The antiangiogenic agent Neovastat (AE-941) induces endothelial cell apoptosis

Neovastat (AE-941), a naturally occurring multifunctional antiangiogenic agent, has been shown to inhibit key components of the angiogenic process, including matrix metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated signaling events. In this study, we report the presence of a proapoptotic activity within this compound. Neovastat treatment of bovine aortic endothelial cells caused cell death with characteristics of apoptosis, including chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation. Neovastat markedly induced caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activities, at similar levels to those measured in cells treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Activation of caspases by Neovastat appears to be essential for its proapoptotic effects because all apoptotic features were blocked by zVAD-fmk, a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor. The activation of caspases was correlated with the cleavage of the nuclear substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and by a concomitant release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytoplasm. Neovastat-induced apoptosis appears to be specific to endothelial cells because treatment of other cell types such as U-87, COS-7, NIH-3T3, and SW1353 did not result in increased caspase-3 activity. These results demonstrate that Neovastat contains a proapoptotic factor that specifically induces the activation of caspases in endothelial cells and the resulting apoptosis of these cells.     

An AT1-receptor antagonist and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor protect against hypoxia-induced apoptosis in human aortic endothelial cells through upregulation of endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase activity

The protective effects and roles of AT1-receptor antagonists (AT1-RA) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) on vascular endothelial cell (EC) injury during hypoxia are not entirely known. Therefore, we investigated these effects and mechanisms in human aortic (HA) EC. DNA fragmentation, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and caspase-3 activity were measured in cultured HAEC after exposure to hypoxia in the presence or absence of an AT1-RA (candesartan, CS) and/or an ACEI (temocaprilat, TC). Next, we investigated endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) and inducible (i) NOS to determine the role of the bradykinin(BK)-NO pathway in the protective effect on ACEI and AT1-RA in the setting of hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Exposure to hypoxia increased DNA fragmentation in HAEC associated with the activation of caspase-3, but did not affect LDH release. In addition, hypoxia induced ecNOS mRNA but not mRNA iNOS. CS and/or TC reduced apoptosis induced by hypoxia in a dose-dependent manner, and significantly increased BK and ecNOS expression. This effect was attenuated by the kinin B2 receptor antagonist, HOE 140, and the NOS inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NMMA). Hypoxia activates the pathway leading to apoptosis by enhancing caspase-3 activity. Both CS and TC can ameliorate hypoxia-induced apoptosis in HAEC through inhibiting caspase-3 activation by enhancing ecNOS activity, via the accumulation of BK.     

Methotrexate causes apoptosis in postmitotic endothelial cells

Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used chemotherapy agent for a variety of cancers. However, therapeutic levels are associated with numerous untoward effects such as central nervous system damage in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The purpose of this study was to determine if MTX caused injury to endothelial cells using cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells as a model. Light microscopy showed gaps between cells and reduced numbers of endothelial cells after exposure to MTX (10(-9) to 10(-5) M), a range consistent with therapeutic drug levels. Proliferation and viability of subconfluent and confluent MTX-treated endothelial cells were measured by colorimetric (MTS) assay. There was a significant decline in cell numbers in MTX-treated subconfluent (growing) cells cultured after 4 days of MTX exposure compared to controls, as expected. However, there was also an unexpected decline in cell numbers in MTX-treated postmitotic endothelial cells after 1, 3, and 4 days of drug exposure. This suggested that MTX induced endothelial cell death. Fluorescent ApoAlert Enhanced Annexin-V binding demonstrated apoptosis in endothelial cells after 1 day of MTX exposure. Apoptosis was confirmed by a DNA fragment assay. This is apparently the first report of MTX-induced apoptosis of postmitotic, cultured endothelial cells. The findings suggest that apoptosis may be one mechanism of MTX-induced injury to endothelial cells.     

Bovine lactoferricin selectively induces apoptosis in human leukemia and carcinoma cell lines

Bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) is a cationic, amphipathic peptide that is cytotoxic for human and rodent cancer cells. However, the mechanism by which LfcinB causes the death of cancer cells is not well understood. Here, we show that in vitro treatment with LfcinB rapidly induced apoptosis in several different human leukemia and carcinoma cell lines as determined by DNA fragmentation assays and phosphatidylserine headgroup inversion detected by Annexin V binding to the surface of cancer cells. Importantly, LfcinB treatment did not adversely affect the viability of untransformed human lymphocytes, fibroblasts, or endothelial cells. Studies with different LfcinB-derived peptide fragments revealed that the cytotoxic activity of LfcinB resided within the amino acid sequence FKCRRWQWRM. Treatment of Jurkat T leukemia cells with LfcinB resulted in the production of reactive oxygen species followed by caspase-2-induced dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and subsequent activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Selective inhibitors of caspase-2 (Z-VDVAD-FMK), caspase-9 (Z-LEHD-FMK), and caspase-3 (Z-DEVD-FMK) protected both leukemia and carcinoma cells from LfcinB-induced apoptosis. Conversely, a caspase-8 inhibitor (Z-IETD-FMK) had no effect, which argued against a role for caspase-8 and was consistent with the finding that death receptors were not involved in LfcinB-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, Jurkat T leukemia cells that overexpressed Bcl-2 were less sensitive to LfcinB-induced apoptosis, which was characterized by mitochondrial swelling and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosolic compartment. We conclude that LfcinB kills cancer cells by triggering the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis at least in part through the generation of reactive oxygen species.     

Apoptotic markers are increased in platelets stored at 37 degrees C

BACKGROUND: PLTs for transfusion lose viability during storage in blood banking. This loss of viability is accelerated at 37 degrees C, as is the risk of bacterial contamination, and has led to the selection of 22 degrees C as the routine storage temperature. Because PLTs contain an intact apoptotic mechanism, we sought to determine whether PLTs undergo apoptosis during storage and whether storage at 37 degrees C accelerated this process. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PLT-rich plasma from PLT concentrates was stored at 37 or 22 degrees C in small aliquots or whole bags, with and without cell-permeable caspase inhibitors. Number of PLTs, pH, LDH level, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium activity were analyzed over time. PLT lysates were prepared and tested for the presence and activation of apoptotic proteins by enzyme assay and Western blotting. RESULTS: PLT viability was greatly reduced after 1 to 2 days of storage at 37 degrees C; however, signs of apoptosis were evident by 3 hours after temperature shift. In temperature-stressed PLTs only, a gradual rise in caspase-3 activity was detected that correlated with the appearance of the 17- to 20-kDa cleavage products of caspase-3. Gelsolin, a caspase-3 substrate, underwent cleavage within the same time frame. Bcl-xL and caspase-2 also declined significantly; caspase-9 activity rose. Specific caspase inhibitors could prevent caspase activation but did not improve PLT cellular viability at 37 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: PLTs contain apoptotic proteins that are activated during PLT storage at 37 degrees C and may account for the rapid decline in PLT cellular viability. Although ineffective here, inhibition of PLT apoptosis may improve PLT cellular viability.     

Ⅰ型磷酸酶抑制亚基1对大鼠心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨Ⅰ型磷酸酶抑制亚基1(PPI1)对大鼠乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧/复氧(H/R)损伤的保护作用及其机制.方法 用PPI1野生型和活化型突变体表达质粒分别转染乳鼠心肌细胞,并建立乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧/复氧H/R模型,测定各组心肌细胞的存活率、丙二醛(MDA)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)的含量、caspase-3活性及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力,此外用流式细胞术测定各组心肌细胞凋亡率,Western blot分析PPI1对凋亡相关蛋白表达及PI3K/Akt信号通路的影响.结果 与正常组比较,模型组LDH、MDA含量、caspase-3活性及细胞凋亡率增高(P<0.05),细胞存活率和SOD活性降低(P<0.05);PPI1活化型突变体转染组细胞的LDH、MDA含量、caspase-3活性和细胞凋亡率则降低,细胞存活率和SOD活性升高,与缺氧/复氧组比较各实验指标差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05).Western blot表明该组细胞P53、Bax 表达下调,pAkt表达上调.结论 PPI1活化型突变体对H/R造成的心肌细胞损伤具有保护作用,其机制与稳定心肌细胞膜、减轻氧自由基损伤及减少细胞凋亡有关.     

胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ抑制氧化型低密度脂蛋白诱导内皮细胞凋亡的体外试验

目的：胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ作为重要的促细胞生长因子之一，其对内皮细胞凋亡影响的报道不多。实验拟验证和探讨胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ对氧化型低密度脂蛋白诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞凋亡的抑制作用及可能机制。 方法：实验于2006—12／2007—07在华中科技大学同济医学院协和医院心血管疾病研究所完成。①实验材料及分组处理：取人新鲜脐带（产妇或家属签署知情同意书）分离培养人脐静脉内皮细胞，分为：胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ组（1×10^-9mmol／L）、氧化型低密度脂蛋白（200mg／L）＋胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ组（1×10^-9mmol／L）、氧化型低密度脂蛋白（200mg／L）组、正常对照组。分别在细胞培养24h后加入。②实验评估：采用四甲基偶氮唑盐法测定细胞活力；DAPI细胞核荧光染色法观察细胞凋亡的形态学变化及细胞凋亡率的测定；并进行内皮细胞caspase-3活性的检测。 结果：①氧化型低密度脂蛋白可明显抑制人脐静脉内皮细胞增殖，胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ与氧化型低密度脂蛋白共同加入后，细胞增殖率明显上升（P〈0．05）。②氧化型低密度脂蛋白可诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞发生凋亡，而加入胰岛素样生长因子I刺激后细胞凋亡率降低（P〈0．05）。③caspase-3活性检测表明与对照组相比，氧化型低密度脂蛋白能明显上调caspase-3的表达，而胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ＋氧化型低密度脂蛋白组caspase-3活性则降低（P〈0．05）。 结论：胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ对氧化型低密度脂蛋白诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞凋亡具有抑制作用，可能与其下调caspase-3蛋白表达有关。     

Cancer gene therapy using a survivin mutant adenovirus

We have constructed a replication-deficient adenovirus encoding a nonphosphorylatable Thr(34)-->Ala mutant of the apoptosis inhibitor survivin (pAd-T34A) to target tumor cell viability in vitro and in vivo. Infection with pAd-T34A caused spontaneous apoptosis in cell lines of breast, cervical, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer. In contrast, pAd-T34A did not affect cell viability of proliferating normal human cells, including fibroblasts, endothelium, or smooth muscle cells. Infection of tumor cells with pAd-T34A resulted in cytochrome c release from mitochondria, cleavage of approximately 46-kDa upstream caspase-9, processing of caspase-3 to the active subunits of approximately 17 and 19 kDa, and increased caspase-3 catalytic activity. When compared with chemotherapeutic regimens, pAd-T34A was as effective as taxol and considerably more effective than adriamycin in induction of tumor cell apoptosis and enhanced taxol-induced cell death. In three xenograft breast cancer models in immunodeficient mice, pAd-T34A suppressed de novo tumor formation, inhibited by approximately 40% the growth of established tumors, and reduced intraperitoneal tumor dissemination. Tumors injected with pAd-T34A exhibited loss of proliferating cells and massive apoptosis by in situ internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. These data suggest that adenoviral targeting of the survivin pathway may provide a novel approach for selective cancer gene therapy.     

碱性成纤维细胞生长因子荧光真核表达载体构建及对过氧化氢诱导血管内皮细胞凋亡的影响

背景：已证实外源性碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（basic fibroblast growth factor,bFGF）可抑制血管内皮细胞凋亡。目的：构建表达bFGF的荧光真核表达载体,探讨其对过氧化氢（H2O2）诱导的血管内皮细胞凋亡和凋亡相关蛋白的影响。方法：通过基因亚克隆构建荧光真核表达载体pcDNA3.1-bFGF-GFP,利用脂质体介导将bFGF基因导入人脐静脉内皮细胞内,通过荧光观察和RT-PCR检测基因的表达。实验分为3组,对照组（转染pcDNA3.1）、过氧化氢组（转染pcDNA3.1＋H2O2）和bFGF转染＋过氧化氢组（转染pcDNA3.1-bFGF-GFP＋H2O2）,流式细胞术测定细胞凋亡率,Western blot检测caspase-3 P17活性亚单位和Bax蛋白表达。结果与结论：成功构建荧光真核表达载体pcDNA3.1-bFGF-GFP,该载体转染人脐静脉内皮细胞后,bFGF mRNA显著增加,并可观察到绿色荧光。与对照组相比,过氧化氢组细胞凋亡率和caspase-3 P17活性亚单位、Bax蛋白的表达量都明显增加（P〈0.01）,而bFGF转染＋过氧化氢组的细胞凋亡率和caspase-3 P17活性亚单位、Bax蛋白的表达量则比过氧化氢组显著降低（P〈0.01）。证实bFGF基因转染能抑制过氧化氢诱导的血管内皮细胞凋亡,其作用机制可能与调控Bax蛋白表达和caspase-3活性有关。     

Caspase-dependent apoptosis induction by guggulsterone, a constituent of Ayurvedic medicinal plant Commiphora mukul, in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells is mediated by Bax and Bak

The present study was undertaken to gain insights into the molecular mechanism of cell death (apoptosis) by guggulsterone, a constituent of Ayurvedic medicinal plant Commiphora mukul, using PC-3 human prostate cancer cells as a model. The viability of PC-3 cells, but not a normal prostate epithelial cell line (PrEC), was reduced significantly on treatment with guggulsterone in a concentration-dependent manner. Guggulsterone-mediated suppression of PC-3 cell proliferation was not due to perturbation in cell cycle progression but caused by apoptosis induction characterized by appearance of subdiploid cells and cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA fragmentation. Guggulsterone-induced apoptosis was associated with induction of multidomain proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members Bax and Bak. Interestingly, the expression of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL was initially increased in guggulsterone-treated PC-3 cells but declined markedly following a 16- to 24-hour treatment with guggulsterone. Ectopic expression of Bcl-2 in PC-3 cells failed to confer significant protection against guggulsterone-induced cell death. On the other hand, SV40 immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from Bax-Bak double knockout mice were significantly more resistant to guggulsterone-induced cell killing compared with wild-type cells. Guggulsterone treatment resulted in cleavage (activation) of caspase-9, caspase-8, and caspase-3, and guggulsterone-induced cell death was significantly attenuated in the presence of general caspase inhibitor as well as specific inhibitors of caspase-9 and caspase-8. In conclusion, the present study indicates that caspase-dependent apoptosis by guggulsterone is mediated in part by Bax and Bak.     

Cocaine-mediated apoptosis in bovine coronary artery endothelial cells: role of nitric oxide.

The present study examined the role of nitric oxide in cocaine-induced apoptosis in bovine coronary artery endothelial cells (BCAECs). Cocaine produced a time-dependent decrease in cell viability and an increase in apoptosis in BCAECs, which were blocked by the nitric oxide donors DETA-NONOate (DETA-NO) and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine. In accordance, cocaine decreased nitric oxide production in BCAECs at each time point of the study. Cocaine significantly increased caspase-3 activity that was blocked by the inhibitors of cytochrome c release (cyclosporin A), caspase-3 (Ac-DEVD-CHO), and caspase-9 (Z-LEHD-FMK), respectively. In addition, cocaine activated caspase-9, which was blocked by cyclosporin A and Z-LEHD-FMK. Ac-DEVD-CHO only partially blocked cocaine-induced caspase-9 activity. DETA-NO (20 microM) blocked cocaine-mediated activation of both caspase-9 and caspase-3. Cocaine decreased Bcl-2 protein levels, which was partially blocked by Ac-DEVD-CHO and Z-LEHD-FMK, but not by DETA-NO. Furthermore, cocaine induced a translocation of Bax from the cytosol to the mitochondria in BCAECs, and increased Bax levels in mitochondria by 2.2-fold. In accordance, cytosolic Bax levels decreased about 42%. Neither Ac-DEVD-CHO nor DETA-NO affected cocaine-induced translocation of Bax. We conclude that cocaine-induced Bcl-2 protein down-regulation and Bax translocation to the mitochondria are upstream signals of caspase-9 activation that precedes caspase-3. Cocaine-induced attenuation of nitric oxide plays a key role in the activation of the caspase cascade in BCAECs.     

Heparin-binding protein targeted to mitochondrial compartments protects endothelial cells from apoptosis

Neutrophil-borne heparin-binding protein (HBP) is a multifunctional protein involved in the progression of inflammation. HBP is stored in neutrophil granules and released upon stimulation of the cells in proximity to endothelial cells. HBP affects endothelial cells in multiple ways; however, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the interaction of HBP with these cells are unknown. Affinity isolation and enzymatic degradation demonstrated that HBP released from human neutrophils binds to endothelial cell-surface proteoglycans, such as syndecans and glypican. Flow cytometry indicated that a significant fraction of proteoglycan-bound HBP is taken up by the endothelial cells, and we used radiolabeled HBP to determine the internalization rate of surface-bound HBP. Confocal and electron microscopy revealed that internalized HBP is targeted to perinuclear compartments of endothelial cells, where it colocalizes with mitochondria. Western blotting of isolated mitochondria from HBP-treated endothelial cells showed that HBP is present in 2 forms - 28 and 22 kDa. Internalized HBP markedly reduced growth factor deprivation-induced caspase-3 activation and protected endothelial cells from apoptosis, suggesting that uptake and intracellular routing of exogenous HBP to mitochondria contributes to the sustained viability of endothelial cells in the context of locally activated neutrophils.     

阴性突变Rac-N17基因转染对人脐静脉内皮细胞凋亡的影响

目的 探讨基因转染对内皮细胞凋亡的影响及其相关机制。方法 采用凝血酶诱导法诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞株（HUVECs）凋亡，检测细胞凋亡情况及caspase-3活性。结果 结果显示，凝血酶诱导48 h后，HUVECs细胞浆内颗粒和空泡增多，细胞凋亡率明显增高，caspase-3活性明显增加，而加入RacN17干预后，细胞凋亡率明显降低、caspase-3活性明显下降。结论 Rac-N17基因转染能防止细胞的凋亡与衰老，保护血管内皮细胞。     

Thalidomide protects endothelial cells from doxorubicin-induced apoptosis but alters cell morphology

Summary.  Antiangiogenesis agents are now being used in clinical trials to reduce the risk of recurrence of cancer. Several of these agents, however, are associated with thrombosis, especially when used in combination with chemotherapy. Antiangiogenesis and thrombosis are both endothelial-related activities, and we therefore evaluated one presumed antiangiogenesis agent (thalidomide) on intact cultured endothelial cells, and on cultured endothelial cells injured by preincubation with doxorubicin. We evaluated cell viability, caspase-3 activation, morphology of cells using light microscopy, and protease activated receptor-1 (PAR-l) expression. In our experiments, doxorubicin induced a dose- and incubation time-dependent and caspase-3-mediated apoptosis of endothelial cells. Thalidomide alone caused no changes in intact endothelial cells in terms of morphology, cell viability or activation of caspase-3. In contrast, when thalidomide was added to doxorubicin-injured endothelial cells, there was protection from cell death, increase in viability of endothelial cells, induction of differentiation and formation of neotubules. Doxorubicin reduced the expression of thrombin receptor, PAR-1, as evaluated by immunostaining and flow cytometry. Thalidomide did not alter PAR-1 expression in untreated cells but restored its expression reduced by doxorubicin. These findings suggest that thalidomide may be procoagulant, not by enhancing doxorubicin-mediated endothelial cell injury, but by altering the expression of PAR-1 on injured endothelium and resulting in endothelial dysfunction, which may explain hypercoagulability in patients treated with chemotherapy followed by thalidomide.     

Juniper oil inhibits the heat shock-induced apoptosis via preventing the caspase-3 activation in human astrocytes CCF-STTG1 cells.

BACKGROUND: Brain astrocytes play a pivotal role in neuronal activities. METHODS: An investigation was undertaken to determine whether juniper oil inhibits heat shock-induced apoptosis of astrocytes. RESULTS: Juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced apoptosis in human astrocyte CCF-STTG1 cells. Pretreatment of the cells with juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced DNA fragmentation and condensation of nuclear chromatin. Juniper oil alone did not affect the apoptosis. Juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced caspase-3 activation and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) fragmentation in the human astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Juniper oil may inhibit the apoptosis of astrocytes by preventing the caspase-3 activation.     

Poncirus trifoliata fruit induces apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia cells

Background: Substances inducing apoptosis have shown efficacy in the treatment of cancers. Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. (Rutaceae) fruits (PTF) has been used for the treatment of various cancers among Korean Oriental Medical doctors. Methods: PTF-induced cytotoxicity of human leukemia HL-60 cells was monitored by the MTT assay. The apoptosis was determined by (a) apoptotic morphology in microscopy; (b) DNA fragmentation in electrophoresis and FACS analysis; and (c) activation of caspase-3 and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage assay. Results: The cytotoxic activity of PTF in HL-60 cells was increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. PTF caused the cell shrinkage, cell membrane blebbing, apoptotic body and DNA fragmentation. PTF-induced apoptosis is accompanied by the activation of caspase-3 and the specific proteolytic cleavage of PARP. However, PTF did not show cytotoxicity in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Conclusions: Our novel finding provides evidence that PTF could be a candidate as an anti-leukemic agent through apoptosis of cancer cells.     

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor attenuates oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell apoptosis via p38 MAP kinase inhibition

BACKGROUND: The effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of endothelial cells and the intracellular signaling were investigated. METHODS: Cultured endothelial cells derived from a bovine carotid artery were treated with H2O2 or TNF-alpha to induce apoptosis. Apoptosis was evaluated by DNA fragmentation and cell viability, p38 MAP kinase activity by Western blotting, and oxidative stress by formation of 8-isoprostane. The effects of ACE inhibitors were examined by adding them into the medium throughout the experiments. RESULTS: Apoptosis was attenuated by ACE inhibitors, temocapril and captopril, in a dose-dependent manner (1-100 micromol/l). H2O2 (0.2 mmol/l for 1.5 h) or TNF-alpha (10 ng/ml for 72 h) treatment stimulated the activities of p38 MAP kinase. Temocapril and captopril decreased the activity of p38 MAP kinase as well as 8-isoprostane formation induced by H2O2. A p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, SB203580, partially inhibited the effect of temocapril on apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ACE inhibitors protect endothelial cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, and that p38 MAP kinase plays a critical role in the process.     

铁螯合剂诱导白血病细胞凋亡中caspase-3的变化

目的探讨铁螯合剂去铁胺（DFO）对诱导白血病细胞HL-60的分子机制。方法 2003年712月用钙黄绿素（calcein）检测HL-60细胞LIP。台盼蓝活细胞拒染实验进行活细胞计数及细胞存活率测定;光镜形态学观察及流式细胞仪（FCM）等方法检测HL-60细胞凋亡;比色法检测caspase-3（基于pNA标记底物的比色法）活性。结果①不同浓度的DFO作用于HL-60细胞后,随培养时间延长及DFO浓度的增加,动态铁池降低,细胞生存率逐渐下降,凋亡率增加,显示一定的时间剂量依赖性。②HL-60细胞在不同浓度的DFO作用下,caspase-3的活性逐渐升高。50、100μmol/LDFO作用于HL-60细胞24h,caspase-3酶活性升高明显,与对照组相比,有统计学意义（P〈0.001）;相关分析结果显示,HL-60细胞LIP的改变与caspase-3活性变化呈负相关系（r=-0.887,P〈0.05）。结论 DFO诱导白血病细胞凋亡的作用可能与螯合细胞内铁,降低细胞LIP,激活caspase-3,最终实施细胞凋亡密切相关。     

锤头状核酶抑制CTLL-2细胞凋亡而增强其对Yac-1细胞杀伤活性的实验研究

目的　研究抗fas的锤头状核酶对小鼠细胞毒性T淋巴细胞 (CTL)系CTLL 2细胞fas基因的表达及其介导的细胞凋亡抑制作用 ,探索供者淋巴细胞输注 (DLI)时增强T细胞抗白血病的新途径。方法设计并合成抗fas的锤头状核酶基因 ,将其导入CTLL 2细胞 ,通过RT PCR、Westernblot和流式细胞仪分别检测核酶对CTLL 2细胞fasmRNA和Fas蛋白表达的抑制 ,以MTT法检测CTLL 2细胞与Fas抗体结合后的增殖活性 ,以半胱天冬酶 3(caspase 3)活性检测试剂盒检测细胞caspase 3蛋白酶活性 ,以流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡 ,以乳酸脱氢酶法检测CTLL 2细胞的体外杀伤活性。结果锤头状核酶基因导入CTLL 2细胞后 ,可使其表面的Fas表达降低达 5 0 % ,细胞经Fas抗体 (JO2 )处理后 ,与空白对照、转染空载体的细胞相比 ,转染核酶的细胞增殖活性增加了 1倍 ,caspase 3活性降低近 5 0 % ,而细胞的凋亡率显著降低 ,只有 37% ,且CTLL 2细胞的体外杀伤活性为对照组的 2倍。结论该核酶具有切割fas基因的良好活性 ,并可抑制Fas介导的CTLL 2细胞凋亡 ,增加该细胞存活率 ,从而增强对Yac 1细胞的杀伤活性。     

Novel small molecule inhibitors of caspase-3 block cellular and biochemical features of apoptosis

Caspase-3 is an intracellular cysteine protease, activated as part of the apoptotic response to cell injury. Its interest as a therapeutic target has led many to pursue the development of inhibitors. To date, only one series of nonpeptidic inhibitors have been described, and these have limited selectivity within the caspase family. Here we report the properties of a series of anilinoquinazolines (AQZs) as potent small molecule inhibitors of caspase-3. The AQZs inhibit human caspase-3 with Ki values in the 90 to 800 nM range. A subset of AQZs are equipotent against caspase-6, although most lack activity against this isoform and caspase-1, -2, -7, and -8. The AQZs inhibit endogenous caspase-3 activity toward a cell permeable, exogenously added substrate in staurosporine-treated SH-SY5Y cells. The AQZs reduce biochemical and cellular features of apoptosis that are thought to be a consequence of caspase-3 activation including DNA fragmentation, TUNEL staining, and the various morphological features that define the terminal stages of apoptotic cell death. Moreover, the AQZs also inhibit apoptosis induced by nerve growth factor withdrawal from differentiated PC12 cells. Thus, the AQZs represent a new and structurally novel class of inhibitors, some of which selectively inhibit caspase-3 and will thereby allow evaluation of the role of caspase-3 activity in various cellular models of apoptosis.