• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.572-577
• /
• 2010

The purpose of this study was to find out the Bcl-2 (B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2), Bax, and caspase-3(cysteine-aspartic proteases-3) protein expression in soleus and EDL muscle according to treadmill exercise intensity in 60 week-old SD rats. The SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 in each group): control (CON), low intensity exercise (LE), moderate intensity exercise (ME), and high intensity exercise (HE). The exercise was given to the rats for 8 wk, 5 day/wk. The animals underwent treadmill exercise at intensities of 30 min at 8 m/min for the LE group, 15 min at 16 m/min for the ME group, and 9 min at 24 m/min for the HE group. The results were as follows: the expression of Bcl-2 protein was lowest in the HE group and the expression of Bax protein was highest in the HE group. The expression of caspase-3 (cleaved form) protein was observed in the HE group. For the different types of muscle fiber, Bcl-2 protein expression in the soleus muscle was decreased in all groups. Bax protein expression in the soleus muscle was increased in the HE group only. Bcl-2 protein expression in the EDL muscle was decreased in the HE group, and Bax protein expression in the EDL muscle was increased in the ME and HE groups. Consequently, the protein expression related to the aged rats shows a difference according to the intensity of exercise. In addition, caspase-3 protein expression appeared in the HE group; however, in all amounts of intensity, DNA fragmentation was not observed. Therefore, apoptosis on skeletal muscles of aged mice can be intervened with optimal exercise. On the other hand, high intensity exercise can potentially accelerate the apoptosis of muscle fiber in aged rats.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.27-33
• /
• 2004

To investigate the mechanism of germ cell death in postnatal stage of mouse, the involvement of apoptotic executioners, caspase-3 and caspase-activated DNase(CAD), and apoptotic initiators, Bax Fas and Fas ligand, in the germ cell death has been studied. Immune-labels of active caspase-3 and CAD were located in TUNEL-positive, apoptotic, oocytes as well as normal oocytes of primary or secondary follicles. CAD immune-labels were also detected in the nucleus of TUNEL-positive oocytes. Most of oocytes showing positive immune-labeling of active caspase-3 or CAD had vacuoles in their cytoplasm, which is the morphological characteristic of oocyte during folliclar atresia. Bax immune-stains were detected in the atretic oocytes which showed the vacuole in their cytoplasm. Positive immune-labels for Fas ligand was localized in TUNEL-positive or atretic oocytes. Presence of immunoreactivity of active caspase-3 and CAD in TUNEL-positive germ cells implicate that active raspase-3 and CAD might play a role in germ cell apoptosis during early development of mouse ovarian follicle. Immunohistochemical localization of Bax and Fas ligand in TUNEL-positive oocytes suggests that these might be the most plausible modulator of oocyte apoptosis.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.18 no.12
• /
• pp.521-528
• /
• 2017

Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of many neurological diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and many efforts are under way to solve them. Red ginseng is known to enhance neuronal survival, inhibit apoptosis, and promote nerve regeneration of nerve cells. This study examined whether Rg3-enriched Korean red ginseng extract (KRG) inhibits the apoptosis of PC12 cells caused by alcohol-induced neurotoxicity and how KRG regulates several factors related to the caspase mediated pathway. In this way, the cell survival rate and apoptosis rate of PC12 cells were measured using an EZ-Cytox cell viability assay kit and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of the apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bid, Bax and caspase-3) were analyzed by western blotting, and the significance of the measured results was confirmed using the ANOVA method. As a result, KRG increased the expression of Bcl-2; inhibited the expression of Bid, Bax, and caspase-3; and inhibited the apoptosis of alcohol-induced PC12 cells. These results mean that the KRG-induced increase in Bcl-2 expression and down-regulation of Bid and Bax expression down-regulate caspase-3 expression, which in turn inhibits the mitochondrial apoptotic pathways. This study suggests that KRG is worth developing as a neuroprotective agent candidate.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.59-69
• /
• 2010

Objectives: The study aims to look into how the application of EA(Electro-acupuncture) in the initial step of ischemic brain injury affects the changes in Bax and Caspase-3 expression among forebrain apoptosis. Methods: It caused GI by using common carotid artery occlusion and conducted the test by dividing into the no applied EA group after 6 hours and 12 hours, the LI 4 EA group that applied EA to LI4, and GV 20 EA group that was applied to GV 20. After that, the following results were obtained by comparing Bax and Caspase-3 expression, which were apoptosis-related factors, with its application time through immunohistochemical staining after extracting brain of each group. Results: According to each group's Bax expression by the application time, the order of expression increase after 6 hours is shown to be the no applied EA group, LI 4 group, and GV 20 group. The stimulation after 12 hours was most lowly expressed in the GV 20 group, and the no applied EA group and LI 4 group showed similar level. Conclusions: EA stimulation in the initial step after ischemia seems to affect positively Bax and Caspase-3 expression that are index of forebrain apoptosis.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
• /
• v.24 no.6
• /
• pp.739-747
• /
• 2014

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of Ixeris dentata extract (IDE) on anticancer activity in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells at both cellular and molecular levels. The cells were cultured in the presence of 0, 20, 30 and $40{\mu}g/mL$ Ixeris dentata extract for 24 hours, respectively. At the end of culture, cytochemical analyses for MTT activity, trypan blue dye exclusion, Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis, and radical oxygen species (ROS) were conducted. RT-PCR was also performed to determine whether or not alterations in cell viability affect the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. MTT assay showed that relative cell viability decreased in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). Reduction of cell viability matched well with increased cell membrane permeability as determined by trypan blue dye exclusion test (p<0.05). The rates of intracellular ROS also increased in a similar manner to those of TB-stained cells. There was an associated shift of apoptotic cells from early to late apoptosis between the 30 and $40{\mu}g/mL$. Bax/Bcl-2 ratio significantly increased along with significant decreases in Bcl-2 expression between 30 and $40{\mu}g/mL$ groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, anticancer activity of Ixeris dentata extract is modulated by a reduction in cell viability along with increased membrane permeability, leading to ROS accumulation within cells, and subsequently cell death through an apoptotic pathway that involves Bax and Bcl-2 in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.38-55
• /
• 2010

Purpose: This study was designed to find out the anti-cancer effects of Samultang-Gami which was composed of Rehmanniae Radix(RR), Angelicae Gigantis Radix(AGR), Cnidii Rhizoma(CR), Paeoniae Radix(PR), Cortex Moutan Radicis(CMR), Hedyotis Diffusa(HD) and Caesalpinia Sappan on HeLa, HepG2 and AGS cells. Methods: Various cancer cell lines including HeLa, HepG2 and AGS cells, were used. In vitro anti-cancer effects were measured by MTT assay using cancer cell lines treated with various concentrations of 70% ethanol extract of Samultang-Gami. Expression of cell cycle arrest mediators including Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and DARP-1 proteins were measured by Western blot analysis. Results: 1. Samultang-Gami decreased the viability of HeLa and HepG cells in a dosedependent manner. 2. AGR, CMR, PR and HD decreased the viability of HeLa, HepG2 and AGS cells. 3. We could observe that the decreased Bax and Bcl-2 expression level and the increased PARP-1 expression level by Samultang-Gami extracts treated in HeLa cells. 4. We could observe that the decreased Bcl-2 expression level and the increased Bax, p53 and PARP-1 expression level by RR extracts treated in HeLa cells. and also could observe that the reduction of the protein level of Bcl-2, p53 and PARP-1 and the increase of the protein level of Bax by PR in HeLa cells. 5. We could observe that the increased p53 expression level, the decreased PARP-1's that and the unchanged Bax and Bcl-2's that by Samultang-Gami extracts treated in HepG2 cells. 6. We could observe that the reduced Bcl-2 expression level by each of RR extracts and PR extracts in HepG2 cells. 7. The treatment of Samultang-Gami in AGS cells didn't have any effect on the expression level of Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and PARP-1. 8. We could observe that the increased p53 and PARP-1 expression level by each of CR, RR and PR extracts in AGS cells. Conclusion: Taken together, we suggest that Samultang-Gami exhibits cytotoxic effects on HeLa, HepG2 and AGS cells, causing apoptosis. The results showed that Samultang-Gami may do so by regulating the expression of specific target molecules that promote efficient apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.245-251
• /
• 2000

Objective: To investigate the distribution of BCL-2, BAX proteins and DNA fragmented cells in the normal human endometrium during at each menstrual cycle in order to find out whether apoptosis regulates cyclic endometrial change. Methods: Normal endometrial tissues were obtained from 40 patients, $32{\sim}45$ year of age, all with regular menstrual cycle, who were undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for myoma of uterus or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia for the period from 1992 through 1997. Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the expression of BCL-2 and BAX protein with paraffin-embedded tissues. Results: BCL-2 was expressed on the glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells during the proliferative phase. The intensity of BCL-2 was increased predominantly on the basal layer than the functional layer in late proliferative phase. However, BCL-2 immunoreactivity was decreased in the secretory phase. BAX was expressed predominantly during the secretory phase. The intesity was increased in late secretory phase rather than early secretory phase. DNA fragmented cells were detected in a few cells at each phase. However, it was increased during the late secretory phase. Conclusion: Apoptosis-related genes, BCL-2 and BAX, may play a role in the regulation of cyclic endometrial change.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.173-182
• /
• 2002

The mechanisms underlying of the visual assessment and resulting in optimum embryonic development following in vitro maturation, fertilization, and culture are unclear, It was known that in vitro produced embryos show more frequent occurrence of fragmentation, which resulted in poor developmental potential and decreased implantation rate. The objective of this study was to investigate the apoptotic rates in bovine blastocyst derived from in vitro fertilization (IVF) and nuclear transfer (NT). In addition, the expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax gene were investigated in the blastocyst to confirm their potential roles in the regulation of apoptosis during preimplantation embryonic development. Analysis of apoptosis was carried out by using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediate dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. The levels of Bcl-2 and Bax gene in the blastocyst derived from IVF and NT were determined by RT-PCR. The proportion of TUNEL positive signal in blastocyst derived from NT was significantly higher than that in blastocyst derived from IVF (p<0.001). Bcl-2 expression level of blastocyst derived from IVF was higher than that of blstocyst derived from NT. However, high expression level of Bax was observed in the blastocyst derived from NT. These results indicates that apoptosis is more responsible for fiagmentation in bovine blastocyst derived from NT than IVF. These results suggested that the increase of developmental failure followed by NT could be caused by nuclear fragmentation as apoptosis.

• Nutritional Sciences
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.16-22
• /
• 2005

The present study examined the effects of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib or soy-isoflavones in the presence of estrogen on apoptosis related gene expression, COX-2 and mapkinase in 48-week old female rats. Expressions of bel-2 and bax proteins, which are known to be involved in the regulation of apoptosis, were investigated in mammary glands and heart tissues. The elevated expression of bel-2 expression was observed in mammary glands of celecoxib supplemented rats as well as soy-isoflavones. The mammary glands bel-2/bax ratio was found to be higher in celecoxib or soy-isoflavones supplemented rats. However, in heart tissues, expression of bel-2 and bax was in the order of control, celecoxib and soy-isoflavones. The up-regulation of COX-2 was observed in celecoxib or soy-isoflavones in mammary glands. 'The similar trend was not displayed with the mapkinase expression. In heart tissues, the down-regulation of COX-2 as well as mapkinase was observed in celecoxib or soy-isoflavones supplemented rats. Soy-isoflavones and celecoxib both had a similar regulatory pattern of bel-2, bax and COX-2 in mammary glands, and in heart tissues, only COX-2 exhibited a similar down-regulatory properly. These findings revealed that in estrogen sufficient state, celecoxib and soy-isoflavones might not exhibit proapoptotic potential or COX-2 inhibition in normal mammary glands.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.217-222
• /
• 2009

Controlled gene expression in specific cells is a valuable tool for gene therapy. We attempted to determine whether the lentivirus-mediated Tet-On inducible system could be applied to cancer gene therapy. In order to select the genes that induce cancer cell death, we compared the ability of the known pro-apoptotreic genes, Bax and tBid, and a cell cycle inhibitor, p21cip1/waf1, and determined that Bax was the most effective. For the cancer cell-specific expression of $rtTA2^S$-M2, we tested the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) promoter and determined that it is highly expressed in cancer cell lines, including SNU475 cells. The co-transduction of two lentiviruses that contain sequences for TRE-Bax and $rtTA2^S$-M2, the expression of which is controlled by the MMP-2 promoter, resulted in the specific cell death of SNU475, whereas other cells with low MMP-2 expression did not evidence significant cell death. Our data indicate that the lentivirus-mediated Tet-On system using the cancer-specific promoter is applicable for cancer gene therapy.