Cx32 promotes autophagy and produces resistance to SN‑induced apoptosis via activation of AMPK signalling in cervical cancer.

The roles of gap junctions (GJs) and its components, connexins, in the autophagy of cervical cancer cells have been rarely investigated. Our previous study demonstrated that connexin 32 (Cx32) exerted an anti‑apoptotic effect on cervical cancer. However, as an important regulator of apoptosis, whether the autophagy is involved in the function of Cx32 on cervical cancer cells is not well defined.

The association of plasma lipids with white blood cell counts: Results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that elevated cholesterol results in increased white blood cell counts in mouse models. However, there is insufficient evidence to support this in humans.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship of plasma lipids with white blood cell counts (basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes) in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

[Protective effect of rutin against oxidative injury in neuronal cells].

Objective: To observe the protective effect of rutin (RUT) on neuronal cells against sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced neurotoxicity.

Methods: PC12 cells were treated with different concentration of SNP for 24 h and MTT assay was applied to analyze the survival rate; PC12 cells were pretreated with rutin for 1 h, and then incubated for 24 h with SNP. MTT assay, morphological observation, as well as immunofluorescence were performed to evaluate both the SNP neurotoxicity and the protective effects of RUT, Western blot was used to analyzed the level of phosphorylated extra cellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2) after treatment with RUT, the results were also testified in primary cultured neurons.

[Effects of ferulic acid on bFGF-treated PC12 cells].

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of ferulic acid on differentiation in bFGF-treated PC12 cells.

Methods: The length of neurite outgrowth and the percentage of PC12 cells induced in the presence of 0 ng/mL or 1 ng/mL bFGF were assayed.

Results: Compared with that of control group,ferulic acid could enhance the differentiation effect of bFGF (1 ng/mL) in PC12 cells (P < 0.

[Neurotrophic effects of protocatechuic acid on neurite outgrowth and survival in cultured cerebral cortical neurons of newborn rat].

Objective: To study the neurotrophic effects of protocatechuic acid on neurite outgrowth and survival in cultured cerebral cortical neurons.

Methods: The newborn rat cerebral cortex neurons were cultured in vitro. The convert phase microscope was used to count the survival neurons with neurites and measure the average length of neurites.