Protective Effects of Relaxin 2 (RLXH2) against Hypoxia-Induced Oxidative Damage and Cell Death via Activation of The Nrf2/HO-1 Signalling Pathway in Gastric Cancer Cells

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of General Surgery, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the potential role of relaxin, a peptide hormone, in preventing cellular
deterioration and death in gastric carcinoma cells under hypoxic conditions. It explores the effects of recombinant
relaxin 2 (RLXH2) on growth, cell differentiation, invasive potential, and oxidative damage in these cells.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the NCI-N87 cell line was cultured under normal conditions and
then subjected to hypoxia using cobalt chloride (CoCl2). The cells were treated with RLXH2, and various assays
were performed to assess cellular deterioration, death, and oxidative stress. Western blot and quantitative real time
polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to measure the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related
factor 2 (Nrf2) and HO-1, and the translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus was confirmed through Western blot analysis.
Results: This study demonstrates, for the first time, that RLXH2 significantly reduces the formation of reactive oxygen
species (ROS) and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in gastric cancer cells under hypoxic conditions.
RLXH2 also enhances the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase
(CAT), leading to a decrease in hypoxia-induced oxidative damage. RLXH2 promotes the translocation of Nrf2 to the
nucleus, resulting in HO-1 expression.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that RLXH2 plays a significant protective role against hypoxia-induced oxidative
damage in gastric carcinoma cells through the Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway. This research contributes to a better
understanding of the potential therapeutic applications of RLXH2 in gastric cancer treatment.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Cell Journal (Yakhteh)
Volume 25, Issue 9 - Serial Number 116
September 2023
Pages 625-632

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