytochemistry analysis of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and by measuring levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), respectively. Intracellular glutathione (GSH) level was estimated by fluorometric methods. The results showed that HT significantly reduced the genotoxicity caused by Sudan I. Furthermore, HT ameliorated lipid pexidation as demonstrated by a reduction in TBARS formation and attenuated GSH depletion in a concentration-dependent manner. It was also found that HT reduced intracellular ROS formation and 8-OHdG level caused by Sudan I. These results strongly suggest that HT has significant protective ability against Sudan I-induced genotoxicity.     

Insulin decreases the secretion of apoB-100 from hepatic HepG2 cells but does not decrease the secretion of apoB-48 from intestinal CaCo-2 cells

We compared the acute effect of insulin on the human colonic intestinal epithelial cell line CaCo-2 and the transformed human hepatic cell line HepG2. Over 24 h, 100 nM and 10 µM insulin significantly inhibited the secretion of apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 from HepG2 cells to 63 and 49% of control, respectively. Insulin had no effect on the secretion of apoB-48 from CaCo-2 cells. There was no effect of insulin on the cholesterol ester or free cholesterol concentrations in HepG2 or CaCo-2 cells. HepG2 and CaCo-2 cells bound insulin with high affinity, leading to similar stimulation of insulin receptor protein tyrosine kinase activation. Protein kinase C or mitogen-activated protein kinase activity in the presence or absence of insulin was not correlated with apoB-48 production in CaCo-2 cells. Therefore, insulin acutely decreases the secretion of apoB-100 in hepatic HepG2 cells, but does not acutely modulate the production or secretion of apoB-48 from CaCo-2 intestinal cells.     

Role of undecan-2-one on ethanol-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells

Based on the reduced expression of ethanol-oxidizing enzymes in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, we analyzed the role of nonoxidative metabolites in ethanol-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. For this purpose, an analysis of volatile metabolites of ethanol using ion-mobility spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was performed. HepG2 cells exposed to 1 mmol/L ethanol exhibited significant synthesis of undecan-2-one compared to untreated cells. Undecan-2-one is a fatty acid ethyl ester metabolite synthesized through a nonoxidative pathway. Undecan-2-one had a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cells as shown by release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The most notable finding of this study was the potentiation of ethanol-induced apoptosis demonstrated by an increased apoptotic rate induced by undecan-2-one in ethanol-treated HepG2 cells. The data presented in this study contribute to the better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ethanol exposure at low concentration in HepG2 cells, a human hepatocellular carcinoma-derived cell line.     

Knockdown of apolipoprotein B, an atherogenic apolipoprotein, in HepG2 cells by lentivirus-mediated siRNA

ApoB is an important determinant of atherosclerosis susceptibility and a potential pharmaceutical target for lowering atherogenic lipoproteins. In the present study, we used a lentiviral vector to express short hairpin RNAs for inhibition of apoB production in HepG2 cells. We first demonstrated that lentivirus could efficiently deliver transgene into HepG2 cells by using GFP lentivirus. We then made three lentiviral siApoB constructs, two of which were highly efficient for silencing apoB expression in HepG2 cells. We showed that siApoB lentivirus specifically knocked down apoB but had no effects on other proteins such as apoAI and albumin. Consequently, the secretion of apoB was reduced markedly. The silencing effect of siApoB lentivirus appeared to be permanent. Knocking down apoB did not alter the expression of cytoplasmic stress proteins (HSP70 and HSP90) and their ER homologues (GRP78 and GRP94). Furthermore, neither IKKalpha and JNK nor phosphorylated IKK and JNK were increased in long-term apoB-deficient hepatocytes as compared to the control cells. Consistent with these findings, apoB-deficient hepatocytes responded to insulin to a similar extent as the control cells as determined by measuring insulin-induced phosphorylation of IRS and ERK. Our studies indicate that lentiviral siRNAs provide an excellent approach for delivering siRNA into HepG2 cells and may be used for gene therapy for hyperlipidemia.     

Saturated fat-induced changes in Sf 60-400 particle composition reduces uptake of LDL by HepG2 cells

The ability of human postprandial triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins (TRLs), isolated after meals enriched in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), n-6 PUFAs, and MUFAs, to inhibit the uptake of 125I-labeled LDL by the LDL receptor was investigated in HepG2 cells. Addition of TRLs resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of heparin-releasable binding, cell-associated radioactivity, and degradation products of 125I-labeled LDL (P < 0.001). SFA-rich Svedberg flotation rate (Sf) 60-400 resulted in significantly greater inhibition of cell-associated radioactivity than PUFA-rich particles (P = 0.016) and total uptake of 125I-labeled LDL compared with PUFA- and MUFA-rich particles (P < 0.02). Normalization of the apolipoprotein (apo)E but not apoC-III content of the TRLs removed the effect of meal fatty acid composition, and addition of an anti-apoE antibody reversed the inhibitory effect of TRLs on the total uptake of 125I-labeled LDL. Real time RT-PCR showed that the SFA-rich Sf 60-400 increased the expression of genes involved in hepatic lipid synthesis (P < 0.05) and decreased the expression of the LDL receptor-related protein 1 compared with MUFAs (P = 0.008). In conclusion, these findings suggest an alternative or additional mechanism whereby acute fat ingestion can influence LDL clearance via competitive apoE-dependent effects of TRL on the LDL receptor.     

Vesicular and nonvesicular transport of phosphatidylcholine in polarized HepG2 cells

We have investigated the transport and canalicular enrichment of fluorescent phosphatidylcholine (PC) in HepG2 cells using the fluorescent analogs of PC C6-NBD-PC and β-BODIPY-PC. Fluorescent PC was efficiently transported to the biliary canaliculus (BC) and became enriched on the lumenal side of the canalicular membrane as shown for C6-NBD-PC. Some fluorescent PC was transported in vesicles to a subapical compartment (SAC) or apical recycling compartment (ARC) in polarized HepG2 cells as shown by colocalization with fluorescent sphingomyelin (C6-NBD-SM) and fluorescent transferrin, respectively. Extensive trafficking of vesicles containing fluorescent PC between the basolateral domain, the SAC/ARC and the BC as well as endocytosis of PC analogs from the canalicular membrane were found. Evidence for nonvesicular transport included enrichment of the PC-analog β-BODIPY-PC in the BC (t_1/2 = 3.54 min) prior to its accumulation in the SAC/ARC (t_1/2 = 18.5 min) at 37 °C. Transport of fluorescent PC to the canalicular membrane also continued after disruption of the actin or microtubule cytoskeleton and at 2 °C. These results indicate that: (i) a nonvesicular transport pathway significantly contributes to the canalicular enrichment of PC in hepatocytic cells, and (ii) vesicular transport of fluorescent PC occurs from both membrane domains via the SAC/ARC.     

Nucleostemin siRNA对肝癌细胞HepG2增殖的影响

Nucleostemin(NS)作为核仁蛋白,在神经干细胞、胚胎干细胞以及某些肿瘤细胞中均高表达,在多种肿瘤细胞增殖和凋亡调控中具有重要作用.本文通过瞬时转染NS siRNA降低NS的表达,以探究NS对HepG2细胞增殖和凋亡的影响.结果显示,下调NS表达使HepG2细胞增殖加快,G₁期细胞减少,S期及G₂/M期细胞增加,凋亡减少. 激光共聚焦实验表明,NS与S期激酶相关蛋白2 (S-phase kinase associated protein 2,Skp2)在HepG2细胞中存在共定位现象; Co-IP实验证明,NS与Skp2能相互作用|NS下调后,Skp2出核仁的数量增加,p27和p53表达降低. 总之,下调NS可促进HepG2细胞中Skp2从核仁逸出,p27降解增强,同时p53表达下降,或由此促进HepG2细胞增殖,抑制其凋亡.     

长链非编码RNA RLM通过影响AMPK的磷酸化调节HepG2细胞中的脂质沉积

长非编码RNAs（long noncoding RNAs,lncRNAs）是一类长度大于200 nt、不能编码蛋白质的RNA分子,可通过AMPK、胰岛素受体等多种信号通路,调节细胞糖脂代谢。本研究发现,HepG2细胞中一条未报道的长链非编码RNA,命名为lnc-RLM（lnc-regulate lipid metabolism）。通过敲低HepG2细胞中lnc RLM,检测细胞中甘油三脂含量及脂质代谢相关调节因子表达量。结果显示,实验组较对照组甘油三酯含量显著升高（P<0.05）;AMPK磷酸化水平显著下调,脂质合成相关因子SREBP 1c和FAS表达量上调;同时,细胞中乙酰辅酶A羧化酶（ACC）活性较对照组显著上调（P<0.05）。在lnc RLM敲低的HepG2细胞中,利用AMPK激动剂（A-769662）作用细胞24 h,结果显示,降低的AMPK磷酸化水平并不会因AMPK激动剂的作用而显著升高。本研究结果说明,HepG2细胞中敲低lnc-RLM表达量,可通过影响AMPK磷酸化水平,调节HepG2细胞中脂质沉积。这为今后研究AMPK活性调节提供新的可能,也为代谢性疾病的治疗提供了新思路。     

Three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis of peroxisomes in HepG2 cells

Peroxisomes in the human hepatoblastoma cell line, HepG2, exhibit distinct alterations of shape, size, and distribution, dependent on culture conditions (cell density, duration in culture, and presence of specific growth factors). Although many cells with elongated tubular peroxisomes are present in thinly seeded cultures, spherical particles forming large focal clusters are found in confluent cultures. The authors have analyzed the ultrastructure and the spatial relationship of peroxisomes of HepG2 cells at different stages of differentiation, using three-dimensional (3D)-reconstruction of ultrathin serial sections, and electronic image processing. Cells were prepared for immunofluorescence using different antibodies against peroxisomal matrix and membrane proteins, as well as for electron microscopy after the alkaline 3,3′-diaminobenzidine staining for catalase. The results indicate that the tubular peroxisomes, which can reach a length of several microns, are consistently isolated, and never form an interconnected peroxisomal reticulum. At the time of disappearance of tubular peroxisomes, rows of spherical peroxisomes, arranged like beads on a string, are observed, suggesting fission of tubular ones. In differentiated confluent cultures, clusters of several peroxisomes are seen, which, by immunofluorescence, appear as large aggregates, but after 3D reconstruction consist of single spherical and angular peroxisomes without interconnections. The majority of such mature spherical peroxisomes (but not the tubular ones) exhibit tail-like, small tubular and vesicular attachments to their surface, suggesting a close functional interaction with neighboring organelles, particularly the endoplasmic reticulum, which is often observed in close vicinity of such peroxisomes.     

Synthesis of coumarin derivatives and their cytoprotective effects on t-BHP-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells

Coumarins are ubiquitous in higher plants and exhibit various biological actions. The aim of this study was to investigate the structure-activity relationships of coumarin derivatives on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative damage in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. A series of coumarin derivatives were prepared and assessed for their cytoprotective effects. Among these, a caffeoyl acid-conjugated dihydropyranocoumarin derivative, caffeoyllomatin, efficiently protected against cell damage elicited by t-BHP. Our findings suggest that caffeoyllomatin appears to be a potent cytoprotective agent.     

四逆散对人肝癌HepG2细胞增殖、凋亡的影响及其机制

目的:探讨含四逆散药液血清对人肝癌HepG2细胞增殖、凋亡的影响及机制。方法:将人肝癌HepG2细胞分为5组,每组3个复孔。实验组细胞用五氟尿嘧啶(5-FU)或不同浓度的含四逆散药液血清处理48 h后,用倒置显微镜观察含四逆散药液血清处理后人肝癌HepG2细胞形态的变化; MTT法检测含四逆散药液血清对HepG2细胞生长的抑制作用;荧光染色和流式细胞术分别分析含四逆散药液血清对HepG2细胞凋亡的影响。Rho123染色法检测线粒体膜电位变化,Western blot检测细胞凋亡相关蛋白的表达。结果:与对照组比较,含四逆散药液血清处理人肝癌HepG2细胞后,细胞数量显著减少(P<0.01),形态发生改变,呈现典型的凋亡细胞形态; G1期细胞数明显增加,而G2期细胞数量显著减少(P<0.05); Bax、Caspase-3、-9和Cyt-c的表达显著升高,而Bcl-2的表达显著降低(P<0.05);随着含四逆散药液血清浓度增大,HepG2细胞线粒体膜电位显著下降(P<0.05)。结论:四逆散可以抑制HepG2细胞增殖,并通过线粒体途径诱导细胞凋亡。     

Reciprocal regulation of glycogen phosphorylase and glycogen synthase by insulin involving phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase and protein phosphatase-1 in HepG2 cells

The effect of insulin on glycogen synthesis and key enzymes of glycogen metabolism, glycogen phosphorylase and glycogen synthase, was studied in HepG2 cells. Insulin stimulated glycogen synthesis 1.83-3.30 fold depending on insulin concentration in the medium. Insulin caused a maximum of 65% decrease in glycogen phosphorylase 'a' and 110% increase in glycogen synthase activities in 5 min. Although significant changes in enzyme activities were observed with as low as 0.5 nM insulin level, the maximum effects were observed with 100 nM insulin. There was a significant inverse correlation between activities of glycogen phosphorylase 'a' and glycogen synthase 'a' (R² = 0.66, p < 0.001). Addition of 30 mM glucose caused a decrease in phosphorylase 'a' activity in the absence of insulin and this effect was additive with insulin up to 10 nM concentration. The inactivation of phosphorylase 'a' by insulin was prevented by wortmannin and rapamycin but not by PD98059. The activation of glycogen synthase by insulin was prevented by wortmannin but not by PD98059 or rapamycin. In fact, PD98059 slightly stimulated glycogen synthase activation by insulin. Under these experimental conditions, insulin decreased glycogen synthase kinase-3 activity by 30-50% and activated more than 4-fold particulate protein phosphatase-1 activity and 1.9-fold protein kinase B activity; changes in all of these enzyme activities were abolished by wortmannin. The inactivation of GSK-3 and activation of PKB by insulin were associated with their phosphorylation and this was also reversed by wortmannin. The addition of protein phosphatase-1 inhibitors, okadaic acid and calyculin A, completely abolished the effects of insulin on both enzymes. These data suggest that stimulation of glycogen synthase by insulin in HepG2 cells is mediated through the PI-3 kinase pathway by activating PKB and PP-1G and inactivating GSK-3. On the other hand, inactivation of phosphorylase by insulin is mediated through the PI-3 kinase pathway involving a rapamycin-sensitive p70^s6k and PP-1G. These experiments demonstrate that insulin regulates glycogen phosphorylase and glycogen synthase through (i) a common signaling pathway at least up to PI-3 kinase and bifurcates downstream and (ii) that PP-1 activity is essential for the effect of insulin.