Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2, NGAL) is a member of the lipocalin superfamily with diverse functions such as the transport of fatty acids and the induction of apoptosis. Previous reports indicated that expression of Lcn2 is induced under harmful conditions. However, the mechanisms of the induction of Lcn2 expression remain to be elucidated. In this report, we intended to identify the factor or factors that induce Lcn2 expression. Up-regulation of Lcn2 expression after X-ray exposure was detected in the heart, the kidney and especially in the liver. Primary culture of liver component cells revealed that this up-regulation in the liver was induced in hepatocytes. Up-regulation of Lcn2 expression was also detected in HepG2 cells after the administration of X-rays or H(2)O(2). Interestingly, up-regulation of Lcn2 expression after H(2)O(2) treatment was canceled by the addition of the anti-oxidants, dimethylsulfoxide or cysteamine. These results strongly suggest that Lcn2 expression is induced by reactive oxygen species. Therefore, Lcn2 could be a useful biomarker to identify oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo.
The most prominent capabilities of mesenchymal stem cells (MCSs) which make them promising for therapeutic applications are their capacity to endure and implant in the target tissue. However, the therapeutic applications of these cells are limited due to their early death within the first few days following transplantation. Therefore, to improve cell therapy efficacy, it is necessary to manipulate MSCs to resist severe stresses imposed by microenvironment. In this study, we manipulated MSCs to express a cytoprotective factor, nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) to address this issue. Full-length human Nrf2 cDNA was isolated and TOPO cloned into TOPO cloning vector and then transferred to gateway adapted adenovirus expression vector by LR recombination reaction. Afterwards, the Nrf2 bearing recombinant virus was prepared in appropriate mammalian cell line and used to infect MSCs. The viability and apoptosis of the Nrf2 expressing MSCs were evaluated following hypoxic and oxidative stress conditions. Transient expression of Nrf2 by MSCs protected them against cell death and the apoptosis triggered by hypoxic and oxidative stress conditions. Nrf2 also enhanced the activity of SOD and HO-1. These findings could be used as a strategy for prevention of graft cell death in MSC-based cell therapy. It also indicates that management of cellular stress responses can be used for practical applications.
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