Zhi-Xin Chen

Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China

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Publications (27)40.38 Total impact

  • Article: Interleukin-10 gene modification attenuates hepatocyte activation of rat hepatic stellate cells in vitro.
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    ABSTRACT: Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a key role in the progression of liver fibrosis. Interleukin-10 (IL-10), a potential anti-fibrosis cytokine, has an unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile, which limits its clinical applications. A liver-targeting gene delivery system may maintain a longer-lasting concentration in hepatic tissue with fewer side‑effects in non-target tissues. In the present study, when delivered by asialoglycoprotein receptor-mediated liposomes, the IL-10 gene was highly expressed in BRL cells (a rat hepatocyte line) and attenuated the apoptosis of BRL cells induced by plasmid transfection. In a co-culture system, BRL cells demonstrated a marked ability to stimulate the proliferation of primary HSCs and their expression of α-SMA and procollagen type I. Following modification of the BRL cells with the IL-10 gene, this stimulation was attenuated and an accelerated apoptosis of the HSCs was induced. These results suggest that hepatocyte‑targeting gene delivery may be an ideal technique for the IL-10 gene therapy of liver fibrosis, which requires further confirmation by in vivo studies.
    Molecular Medicine Reports 12/2012; · 0.42 Impact Factor
  • Article: [The effect of IL-10 on proliferation of primary cultured hepatocytes].
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    ABSTRACT: To investigate the effect of IL-10 on proliferation of rat primary cultured hepatocytes. Rat hepatocytes were isolated from rat liver by in situ digestion of collagenase IV and cryopreserved, resuscitated, cultured in vitro. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to characterize the purity of hepatocytes and analyze IL-10/IL10Ralpha mRNA from freshly isolated cells. The primary cultured hepatocytes were divided into 3 groups and treated with nothing (group N), Insulin (group C), and IL-10 in combination with Insulin (group I), respectively. Nuclear cell cycle analysis, MTT, and Trypan Blue cell count was assayed. RT-PCR showed expression of characterization genes in primary hepatocytes group and liver tissue are different. RT-PCR showed an expression of IL-10/IL10Ralpha mRNA in rat primary hepatocytes. Trypan Blue cell count showed an depression of cell quantity in group I at 48h (71.96% contrast to group C, P<0.05). MTT analyse also showed absorbance of group I was declined contrast to group C at 24 h and 48 h (88.41% and 90.24%, P<0.05). Cell cycle analysis via FCM showed a decline at 24h in group I than group C and group N (59.06% and 70.18%, P<0.01). The primary hepatocytes we isolated is quite purity. Rat primary hepatocytes express IL-10/IL10Ralpha mRNA. IL-10 has an suppression effect on proliferation of primary cultured hepatocytes.
    Xi bao yu fen zi mian yi xue za zhi = Chinese journal of cellular and molecular immunology 01/2009; 24(12):1150-3.
  • Article: [Effect of HBV X gene on mitochondria in HL-7702 cells].
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    ABSTRACT: To study the effect of HBx on a new HBx-interacted protein COXIII and mitochondria. A recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3-X was constructed, then pcDNA3-X and pcDNA3 were steadily transfected in HL-7702 separately, named HL-7702/HBx and HL-7702/pcDNA(3). The expression of COXIII in HL-7702/HBx, HL-7702/pcDNA3 and HL-7702 cells were detected by RT-PCR and western blot. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase activities of three groups were assayed spectrophotometrically at 550 nm by using partially purified mitochondria. COXIII mRNA expression didn't change, while protein expression is down-regulated in HL-7702/HBx. Cytochrome c oxidase activity was much lower in HL-7702/HBx compared with HL-7702 and HL-7702/pcDNA3 cells. HBx can down-regulate COXIII expression through post-transcriptional level and inhibit mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase activity.
    Xi bao yu fen zi mian yi xue za zhi = Chinese journal of cellular and molecular immunology 11/2008; 24(10):972-4.
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    Article: [Effects of sodium butyrate on proliferation and differentiation of human gastric carcinoma cell line AGS].
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    ABSTRACT: Sodium butyrate (NaBT) can inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation of various tumor cells. This study was to investigate effects of NaBT on the proliferation and differentiation of human gastric carcinoma cell line AGS and explore the possible mechanism. AGS cells were treated with 0, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mmol/L of NaBT. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay; cell morphology changes were observed under optical and transmission electron microscopy; cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. After incubation with different concentrations of NaBT for 24 to 72 h, AGS cell proliferation was inhibited dramatically and the highest inhibition rate was 81.54%. The structure of AGS cells changed greatly. NaBT induced an increase of G0/G1 phase cells and a significant decrease of S phase cells accompanied by the changes in DNA ploidy. The expression of p21 was up-regulated at both mRNA and protein levels. NaBT exerted its effects in a dose-dependent manner. NaBT could induce G1 arrest and inhibit cell proliferation in AGS cells by up-regulating the expression of p21. This could reverse the malignant phenotype of AGS to some extents.
    Ai zheng = Aizheng = Chinese journal of cancer 08/2008; 27(8):828-34.
  • Article: [Construction of eukaryotic expression plasmid containing rat interleukin-10 gene and its expression in BRL cells in vitro].
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    ABSTRACT: To construct eukaryotic expression vector of rat IL-10 gene and observe its expression in hepatocyte cell line BRL. Total RNA was extracted from rat peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The full length coding region of IL-10 was amplified by RT- nested PCR and cloned into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.0. The recombinant plasmid was transfected into BRL cells with either liposome Transfast or asialoglycoprotein receptor mediated liposome PEIjet-gal respectively. The expression of IL-10 mRNA was detected with PCR and that of IL-10 secreted from BRL cells transfected by liposome PEIjet-gal was detected with ELISA. The recombinant plasmid was identified and confirmed with digestion of restriction endonuclease and DNA sequencing. Receptor mediated liposome PEIjet-gal exhibited significantly higher transfection efficiency than liposome Transfast and higher level secretory IL-10 expressed in BRL cells. The eukaryotic expression vector of IL-10 gene was successfully constructed. Asialoglycoprotein receptor-mediated liposome had high transfection efficiency on hepatocytes, suggesting that it could be a potential hepatocyte-targeting delivery system for IL-10 gene therapy.
    Xi bao yu fen zi mian yi xue za zhi = Chinese journal of cellular and molecular immunology 05/2008; 24(4):332-4.
  • Article: 12-lipoxygenase induces apoptosis of human gastric cancer AGS cells via the ERK1/2 signal pathway.
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    ABSTRACT: 12-Lipoxygenase (12-LOX) is over-expressed in a variety of human tumors, but its exact effect on the tumorogenesis of gastric cancer remains largely obscure. To investigate the effect of 12-LOX and its inhibitor baicalein on proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric cancer, AGS cells were separately treated with 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE, a metabolite of 12-LOX) and baicalein. MTT assay revealed that the absorbance of the 12-HETE-treated group was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that of control group and that the absorbance of baicalein-treated group was significantly (P < 0.01) less than that of the control group, and that 48 h after treatment the apoptosis index of the baicalein-treated group was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that of the untreated group and was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in the 12-HETE-treated group. Western blotting analysis was used to investigate the mechanism of these effects. The results revealed that the concentration of phosphorylated ERK in cells treated with 100 nmol L(-1) 12-HETE was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in the untreated group and that the concentration of phosphorylated ERK1/2 in cells treated with 40 micromol L(-1) baicalein was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in the untreated group. The expression level of bcl-2 was up-regulated and down-regulated after separate treatment with 12-HETE and baicalein, respectively, and both of these effects could be blocked by PD98059. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity was increased by treatment with 12-HETE and reduced by treatment with baicalein (P < 0.05). The PKC inhibitor BIM (bisindolymaleimide-I) blocked the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and activation of PKC induced by 12-LOX. When pretreated with BIM, the concentration of phospho-ERK1/2 or bcl-2 in the BIM + 12-HETE-treated group was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in that treated with 12-HETE only, and the concentration in the BIM + baicalein-treated group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in that treated with baicalein only. On the basis of these data we conclude that, via its metabolite 12-HETE, 12-LOX abolishes proliferation of AGS cells and protect cells from apoptosis by activating the ERK1/2 pathway and, eventually, enhances expression of bcl-2. Because PKC is also involved in the activation of ERK1/2 induced by 12-LOX, 12-LOX inhibitors would be potentially powerful anticancer agents for prevention and cure of human gastric cancer.
    Digestive Diseases and Sciences 02/2008; 53(1):181-7. · 2.12 Impact Factor
  • Article: Hepatitis B virus X protein induces apoptosis and cell cycle deregulation through interfering with DNA repair and checkpoint responses.
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    ABSTRACT: Aim: To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus X (HBx) gene on apoptosis and cell cycle in hepatocyte line HL-7702 and to discuss the possible mechanisms in the pathway. Methods: The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3-X and vector pcDNA3 were transfected into HL-7702 cells and selected by G418 to construct two new cell lines, which were named HL-7702-HBx and HL-7702-con, respectively. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis were used to confirm that HBx gene was expressed steadily in the HL-7702-HBx cells. Then apoptosis and cell cycle of the two cells were detected by DNA ladder, flow cytometric analysis, and electronic microscope observation. Apoptosis and cell cycle gene expressions in the two cells were subsequently evaluated by using gene arrays. Some of results were further confirmed by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Results: RT-PCR and the western blot analysis showed that HL-7702-HBx expressed the HBx gene steadily. Comparedwith the HL-7702-con cells, there was increased apoptosis and accumulation of the S phase in the HL-7702-HBx cells. The gene array analysis indicated that some DNA repair genes (XRCC1, DDB1, etc.) and DNA damage checkpoint-related genes (Cdc47, RAD17, etc.) played roles in the HBx-mediated imbalance of apoptosis and cell cycle. Both cDNA array analysis and real-time RT-PCR showed that mRNA of XRCC1, Cdc47 and RAD17 were upregulated by HBx. Unexpectedly, the western blot analysis revealed that HBx inhibited their protein expression. Conclusion: The expression of HBx in HL-7702 cells promoted apoptosis and accumulation of the S phase through the inhibition of DNA repair and checkpoints via post-transcriptional mechanisms.
    Hepatology Research 02/2008; 38(2):174-82. · 2.20 Impact Factor
  • Article: [The relationship between tumor necrosis factor alpha gene polymorphism and chronic hepatitis B virus infection].
    Li Chen, Zhi-xin Chen, Chen Pan, Xiao-zhong Wang
    Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi = Zhonghua ganzangbing zazhi = Chinese journal of hepatology 09/2006; 14(8):630-1.
  • Article: A novel hepatitis B virus X-interactive protein: cytochrome C oxidase III.
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    ABSTRACT: Hepatitis B virus-encoded X protein has been shown to be capable of activating many different viral and cellular promoters through protein-protein interactions and to contribute to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. As its mechanism has not yet been identified unequivocally, the aim of the present study was to screen the cellular proteins that can interact with X protein. The yeast two-hybrid system was used to screen the X-interactive protein. False positive clones were eliminated by segregation analysis, and then putative positive clones were amplified, sequenced and analyzed with bioinformatics. A mating experiment was performed to confirm the binding of putative proteins to X protein in the yeast cells. The specific interaction between X protein and putative proteins in mammalian cells was verified by coimmunoprecipitation. The hepatitis B virus X-interactive protein recovered from a human liver cDNA library was cytochrome C oxidase III. The specific interaction between protein X and cytochrome C oxidase III was verified by mating experiment and coimmunoprecipitation of COS7 cell lysates expressing both proteins. These data support the speculation that cytochrome C oxidase III is a novel functional target of hepatitis B virus X protein in cells.
    Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 05/2006; 21(4):711-5. · 2.87 Impact Factor
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    Article: Relationship between transforming growth factor beta1 and anti-fibrotic effect of interleukin-10.
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    ABSTRACT: To study the effect of interleukin-10 (IL-10) on the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in hepatic fibrosis rats and the anti-fibrotic role of exogenous IL-10. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride administered (CCl(4)) intraperitoneally. The experiment was performed in two stages. In the first stage, 60 SD rats were divided randomly into normal control group 1 (GN(1), n=8), hepatic fibrosis group (GC, n=28)and IL-10 intervened group (GI, n=24). At the beginning of the 7(th) and 11(th) wk, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry were performed to detect the expression of TGF-beta1 in HSCs. Histological examination was used to determine the degree of hepatic fibrosis. In the second stage, 47 SD rats were divided randomly into normal control group 2 (GN(2), n=6)and CCl(4) group(GZ, n=41). At the end of the 9(th) wk, rats in GZ group were allocated randomly into model group(GM, n=9), IL-10 treatment group (GT, n=9)and recovered group (GR, n=9). At the end of the 12(th) wk, all rats were sacrificed. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the expression of TGF-beta1 in liver tissue. ELISA was used to assay serum TGF-beta1 levels. Hepatic fibrosis developed in rats with the increase of the injection frequency of CCl(4). In the first stage, hepatic fibrosis developed and HSCs were isolated successfully. At the 7(th) and 11(th) wk, TGF-beta1 mRNA in GC group increased significantly compared with that in GN(1) (P=0.001/0.042) and GI groups (P=0.001/0.007), whereas there was no significant difference between the two groups. The levels of TGF-beta1 at the beginning of the 7(th) wk was higher than that of the 11(th) wk (P=0.049). Immunocytochemistry results of TGF-beta1 were consistent with the above findings. In the second stage, TGF-beta1 increased significantly in GM group compared to GN(2). After treatment with IL-10, TGF-beta1 declined obviously. The expression of TGF-beta1 decreased in GR group but was still higher than that in GT group. The levels of TGF-beta1 are increased in hepatic fibrosis rats and decreased after treatment with exogenous IL-10. IL-10 may play an anti-fibrotic role by suppressing TGF-beta1 expression.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 05/2006; 12(15):2357-62. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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    Article: Therapeutic effect of interleukin-10 on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: To study the therapeutic effect of exogenous interleukin-10 on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats and its possible mechanisms. Fourty-seven SD rats were randomly divided into control group (group N) and CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis model group (group C). After CCl4 was given for 9 wk, the model group was divided into three groups. Rats in group M were put to death immediately,rats in group T were treated with IL-10 for another three wk and then put to death, rats in group R recovered after three weeks and were then killed. The degree of hepatic fibrosis was measured by HE staining and histological activity index (HAI). Histological activity index (HAI), change of collagen types I and III were measured by Picrosirius staining. The expression of TNF-alpha, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 in liver tissue was measured by S-P immunohistochemistry. CCl4- induced experimental rat hepatic fibrosis model was established successfully. The degree of hepatic fibrosis was markedly lower in group T than in groups M and R, and there was no difference between the two groups. The expression of collagen types I and III was significantly suppressed in group T and was slightly suppressed in groups M and R. The positive levels of TNF-alpha, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 in group M increased significantly compared to those in group N (P<0.01). The positive signals decreased significantly in groups T and R (P<0.01),but positive score was significantly lower in group T than in group R (P<0.01). Exogenous IL-10 can reverse CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. IL-10 may exert its reversible effects on hepatic fibrosis by blocking CCl4-induced inflammation,inhibiting expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 and promoting resolution of collagen types I and III.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 03/2006; 12(9):1386-91. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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    Article: Effect of IL-10 on the expression of HSC growth factors in hepatic fibrosis rat.
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    ABSTRACT: To study the effect of IL-10 on the expression of growth factors--transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of hepatic fibrosis rat and the anti-fibrogenic role of exogenous IL-10. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCl(4) administration intra-peritoneally. Sixty clean male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group (GN, 8 rats), hepatic fibrosis model group (GC, 28 rats) and IL-10 treated group (GI, 24 rats). At the beginning of the 7th and 11th wk, rats in each group were routinely perfused with pronase E and type IV collagenase through a portal vein catheter and the suspension obtained from the liver was spun by centrifugation with 11% Nycodenz density gradient to isolate HSCs. Histological examination was used to determine the degree of hepatic fibrosis. RT-PCR was employed to analyze mRNA expression from freshly isolated cells. Immunocytochemistry was performed to detect protein expression in primary cultured HSCs. Rat hepatic fibrosis was developed with the increase of injection frequency of CCl(4), and HSCs were successfully isolated. At the 7th and 11th wk, TGF-beta1, EGF, and HGF mRNA in GC increased obviously compared with GN (P = 0.001/0.042, 0.001/0.001, 0.001/0.001) and GI (P = 0.001/0.007, 0.002/0.001, 0.001/0.001). For TGF-beta1, no difference was observed between GI and GN. For EGF, mRNA level in GI increased compared with GN during the 7th wk (P = 0.005) and 11th wk (P = 0.049). For HGF, mRNA level in GI decreased compared with GN at the 7th wk (P = 0.001) and 11th wk (P = 0.021). Between these two time points, TGF-beta1 expression at the 7th wk was higher than that of the 11th wk (P = 0.049), but for EGF, the former was lower than the latter (P = 0.022). As for PDGF mRNA, there was no significant difference between these groups, but difference seemed to exist in protein levels. Results by immunocytochemistry of TGF-beta1 and EGF were paralleled with the above findings. The expression of TGF-beta1, EGF and HGF increased in HSC of hepatic fibrosis rat and decreased after treatment with IL-10. IL-10 plays an anti-fibrogenic role by suppressing growth factors expression.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 09/2005; 11(31):4788-93. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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    Article: Possible mechanism for hepatitis B virus X gene to induce apoptosis of hepatocytes.
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    ABSTRACT: To investigate the possible mechanism for HBV X gene to induce apoptosis of hepatocyte HL-7702 cells. HBV X gene eukaryon expression vector pcDNA3-X was established and transfected into HL-7702 cells by lipid-mediated transfection, including transient and stable transfection. Positive clones were screened by incubating in the selective medium with 600 microg/mL G418 and named HL-7702/HBV-encoded X protein (HBx) cells. The expressions of Fas/FasL, Bax/Bcl-2, and c-myc mRNA were measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR in HL-7702/HBx and control group, respectively. RT-PCR analysis confirmed that HBV X gene was transfected into HL-7702 cells successfully. By semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis, Bax and c-myc mRNA levels in HL-7702/HBx cells of transient transfection were significantly higher than those in control, FasL and c-myc mRNA levels in HL-7702/HBx cells of stable transfection were significantly higher than those in control, whereas the Bcl-2 mRNA levels in HL-7702/HBx cells of transient and stable transfection were significantly lower than those in control. HBV X gene may promote the apoptosis of hepatocytes by regulating the expressions of Fas/FasL, Bax/Bcl-2, and c-myc gene in a dose-dependent manner.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 08/2005; 11(28):4351-6. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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    Article: Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in hepatic stellate cells during rat hepatic fibrosis and its intervention by IL-10.
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    ABSTRACT: To investigate the expression of matrix metallopr-oteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in hepatic fibrosis and the antifibrogenic role of exogenous interleukin-10 (IL-10). Hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCl(4) administration and 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group (group N, 8 rats), CCl(4)-induced group (group C, 28 rats) and IL-10-treated group (group I, 24 rats). At the beginning of the 7(th) and 11(th) wk, rats in each group were routinely perfused with pronase E and type IV collagenase through portal vein catheter and the suspension was centrifuged by 11% Nycodenz density gradient to isolate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). RT-PCR was used to analyze mRNA of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 from freshly isolated cells. Densitometric data were standardized with beta-actin signals. Immunocytochemistry was performed to detect MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression in HSC cultured for 72 h. Compared to group N in the 7(th) wk, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 mRNA increased in group C (P = 0.001/0.001) and group I (P = 0.001/0.009). The level of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 mRNA in group I was significantly lower than that in group C (P = 0.001/0.001). In the 11(th) wk, MMP-2 mRNA in group I was still lower than that in group C (P = 0.005), but both dropped compared with that in the 7(th) week (P = 0.001/0.004). TIMP-1 mRNA in group I was still lower than that in group C (P = 0.001), and increased in group C (P = 0.001) while decreased in group I (P = 0.042) compared with that in the 7(th) wk. Same results were found by immunocytochemistry. Expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 is increased in hepatic fibrosis. IL-10 exhibits an antifibrogenic effect by suppressing MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 04/2005; 11(12):1753-8. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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    Article: Cytochrome C oxidase III interacts with hepatitis B virus X protein in vivo by yeast two-hybrid system.
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    ABSTRACT: To screen and identify the proteins which interact with hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein in hepatocytes by yeast two-hybrid system and to explore the effects of X protein in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With HBV X gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), HBV X bait plasmid, named pAS2-1-X, was constructed by yeast-two hybridization system3 and verified by auto-sequencing assay. pAS2-1-X was transformed into the yeast AH109, and X-BD fusion protein expressed in the yeast cells was detected by Western blotting. The yeast cells cotransformed with pAS2-1-X and normal human liver cDNA library were grown in selective SC/-trp-leu-his-ade medium. The second screen was performed with beta-gal activity detection, and false positive clones were eliminated by segregation analysis, true positive clones were amplified, sequenced and analyzed with bioinformatics. Mating experiment was performed to confirm the binding of putative proteins to X protein in the yeast cells. Bait plasmid pAS2-1-X was successfully constructed and pAS2-1-X correctly expressed BD-X fusion protein in yeast AH109. One hundred and three clones grew in the selective SC/-trp-leu-his-ade medium, and only one clone passed through beta-gal activity detection and segregation analysis. The inserted cDNA fragment showed high homology with Homo sapiens cytochrome C oxidase III (COXIII). Furthermore, mating experiment identified that the binding of COXIII to X protein was specific. COXIII protein is a novel protein that can interact with X protein in vivo by yeast two-hybrid system, and may contribute to the development of HCC through the interaction with X protein.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 11/2004; 10(19):2805-8. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Effects of IL-10 and PDGF-BB on expression of EGF and bFGF mRNA in hepatic stellate cells].
    Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi = Zhonghua ganzangbing zazhi = Chinese journal of hepatology 10/2004; 12(9):562-3.
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    Article: Effects of platelet-derived growth factor and interleukin-10 on Fas/Fas-ligand and Bcl-2/Bax mRNA expression in rat hepatic stellate cells in vitro.
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    ABSTRACT: To investigate the effects of platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) on Fas/Fas-ligand and Bcl-2/Bax mRNA expressions in rat hepatic stellate cells. Rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated and purified from rat liver by in situ digestion of collagenase and pronase and single-step density Nycodenz gradient. After activated by culture in vitro, HSCs were divided into 4 groups and treated with nothing (group N), PDGF (group P), IL-10 (group I) and PDGF in combination with IL-10 (group C), respectively. Semi-quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was employed to compare the mRNA expression levels of Fas/FasL and Bcl-2/Bax in HSCs of each group. The expression levels of Fas between the 4 groups had no significant differences (P>0.05). FasL mRNA level in normal culture-activated HSCs (group N) was very low. It increased obviously after HSCs were treated with IL-10 (group I) (0.091+/-0.007 vs 0.385+/-0.051, P<0.01), but remained the low level after treated with PDGF alone (group P) or PDGF in combination with IL-10 (group C). Contrast to the control group, after treated with PDGF and IL-10, either alone or in combination, Bcl-2 mRNA expression was down-regulated and Bax mRNA expression was up-regulated, both following the turn from group P, group I to group C. Expression of Bcl-2 mRNA in group C was significantly lower than that in group P (0.126+/-0.008 vs 0.210+/-0.024, P<0.01). But no significant difference was found between group C and group I, as well as between group I and group P (P>0.05). Similarly, the expression of Bax in group C was higher than that in group P (0.513+/-0.016 vs 0.400+/-0.022, P<0.01). No significant difference was found between group I and group P (P>0.05). But compared with group C, Bax expressions in group I tended to decrease (0.449+/-0.028 vs 0.513+/-0.016, P<0.05). PDGF may promote proliferation of HSCs but is neutral with respect to HSC apoptosis. IL-10 may promote the apoptosis of HSCs by up-regulating the expressions of FasL and Bax and down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2, which may be involved in its antifibrosis mechanism.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 10/2004; 10(18):2706-10. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effect of interleukin-10 and platelet-derived growth factor on expressions of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 in rat fibrotic liver and cultured hepatic stellate cells.
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    ABSTRACT: To examine the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in rat fibrotic liver and in normal rat hepatic stellate cells, and to investigate the changes in their expressions in response to treatment with interleukin-10 (IL-10) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Rat models of CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis were established and the liver tissues were sampled from the rats with or without IL-10 treatment, and also from the control rats. The expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 in liver tissues were detected by S-P immunohistochemistry, and their expression intensities were evaluated in different groups. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated from normal rat and cultured in vitro prior to exposure to PDGF treatment or co-treatment with IL-10 and PDGF. MMP-2 and TIMP-1 levels were measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). CCl4- induced rat hepatic fibrosis models were successfully established. The positive expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 increased obviously with the development of hepatic fibrosis, especially in untreated model group (84.0% and 92.0%, P<0.01). The positive signals decreased significantly following IL-10 treatment (39.3% and 71.4%, P<0.01 and P<0.05) in a time-dependent manner. TIMP-1 mRNA in PDGF-treated group was significantly increased time-dependently in comparison with that of the control group, but PDGF did not obviously affect MMP-2 expression. No difference was noted in TIMP-1 and MMP-2 expressions in HSCs after IL-10 and PDGF treatment (P>0.05). MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expressions increase in liver tissues with the development of fibrosis, which can be inhibited by exogenous IL-10 inhibitor. PDGF induces the up-regulation of TIMP-1 but not MMP-2 in the HSCs. IL-10 inhibits TIMP-1 and MMP-2 expressions in HSCs induced by PDGF.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 09/2004; 10(17):2574-9. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Screening hepatitis B virus X-interactive proteins by yeast two-hybrid system].
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    ABSTRACT: Hepatitis B virus-encoded X protein is a promiscuous transactivator and contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Protein-protein interaction seems to be crucial for HBx transactivation. The aim of this study was to screen and identify the proteins which interact with hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein by yeast two-hybrid system. HBV X gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HBV X bait plasmid, named pAS2-1-X, was constructed by yeast-two hybridization system 3 and verified by sequencing. pAS2-1-X was transformed into the yeast AH109, and X-BD fusion protein expressed in the yeast cells was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Yeast cells cotransformed with pAS2-1-X and normal human liver cDNA library were cultured in selective SC/-trp-leu-his-ade medium. The second screening was performed with beta-gal activity detection. The false positive clones were eliminated by segregation analysis and mating experiment. The real positive clones were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed with bioinformatics. Bait plasmid pAS2-1-X was successfully constructed. The result of Western blot analysis confirmed that pAS2-1-X correctly expressed X-BD fusion protein in the transformed yeast AH109. Ninety-seven clones grew in the selective SC/-trp-leu-his-ade medium; however, only one clone past through the beta-gal activity detection, segregation analysis, and mating experiment. The inserted cDNA fragment of positive clone showed high homology with Fis gene. Fis protein is a novel protein which can interact with X protein in vivo by yeast two-hybrid system.
    Ai zheng = Aizheng = Chinese journal of cancer 06/2004; 23(5):508-11.
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    Article: Transfection and expression of hepatitis B virus x gene and its effect on apoptosis in HL-7702 cells.
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    ABSTRACT: To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus x gene and its protein product HBxAg on apoptosis in hepatocyte line HL-7702. The reconstituted plasmid pcDNA3-x was established through recombination DNA technique; pcDNA3-X was transfected into HL-7702 cells by lipid-mediated trasfection. Positive clones were screened by G418, and HL-7702/HBx cells were analysed by the RT-PCR to confirm the steady expression of X gene in HL-7702 cells. The apoptosis rate in HL-7702 cells was determined by flow cytometry, TUNEL technology, electronic microscope. At the mean time, pcDNA3-X was transfected transiently into HL-7702 cells, and total RNA from HL-7702 cells was extracted 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after the transient transfection, and semi-quantitative analysis was performed by RT-PCR to detect the expression of HBV X gene. Furthermore, apoptosis rate in HL-7702 cells was determined by flow cytometry analysis at the different times. RT-PCR analysis showed that HBV X gene could be expressed stably in HL-7702 cells. Both flow cytometry and TUNEL technology revealed that the apoptosis rates of HL-7702/HBx cells were much higher than those of HL-7702/pcDNA3 and HL-7702 cells. Furthermore, the apoptotic phenomena and apoptotic body were observed in HL-7702/HBx cells under electronic microscope, but not in HL-7702/pcDNA3 and HL-7702 cells. In the experiment of transient transfection, RT-PCR reveals that X gene was expressed most at 72 h after transfection; and the apoptosis rate reached the highest at the same time. After that, the apoptosis rate was reduced with the decrease of the X gene expression. HBV X gene and X protein can promote the apoptosis in hepatocyte. And there exist a quantity-effect relationship between the X gene expression and apoptosis rate in hepatocyte.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 05/2004; 10(7):959-64. · 2.47 Impact Factor