Objective To explore the effects of exogenous ubiquitin on lung injury and serum nitric oxide ( NO) level of mice in the early stage of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and perforation ( CLP) . Methods Seventy-seven mice were devided randomly into three groups, ie. CLP Group ( n =28) , SHAM Group ( n =28) and UB Group( n = 21) . Six hours after operation, seven mice of both Group CLP and SHAM were sacrificed for lung and blood sampling. Meanwhile all mice of Group UB were injected intravenously with exogenous ubiquitin of 10 mg/kg body weight. Seven mice of each group were sacrificed at seven, eight and nine hours after operation. Lung water content and serum level of nitrate /nitrite ( NO2 /NO3 , the stable end-products of NO) , were determined. Pathological changes of lung were compared among the groups. Results Lung water content of Group UB was lower than that of Group CLP at each observational time point. Futhermore, there was a significant differentce in lung water content between Group UB and CLP at 9 hours. Pathological examination revealed that inflammatory hyperemia and infiltration of pulmonary parenchyma reduced in Group UB, compared with Group CLP. Serum NO levels of Group CLP and UB were similar at each time point. Conclusions In the early stage of murine sepsis induced by CLP, a single introvenous bolus of exogenous ubiquitin significantly decreases lung capillary vascular permeability, and probably makes a temporal reduction of acute lung injury while it has no obvious effects on serumNO level.
Objective To study the effect of tumor necrosis factor-α( TNF-α) onhypermetabolism of skeletal muscle protein in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) and explore its underlying mechanism. Methods Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a COPD group and a COPD + TNF-α group, with 15 rats in each group. COPD model was established by passive cigarette smoking in COPD group and COPD + TNF-αgroup. Then the extensor digitorium longus muscles ( EDL) were dissected and incubated in vitro muscle incubation system with adequate oxygen supply. The EDL were either cultured with or without recombinant rat TNF-α( 10 μg/L) . The mRNA and protein expressions of proteasome subunit C2 in EDL were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results The mRNA and protein expressions of proteasome subunit C2 were both significant higher in the COPD group and COPD + TNF-αgroup than those in the normal control group( P lt;0. 01 or 0. 05) . The COPD+TNF-αgroup had higher expression of proteasome subunit C2 mRNA than that in the COPD group( P lt; 0. 01) , whereas the protein expression was not significantly different( P gt; 0. 05) . Conclusion Incresed proteolytic metabolism in skeletal muscle in COPD might be regulated by TNF-αactivated ubiquitin-dependent pathway.
Objective To study the role of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in diaphragm of COPD rats. Mathods Thirty rats were divided into a normal control group and a COPD group. COPD model was established by exposure to cigarette smoke for three months. The protein levels of E2-14k and proteasome subunit C8 in diaphragms were measured by Western blot. The mRNA levels of ubiquitin and proteasome subunit C2 in diaphragms were measured bymeans of realtime polymerase chain reaction( RT-PCR) . Results Compared with the control group, the protein expression of E2-14k increased significantly in the COPD group ( 0. 81 ±0. 28 vs 0. 50 ±0. 25, P lt;0. 05) , but C8 protein level was not significantly different between the two groups( P gt;0. 05) . The mRNA expression of ubiquitin increased significantly in the COPD group( 0. 89 ±0. 20 vs 0. 50 ±0. 15, P lt;0. 05) , but C2 mRNA level was not significantly different between the two groups ( P gt; 0. 05 ) . Conclusions The mRNA and protein expressions of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in diaphragmincreased significantly in COPD rats, suggesting that the activity of ubiquitin-proteasome pathwayincreased, which lead to an increase of protein degradation.
Objective To investigate the expressions of ubiquitin-proteasome markers，including E2-14K，MAFbx，MuRF-1，and nuclear factor-κB（NF- κB） p50，in diaphragm of COPD rats，and their relationship with IL-17 level in diaphragm and serum in order to elucidate the potential mechanism of diaphragm atrophy. Methods Thirty healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into a model group （n=18） and a normal control group （n=12）. The COPD rat model was established by instillation of lipopolysaccharide （LPS） and exposure to cigarette smoke for 28 days. The protein levels of E2-14K，MAFbx，MuRF-1，and NF-κB p50 in diaphragm were measured by Western blot. The concentration of IL-17 in serum and diaphragm was measured by ELISA. Results Western blot showed that the protein expressions of E2-14K，MAFbx，MuRF-1，and NF-κB p50 in diaphragm increased significantly in the COPD model group compared with the normal control group （0.96±0.12 vs. 0.53±0.09，0.99±0.10 vs. 0.53±0.08，0.95±0.08 vs. 0.51±0.16，1.11±0.10 vs. 0.64±0.50，respectively，Plt;0.01）. The IL-17 level in serum and diaphragm was significantly higher in the COPD group than the control group. The expression of NF-κB p50 was positively correlated with E2-14K，MAFbx，and MuRF-1 expressions （r=0.82，0.92，0.86，respectively，Plt;0.01）. Both in serum and diaphragm，IL-17 level was positively correlated with the percentage of neutrophils，levels of NF-κB p50，E2-14K，MAFbx，and MuRF-1 expressions（all Plt;0.01）. The IL-17 levels in serum and diaphragm were also positively correlated each other （r=0.84，Plt;0.01）. Conclusions The results show that the ubiquitin-proteasom pathway，the NF-κB pathway and IL-17 are up-regulated in diaphragm of COPD rats .These alterations may contribute to diaphragm atrophy in COPD.
Objective To study the quantitative changes of ubiquitin l igase MAFbx mRNA and protein expression, muscle atrophy and muscle function following free muscle transplantation and to explore relationshi ps among them. Methods Thirty-six female SD rats, SPF grade, weighing (250 ± 25) g, were used. One hind l imb of the rat was randomly selected as experimental side to receive in situ free gracil is muscle transplantation, and the counterlateral hind l imb underwent no operation serving as control side. General condition of the rats was observed after operation. Muscle contractivecapacity and muscle wet weight maintenance rate of the experimental and the control side were detected 1, 2, 4, 10, 15, and 30 weeks after operation, and 6 rats were killed at each time point. Meanwhile, HE staining was performed to observe muscle fibre cross-sectional area, real-time quantitative PCR was appl ied to detect relative expression of MAFbx/Atrogin-1 mRNA, and Western blot test was used to observe MAFbx protein expression. Results All rats survived till the end of the experiment, all incisions healed well, and no dysfunction occurred in the experimental sides. The value of muscle contractive capacity, muscle wet weight maintenance rate, muscle’s maximal force of single contraction, and muscle’s maximal force of tetanic contraction in the experimental sides dramatically decreased in the first 4 weeks after operation and increased gradually over 4 to 30 weeks. The MAFbx mRNA expression of the experimental sides peaked and was seven times greater than the control sides 2 weeks after operation, then the value gradually decreased over 15 to 30 weeks after operation and was 1.1 to 1.5 times greater than the control sides, and significant difference was evident between the experimental sides and the control sides at each time point (P lt; 0.05). Significant difference was evident between the experimental sides and the control sides in terms of MAFbx protein expression of the muscle 1 to 15 weeks after operation according to the Western blot result (P lt; 0.05), and no significant difference was noted at 30 weeks (P gt; 0.05). The correlation coefficient between muscle wet weight maintenance rate and muscle’s maximal force of single contraction maintenance rate was 0.95, between muscle wet weight maintenance rate and muscle’s maximal force of tetanic contraction maintenance rate was 0.75, between muscle fibre cross-sectional area recovery rate and muscle’s maximal force of single contraction maintenance rate was 0.93, and between muscle fibre cross-sectional area recovery rate and muscle’s maximal force of tetanic contraction maintenance rate was 0.68 (P lt; 0.05). The correlation coefficient between MAFbx mRNA expression and the parameter of muscle wet weight maintenance rate, muscle fibre cross-sectional area recovery rate, muscle’s maximal force of single contraction maintenance rate, and muscle’s maximal force of tetanic contraction maintenance rate was — 0.62 (P lt; 0.05), — 0.45 (P gt; 0.05), — 0.72 (P lt; 0.05) and — 0.78 (P lt; 0.05), respectively; the correlation coefficient between MAFbx protein relative expression and the parameter of muscle wet weight maintenance rate, muscle fibre cross-sectional area recovery rate, muscle’s maximal force of single contraction maintenance rate, and muscle’s maximal force of tetanic contraction maintenance rate was — 0.95 (P lt; 0.05), — 0.82 (P lt; 0.05), — 0.89 (P lt; 0.05), and — 0.54 (P gt; 0.05), respectively. Conclusion Decrease of muscle function after transplantation correlates closely with muscle atrophy. The high expression of MAFbx mRNA and protein, especially their persistent increases from 4 to 15 weeks after nerve reinnervation, is a junction between the muscle atrophy and thedecrease of muscle function.
Objective To observe the degradation regulation of ubiquitinproteasome inhibitor nuclear factor kappa;B（NF-kappa;B）and its inhibitory signal protein Ikappa;B kinase in earlier period diabetic retinopathy（DR）,and the effects on retinal ganglion cells (RGC) apoptosis.Methods Forty healthy adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into control (group A）,DR（group B）,DR+lowconcentration MG132 treated （group C）and DR+high concentration MG132 treated（group D）groups,10 rats in each group.After 6 and 8 weeks,the results of body masses and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were detected,the expression of NF-kappa;B and Ikappa;B were observed by immunohistochemistry respectively.RGC apoptosis was assessed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labelling (TUNEL) method.Results The expression of NF-kappa;B was upregulated in group B compared with group A,its expression decreased in group D compared with group B; but the expression of Ikappa;B was contrary to NF-kappa;B; RGC apoptosis was followed a similar pattern with the expression of NF-kappa;B; the differences among them were statistically significant (P＜0.01).Compared the expression of NF-kappa;B，Ikappa;B and RGC apoptosis in group C and D, there were no statistically significant differences(P＞0.05).Conclusion Ubiquitin-proteasome inhibitor MG132 can block the activation of NF-kappa;B,inhibit ubiquitination of Ikappa;B degradation and RGC apoptosis.
Objective To investigate the influence of proteasome inhibitorMG-132 on inflammatory factors in COPD rats and its potential mechanism. Methods The COPD rat model was established by instillation of lipopolysaccharide and exposure to cigarette smoke. Then the rats were randomly divided into 4 groups( n = 12 in each group) , ie. a COPD model group, a COPD + MG-132 low concentration group ( 0. 05 mg·kg- 1·d - 1 ) , a COPD + MG-132 high concentration group( 0. 1 mg· kg- 1 · d - 1 ) , and a normal control group. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with different dose of MG-132 or normal saline. After 1 week and 4 weeks, 6 rats in each group were sarcrificed. Then the following parameters were determined including histopathological changes of lung tissue, and the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 in serum and diaphragm via ELISA. Results The lung histopathological examination showed obvious emphysema and inflammatory infiltration in the COPD rats. These pathological changes were obviously ameliorated in two MG-132 treatment groups. The IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in serumand diaphragmin the COPD model group were all significantly increased from1 week and 4 week than those in the normal control group( P lt;0. 05) .MG-132 down-regulated the expression of these inflammatory factors in a time-and dosedependent manner. The IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in serum and diaphragm in the MG-132 low concentration group and high concentration group were all decreased compared with the COPD model group ( P lt; 0. 05) . Conclusion COPD is a systemic inflammatory disease which can be inhibited by the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 through suppressing inflammatory factors.
ObjectiveTo compare the different effects of ubiquitin(UB) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and macrophages under normal circumstances,and analyze whether UB could protect HUVECs from lipopolysaccharide(LPS) induced injury. MethodsThe morphologic changes of HUVECs in vitro with up-rising concentrations of UB interventions were observed. HUVECs and human macrophages in vitro were divided into 4 groups according to UB concentration (0.01 μg/mL,0.1 μg/mL, 1 μg/mL, and 10 μg/mL). Supernatant and cells of each group were collected in 24 h after UB intervention. The levels of TNF-α and VCAM-1 in supernatant were measured by ELISA while NF-κB protein level in cells was detected by Western blot. HUVECs were divided into a LPS group(LPS 10 μg/mL) and an UB+LPS group(UB 0.1 μg/mL,LPS 10 μg/mL). The supernatant of the two groups were collected in 8,16 and 24 h after LPS and UB intervention. The levels of TNF-α and VCAM-1 in supernatant were measured by ELISA. ResultsThe injury of HUVECs got worse with the ascending concentrations of UB.At the concentration of 50 μg/mL,UB induced HUVECs got ballooned and died massively. With the increase of UB concentration,the levels of TNF-α and VCAM-1 in HUVECs' supernatant ascended firstly and then descended,while those in human macrophages' supernatant ascended gradually. zHowever,the tendency of the NF-κB protein level in the two kinds of cells was similar when the concentration of UB increased.At the consentration of 0.1 μg/mL or 1 μg/mL,ubiquitin induced NF-κB protein level obviously increased.At the concentration of 0.01 μg/mL or 10 μg/mL,UB induced the protein level was similar with those of the control group and even decreased slightly. There was no significant difference in TNF-α or VCAM-1 levels at each time point between the LPS group and the UB+LPS group. ConclusionsUB injuries HUVECs obviously at a low concentration but injuires human macrophages at much higher concentraton. UB can not protect HUVECs from LPS-induced injury in vitro.
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 9X (USP9X) in pancreatic cancer, and to evaluate the correlation of USP9X with the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. MethodThe expression of USP9X was detected in 55 pieces of surgically resected primary pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent nontumorous pancreatic tissues by streptavidin-perosidase immunohistochemical method. ResultsThe rate of USP9X high expression in the 55 pieces of the primary pancreatic cancer tissues was 58.2% (32/55), which in the adjacent nontumorous pancreatic tissues was zero. The expression of USP9X was not correlated with the gender, age, tumor position, or tumor size (P > 0.05), while which was significantly correlated with the differentiation degree, lymph node metastasis, or TNM stage (P < 0.05). By using Cox proportional hazard model, the multivariable analysis revealed that the differentiation degree, lymph node metastasis, and USP9X expression were the independent risk factors. Survival of the patient with USP9X high expression was significantly shorter than that with USP9X low expression (P < 0.05), and there was the same result in the patients with stageⅡ, with lymph node negative, or intermediate differentiation degree (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe results indicate that USP9X might play an important role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer.
ObjectiveTo observe expre with ssions of insulin receptor substrate 1(IRS-1) and ubiquitin-protein in skeletal muscle of non-obese rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus following gastric bypass operation (GBP), and to investigate possible mechanism of GBP in improving insulin resistance. MethodsMale GK rats were randomly divided into diabetic operation group (DO group), diabetic sham operation group (DSO group), and diabetic control group (DC group), 8 rats in each group; besides 8 male Wistar rats were served as normal control group (NC group). Fasting body weight (FBW), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and fasting insulin (FINS) were measured respectively before operation and on week 1, 2, 4 and 8 after operation. Homeostasis model-insulin resistant (HOMA-IR) index was calculated respectively before operation and on week 8 after operation. The expressions of IRS-1 protein and ubiquitin-protein in skeletal muscle were detected by using Western blot method on week 8 after operation. Results① Compared with the preoperative levels, the FBWs on week 1, 2, and 4 after operation markedly decreased (P < 0.05), but it recovered to the preoperative level on week 8 after operation (P > 0.05) in the DO group; which in the DSO group decreased on week 1 after operation (P < 0.05) and then increased on week 4 after operation (P < 0.05); which in the DC group or the NC group increased continuously and had a significant difference on week 8 after operation (P < 0.05).② The FPGs in the DO, DSO and DC groups were significantly higher than those of the NC group before operation (P < 0.05), which in the DO group decreased from (9.10±0.98) mmoL/L before operation to (5.70±0.91) mmol/L on week 8 after operation (P < 0.05) and were significantly lower than those of the DSO group or the DC group on week 2, 4, and 8 after operation (P < 0.05); which in the DC group, DSO group and NC group had no obviously changes between before and after operations (P > 0.05). ③ The FINS had no significant differences among these four groups before operation (P > 0.05), which in the DO group obviously increased[(9.64±1.59) mU/L] on week 2 after operation (P < 0.05) and then obviously decreased[(6.58±1.05) mU/L] on week 8 after operation (P < 0.05) and significantly lower than those of the DSO group or the DC group on week 8 after operation (P < 0.05), while which had no significant difference between before and after operations in the DSO group, the DC group, or the NC group (P > 0.05). ④ The HOMA-IR index in the DO, DSO or DC group was significantly higher than that of the NC group before operation (P < 0.05), which in the DO group markedly decreased from 3.18±0.50 before operation to 1.96±0.63 on week 8 after operation (P < 0.05) and significantly lower than that of the DSO group or the DC group on week 8 after operation (P < 0.05), while which had no significant difference between before and after operations in the DSO group, the DC group, or the NC group (P > 0.05). ⑤ The expression of IRS-1 protein in the DO group was significantly higher than that in the DSO group (P < 0.05) or the DC group (P < 0.05) on week 8 after operation. While there was no significant difference between the DSO and the DC group after operation (P > 0.05). ⑥ Compared with the NC group, the expression of ubiquitin-protein was significantly increased in the DO group, the DSO group, or the DC group (P < 0.05). Compared with the DSO group or the DC group, the expression of ubiquitin-protein was significantly decreased in the DO group on week 8 after operation (P < 0.05), especially it was most obvious near the molecular weight of 180×103. While there was no significant difference between the DSO group and the DC group after operation (P > 0.05). ConclusionsExpression of IRS-1 protein in skeletal muscle insulin signaling pathway in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats following GBP is increased, it might be associated with decreasing ubiquitin-protein level in skeletal muscle, thus reduces the IRS-1 ubiquitin-degradation, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve insulin resistance of skeletal muscle.