Transforming growth factor-β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in senile acute myeloid leukemia and correlation with prognosis

BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia(AML)is a disease in which immature hematopoietic cells accumulate in the bone marrow and continuously expand,inhibiting hematopoiesis.The treatment and prognosis of this disease have always been unsatisfactory.AIM To investigate the correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and transforming growth factor-β1(TGFβ1)expression and prognosis in older adults with AML.METHODS This study enrolled 80 patients with AML(AML group),including 36 with complete response(AML-CR),23 with partial response(AML-PR),and 21 with no response(AML-NR).The expression levels of VEGF and TGFβ1 were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in bone marrow mononuclear cells isolated from 56 healthy controls.Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess overall survival(OS)and progression-or disease-free survival(DFS).Prognostic risk factors were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.RESULTS The AML group showed a VEGF level of 2.68±0.16.VEGF expression was lower in patients with AML-CR than those with AML-PR or AML-NR(P<0.05).TGFβ1 expression in the AML group was 0.33±0.05.Patients with AML-CR showed a higher TGFβ1 expression than those with AML-PR or AML-NR(P<0.05).VEGF and TGFβ1 expression in patients with AML was significantly correlated with the counts of leukocytes,platelets,hemoglobin,and peripheral blood immature cells(P<0.05);Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with high TGFβ1 expression had better OS and DFS than those with low TGFβ1 expression(P<0.05),whereas patients with low VEGF levels showed better OS and DFS than those with high VEGF levels(P<0.05).VEGF,TGFβ1,and platelet count were identified by the Cox proportional hazards model as independent risk factors for OS(P<0.05),while VEGF,TGFβ1,and white blood cell count were independent risk factors for DFS(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Decreased VEGF expression and increased TGFβ1 expression in patients with AML provide valuable references for determining and individualizing clinical treatment strategies.

Plasma Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Objective: In women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), decreased expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) has been shown in POP tissues. However, no studies have evaluated plasma TGF-β1 levels in patients with POP, so it is unknown whether they are also changed or not. Therefore, we compared plasma TGF-β1 levels in women with and without POP. Methods: Participants were 49 women with POP and 23 healthy control women. All participants were postmenopausal. We measured plasma TGF-β1 and compared data between patients with POP and controls, and between patients with uterine prolapse (UP, n = 19) and those with a cystocele (CC, n = 30). In addition, in patients, we assessed the POP quantification system (POP-Q) stage. Results: Plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in patients than in healthy controls. POP-Q stage was not significantly different between the UP and CC subgroups, but POP-Q stage IV was diagnosed in 63% of patients with UP and 7% of those with CC. Plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in the CC subgroup than in the UP subgroup. Conclusion: Plasma TGF-β1 is decreased in POP. It remains unclear whether the lower levels indicate a reduction in systemic TGF-β1 activity, but they can be assumed to reflect reduced TGF-β1 expression in POP tissues.

Platelet-rich plasma increases transforming growth factor-beta1 expression at graft-host interface following autologous osteochondral transplantation in a rabbit model

AIM: To explore the effect of platelet-rich plasma on protein expression patterns of transforming growth factor-beta1(TGF-β1) in cartilage following autologous osteochondral transplantation(AOT) in a rabbit knee cartilage defect model.METHODS: Twelve New Zealand white rabbits received bilateral AOT. In each rabbit, one knee was randomized to receive an autologous platelet rich plasma(PRP) injection and the contralateral knee received saline injection. Rabbits were euthanized at 3, 6 and 12 wk post-operatively. Articular cartilage sections were stained with TGF-β1 antibody. Histological regions of interest(ROI)(left, right and center of the autologous grafts interfaces) were evaluated using Meta Morph. Percentage of chondrocytes positive for TGF-β1 was then assessed.RESULTS: Percentage of chondrocytes positive for TGF-β1 was higher in PRP treated knees for selected ROIs(left; P = 0.03, center; P = 0.05) compared to control and was also higher in the PRP group at each post-operative time point(P = 6.6 × 10^(-4), 3.1 × 10^(-4) and 7.3 × 10^(-3) for 3, 6 and 12 wk, respectively). TGF-β1 expression was higher in chondrocytes of PRP-treated knees(36% ± 29% vs 15% ± 18%)(P = 1.8 × 10^(-6)) overall for each post-operative time point and ROI. CONCLUSION: Articular cartilage of rabbits treated with AOT and PRP exhibit increased TGF-β1 expression compared to those treated with AOT and saline. Our findings suggest that adjunctive PRP may increase TGF-β1 expression, which may play a role in the chondrogenic effect of PRP in vivo.

Metformin attenuates angiotensin II induced cardiac fibrosis and transforming growth factor-β1 production through the inhibition of hepatocyte nuclear factor4

Aim In diabetic patients, metformin appears to provide cardiovascular protection that cannot be attribu- ted only to its antihyperglycemic effects. Metformin is also known as the AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK） ac- tivator. Our previous study suggested that metformin inhibits transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） production in a mouse heart failure model of pressure overload. TGF-β1 is a key factor in cardiac fibrosis and is usually induced by Angiotensin Ⅱ （Ang Ⅱ ） in the pressure overload mouse models. This study investigated the effect of metformin on cardiac fibrosis and TGF-β production induced by AngII and the underlying mechanisms. Methods C57/BL6 wild-type and AMPKα2 knockout mice were used. AngII （3 mg · kg-1 · d-1） was infused subcutaneously into mice for 7 days. Adult mouse cardiac fibroblasts were isolated and treated with AngII （ 1 μmol · L-1） and/or met- formin （1 mmol · L-l）. Results In C57/BL6 mice, metformin inhibits AngII-induced cardiac fibrosis. In cardi-ac fibroblasts, metformin inhibits TGF-β1 expression and production induced by AngII. AMPK inhibitor, com- pound C, reversed the effects of metformin. In vivo, AMPKα2 deficiency further increases AngII-induced TGF-β1 production. In cardiac fibroblasts, metformin inhibited AngII induced hepatocyte nuclear factor4 （HNF4ot protein level increase and HNF4α binding with TGF-β1 promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. In vivo, AMPKα2 deficiency further increased AngII-induced HNF4α protein level. Using HNF4α adenovirus, overexpress- ing HNF4α led to a 1.5-fold increase in TGF-β1 mRNA expression. HNF4a siRNA blocked AngII induced TGF- β1 production. Luciferase reporter with deleted HNF4a binding sites showed decreased TGFbl transcriptional activ- ity induced by AngII. In AMPK or2-/- heart, the inhibition of metformin on HNF4a protein was attenuated. Con- clusion Metformin inhibits AngII induced cardiac fibrosis and TGF-β1 production through AMPK activation. The underlying mechanism is that AMPK activation inhibits AngII induced HNF4α and then decreases TGF-β1 expres- sion.

Vascular endothelial growth factor A, secreted in response to transforming growth factor-β1 under hypoxic conditions, induces autocrine effects on migration of prostate cancer cells

Hypoxia and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） increase vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA） expression in a number of malignancies. This effect of hypoxia and TGF-β1 might be responsible for tumor progression and metastasis of advanced prostate cancer. In the present study, TGF-β1 was shown to induce VEGFA165 secretion from both normal cell lines （HPV7 and RWPE1） and prostate cancer cell lines （DU 145 and PC3）. Conversely, hypoxia-stimulated VEGFA165 secretion was observed only in prostate cancer cell lines. Hypoxia induced TGF-β1 expression in PC3 prostate cancer cells, and the TGF-β1 type I receptor （ALK5） kinase inhibitor partially blocked hypoxia-mediated VEGFA16s secretion. This effect of hypoxia provides a novel mechanism to increase VEGFA expression in prostate cancer cells. Although autocrine signaling of VEGFA has been implicated in prostate cancer progression and metastasis, the associated mechanism is poorly characterized. VEGFA activity is mediated via VEGF receptor （VEGFR） 1 （Fit-l） and 2 （FIk-I/KDR）. Whereas VEGFR-1 mRNA was detected in normal prostate epithelial cells, VEGFR-2 mRNA and VEGFR protein were expressed only in PC3 cells. VEGFA165 treatment induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERKI/2） in PC3 cells but not in HPV7 cells, suggesting that the autocrine function of VEGFA may be uniquely associated with prostate cancer. Activation of VEGFR-2 by VEGFA165 was shown to enhance migration of PC3 cells. A similar effect was also observed with endogenous VEGFA induced by TGF-β1 and hypoxia. These findings illustrate that an autocrine loop of VEGFA via VEGFR-2 is critical for the tumorigenic effects of TGF-β1 and hypoxia on metastatic prostate cancers.

Expression of Transforming Growth Factor β_1 in Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Potential Utility in Molecular Tissue Engineering for Osteochondral Repair

Summary: The feasibility of using gene therapy to treat full-thickness articular cartilage defects was investigated with respect to the transfection and expression of exogenous transforming growth factor (TGF)-β 1 genes in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro. The full-length rat TGF-β 1 cDNA was transfected to MSCs mediated by lipofectamine and then selected with G418, a synthetic neomycin analog. The transient and stable expression of TGF-β 1 by MSCs was detected by using immunohistochemical staining. The lipofectamine-mediated gene therapy efficiently transfected MSCs in vitro with the TGF-β 1 gene causing a marked up-regulation in TGF-β 1 expression as compared with the vector-transfected control groups, and the increased expression persisted for at least 4 weeks after selected with G418. It was suggested that bone marrow-derived MSCs were susceptible to in vitro lipofectamine mediated TGF-β 1 gene transfer and that transgene expression persisted for at least 4 weeks. Having successfully combined the existing techniques of tissue engineering with the novel possibilities offered by modern gene transfer technology, an innovative concept, i.e. molecular tissue engineering, are put forward for the first time. As a new branch of tissue engineering, it represents both a new area and an important trend in research. Using this technique, we have a new powerful tool with which: (1) to modify the functional biology of articular tissue repair along defined pathways of growth and differentiation and (2) to affect a better repair of full-thickness articular cartilage defects that occur as a result of injury and osteoarthritis.

LOW DOSE PIRFENIDONE SUPPRESSES TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR BETA-1 AND TISSUE INHIBITOR OF METALLOPROTEINASE-1, AND PROTECTS RATS FROM LUNG FIBROSIS INDUCED BY BLEOMYCIN

Objective To investigate the optimal dosage of pirfenidone for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in Wistar rats, and the alteration of expressions of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β_ 1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in lung tissue. Methods Male Wistar rats were endotracheally instilled with bleomycin or normal saline. Pirfenidone (25-[KG*8]800 mg·kg -1·d -1), dexamethasone (3 mg/kg), or 1% carboxymethylcellulose sodium were given daily by feed 2 days before instillation of bleomycin. Groups T7 and T14 were fed pirfenidone 50 mg·kg -1·d -1 at 7 days or 14 days after bleomycin instillation. Lungs were harvested at 28 days after bleomycin instillation. Patholological changes in lung tissues were evaluated with HE staining. Lung collagen was stained by sirius red and measured by content of hydroxyproline. Expression of proteins of TGF-β_ 1, TIMP-1, and MMP-13 were detected by Western blotting. Results At doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg·kg -1·d -1, pirfenidone had significant anti-fibrotic effects for bleomycin-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis, and these effects were most significantly attenuated at the dosage of 50 mg·kg -1·d -1 (HE: P<0.01, P<0.01, and P=0.064; sirius red: P<0.05, P<0.01, and P<0.05; hydroxyproline: P=0.595, P<0.01, and P=0.976). Pirfenidone at a dosage of[KG*3]50 mg·kg -1·d -1 inhibited protein expression of TGF-β_ 1 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue in the early phase (0.79 and 0.75 times of control group), but had no effect on expression of MMP-13. Conclusion Low dose pirfenidone, especially at dosage of 50 mg·kg -1·d -1, has significant anti-fibrotic effects on bleomycin-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis. Pirfenidone partially inhibits the enhancement of the expression of TGF-β_ 1 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue.

Feedback regulation between phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate dependent Rac exchange factor 1 and transforming growth factor β1 and prognostic value in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate dependent Rac exchange factor 1(PREX1)was reported to be overexpressed in some cancers and involved in cancer development,but its expression and significance in gastric cancer remain unclear.AIM To evaluate the expression of PREX1 in gastric cancer and its significance in the development of gastric cancer,especially to evaluate the potential mechanism of PREX1 in gastric cancer.METHODS Bioinformatic analysis was performed in order to examine the expression of PREX1 in gastric cancer.The relationship between the survival rate of gastric cancer patients and PREX1 expression was assessed by Kaplan Meier portal.The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and the correlation between PREX1 and transforming growth factor(TGF)β1 pathway-related mediators were evaluated by cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics.Western blotting and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay were used to test the role of TGFβ1 on the expression of PREX1.Western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter system was used to evaluate the effect of PREX1 on the activation of TGFβ1 pathway.Wound healing and Transwell assay were used to assess the effect of PREX1 on the metastasis activity of gastric cancer cells.RESULTS PREX1 was overexpressed in the gastric tumors,and the expression levels were positively associated with the development of gastric cancer.Also,the high expression of PREX1 revealed poor prognosis,especially for those advanced and specific intestinal gastric cancer patients.PREX1 was closely involved in the positive regulation of cell adhesion and positively correlated with TGFβ1-related mediators.Furthermore,TGFβ1 could induce the expression of PREX1 at both the protein and mRNA level.Also,PREX1 could activate the TGFβ1 pathway.The induced PREX1 could increase the migration and invasion activity of gastric cancer cells.CONCLUSION PREX1 is overexpressed in gastric cancer,and the high level of PREX1 predicts poor prognosis.PREX1 is closely associated with TGFβsignaling and promotes the metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

Transactivation of the TIEG1 confers growth inhibition of transforming growth factor-β-susceptible hepatocellular carcinoma cells

AIM:To investigate the role of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β-inducible early gene 1(TIEG1) in TGF-β-induced growth inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells.METHODS:Human hepatocyte and HCC cell lines with varied susceptibilities to TGF-β1 were tested by methylthiazoletetrazolium(MTT) assay.The expression changes of Smad2,Smad3,Smad4,Smad7,TIEG1 and TIEG2 gene following treatment with TGF-β1 in a TGF-β-sensitive hepatocyte cell line(MIHA),a TGF-β-sensitive hepatoma cell line(Hep3B) and two TGF-β-insensitive hepatoma cell lines(HepG2 and Bel7404) were examined.SiRNA targeting TIEG1 was transfected into Hep3B cells and the sensitivity of cells to TGF-β1 was examined.Overexpression of TIEG1 was induced by lentiviral-mediated transduction in TGF-β1-resistant hepatoma cell lines(Bel7404 and HepG2).MTT assay and 4',6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole staining were used to identify cell viability and apoptosis,respectively.The expression level of stathmin was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western-blotting analysis,and stathmin promoter activity by TIEG1 was monitored by a luciferase reporter gene system.RESULTS:TIEG1 was significantly upregulated by TGF-β1 in the TGF-β1-sensitive HCC cell line,Hep3B,but not in the resistant cell lines.The suppression of TIEG1 by siRNAs decreased the sensitivity of Hep3B cells to TGF-β1,whereas the overexpression of TIEG1 mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis in TGF-β1-resistant HCC cell lines,which resembled those of TGF-β1-sensitive HCC cells treated with TGF-β1.Our data further suggested that stathmin was a direct target of TIEG1,as stathmin was signif icantly downregulated by TIEG1 overexpression,and stathmin promoter activity was inhibited by TIEG1 in a dose-dependent manner.CONCLUSION:Our data suggest that transactivation of TIEG1 conferred growth inhibition of TGF-β-susceptible human HCC cells.

Expression patterns of transforming growth factor-beta and its receptors in gastric mucosa of patients with refractory gastric ulcer

AIM: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a regulatory role in tissue repair. In a previous study, we found that TGF-β and its receptors were expressed in gastric mucosa of patients with well-healed gastric ulcers, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. To further characterize the role of TGF-β and its receptors in repairing gastric ulcers, we investigated the expression patterns of TGF-β and its receptors in gastric mucosa by in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).METHODS: Seventy-four patients with endoscopically proven gastric ulcers were eligible for participation in this study. All patients had routine biopsies on initial endoscopy and were then treated for 12 wk with an H2 blocker. Repeat endoscopy was then performed. There were 8 patients with poorly healed ulcers, and biopsies were taken from the margin of the residual ulcers. These tissue samples, along with biopsy of gastric mucosa near the original ulcers from 8 randomly selected patients with well-healed ulcers were examined for TGF-β and TGF-β receptor Ⅱ mRNA by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization, as well as immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: TGF-β and TGF-β receptor Ⅱ were strongly expressed in tissues from patients with well-healed ulcers.Four of the 8 patients with poor healing had low or absent expression of TGF-β or TGF-β receptor Ⅱ mRNA. All cases positive by RT-PCR assay were confirmed by in situ hybridization as well as immunohistochemistry.CONCLUSION: It is suggested that TGF-β and its receptors are important for gastric ulcer healing. These results may have implications for further investigation of the healing process and in predicting response to therapy.

Quantitative analysis of transforming growth factor beta 1 mRNA in patients with alcoholic liver disease

AIM: To investigate the expression of the transforminggrowth factor beta 1 (TGF- beta 1 ) mRNA in different stagesof alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and its clinical value.METHODS: One hundred and seven male alcoholics weregrouped by clinical findings into four groups: alcoholabusers without liver impairment (n=22 ), alcoholicsteatosis ( n = 30 ); alcoholic hepatitis ( n = 31 ); andalcoholic cirrhosis ( n = 24 ) Using peripheral bloodmononuclear cells(PBMC) as samples the gene expressionof TGF-beta 1 was examined quantitatively by reversetranscription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and dotblot. There are 34 healthy subjects served as control.RESULTS: The expression of TGF-beta 1 from all ALDpatients was significantly greater than that in controls ( 1. 320± 1.162 vs 0.808±0.276, P＜0.001). The differences of theexpressions were significant between the patients from eachgroups ( alcoholic steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis andalcoholic cirrhosis) and the controls ( 1. 168 ± 0.852, 1.462 ±1.657, 1.329± 0.610 vs 0.808 ± 0.276, P＜ 0.050). Nosignificant differences of TGF -beta 1 mRNA expression wereobserved between alcohol abusers without liver impairmentand controls. The expressions in patients with alcoholichepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis were significantly greaterthan that in alcohol abusers respectively (1.462 ± 1. 657, 1.329 ± 0. 610 vs 0. 841 ± 0. 706, P ＜ 0. 050). No significantdifferences of TGF -beta 1 mRNA expression were observedbetween alcoholic fatty liver men and alcohol abusers.CONCLUSION: TGF-beta 1 expression level can be a riskfactor for alcoholic liver disease and might be related to theinflammatory activity and fibrosis of the liver in patients .

Effects of transforming growth factor β2 and connective tissue growth factor on induction of epithelial mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix synthesis in human lens epithelial cells

AIM:To Investigate the effects of transforming growth factorβ2(TGF-β2)and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)on transdifferentiation of human lens epithelial cells(HLECs)cultured in vitro and synthesis of extracellular matrix(ECM).METHODS:HLECs were treated with TGF-β2(0,0.5,1.0,5,10μg/L)and CTGF(0,15,30,60,100μg/L)for different times(0,24,48,72h)in vitro and the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),the main component of the extracellular matrix typeⅠcollagen(Col-1)and fibronectin(Fn)were measured by using real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and western-blot.RESULTS:TGF-β2 and CTGF significantly increased expression ofα-SMA mRNA and protein(P【0.05,P【0.001),Fn mRNA and protein(P【0.001),Col-1 mRNA and protein(P【0.001).TGF-β2 could induce HLECs expression of CTGF mRNA and protein in dosedependent manner(P【0.05,P【0.001).TGF-β2 and CTGF could induce HLECs to expressα-SMA,Fn and Col-1 in time-dependent manner.Each time of TGF-β2and CTGF induced HELCs expression ofα-SMA,Fn,Col-1 mRNA and protein was significant increase compared with control(P【0.05,P【0.001).CONCLUSION:TGF-β2 and CTGF could induce HLECs epithelial mesenchymal transition and ECM synthesis.

Transforming growth factor-β and toll-like receptor-4 polymorphisms are not associated with fibrosis in haemochromatosis

AIM:To investigate the role of genetic polymorphisms in the progression of hepatic fibrosis in hereditary haemochromatosis.METHODS:A cohort of 245 well-characterised C282Y homozygous patients with haemochromatosis was studied,with all subjects having liver biopsy data and DNA available for testing.This study assessed the association of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in a total of six genes including toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β),oxoguanine DNA glycosylase,monocyte chemoattractant protein 1,chemokine C-C motif receptor 2 and interleukin-10 with liver disease severity.Genotyping was performed using high resolution melt analysis and sequencing.The results were analysed in relation to the stage of hepatic fibrosis in multivariate analysis incorporating other cofactors including alcohol consumption and hepatic iron concentration.RESULTS:There were significant associations between the cofactors of male gender(P=0.0001),increasing age(P=0.006),alcohol consumption(P=0.0001),steatosis(P=0.03),hepatic iron concentration(P<0.0001)and the presence of hepatic fibrosis.Of the candidate gene polymorphisms studied,none showed a significant association with hepatic fibrosis in univariate or multivariate analysis incorporating cofactors.We also specifically studied patients with hepatic iron loading above threshold levels for cirrhosis and compared the genetic polymorphisms between those with no fibrosis vs cirrhosis however there was no significant effect from any of the candidate genes studied.Importantly,in this large,well characterised cohort of patients there was no association between SNPs for TGF-βor TLR4and the presence of fibrosis,cirrhosis or increasing fibrosis stage in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION:In our large,well characterised group of haemochromatosis subjects we did not demonstrate any relationship between candidate gene polymorphisms and hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 and transforming growth factor-beta1 mechanisms in acute valvular response to supra-physiologic hemodynamic stresses

AIM:To explore ex vivo the role of bone morphogenetic protein-4(BMP-4) and transforming growth factorbeta1(TGF-β1) in acute valvular response to fluid shear stress(FSS) abnormalities.METHODS:Porcine valve leaflets were subjected ex vivo to physiologic FSS,supra-physiologic FSS magnitude at normal frequency and supra-physiologic FSS frequency at normal magnitude for 48 h in a double-sided cone-and-plate bioreactor filled with standard culture medium. The role of BMP-4 and TGF-β1 in the valvular response was investigated by promoting or inhibiting the downstream action of those cytokines via culture medium supplementation with BMP-4 or the BMP antagonist noggin,and TGF-β1 or the TGF-β1 inhibitor SB-431542,respectively. Fresh porcine leaflets were used as controls. Each experimental group consisted of six leaflet samples. Immunostaining and immunoblotting were performed to assess endothelial activation in terms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expressions,paracrine signaling in terms of BMP-4 and TGF-β1 expressions and extracellular matrix(ECM) remodeling in terms of cathepsin L,cathepsin S,metalloproteinases(MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expressions. Immunostained images were quantified by normalizing the intensities of positively stained regions by the number of cells in each image while immunoblots were quantified by densitometry. R E S U LT S :Regardless of the culture medium,physiologic FSS maintained valvular homeostasis. Tissue exposure to supra-physiologic FSS magnitude in standard medium stimulated paracrine signaling(TGF-β1:467% ± 22% vs 100% ± 6% in freshcontrols,BMP-4:258% ± 22% vs 100% ± 4% in fresh controls; P < 0.05) and ECM degradation(MMP-2:941% ± 90% vs 100% ± 19% in fresh controls,MMP-9:1219% ± 190% vs 100% ± 16% in fresh controls,cathepsin L:1187% ± 175% vs 100% ± 12% in fresh controls,cathepsin S:603% ± 88% vs 100% ± 13% in fresh controls; P < 0.05),while BMP-4 supplementation also promoted fibrosa activation and TGF-β1 inhibition reduced MMP-9 expression to the native tissue level(MMP-9:308% ± 153% with TGF-β1 inhibition vs 100% ± 16% in fresh control; P > 0.05). Supra-physiologic FSS frequency had no effect on endothelial activation and paracrine signaling regardless of the culture medium but TGF-β1 silencing attenuated FSS-induced ECM degradation via MMP-9 downregulation(MMP-9:302% ± 182% vs 100% ± 42% in fresh controls; P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:Valvular tissue is sensitive to FSS abnormalities. The TGF-β1 inhibitor SB-431542 is a potential candidate molecule for attenuating the effects of FSS abnormalities on valvular remodeling.

Effects of Tanshinone ⅡA on Transforming Growth Factor β1-Smads Signal Pathway in Renal Interstitial Fibroblasts of Rats

The effects of tanshinone ⅡA （TSN） on transforming growth factor β1 （TGFβ1） signal transduction in renal interstitial fibroblasts of rats were studied in order to investigate its mechanism in prevention of renal interstitial fibrosis. Rat renal fibroblasts of the line NRK/49F were cultured in vitro, stimulated with 5 ng/mL TGFβ1 and pretreated with 10-6, 10-5, 10-4 mol/L TSN respectively. The mRNA levels of fibronectin （FN） were examined by RT-PCR. The protein expression of FN and Smads was detected by Western blot. TGFβ1 induced the expression of FN mRNA and Smads in a time-dependent manner in a certain range. Compared with pre-stimulation, the FN mRNA and protein levels were increased by 1.1 times and 1.5 times respectively （P〈0.01, P〈0.01）, and the protein expression of phosphorylated Smad2/3 （p-Smad2/3） increased by 7 times at the end of TGFβ1 stimulation （P〈0.01）. TSN pretreatment may down-regulate the FN and p-Smad2/3 expression in a dose-dependent manner. 10-6 mol/L TSN pretreatment had no effect on the FN and p-Smad2/3 expression （both P〉0.05）. After pretreatment with 10-5 and 10-4 mol/L TSN, the FN mRNA levels were decreased by 28.1% and 43.8% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）, the FN protein levels were decreased by 40% and 44% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.05）, and the p-Smad2/3 protein expression were decreased by 40% and 65% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. The inhibitory effect of TSN on renal interstitial fibrosis may be related to its blocking effect on TGFβ1-Smads signal pathway in renal intersti- tial fibroblasts.

Two mutations in the transforming growth factor beta-induced gene associated with familial Lattice corneal dystrophy

AIM：To report a phenotypic variant pedigree of lattice corneal dystrophy（LCD）associated with two mutations,R124C and A546 D,in the transforming growth factor betainduced gene（TGFBI）.METHODS：A detailed ocular examination was taken for all participants of a LCD family. Peripheral blood leukocytes from each participant were extracted to obtain the DNA. Polymerase chain reaction（PCR）of all seventeen exons of TGFBI gene was performed. The products were sequenced and analyzed. Histological examination was carried out after a penetrating keratoplasty from the right eye of proband. RESULTS：Genetic analysis showed that the proband and all 6 affected individuals harbored both a heterozygous CGC to TGC mutation at codon 124 and a heterozygous GCC to GAC mutation at codon 546 of TGFBI. None of the 100 control subjects and unaffected family members was positive for these two mutations. Ocular examination displayed multiple refractile lattice-like opacities in anterior stroma of the central cornea and small granular deposits in the peripheral cornea. The deposits were stained positively with Congo red indicating be amyloid in nature and situated mainly in the anterior and middle stroma. CONCLUSION：We observed a novel LCD family which carried two pathogenic mutations（R124C and A546D）in the TGFBI gene. The phenotypic features were apparently different from those associated with corresponding single mutations. The result reveals that although the definite mutation is the most important genetic cause of the disease,some different modifier alleles may influence the phenotype.

Relationship of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Arginase-1 Levels with Long-term Survival after Kidney Transplantation

In this study, we compared the serum levels of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, interleukin-10 （IL-10）, and arginase-1 in long-term survival kidney transplant recipients （LTSKTRs） with those in short-term survival kidney transplant recipients （STSKTRs）. We then evaluated the relationship between these levels and graft function. Blood samples were collected from 50 adult LTSKTRs and 20 STSKTRs （graft survival approximately 1-3 years post-transplantation）. All patients had stable kidney function. The samples were collected at our institution during the patients＇ follow-up examinations between March 2017 and September 2017. The plasma levels of TGF-β1, IL- 10, and arginase- 1 were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays （ELISA）. The levels of TGF-β1 and arginase-1 were significantly higher in the LTSKTRs than in the STSKTRs. The time elapsed since transplantation was positively correlated with the levels of TGF-β1 and arginase-1 in the LTSKTRs. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was positively correlated with the TGF-β1 level, and the serum creatinine level was negatively correlated with the TGF-β1 level. Higher serum levels of TGF-β1 and arginase-1 were found in LTSKTRs than in STSKTRs, and we found that TGF-β1 was positively correlated with long-term graft survival and function. Additionally, TGF-β1 and arginase-1 levels were positively correlated with the time elapsed since transplantation. On the basis of these findings, TGF-β1 and arginase- 1 may play important roles in determining long-term graft survival. Thus, we propose that TGF-β1 and arginase-1 may potentially be used as predictive markers for evaluating long-term graft survival.

Osteogenic Potential of Cultured Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Transfected with Transforming Growth Factor β_1 Gene in vitro

To study the osteogenic potential of cultured bone marrow stromal cells transfected with transforming growth factor β 1 gene in vitro , cultured BMSCs were transfected with the complexes of pcDNA 3 TGF β 1 and Lipofectamine Reagent in vitro . The cell proliferation was detected by MTT method and the morphological features of transfected BMSCs was observed. ALP stains and PNP method were used to measure ALP activity. In addition, the collagen type Ⅰ propeptides and mineralized matrixes were examined by immunohistochemical staining and tetracycline fluorescence labeling respectively. The morphological and biological characters of the transfected BMSCs were similar to those of osteoblasts and the cell proliferation was promoted. The cell layer displayed strong positive reaction for ALP stains and immunohistochemical staining. ALP activity and collagen type Ⅰ expression increased remarkably after transfection. Mineralized matrixes formed earlier and more in transfected BMSCs as compared with control group. It is concluded that transfecting with TGF β 1 gene could promote the osteogenic potential of cultured BMSCs.

Expression and clinical significance of dendritic cell and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in cervical cancer

Objective:To explore the density and mature status of Dendritic cell(DC) in cervical cancer and correlation with the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1).Methods:Streptavidin-peroxidase(SP) immunohistochemistry methods were used to detect S-100 DC and the expression of TGF-β1 in 20 normal cervical tissues and 53 cervical cancer tissues without any sort of chemotherapy or radiation therapy prior to resection.Medical records were reviewed,clinicopathological variables were retrieved and used for analysis.Results:Two types of DC were observed under the microscope.The expression of DC in cervical cancer was significantly higher than that in normal tissues(23.34 cells/mm^2 vs 29.91 cells/mm^2,P<0.05),and significantly higher in early stage than that in advanced stage(P<0.05).The expression of TGF-β1 was significantly higher in cervical cancer than that in normal tissues (P<0.025).However,there was no correaction between TGF-β1 and lymph nodes metastasis.The index of DC in cervical cancer was negatively correlated to the expression of TGF-β1 in tumor cells (r=-0.8875,P=0.0001).Conclusion:Maturation of DC in cervical cancer is inhibited.The decreased number of DC and the higher expression of TGF-β1 are due to the failure of the immunity,these may play an important role in the development of the cervical cancer.

Correlation between expression of two transforming growth factor-beta 1 receptors and microvascular density in a rat model of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury

The effects of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） are currently controversial. Whether TGF-β1 promotes or inhibits revascularization under different conditions remains poorly understood. Based on previous studies, the current experiment established rat models of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury （IRI）, and demonstrated that pathological and functional damage was also increased after IRI. The most serious damage was observed at 3 days after reperfusion, at which time microvascular density fell to its lowest level. Soon afterwards, microvascular density increased, new collateral circulation was gradually established at 4 to 7 days after reperfusion, and pathological damage and neurological deficits were improved. TGF-β1, activin receptor-like kinase 5 （ALK5） mRNA and protein expression levels increased gradually over time. In contrast, ALK1 mRNA and protein expression decreased over the same period. A significant negative correlation was detected between microvascular density and expression of the ALK5 gene transcript. There was no correlation between microvascular density and ALK1 gene transcriptional expression following cerebral IRI in a rat model. These findings suggest that ALK5, rather than ALK1, is the critical receptor in the TGF-β1 signal pathways after cerebral IRI.