Showed DNA Fragmentation Research Articles

Intratumoral injection of taxol in vivo suppresses A549 tumor showing cytoplasmic vacuolization

Based on our recent in vitro studies, this report was designed to explore the mechanism by which high concentration of taxol (70 µM) induced paraptosis-like cell death in human lung carcinoma (A549) cells, and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of taxol using A549 tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Exposure of cells to taxol induced time-dependent cytotoxicity and cytoplasmic vacuolization without the involvement of Bax, Bak, Mcl-1, Bcl-XL, and caspase-3. Although taxol treatment induced activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) cleavage indicative of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, silencing ATF6 by shATF6 did not prevent taxol-induced both cytotoxcity and cytoplasmic vacuolization, suggesting that taxol-induced cytoplasmic vacuolization and cell death were not due to ER stress. Moreover, taxol-treated cells did not show DNA fragmentation and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, the typical characteristics of apoptosis. In addition, taxol-induced cytoplasmic vacuolization did not show the cellular lysis, the characteristics of oncosis, and positive of β-galactosidase, the characteristic of senescence, indicating that taxol induced paraptosis-like cell death is neither oncosis nor senescence. Moreover, our in vivo data showed that intratumoral injection of taxol (50 mg/kg) in A549 tumor xenograft mice on day 1 and day 19 potently suppressed tumor growth showing significant ER vacuolization without toxicity. In conclusion, high concentration of taxol exhibits a significant anticancer activity by inducing paraptosis-like cell death in vitro and in vivo, without significant toxicity, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for apoptosis-resistance cancer by inducing ER vacuolization.

UV-B induces cell death in the lichen Physcia semipinnata (J.F.Gmel)

We have examined the consequences of Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation in the thallus of the lichen Physcia semipinnata (J.F.Gmel) in terms of cell viability and apoptotic-like formation. UV-B induced oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation was detected by TUNEL assay and this is the first study showing DNA fragmentation in thalli. The intensity of TUNEL-positive cells after exposure to UV-B at doses up to 95.9 J/cm2 was higher in the photobiont layer than the mycobiont layer.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and early folliculogenesis during an acute hyperandrogenism condition

Acute hyperandrogenism decreases serum P levels and induces early apoptosis of antral follicles by a mechanism mediated by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma system and independent of the steroidogenic acute regulator protein.

SMT-A07, a 3-(Indol-2-yl) indazole derivative, induces apoptosis of leukemia cells in vitro

N-(2-(1H-indazol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridin-5-yl)-4-chloro-N-methylbenzamide (SMT-A07) is a novel 3-(Indol-2-yl) indazole derivative. The anticancer activities in vitro and the cell apoptosis-induction abilities of SMT-A07 on human leukemia HL60 and NB4 cell lines were investigated in this study. The results of MTT assay showed SMT-A07 was a potential and highly efficient antitumor compound with IC(50) values ranging from 0.09 to 1.19μM in five leukemia cell lines. SMT-A07 treatment for 24h caused the increment of apoptosis rate from 6.88 to 49.72% in HL60 cells and from 8.72 to 56.28% in NB4 cells by flow cytometry analysis. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed DNA fragmentation that appeared after cells were exposed to SMT-A07. After SMT-A07 incubation, DAPI staining revealed the presence of DNA fragmentation, and perinuclear apoptotic body. SMT-A07 also resulted in a loss of ΔΨm in both HL60 and NB4 cells by JC-1 staining. Moreover, apoptosis-related proteins were examined by western blotting to explore the mechanism of its cytotoxicity. SMT-A07 exposure caused down-regulation and cleavage of procaspase-8, procaspase-3, Bid, PARP and up-regulation of cleaved caspase-8, cleaved caspase-3, PARP (Cleaved Fragment). In addition, the presence of pan-caspase inhibitor BOC-D-FMK prevented cells from caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage, and subsequent apoptosis. Our study demonstrates that SMT-A07 displays an apparent antitumor activity with extensive anti-leukemia spectrum, and SMT-A07 can induce the apoptosis of HL60 and NB4 cells activation of the caspase cascade, which deserves further development.

Cellular injury and neuroinflammation in children with chronic intractable epilepsy

ObjectiveTo elucidate the presence and potential involvement of brain inflammation and cell death in neurological morbidity and intractable seizures in childhood epilepsy, we quantified cell death, astrocyte proliferation, microglial activation and cytokine release in brain tissue from patients who underwent epilepsy surgery.MethodsCortical tissue was collected from thirteen patients with intractable epilepsy due to focal cortical dysplasia (6), encephalomalacia (5), Rasmussen's encephalitis (1) or mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (1). Sections were processed for immunohistochemistry using markers for neuron, astrocyte, microglia or cellular injury. Cytokine assay was performed on frozen cortices. Controls were autopsy brains from eight patients without history of neurological diseases.ResultsMarked activation of microglia and astrocytes and diffuse cell death were observed in epileptogenic tissue. Numerous fibrillary astrocytes and their processes covered the entire cortex and converged on to blood vessels, neurons and microglia. An overwhelming number of neurons and astrocytes showed DNA fragmentation and its magnitude significantly correlated with seizure frequency. Majority of our patients with abundant cell death in the cortex have mental retardation. IL-1beta, IL-8, IL-12p70 and MIP-1beta were significantly increased in the epileptogenic cortex; IL-6 and MCP-1 were significantly higher in patients with family history of epilepsy.ConclusionsOur results suggest that active neuroinflammation and marked cellular injury occur in pediatric epilepsy and may play a common pathogenic role or consequences in childhood epilepsy of diverse etiologies. Our findings support the concept that immunomodulation targeting activated microglia and astrocytes may be a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce neurological morbidity and prevent intractable epilepsy.

Phyllanthus urinaria Increases Apoptosis and Reduces Telomerase Activity in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells

Background: This study was designed to obtain the chemical fingerprint and to investigate the effect of Phyllanthus urinaria on telomerase activity and apoptotic pathways in the human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (NPC-BM1). Materials and Methods: The polyphenol compounds in P. urinaria were investigated by HPLC/MS. Cell viability with the treatment of P. urinaria, gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin and cisplatin was detected by MTT assay. TUNEL assay, DNA fragmentation analysis and caspase3 activity were used to confirm apoptotic changes. Telomerase activity was determined using the TRAP assay. RNA isolation and RT-PCR were used to analyze the related genes expression. All experiments on treatments with P. urinaria from 0–3 mg/ml were carried out for 24 h. Results: 5 major compounds including gallic acid, brevifolin carboxylic acid, corilagin, phyllanthusiin C and ellagic acid were identified as a plant fingerprint by HPLC/MS. With the MTT assay, we demonstrated that P. urinaria, gallic acid and ellagic acid reduce cell viability. The apoptosis features showed DNA fragmentation and increased caspase-3 activity associated with the down-regulation of Bcl-2, but not of Bax, p53, and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) in P. urinaria-treated NPC-BM1 cells. Furthermore, treatment of NPC-BM1 cells led to an inhibition of hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase), hTP1 (human telomerase-associated protein 1) and c-myc mRNA expression and to decreased telomerase activity. Conclusion: This study suggests that P. urinaria induces the death of NPC-BM1 cells in vitro through the induction of apoptosis and inhibited telomerase activity.

Proapoptotic and prepulse inhibition (PPI) disrupting effects of Hypericum perforatum in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance St. John's wort extract is commonly used as a wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, diuretic, antibiotic, antiviral and cancer chemoprotective agent. It also has nootropic and/or antiamnestic effects. Aim of the study Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle response is a valuable paradigm for sensorimotor gating processes. A previous study indicated that single administration of St. John's wort extract (500 mg/kg) caused PPI disruption in rats. The effect of antiamnestic doses of the extract on PPI has not been investigated despite the coexistence of impaired memory and PPI deficit in some neurological disorders. Materials and methods The effects of acute (500 mg/kg) and chronic (200 mg/kg for 3 days) administration of St. John's wort extract were investigated for its antiamnestic activity. The effects of administration of the antiamnestic dose of the extract and hyperforin, its main active component, were tested on PPI of an acoustic startle response in rats. This study also investigated the proapoptotic effect of hyperforin in animals, demonstrating PPI deficit, by electrophoresis of DNA isolated from selected brain areas. Results Disruption of PPI resulted after treatment of rats with an antiamnestic dose of the extract (200 mg/kg for 3 days) and with hyperforin. Gel electrophoresis showed DNA fragmentation of the cortices of hyperforin-treated animals exhibiting PPI deficit. Conclusions The exacerbating effect of St. John's wort extract on PPI deficit may provide a limitation for using the extract to manage cognitive disturbance in psychotic and Huntington's disease patients manifesting PPI deficit.

Hepatocyte apoptosis in the patients with chronic hepatitis B

To investigate the relationship between hepatocyte apoptosis and the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in hepatic tissue in the patients with chronic hepatitis B(Ct-IB). We observed 37 cases with CHB and 10 normal controls. Transferase-mediated-UTP-biotin nick-end labling (TUNEL) technique was used to detect apoptosis cells and immunohistochemical staining were also performed to investigate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in biopsy samples. The serum level of ALT, HBV DNA, grading of necroinflammatory activity and staging of fibrosis were also assessed. Hepatocytes in all CHB liver tissues were positively stained by TUNEL in various degree. In contrast, control tissues did not show DNA fragmentation. A significant correlation was seen between apoptosis index (AI) and necroinflammatory grading (r = 0.404, P = 0.015) and serum iNOS level (r = 0.465, P = 0.004). It did not correlate with fibrosis stage and serum alanine aminotransferase level. The oxidative stress in patients with CHB may reflected the apoptosis of hepatocyte. Apoptosis involves in liver injury of CHB, but with no significant correlation to serum level of ALT.

Apoptosis-mediated proliferation inhibition of human colon cancer cells by volatile principles of Citrus aurantifolia

Fruits of Citrus aurantifolia were subjected to hydro-distillation using Clevenger type apparatus to obtain volatile oil. Chemical composition of volatile oil was analysed by GC–MS. Twenty-two compounds representing more than 89.5% of the volatile oil were identified. d-limonene (30.13%) and d-dihydrocarvone (30.47%) were found to be the major compounds in the lime volatile oil. This oil showed 78% inhibition of human colon cancer cells (SW-480) with 100 μg/ml concentration at 48 h. Lime volatile oil showed DNA fragmentation and induction of caspase-3 up to 1.8 and 2- folds after 24 h and 48 h, respectively, which may be due to the involvement of apoptosis. Analysis of apoptosis-related protein expression further confirmed apoptosis induction by lime volatile oil. The above results suggested that lime volatile oil has potential benefits in colon cancer prevention. This is the first report, showing the possible mechanism of antiproliferative effect of lime volatile oil for the prevention of colon cancer in cell culture models.

Impact of neutrophil apoptosis on haemostatic activation in chronic liver disease patients

Recent studies suggest the impact of apoptosis on the mechanisms leading to hypercoagulability. We aimed to clarify the potential role of neutrophil apoptosis in neutropenia and hypercoagulable state encountered in chronic liver disease patients. This study was conducted on 15 normal controls and 45 patients with chronic liver disease classified according to modified Child Pugh classification into, Child A, B and C groups (15 cases each). Haemostatic parameters studied include, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, tissue factor, protein C antigen, protein S antigen, and markers of haemostatic activation [prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), thrombus precursor protein (TpP) and D-dimer]. Flowcytometric study was done for quantitative assay of neutrophil apoptotic subpopulations to detect the percentage of early and late apoptotic, and necrotic neutrophils using Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide dye. Semiquantitative assay of apoptotic neutrophils showing DNA fragmentation was performed on neutrophil culture using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling test. In addition to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for soluble Fas (APO-1/CD95) in culture supernatant. The results revealed a rise in the neutrophil apoptotic and necrotic markers with progression of the disease, and they were inversely correlated with the absolute neutrophil count. The apoptotic neutrophil cells showed a significant positive correlation with several haemostatic parameters (tissue factor, prothrombin fragment 1+2, thrombus precursor protein and D-dimer). Regression analysis proved that apoptotic parameters are independent determinants of prothrombotic markers, which further incriminate the apoptotic mechanisms in the hypercoagulable state encountered in this clinical setting.

High genetic variability in non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains by using Quadruplex PCR-based assay

Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolates always show, by using a multiplex PCR-system, four DNA fragments specific for aflR, nor-1, ver-1, and omt-A genes. Non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains give variable DNA banding pattern lacking one, two, three or four of these genes. Recently, it has been found and reported that some aflatoxin non-producing A. flavus strains show a complete set of genes. Because less is known about the incidence of structural genes aflR, nor-1, ver-1 and omt-A in aflatoxin non-producing strains of A. flavus, we decided to study the frequencies of the aflatoxin structural genes in non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains isolated from food and feed commodities. The results can be summarized as following: 36.5% of the examined non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains showed DNA fragments that correspond to the complete set of genes (quadruplet pattern) as found in aflatoxigenic A. flavus. Forty three strains (32%) showed three DNA banding patterns grouped in four profiles where nor-1, ver-1 and omt-A was the most frequent profile. Twenty five (18.7%) of non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains yielded two DNA banding pattern whereas sixteen (12%) of the strains showed one DNA banding pattern. In one strain, isolated from poultry feed, no DNA bands were found. The nor-1 gene was the most representative between the four aflatoxin structural assayed genes. Lower incidence was found for aflR gene. Our data show a high level of genetic variability among non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus isolates that require greater attention in order to design molecular experiment to distinguish true aflatoxigenic from non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains.

In situ detection of programmed cell death in Nicotiana tabacum leaves during senescence

Leaf senescence is a highly regulated developmental process, during which cell constituents are dismantled in an ordered progression. The final death phase of senescence is a type of programmed cell death (PCD). We showed DNA fragmentation characteristic for PCD by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay not only in senescing leaves but also in young, still developing tobacco leaves.

Caspase-dependent cell death mediates potent cytotoxicity of sulfide derivatives of 9-anilinoacridine

9-anilinoacridine contains a tricyclic and planar aromatic structure that enables DNA intercalation and inhibition of topoisomerase II. Two recently developed sulfide derivatives of 9-anilinoacridines, 2-({4-[4-(acridin-9-ylamino)phenylthio]phenyl}(2-hydroxyethyl)amino)ethan-1-ol (CK0402) and 3-({4-[4-(acridin-9-ylamino)phenylthio]phenyl}(3-hydroxypropyl)amino)propan-1-ol (CK0403), displayed potent cytotoxic activity in multiple cancer cell lines. In-vitro enzymatic assay demonstrated that CK0402 and CK0403 directly inhibit decatenation reaction of topoisomerase IIalpha. Cells exposed to CK0403 showed DNA fragmentation, and activation of caspase-3 and caspase-2, indicating that it triggers caspase-dependent apoptosis. This was further supported by the fact that cytotoxicity of these drugs is attenuated by pharmacological inhibition of caspases with z-VAD-FMK. Studies with wild-type and p53 primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts demonstrated that p53 does not play a significant role in cell death process initiated by this kind of drug. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1activity moderately enhanced cytotoxic activity of sulfide 9-anilinoacridine, suggesting that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 may have a protective function against 9-anilinoacridine-induced cell death process.

Neuroprotective effect of diazoxide on brain injury induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion during deep hypothermia

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of diazoxide on apoptosis and the relative mechanisms in a model of brain injury induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) during deep hypothermia. Three-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly and equitably divided into sham-operated group, placebo-treated group and diazoxide-treated group respectively. Specific examination of the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured in the three groups continuously during the operation by laser Doppler flowmetry. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was showed DNA fragmentation. The mRNA expressions of cytochrome c and full-length caspase-3 were determined by RT-PCR, while the protein expressions of cytochrome c and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by immunohistochemistry at 1 h, 6 h, 24 h, 72 h and 7 days after I/R, respectively. Cytosolic release of cytochrome c at 24 h after I/R was also confirmed by Western blot. rCBF was significantly decreased in both of placebo-treated and diazoxide-treated group just after ischemia in the time interval 0-5 min, and had no obvious changes in all the time intervals during the operation. Diazoxide preconditioning significantly decreased the percentage of TUNEL-positive staining cells. The mRNA expressions of cytochrome c and full-length caspase-3 in diazoxide-treated group were significantly decreased. In addition, diazoxide provided a significant reduction in the protein expressions of cytochrome c and cleaved caspase-3. These results suggested that the neuroprotective effects of diazoxide against cerebral I/R injury during deep hypothermia correlated with the reduction of DNA fragmentation, prevention of mitochondrial cytochrome c release and inhibition of caspase-3 activation.

The role of dopamine transporter in selective toxicity of manganese and rotenone

The dopamine transporter has been shown to be the most relevant target site for the specificity of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP +), a neurotoxin for dopaminergic neurons. In contrast, the mechanisms underlying the selective toxicity of manganese and rotenone, potentially toxic agents implicated in dopaminergic neuronal cell death, remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the cellular mechanisms of manganese or rotenone uptake in dopaminergic cells via the dopamine transporter. PC12 cells overexpressing the dopamine transporter, which were exposed to 10 μM MPP +, showed extensive DNA fragmentation, a biochemical hallmark of apoptosis, whereas wild-type PC12 cells or vector-transfected PC12 cells, which were exposed to 5 mM MPP +, did not show DNA fragmentation. In contrast, manganese and rotenone induced DNA fragmentation at slightly lower concentrations in PC12 cells overexpressing the dopamine transporter compared to control cells. Dopamine transporter inhibitors, such as mazindol, nomifensine, or GBR12909, inhibited MPP +-induced DNA fragmentation but did not affect manganese- and rotenone-induced DNA fragmentation in PC12 cells overexpressing the dopamine transporter. Finally, manganese accumulated to similar levels in PC12 cells overexpressing the dopamine transporter and control PC12 cells following incubation with manganese chloride. These results suggested that the dopamine transporter dose not confer cytotoxicity to manganese and rotenone.

The Bcr-Abl Kinase Inhibitor INNO-406 Induces Autophagy and Different Modes of Cell Death Execution in Bcr-Abl-Positive Leukemias.

The blockade of Bcr-Abl signaling suppresses cellular growth and induces cell death in Bcr-Abl+ cells. While they are known to promote caspase-mediated apoptosis, it remains unclear whether caspase-independent cell death-inducing mechanisms are also triggered. Here we assessed the regulatory mechanisms for cellular survival and death of Bcr-Abl+ leukemias more precisely, using a novel Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, INNO-406 (formerly NS-187) which is more selective and 25-55-fold more active than imatinib (Kimura S, Blood 2005), in four CML-derived Bcr-Abl+ cell lines (K562, KT-1, BV173 and MYL), Ba/F3 harboring wild type bcr-abl (Ba/F3/wt bcr-abl), and in vivo CML mouse model. INNO-406 induces apoptosis in all lines examined, as were demonstrated by typical apoptotic morphology, loss of mitochondrial outer membrane potential (reduction of DiOC6 uptake), increase of cells in subG1 fraction by propidium iodide (PI) staining, DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation. However, when we inhibit caspase activity by zVAD-fmk (zVAD), a pan-caspase inhibitor, two modes of cell death execution were observed. In K562, KT-1 and BV173 cells treated with INNO-406, zVAD almost completely prevented apoptosis (i.e. showing atypical feature for apoptosis, no DNA fragmentation and no accumulation of subG1 fraction), with cell death resulting from morphologically non-apoptotic, so-called caspase-independent necrosis-like cell death (CIND). While, in MYL and Ba/F3/wt bcr-abl cells, despite the sufficient inhibition of caspases' activity, the inhibition of the cell death by zVAD was only partial and these cell lines still underwent apoptosis (i.e. showing DNA fragmentation and the accumulation of subG1 population), suggesting the presence of alter cell death pathway which is caspase-independent apoptosis (CIA) in MYL and Ba/F3/wt bcr-abl. The propensity towards CIND or CIA in cells was strongly associated with cellular dependency on apoptosome-mediated caspase activity, that is CIND with a high apoptosome activity potential while CIA with low. Freshly isolated leukemic cell samples from Bcr-Abl+ leukemia patients also had either low or high apoptosome activity potential. Moreover, cells undergoing CIND exhibited hallmarks of autophagy (i.e. the autophagosome formation, punctate formations of LC3 and the accumulation of LC3-II isoform), suggested the participation of autophagy in response to Bcr-Abl blockade. Inhibition of autophagy with chloroquine enhanced INNO-406-induced cell death, which indicates that the autophagic response of the tumor cells is protective. While, in vivo CML model, INNO-406 treatment increased apoptotic cells regardless of the caspase-3 activation, further implicating the involvement of caspase-independent cell death regulatory pathway in vivo in primary Bcr-Abl+ leukemic cells. These findings suggest new insights into the biology and therapy of Bcr-Abl+ leukemias.

Haemocytes and blastogenetic cycle in the colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri: a matter of life and death

A recurrent blastogenetic cycle characterizes colonies of the ascidian Botryllus schlosseri. This cycle starts when a new zooid generation opens its siphons and ends with take-over, when adult zooids cease filtering and are progressively resorbed and replaced by a new generation of buds, reaching functional maturity. During the generation change, massive apoptosis occurs in the colony, mainly in the tissues of old zooids. In the present study, we have investigated the behaviour of haemocytes during the colonial blastogenetic cycle, in terms of the occurrence of cell death and the expression of molecules involved in the induction of apoptosis. Our results indicate that, during take-over, caspase-3 activity in haemocyte lysates increases. In addition, about 20%-30% of haemocytes express phosphatidylserine on the outer leaflet of their plasma membrane, show DNA fragmentation and are immunopositive for caspase-3. Senescent cells are quickly ingested by circulating phagocytes that frequently, having once engulfed effete cells, in turn enter apoptosis. Dying cells and corpses are replaced by a new generation of cells that appear in the circulation during the generation change.

Antioxidant Activity of Indigo and its Preventive Effect against Ethanol-Induced DNA Damage in Rat Gastric Mucosa

Ethanol-induced oxidative damage is commonly associated with the generation of reactive oxygen molecules, leading to oxidative stress. Considering that antioxidant activity is an important mechanism of action involved in cytoprotection, the aim of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the alkaloid indigo (1) (2 mg/kg, P. O.), obtained from the leaves of Indigofera truxillensis Kunth (Fabaceae), on rat gastric mucosa submitted to ethanol-induced (100%, 1 mL, P. O.) gastric ulcer. Enzymatic assays and DNA fragmentation analysis were performed. When ethanol was administered to the control group, the sulfhydryl content (SH) and the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity decreased by 41% and 50%, respectively; in contrast, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities increased by 56% and 67%, respectively. Additionally, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, a marker for free radical generation caused by polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) tissue infiltration, also increased 4.5-fold after ethanol treatment. Rat gastric mucosa exposed to ethanol showed DNA fragmentation. Indigo alkaloid pretreatment protected rats from ethanol-induced gastric lesions. This effect was determined by the ulcerative lesion area (ULA), indicating an inhibition of around 80% at 2 mg/kg. This alkaloid also diminished GPx activity, which was higher than that observed with ethanol alone. However, this effect was counterbalanced by increased GR activity. Indigo was unable to restore alterations in SOD activity promoted by ethanol. After indigo pretreatment, SH levels and MPO activity remained normal and gastric mucosa DNA damage caused by ethanol was also partially prevented by indigo. These results suggest that the gastroprotective mechanisms of indigo include non-enzymatic antioxidant effects and the inhibition of PMN infiltration which, in combination, partially protect the gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced DNA damage.

P2Y2 nucleotide receptors inhibit trauma‐induced death of astrocytic cells

Nucleotides as well as other neurotransmitters are known to be released to the extracellular space upon injury. To determine whether nucleotides acting on P2Y(2) nucleotide receptors promote protective or degenerative events after trauma in astrocytic cells, a well-established model of in vitro brain trauma was applied to 1321N1 cells expressing recombinant P2Y(2) nucleotide receptors (P2Y(2)R-1321N1). Cellular death was examined by measuring DNA fragmentation and caspase activation. Fragmented DNA was observed 48 h post-injury in 1321N1 cells, while P2Y(2) nucleotide receptor expressing cells did not show DNA fragmentation. A laddering pattern of fragmented DNA following injury was observed upon inhibition of P2Y(2) nucleotide receptors with suramin. Time-dependent increases of cleaved caspase-9, a mitochondrial-associated caspase, correlated with injury-induced cellular death. A decreased bax/bcl-2 gene expression ratio was observed in P2Y(2)R-1321N1 cells after traumatic injury, while untransfected 1321N1 cells showed a significant time-dependent increase of the bax/bcl-2 gene expression ratio. Activation of protein kinases was assessed to determine the signaling pathways involved in cell death and survival responses following traumatic injury. In P2Y(2)R-1321N1 and 1321N1 cells p38 phosphorylation was stimulated in a time-dependent manner but the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt was only observed in P2Y(2)R-1321N1 cells after injury. The stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) signaling pathway was not activated by traumatic injury in either astrocytic cell line. Inhibition of p38 kinase signaling pathway by treatment with PD1693, a MKK3/6 inhibitor, abolished the expression of cleaved caspase-9, the increase in the bax/bcl-2 gene expression ratio, as well as the fragmentation of DNA that followed injury of 1321N1 cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate a novel role for P2Y(2) nucleotide receptors and extracellular nucleotides in mediating survival responses to glial cells undergoing cellular death induced by trauma.

α- and ϵ-Protein Kinase C Activity during Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis in Response to γ-Radiation

The use of gamma-radiation in treatment of pelvic cancer is associated with injury of healthy surrounding tissues and disorders of intestinal motility; however, the cellular mechanisms involved are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that exposure of visceral smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to gamma-radiation induces apoptosis via activation of specific protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms. Cultured SMCs and slices from guinea pig ileum smooth muscle longitudinal layer (GPISMLL) were exposed to 10 to 50 Gy. Flow cytometry in gamma-radiated SMCs showed increased percentage of cells in the sub-G(0)/G(1) phase, a hallmark of apoptosis. gamma-Radiation-induced reduction in cell survival was partially but significantly alleviated with the PKC inhibitors. Sections of gamma-irradiated GPISMLL showed DNA fragmentation and apoptotic bodies analyzed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling method, whereas the plasma and nuclear membranes were preserved. Confocal microscopy in gamma-radiated SMCs labeled with annexin V-fluorescein showed an increase in apoptotic cells and phosphatidylserine externalization. Contraction of GPISMLL strips in response to KCl and acetylcholine was reduced in tissues exposed to 30 and 50 Gy. gamma-Radiation of GPISMLL caused an increase in PKC activity in the particulate fraction, a decrease in the cytosolic fraction, and increased particulate/cytosolic PKC activity ratio. Western blot analysis revealed significant amounts of alpha- and epsilon-PKC in the cytosolic fraction of control GPISMLL. gamma-Radiation caused an increase in the amount of alpha- and epsilon-PKC in the particulate fraction and a decrease in the cytosolic fraction. Data suggest that gamma-radiation induces apoptosis, growth arrest, and contractile dysfunction in visceral SMCs of GPISMLL via activation and translocation of alpha- and epsilon-PKC isoforms.