Herbal compound 861 regulates mRNA expression of collagen synthesis- and degradation-related genes in human hepatic stellate cells

AIM： To identify the role of herbal compound 861 （Cpd 861） in the regulation of mRNA expression of collagen synthesis- and degradation-related genes in human hepatic stellate cells （HSCs）. METHODS： mRNA levels of collagen types I and III, matrix metalloproteinase 1 （MMP-1）, matrix metalloproteinase 2 （MMP-2）, membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase （MT1-MMP）, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 （TIMP-1）, and transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） in cultured-activated HSCs treated with Cpd 861 or interferon-γ, （IFN-γ,） were determined by real-time PCR. RESULTS： Both Cpd 861 and IFN-γ reduced the mRNA levels of collagen type Ⅲ, MMP-2 and TGF-β1. Moreover, Cpd 861 significantly enhanced the MMP-1 mRNA levels while down-regulated the TIMP-1 mRNA expression, increasing the ratio of MMP-1 to TIMP-1 to （6.3 ＋ 0.3）- fold compared to the control group. CONCLUSION： The anti-fibrosis function of Cpd 861 may be mediated by both decreased interstitial collagen sythesis by inhibiting the transcription of collagen type Ⅲ and TGF-β1 and increased degradation of these collagens by up-regulating MMP-1 and down-regulating TIMP-1 mRNA levels.

Effect of Cold Plasma on Cell Viability and Collagen Synthesis in Cultured Murine Fibroblasts

An argon atmospheric pressure plasma jet was employed to treat L929 murine fibroblasts cultured in vitro.Experimental results showed that,compared with the control cells,the treatment of fibroblasts with 15 s of plasma led to a significant increase of cell viability and collagen synthesis,while the treatment of 25 s plasma resulted in a remarkable decrease.Exploration of related mechanisms suggested that cold plasma could up-regulate Cyclin D1 gene expression and down-regulate p27 gene expression at a low dose,while it could down-regulate Cyclin D1 expression and up-regulate p27 expression at a higher dose,thus altering the cell cycle progression,and then affecting cell viability and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts.

PRIMARY STUDY ON MECHANISM OF COLLAGEN SYNTHESIS INHIBITION IN CULTURED HUMAN FETAL HEPATOCYTES PRETREATED BY SALVIA MILTIORRHIZA BUNGE

Objective The effects of salvia miltiorrhiza bunge (SMB) on collagen synthesis in the human fetal hepatocytes culture were studied. Methods The collagen synthesis of hepatocytes were stimulated by the addition of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) to the culture medium, the concentration of type procollagen (PC) in the culture medium and the hydroxyproline (Hyp) in hepatocytes were determined, as well as the activity of se dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se GSH Px) and the concentration of malondiadehyde (MDA) in the culture medium. Results A significant decrease in PC, Hyp and MDA production, and the significant increase in Se GSH Px activity were observed in the cultures pretreated with 1 g L -1 SMB for 4 hours compared with the untreated cultures. Analysis of the Se GSH Px/MDA ratio in SMB pretreated group showed more marked increase compared to that of the untreated group ( P <0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between the ratio of Se GSH Px/MDA and the concentration of PC in SMB pretreated group ( r=-0.9017, P <0.01). Conclusion Our results indicate that SMB may suppress the collagen synthesis of cultured human fetal hepatocytes stimulated by CCl 4 , and its mechanism may be related to the increase in Se GSH Px/MDA ratio and the enhancement of hepatocytes antioxidation capability.

Effects of connective tissue growth factor antisense oligonucleotides on the proliferation and collagen synthesis of the cultured human keloid fibroblasts in vitro

Objective: To explore the effects of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on the pathogenesis of human keloid. Methods: CTGF antisense oligonucleotides (ASODN) conjugated with isothiocyananate fluorescence was encapsulated by liposome, and then added into the human keloid fibroblasts (HKFs) culture media. The intracellular distribution of CTGF ASODN was observed by fluorescence microscopy in the fixed HKFs. The proliferation of HKFs was measured by MTT test. The collagen synthesis of HKFs was measured by 3H-proline incorporation method. Results: Compared with control group, the CTGF ASODN can inhibit the proliferation and collagen synthesis of the HKFs (P<0.01). Conclusion: CTGF ASODN has anti-fibrotic effects on keloid in vitro, and CTGF play an important role in promoting the fibrosis of keloid.

Manipulation of collagen synthesis influences progenitor cell engraftment and angiomyogenesis

Myocardial infarction(MI)results in loss of cardiomyocytes(CM) in the ischemic area of the heart followed by an inflammatory response and replacement of contractile CM with fibrosis.Myocardial fibrosis,a key contributor to cardiac dysfunction after MI,presents as a secondary response to the pathophysiological remodeling of long-standing disease including ischemia,obstruction,and microvascular abnormalities.Cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are responsible for post-MI remodeling which occurs via regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM),presenting as increased collagenⅠandⅢinto the interstitial and perivascular space.In addition to the pluripotency of stem cells following stem/ progenitor cell transplantation,decreased apoptosis, hypertrophy,and fibrosis in the infarcted heart have been demonstrated.This has made transplantation of progenitor/stem cells a primary research focus in the field of tissue regeneration.Unfortunately,the accumulation of ECM and myofibroblasts in areas of tissue injury presents a barrier that can impair penetration of reparative stem/progenitor cells mobilized from peripheral reservoirs.Therefore,cardiac fibroblast production and degradation of ECM are critical in regulating cardiac remodeling and stem/progenitor cell mobilization.This study used transgenic mice overexpressing adenylyl cyclaseⅥ(AC6) in which collagen synthesis was decreased to determine the role of collagen deposition on the engraftment of iPSC from a tri-cell patch applied to infarcted area after MI.

HSP47 Deletion Inhibits TGF-β1 Stimulation on Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis of Human Tenon Fibroblasts

Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) is a collagen-specific molecular chaperone that is required for mo-lecular maturation of various types of collagens. Many studies have shown a close association be-tween increased expression of HSP47 and excessive accumulation of collagens in scar tissues of various human fibrotic diseases. However, the role of HSP47 in formation of scar after glaucoma filtration surgery is still unclear. In this study, we deleted the expression of HSP47 in human tent on fibroblasts (HTFs) by virus infection, and then the proliferation and collagen synthesis were compared between HSP47 deletion cells and control upon TGF-β1 stimulation. Our data showed that HSP47 deletion could significantly inhibit the proliferation and collagen synthesis of HTFs upon TGF-β1 stimulation, HSP47 gene suppression might be a novel method to against the formation of scar after glaucoma surgery.

Experimental study on effect of endothelin in the proliferation and collagen synthesis of human scar-derived fibroblasts

Objective To investigate the role of endothelin(ET) in the proliferation and collagen synthesis of human scar-derived fibroblasts and the moduktion of its antagonists such as nitric oxide(NO), tetrandrine ( Tet). Methods With the cultured fibroblasts from the scarring tissue, the cell pdiferation was determined by[3H]-TdR incorporation, while the collagen synthesis was evaluated by[3H]-proline incorporation. Results The ET-1 was significantly increasing the proliferation and collagen synthesis of human scar-derived fibroblasts. The values of [3H]-TdR absorption in the 2.5 ng/ml,25 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml of ET-1 groups were 1.8 times,4 times and 4.9 times more than in the control group, respectively(P【0. 01),while the values of the [3H]-proline incorporation were 1.1 times,3.1 times and 3.8 times respectively(P【0.01). The fibroblasts, treated with 50 μg/ml of S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine(SNAP), were no detectable effect on the basal level of DNA synthesis,but produced decreasing effect on the

A new insight on copper:Promotion of collagen synthesis and myofiber growth and development in juvenile grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Copper(Cu)is a trace element,essential for fish growth.In the current study,in addition to growth performance,we first explored the effects of Cu on collagen synthesis and myofiber growth and development in juvenile grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella).A total of 1080 fish(11.16±0.01 g)were randomly divided into 6 treatments(3 replicates per treatment)to receive five doses of organic Cu which were Cu citrate(CuCit)at 0.99(basal diet),2.19,4.06,6.15,and 8.07 mg/kg,and one dose o inorganic Cu(CuSO_(4)·5H_(2)O at 3.15 mg/kg),for 9 weeks.The results showed appropriate Cu level(4.06 mg kg)enhanced growth performance,improved nutritional Cu status,and downregulated Cu-transporting ATPase 1 mRNA levels in the hepatopancreas,intestine,and muscle of juvenile grass carp.Meanwhile collagen content in fish muscle was increased after Cu intake,which was probably due to the following pathways:(1)activating CTGF/TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway to regulate collagen transcription;(2upregulating of La ribonucleoprotein domain family 6(LARP6)mRNA levels to regulate translation initiation;(3)increasing proline hydroxylase,lysine hydroxylase,and lysine oxidase activities to regulate posttranslational modifications.In addition,optimal Cu group increased myofiber diameters and the frequency of myofibers with diameter>50μm,which might be associated with upregulation of cyclin B cyclin D,cyclin E,proliferating cell nuclear antigen,myogenic determining factor(MyoD),myogenic factor 5,myogenin(MyoG),myogenic regulatory factor 4 and myosin heavy chain(MyHC)and down regulation of myostatin mRNA levels,increasing protein levels of MyoD,MyoG and MyHC in fish muscle Finally,based on percentage weight gain(PWG),serum ceruloplasmin(Cp)activity and collagen conten in fish muscle,Cu requirements were determined as 4.74,4.37 and 4.62 mg/kg diet(CuCit as Cu source of juvenile grass carp,respectively.Based on PWG and Cp activity,compared to CuSO_(4)·5H_(2)O,the efficacy of CuCit were 131.80%and 115.38%,respectively.Our findings provide new insights into Cu supple mentation to promote muscle growth in fish,and help improve the overall productivity of aquaculture.

Chemical proteomics reveals ligustilide targets SMAD3,inhibiting collagen synthesis in aortic endothelial cells

Atherosclerosis is a persistent inflammatory state,while vascular endothelial fibrosis is one of the primary causes of atherosclerosis development.Although ligustilide(Lig) was shown to exert obvious antiatherogenic effects in previous studies,its precise mechanism has not been deeply discussed.In this paper,we designed a Lig-derived photoaffinity labelling(PAL) probe to identify potential therapeutic targets of Lig via chemical proteomics approach.Mothers against decapentaplegic homologue 3(SMAD3),a signal transmitter of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) which promotes the development of vascular fibrosis,was identified as a potential target of Lig.Lig suppressed the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of SMAD3 by blocking the interaction between SMAD3 and TGF-β receptor 1,thereby inhibiting the collagen synthesis process.Hence,developing a novel SMAD3 inhibitor may present a promising therapeutic option for preventing vascular fibrosis.

EFFECTS OF HYPOXIC ENDOTHELIAL CELL CONDITIONED MEDIUM ON PROLIFERATION AND COLLAGEN SYNTHESIS OF SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS AND INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF RADIX SALVIAE MILTIORRHIZAE

The effects of hypoxic endothelial cell conditioned medium (HECCM) on proliferation and collagen synthesis of cultured porcine pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were studied by 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR) and 3H-proline incorporations, image analysis for determination of DNA content and colorimetric assay using MTT, and the inhibitory effects of radix salviae miltiorrhizae (RSM) on them were also investigated. The results showed that HECCM could induce enhancement of the enzymatic activity of mitochondria, increase of the nucleic DNA content and increases of the 3H-TdR and 3H-proline incorporations in PASMCs. The 3H-proline incorporation in PASMCs cultured in HECCM was 1.83 times as much as that cultured in normoxic endothelial cell conditioned medium (NECCM). Compared with the control, Chinese herb medicine RSM could inhibit the proliferation of PASMCs cultured in HECCM and decrease the 3H-prolinc incorporation in PASMCs cultured in both HECCM and NECCM (P< 0.001). However, RSM had no ef fects on the nucleic DNA content and 3H-TdR incorporation into DNA of PASMCs cultured in NECCM. It suggests that hypoxia may stimulate the endothelia to synthesize and secrete some cytokines which can stimulate the proliferation and the synthesis of collagen of PASMCs and RSM can inhibit this process.

Effects of Tetramethylpyrazine and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae on Collagen Synthesis and Proliferation of Cardiac Fibroblasts

Objective: To explore the effects of Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (RSM) on collagen synthesis and proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts. Methods: Using collagenase and pancreatin digested rat cardiac tissue assay to isolate cardiac fibroblasts (FB). Different dosage of TMP, RSM and norepinephrine were used to study their effects on the collagen synthesis and proliferation of cultured cardiac FB. Results: Compared with the control group, moderate or high dosage TMP and RSM could significantly inhibit the collagen synthesis and the proliferation of cultured cardiac FB. Moreover, low-dose TMP (50 mg/L) and low-dose RSM (3 g/L) could antagonize the collagen synthesis and the proliferation of cultured cardiac FB stimulated by NE (500μg/L). Conclusion: Both TMP and RSM can inhibit the collagen synthesis and proliferation of cultured cardiac FB processes.The mechanisms of these effects might be correlated to their Ca++ antagonistic action. Original article on CJIM(Chin) 1998; 18(7): 423

Dietary protein levels changed the hardness of muscle by acting on muscle fiber growth and the metabolism of collagen in sub-adult grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Background:Nutrient regulation has been proven to be an effective way to improve the flesh quality in fish.As a necessary nutrient for fish growth,protein accounts for the highest proportion in the fish diet and is expensive.Although our team found that the effect of protein on the muscle hardness of grass carp was probably related to an increased collagen content,the mechanism for this effect has not been deeply explored.Moreover,few studies have explored the protein requirements of sub-adult grass crap(Ctenopharyngodon idella).Therefore,the effects of different dietary protein levels on the growth performance,nutritional value,muscle hardness,muscle fiber growth,collagen metabolism and related molecule expression in grass carp were investigated.Methods:A total of 450 healthy grass carp(721.16±1.98 g)were selected and assigned randomly to six experimen-tal groups with three replicates each(n=25/replicate),and were fed six diets with 15.91%,19.39%,22.10%,25.59%,28.53%and 31.42%protein for 60 d.Results:Appropriate levels of dietary protein increased the feed intake,percentage weight gain,specific growth rate,body composition,unsaturated fatty acid content in muscle,partial free amino acid content in muscle,and muscle hardness of grass carp.These protein levels also increased the muscle fiber density,the frequency of new muscle fibers,the contents of collagen and IGF-1,and the enzyme activities of prolyl 4-hydroxylases and lysyloxidase,and decreased the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2.At the molecular level,the optimal dietary protein increased col-lagen type Iα1(Colα1),Colα2,PI3K,Akt,S6K1,La ribonucleoprotein domain family member 6a(LARP6a),TGF-β1,Smad2,Smad4,Smad3,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2,MyoD,Myf5,MyoG and MyHC relative mRNA levels.The levels of the myostatin-1 and myostatin-2 genes were downregulated,and the protein expression levels of p-Smad2,Smad2,Smad4,p-Akt,Akt,LARP6 and Smad3 were increased.Conclusions:The appropriate levels of dietary protein promoted the growth of sub-adult grass carp and improved muscle hardness by promoting the growth of muscle fibers,improving collagen synthesis and depressing collagen degradation.In addition,the dietary protein requirements of sub-adult grass carp were 26.21%and 24.85%according to the quadratic regression analysis of growth performance(SGR)and the muscle hardness(collagen content),respectively.

Pedunculoside promotes oral ulcer healing in mice by upregulating STAT3 and Smad3

Background:Pedunculoside(PE)is a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin found in the dried barks of the Ilex rotunda Thunb.In traditional Chinese medicine,the juice extracted from various Ilex species is commonly used for treating inflammatory diseases.Objective:This study aims to investigate the potential of PE in promoting the healing of oral ulcers in mice and to explore its possible mechanism.Materials and Methods:A mouse model of oral ulcer was established to evaluate the healing promotion effects of PE,and an in-vitro inflammatory cell model was established by using primary fibroblasts isolated from mouse oral mucosal tissue.Gene transcription and protein expression related to cell proliferation,migration,and collagen synthesis were measured.Results:PE showed the highest cure rate of 85.7%for oral ulcers in mice within 7-days treatment.It significantly promoted cell proliferation and collagen secretion in fibroblast in-vitro model.PE also upregulated the gene transcription of Smad3,Col1a1 and Col3a1.Furthermore,PE antagonized the inhibitory effect of WP1066 on STAT3activation,but did not affect cell migration.Conclusion:This study demonstrates that PE has potential therapeutic effects in promoting oral ulcer healing in mice.The improvement was achieved by the increasing collagen synthesis through the upregulation of STAT3 and Smad3 in mucosa fibroblasts.These results provide a preliminary pharmacological work for developing PE as a potential treatment agent for oral ulcers.

Pulmonary Toxicity in Rats Caused by Exposure to Intratracheal Instillation of SiO2 Nanoparticles

Objective The effect of the silica nanoparticles（SNs） on lungs injury in rats was investigated to evaluate the toxicity and possible mechanisms for SNs.Methods Male Wistar rats were instilled intratracheally with 1 mL of saline containing 6.25,12.5,and 25.0 mg of SNs or 25.0 mg of microscale SiO_2 particles suspensions for 30 d,were then sacrificed.Histopathological and ultrastructural change in lungs,and chemical components in the urine excretions were investigated by light microscope,TEM and EDS.MDA,NO and hydroxyproline（Hyp） in lung homogenates were quantified by spectrophotometry.Contents of TNF-α,TGF-β1,IL-1β,and MMP-2 in lung tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry staining.Results There is massive excretion of Si substance in urine.The SNs lead pulmonary lesions of rise in lung/body coefficients,lung inflammation,damaged alveoli,granuloma nodules formation,and collagen metabolized perturbation,and lung tissue damage is milder than those of microscale SiO_2 particles.The SNs also cause increase lipid peroxidation and high expression of cytokines.Conclusion The SNs result into pulmonary fibrosis by means of increase lipid peroxidation and high expression of cytokines.Milder effect of the SNs on pulmonary fibrosis comparing to microscale SiO_2 particles is contributed to its elimination from urine due to their ultrafine particle size.

Effect of Peroxiredoxin 1 on the biological function of airway epithelial cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Peroxiredoxin 1(PRDX1)participates in tumor cell proliferation,apoptosis,migration,invasion,and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT).This study aimed to investigate the effect of PRDX1 on the EMT of airway epithelial cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1).PRDX1 overexpression significantly increased the proliferation and migration of human bronchial epithelial(BEAS-2B)cells,reduced cell apoptosis(p<0.01),and induced EMT and collagen deposition by upregulating the expression of the matrix metallopeptidase(MMP)2,MMP9,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),N-cadherin,vimentin and twist proteins and inhibiting E-cadherin expression(p<0.05).PRDX1 overexpression promoted TGF-β1-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and migration and significantly enhanced the TGF-β1-induced EMT and collagen synthesis(p<0.05).Knockdown of PRDX1 inhibited cell proliferation,migration,EMT,and collagen synthesis(p<0.01),reversed LPS-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and migration,and significantly suppressed LPS-induced EMT and collagen synthesis(p<0.01).The result indicating that PRDX1 may be involved in LPS/TGF-1-induced EMT and collagen synthesis in human bronchial epithelial cells.

Effective Dose Screening of Low Level Red Light in Different Cell Indexes

The low level red light irradiation dose that produced positive response on different cell indexes was selected through experiments.In fibroblast detection model,the low level red light irradiation dose that had positive response to the four indicators of mitochondrial membrane potential,ATP release,cell migration and collagen synthesis was screened.The experimental results showed that low level red light with a irradiation dose of 2 J/cm^(2) had a positive response to the above four indexes in fibroblast.The test model on fibroblast was later transferred to dermal papilla cells for further experimental verification.The results showed that low level red light with a irradiation dose of 2 J/cm^(2) also had a positive response to the four indicators of dermal papilla cells,namely,mitochondrial membrane potential,ATP release,cell proliferation rate and collagen synthesis.It is proved that the low level red light with a irradiation dose of 2 J/cm^(2) could improve the mitochondrial function,cell migration and collagen synthesis of fibroblast and dermal papilla cell,thus providing energy for cell activities,improving cell repair ability and cell anti-aging ability.

Regulatory Action of Charred Gossamer Urocteae on the Functions of Mouse Oral Fibroblasts

Objective： To explore the influence of charred Gossamer urocteae （CGU） on the functions of primary cultured mouse oral fibroblasts and reveal its mechanism in wound healing. Methods： CGU was extracted with different solvents and ethanol extract （EE）, ethyl acetate fraction （EF）, n-butanol fraction （BF） and aqueous fraction （AF） were obtained. The effects of different fractions on the proliferation, matrix metaUoproteinase-2,9 （MMP-2,9） activities, synthesis of collagen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 （TIMP-1） in the mouse oral fibroblasts were determined by MTT, gelatin zymography, chloramine-T method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） respectively. Results： EE, EF and BF at high concentrations could significantly inhibit proliferation of fibroblasts （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, and at low concentrations EF and BF could promote proliferation of fibroblasts, and BF and AF could significantly inhibit collagen synthesis （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. EE, EF and AF at high concentrations could significantly increase the MMP-9 activity, and BF and AF could significantly inhibit synthesis of TIMP-1. Conclusion： CGU at high concentrations can inhibit the proliferations of fibroblasts and synthesis of collagen, and in healing of wound, CGU at high concentrations possibly has the functions of anti-fibrosis and anti-scar, and the mechanism to promote degradation of collagen is possibly related to the increase in MMP-9 activity and the inhibition of TIMP-1 synthesis.