Chemokine platelet factor 4 accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon elongation

Schwann cells in peripheral nerves react to traumatic nerve injury by attempting to grow and regenerate.Howeve r,it is unclear what factors play a role in this process.In this study,we searched a GEO database and found that expression of platelet factor 4 was markedly up-regulated after sciatic nerve injury.Platelet factor is an important molecule in cell apoptosis,diffe rentiation,survival,and proliferation.Further,polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the change in platelet factor 4 in the sciatic nerve at different time points after injury.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed that platelet factor 4 was secreted by Schwann cells.We also found that silencing platelet factor 4 decreased the proliferation and migration of primary cultured Schwann cells,while exogenously applied platelet factor 4 stimulated Schwann cell prolife ration and migration and neuronal axon growth.Furthermore,knocking out platelet factor 4 inhibited the prolife ration of Schwann cells in injured rat sciatic nerve.These findings suggest that Schwann cell-secreted platelet factor 4 may facilitate peripheral nerve repair and regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon growth.Thus,platelet factor 4 may be a potential therapeutic target for traumatic peripheral nerve injury.

Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumors:The importance of preoperative diagnosis

Accurate preoperative diagnosis is highly important for the treatment of perivascular epithelioid cell tumors(PEComas)because PEComas are mainly benign tumors and may not require surgical intervention.By analyzing the causes,properties and clinical manifestations of PEComas,we summarize the challenges and solutions in the diagnosis of PEComas.

Effect of anti-fibrosis compound on collagen expression of hepatic cells in experimental liver fibrosis of rats

INTRODUCTIONLiver fibrosis is mainly characterized by theexcessive synthesis and decreased degradation ofextracellular matrix(ECM),especially the synthesisand deposition of collagen.Almost all kinds of cellsin the liver have participated in the production ofcollagen.The most important ones are hepaticstellate cells(HSC)and hepatocytes.We

Splicing factor proline and glutamine-rich is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with clinical pathologic features and immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.Splicing factor proline and glutamine-rich(SFPQ)is a multifunctional protein that controls various biological functions.As a potential therapeutic target and a promising prognostic indicator,the potential effects and processes of SFPQ in HCC require further investigation.Methods:The RNA sequencing data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus,International Cancer Genome Consortium,and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases to analyze SFPQ expression and differentially expressed genes(DEGs).We utilized the LinkedOmics database to identify co-expressed genes.A Venn diagram was constructed to determine the overlapping genes between the DEGs and the co-expressed genes.Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the overlapping genes and DEGs.Furthermore,our study involved functional enrichment analysis,a protein-protein interaction network analysis,and an analysis of immune cell infiltration.The cBioPortal and Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub were utilized to investigate the genetic alterations of SFPQ and the single-cell transcriptome visualization of the tumor microenvironment.A ceRNA network was established with the assistance of the ENCORI website.Finally,we elucidated the clinical significance of SFPQ in HCC by employing Kaplan-Meier survival analysis,univariate and multivariate Cox regression,and prognostic nomogram models.Results:The expression of SFPQ in HCC tissues was significantly elevated compared to normal tissues.GSEA results indicated that increased expression of SFPQ was associated with pathways related to HCC.The ceRNA network,including SFPQ,hsa-miR-101-3p,AC023043.4,AC124798.1,AC145207.5,and GSEC,was constructed with the assistance of ENCORI.High SFPQ expression was related to a poor prognosis in HCC and its subtypes.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that elevated SFPQ expression is an independent predictive factor.Conclusions:The overexpression of SFPQ may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker,indicating a poor prognosis in HCC.

Signal molecule-mediated hepatic cell communication during liver regeneration

Liver regeneration is a complex and well-orchestrated process,during which hepatic cells are activated to produce large signal molecules in response to liver injury or mass reduction.These signal molecules,in turn,set up the connections and cross-talk among liver cells to promote hepatic recovery.In this review,we endeavor to summarize the network of signal molecules that mediates hepatic cell communication in the regulation of liver regeneration.

Influence of Angiotensin II on α1-Adrenergic Receptors Function in Rat Aorta and Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the main mediator of the Renin-Angiotensin-System acting on AT1 and other AT receptors. It is regarded as a pleiotropic agent that induces many actions, including functioning as a growth factor, and as a contractile hormone, among others. The aim of this work was to examine the impact of Ang II on the expression and function of α1-adrenergic receptors (α1-ARs) in cultured rat aorta, and aorta-derived smooth muscle cells. Isolated Wistar rat aorta was incubated for 24 h in DMEM at 37˚C, then subjected to isometric tension and to the action of added norepinephrine, in concentration-response curves. Ang II was added (1 × 10−5 M), and in some experiments, 5-Methylurapidil (α1A-AR antagonist), AH11110A (α1B-AR antagonist), or BMY-7378 (α1D-AR antagonist), were used to identify the α1-AR involved in the response. Desensitization of the contractile response to norepinephrine was observed due to incubation time, and by the Ang II action. α1D-AR was protected from desensitization by BMY-7378;while RS-100329 and prazosin partially mitigated desensitization. In another set of experiments, isolated aorta-derived smooth muscle cells were exposed to Ang II and α1-ARs proteins were evaluated. α1D-AR increased at 30 and 60 min post Ang II exposure, the α1A-AR diminished from 1 to 4 h, while α1B-AR remained unchanged over 24 h of Ang II exposure. Ang II induced an increase of α1D-AR at short times, and BMY-7378 protected α1D-AR from desensitization.

AKT regulates IL-1β-induced proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells

Background:Activated hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)are closely involved in the initiation,perpetuation,and resolution of liver fibrosis.Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are positively correlated with the transition from liver injury to fibrogenesis and contribute to HSC pathophysiology in liver fibrosis.Methods:In this study,we investigated the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin(IL)-1βon the proliferation and signaling pathways involved in fibrogenesis in LX-2 cells,an HSC cell line,using western blotting and cell proliferation assays.Results:IL-1βincreased the proliferation rate andα-smooth muscle actin(SMA)expression of LX-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner.Within 1 h after IL-1βtreatment,c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK),p38,and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling was activated in LX-2 cells.Subsequently,protein kinase B(AKT)phosphorylation and an increase inα-SMA expression were observed in LX-2 cells.Each inhibitor of JNK,p38,or NF-κB decreased cell proliferation,AKT phosphorylation,andα-SMA expression in IL-1β-treated LX-2 cells.Conclusion:These results indicate that JNK,p38,and NF-κB signals converge at AKT phosphorylation,leading to LX-2 activation by IL-1β.Therefore,the AKT signaling pathway can be used as a target for alleviating liver fibrosis by the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A protects against thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats via suppressing proinflammatory/fibrogenic mediators and promoting hepatic stellate cell senescence and apoptosis

Objective:To evaluate the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA)on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis.Methods:Thioacetamide was administered to rats intraperitoneally in doses of 200 mg/kg twice a week for 12 weeks.Thioacetamide-intoxicated rats were given silymarin(50 mg/kg)or HSYA(5 mg/kg)orally every day for 8 weeks.Liver enzymes,fibrosis markers,histological changes as well as immunohistochemistry of TNF-α,IL-6,p21,α-SMA,and caspase-3 were examined.The effect of HSYA on HSC-T6 activation/proliferation and apoptosis was also determined in vitro.Results:HSYA decreased liver enzymes,TNF-α,IL-6,and p21 expressions,hepatic PDGF-B,TIMP-1,TGF-β1,and hydroxyproline levels,as well as fibrosis score(S2 vs.S4)compared to the thioacetamide group.HSYA also downregulatedα-SMA while increasing caspase-3 expression.Surprisingly,at 500μg/mL,HSYA had only a slightly suppressive effect on HSC proliferation,with a 9.5%reduction.However,it significantly reduced TGF-β1,inhibitedα-SMA expression,induced caspase-3 expression,and promoted cell senescence.Conclusions:HSYA may be a potential therapeutic agent for delaying and reversing the progression of liver fibrosis.More research on HSYA at higher doses and for a longer period is warranted.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment promotes neural stem cell proliferation in the subventricular zone of neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage has been used clinically for many years, but its effectiveness remains controversial. In addition, the mechanism of this potential neuroprotective effect remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influence of hyperbaric oxygen on the proliferation of neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats （7 days old） subjected to hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Six hours after modeling, rats were treated with hyperbaric oxygen once daily for 7 days. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the number of 5-bromo-2＇-deoxyuridine positive and nestin positive cells in the subventricular zone of neonatal rats increased at day 3 after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage and peaked at day 5. After hyperbaric oxygen treatment, the number of 5-bromo-2＇- deoxyuddine positive and nestin positive cells began to increase at day 1, and was significantly higher than that in normal rats and model rats until day 21. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that hyperbaric oxygen treatment could attenuate pathological changes to brain tissue in neonatal rats, and reduce the number of degenerating and necrotic nerve cells. Our experimental findings indicate that hyperbaric oxygen treatment enhances the proliferation of neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, and has therapeutic potential for promoting neurological recovery following brain injury.

Intravenous transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promotes neural regeneration after traumatic brain injury

To investigate the supplement of lost nerve cells in rats with traumatic brain injury by intravenous administration of allogenic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, this study established a Wistar rat model of traumatic brain injury by weight drop impact acceleration method and administered 3 × 106 rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via the lateral tail vein. At 14 days after cell transplantation, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiated into neurons and astrocytes in injured rat cerebral cortex and rat neurological function was improved significantly. These findings suggest that intravenously administered bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can promote nerve cell regeneration in injured cerebral cortex, which supplement the lost nerve cells.

Effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the Smad expression of hepatic fibrosis rats

Objective:To investigate the impact of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on Smad expression of hepatic fibrosis rats.Methods:A total of 48 adult female SD rats were randomly divided into three groups,normal control group(n=10),observation group(n=19)with liver fibrosis model rats injected with BMSCs cells:model group(n=19),with liver fibrosis model rats injected with physiological saline.Serum index,TGF-β1 and Smad expression were detected.Results:TypeⅢprocollagen,Ⅳcollagen,hyaluronic acid,laminin levels of observation group were significantly lower than those of model group(P<0.05).The content and expression of TGF-β1in serum and liver tissue of observation group were significantly lower than those of model group(P<0.05).Compared with normal control group,the Smad3,Smad4 mRNA and protein expression of model group were significantly increased,the Smad7 mRNA and protein expression were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Compared with model group.Smad3,Smad4 mRNA and protein expression of observation group were significantly reduced,and Smad7 mRNA expression were significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusions:BMSCs can regulate Smad expression to some extent,and reduce the degree of liver fibrosis.

Effect of lipid on proliferation and activation of rat hepatic stellate cells(Ⅰ)

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Zhichan decoction induces differentiation of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease rats after neural stem cell transplantation

The goal of this study was to increase the dopamine content and reduce dopaminergic metabolites in the brain of Parkinson’s disease rats. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, we found that dopamine and dopaminergic metabolite（dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid） content in the midbrain of Parkinson’s disease rats was increased after neural stem cell transplantation ＋ Zhichan decoction, compared with neural stem cell transplantation alone. Our genetic algorithm results show that dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid levels achieve global optimization. Neural stem cell transplantation ＋ Zhichan decoction increased dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels up to 10-fold, while transplantation alone resulted in a 3-fold increment. Homovanillic acid levels showed no apparent change. Our experimental findings show that after neural stem cell transplantation in Parkinson’s disease rats, Zhichan decoction can promote differentiation of neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons.

Hepatitis B virus X protein promotes proliferation and upregulates TGF-β1 and CTGF in human hepatic stellate cell line,LX-2

BACKGROUND:Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major cause of liver fibrosis,but the mechanisms underlying HBV-related fibrogenesis are still unknown. Although the roles of HBV X protein(HBx)remain poorly understood,it is thought to play an important role in the regulation of cellular growth and hepatocarcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the role of HBx in liver fibrogenesis by studying the effect of HBx on the proliferation and expression of fibrosis-related molecules in the human hepatic stellate cell line,LX-2. METHODS:We established an in vitro co-culture system with LX-2 cells and a stable QSG7701-HBx cell line which had been transfected with the HBx gene. 3 H-TdR incorporation and flow cytometry were used to determine the effects of HBx on the proliferation of LX-2 cells. α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),transforming growth factor-βreceptor Ⅱ(TGF-βRⅡ),and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)in LX-2 cells were analyzed by Western blotting.In addition,the expression levels of collagen typeⅠ(ColⅠ) from the co-cultured media were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: 3 H-TdR incorporation increased significantly in LX-2 cells co-cultured with QSG7701-HBx cells compared to those cultured with QSG7701-pcDNA3 and QSG7701 (non-tumorigenic human liver cell line).Cell cycle results revealed that HBx accelerated the progression of G1 to S in LX-2 cells.The expressions ofα-SMA,TGF-β1,TGF-βR Ⅱ,CTGF and ColⅠwere significantly increased in the co- cultures of LX-2 cells with stable QSG7701-HBx cells. CONCLUSION:These results suggest that HBx may facilitate liver fibrosis by promoting hepatic stellate cell proliferation and upregulating the expression of fibrosis- related molecules.

Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of tectorigenin on hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of tectorigenin on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC)-T6 cells. METHODS: HSC-T6 cells were incubated with tectorigenin at different concentrations, and their proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry assay with Hoechst 33342 staining. Also, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular [Ca2+]i, potential of mitochondrial membrane, activities of cytochrome c and caspase-9 and-3 were investigated to explore a conceivable apoptotic pathway. RESULTS: Tectorigenin suppressed the proliferation of HSC-T6 cells and induced apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner. Tectorigenin at the concentration of 100 μg/mL greatly inhibited the viability of HSC-T6 cells and induced the condensation of chromatin and fragmentation of nuclei. When treated for 48 h, the percentage of cell growth and apoptosis reached 46.3% ± 2.37% (P = 0.004) and 50.67% ± 3.24% (P = 0.003), respectively. Furthermore, tectorigenin-induced apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells was associated with the generation of ROS, increased intracellular [Ca2+]i, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, translocation of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-9 and -3. CONCLUSION: Tectorigenin inhibits proliferation of HSC-T6 cells and induces apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells.

Role of free fatty acids in proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells(Ⅱ)

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Ethanol extract of Oenanthe javanica increases cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the adolescent rat dentate gyrus

Oenanthe javanica is an aquatic perennial herb that belongs to theOenanthe genus in Apiaceae family, and it displays well-known medicinal properties such as protective effects against glu-tamate-induced neurotoxicity. However, few studies regarding effects ofOenanthe javanica on neurogenesis in the brain have been reported. In this study, we examined the effects of a normal diet and a diet containing ethanol extract ofOenanthe javanica on cell proliferation and neu-roblast differentiation in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus of adolescent rats using Ki-67 （an endogenous marker for cell proliferation） and doublecortin （a marker for neuroblast）. Our results showed thatOenanthe javanica extract signiifcantly increased the number of Ki-67-immunoreactive cells and doublecortin-immunoreactive neuroblasts in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus in the adolescent rats. In addition, the immunoreactivity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor was signiifcantly increased in the dentate gyrus of the Oenanthe javanica extract-treated group compared with the control group. However, we did not ifnd that vascular endothelial growth factor expression was increased in theOenanthe javanica extract-treated group compared with the control group. These results indicate thatOenanthe javanica extract improves cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation by increasing brain-de-rived neurotrophic factor immunoreactivity in the rat dentate gyrus.

Migration of hepatic stellate cells in fibrotic microenvironment of diseased liver model

BACKGROUND: In liver fibrosis, alterations within the space of Disse microenvironment facilitate the progression of chronic liver disease. The normal basement membranelike matrix in the space of Disse converts to a matrix rich in fibril-forming collagens during the fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of alterations in the space of Disse microenvironment on the migration of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the process of liver fibrosis, and to explore the novel mechanism ofliver fibrosis from the viewpoint of cell migration. METHODS: A modified in vitro Boyden chamber system was employed to partially mimic the in vitro microenvironment of the Disse space in normal liver and in fibrosis. The effects of fibrogenetic growth factors on the migration of HSCs in simulated liver fibrosis were assessed by cell migration and cell proliferation experiments. RESULTS: Enhanced platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and/or epithelial growth factor (EGF) in liver fibrosis resulted in an increase in migratory capacity of activated HSCs. The enhanced migration of HSCs, induced by PDGF-BB was proliferation -independent. The elevation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during liver fibrosis had no effect on the migration of HSCs. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides valuable insights into the role of the space of Disse microenvironment in regulating the migratory behavior of HSCs. TGF-beta 1, PDGF-BB and EGF, which increase in liver fibrosis, induce the migration of activated HSCs. However, bFGF and VEGF have no effect although they also increase during liver fibrosis.

Expression of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Rat Liver Fibrosis and Hepatic Stellate Cells

Summary:The expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in rat liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the relationship between the expression of bFGF and rat liver fibrogenesis were studied. Sixty male SD rats (230-260 g) were divided into 4 groups randomly (the 0 week group, 1 week group, 4 week group and 8 week group). Liver fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride. The sections of rats' liver in each group were tested by Van-Gieson (V-G) staining and immunohistochemistry. The expression of bFGF mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). HSCs were isolated by the combined methods of collagenase IV perfusion and density gradient centrifugation. The expression of bFGF protein in cultured HSCs was detected by Western blot. Images of immunohistochemistry detection, agarose gel electrophoresis of RT-PCR and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of Western blot were analyzed semiquantitatively by image-analyzing system. The results were analyzed by statistics. The results showed that the fibers were gradually increased in the sections of rat liver with the prolongation of the model induction. At the end of the 8th weeks, liver fibrosis was formed. The expression of bFGF detected by immunohistochemistry showed a similar tendency of gradual increase. At the end of the 8th weeks, the bFGF expression could be observed in many regions in sections and the strongest expression was in interstitial cells including HSCs and some hepatocytes in regions around the portal area and central veins. Also there was moderate expression widely in extracellular matrix (ECM). In RT-PCR detection and Western blot detection of HSCs cultured in vitro, the similar tendency of gradual increase was evident either. It is suggested that bFGF is related with liver fibrosis of rats closely and may be a fibrogenesis factor of liver. bFGF possibly regulates liver fibrogenesis through regulating metabolism of extracellular matrix (ECM) by autocrine and paracrine stimulation.

Rosmarinic acid attenuates hepatic fibrogenesis via suppression of hepatic stellate cell activation/proliferation and induction of apoptosis

Objective:To investigate the antifibrotic role of rosmarinic acid(RA),a natural polyphenolic compound,on HSCs activation/proliferation and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Methods:The impact of RA on stellate cell line(HSC-T6) proliferation,activation and apoptosis was assessed along with its safety on primary hepatocytes. In vivo,rats were divided into:(i) normal;(ii) thioacetamide(TAA)-intoxicated rats for 12 weeks;(iii) TAA+silymarin or(iv) TAA+RA. At the end of experiment,liver functions,oxidative stress,inflammatory and profibrogenic markers,tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases type-1(TIMP-1) and hydroxyproline(HP) levels were evaluated. Additionally,liver histopathology and immunohistochemical examinations of alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),caspase-3 and proliferation cellular nuclear antigen(PCNA) were determined. Results:RA exhibited anti-proliferative effects on cultured HSCs in a time and concentration dependent manner showing an IC50 of 276 μg/mL and 171 μg/mL for 24 h and 48 h,respectively,with morphological reversion of activated stellate cell morphology to quiescent form. It significantly improved ALT,AST,oxidative stress markers and reduced TIMP-1,HP levels,inflammatory markers and fibrosis score(S1 vs S4). Furthermore,reduction in α-SMA plus elevation in caspase-3 expressions of HSCs in vitro and in vivo associated with an inhibition in proliferation of damaged hepatocytes were recorded. Conclusions:RA impeded the progression of liver fibrosis through inhibition of HSCs activation/proliferation and induction of apoptosis with preservation of hepatic architecture.