BACKGROUND:This study aims to explore the characteristics of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT)process and its underlying molecular mechanisms in the period of paraquat(PQ)-induced pulmonary fi brosis(PF).M...BACKGROUND:This study aims to explore the characteristics of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT)process and its underlying molecular mechanisms in the period of paraquat(PQ)-induced pulmonary fi brosis(PF).METHODS:Picrosirius red staining and collagen volume fraction were utilized to evaluate the pathological changes of PQ-induced PF in rats.Immunohistochemistry,Western blot,and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)were used to measure the protein and gene expression of EMT markers,EMT-associated transcription factors,and regulators of EMT-related pathways,respectively.RESULTS:The collagen deposition in the alveolar septum and increased PF markers were characteristics of pathological changes in PQ-induced PF,reached a peak on day 14 after PQ poisoning,and then decreased on day 21.The protein and gene expression of the fibrosis marker,EMT markers,transcription factors,and regulators of EMT-related signaling pathways signifi cantly increased at diff erent time points after PQ poisoning compared with corresponding controls(P<0.05),and most of them reached a peak on day 14,followed by a decrease on day 21.The gene expression of EMT markers was significantly correlated with PF markers,transcription factors,and regulators of EMT-related signaling pathways(P<0.05).The mRNA expression of transcription factors was signifi cantly correlated with that of TGF-β1 and Smad2(P<0.05 or P<0.01),instead of Wnt2 andβ-catenin(P>0.05).CONCLUSIONS:EMT process plays a role in the PQ-induced PF,in which most PF and EMT markers have a peak phenomenon,and its underlying molecular mechanisms might be determined by further studies.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81472961)the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(LY13H150001)the Zhejiang Provincial Program for the Cultivation of High-level Innovative Health Talents.
文摘BACKGROUND:This study aims to explore the characteristics of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT)process and its underlying molecular mechanisms in the period of paraquat(PQ)-induced pulmonary fi brosis(PF).METHODS:Picrosirius red staining and collagen volume fraction were utilized to evaluate the pathological changes of PQ-induced PF in rats.Immunohistochemistry,Western blot,and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)were used to measure the protein and gene expression of EMT markers,EMT-associated transcription factors,and regulators of EMT-related pathways,respectively.RESULTS:The collagen deposition in the alveolar septum and increased PF markers were characteristics of pathological changes in PQ-induced PF,reached a peak on day 14 after PQ poisoning,and then decreased on day 21.The protein and gene expression of the fibrosis marker,EMT markers,transcription factors,and regulators of EMT-related signaling pathways signifi cantly increased at diff erent time points after PQ poisoning compared with corresponding controls(P<0.05),and most of them reached a peak on day 14,followed by a decrease on day 21.The gene expression of EMT markers was significantly correlated with PF markers,transcription factors,and regulators of EMT-related signaling pathways(P<0.05).The mRNA expression of transcription factors was signifi cantly correlated with that of TGF-β1 and Smad2(P<0.05 or P<0.01),instead of Wnt2 andβ-catenin(P>0.05).CONCLUSIONS:EMT process plays a role in the PQ-induced PF,in which most PF and EMT markers have a peak phenomenon,and its underlying molecular mechanisms might be determined by further studies.