Cinobufotalin prevents bone loss induced by ovariectomy in mice through the BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways

Background:Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease characterized by bone loss and decreased bone strength.However,current anti-resorptive drugs carry a risk of various complications.The deep learning-based efficacy prediction system(DLEPS)is a forecasting tool that can effectively compete in drug screening and prediction based on gene expression changes.This study aimed to explore the protective effect and potential mechanisms of cinobufotalin(CB),a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),on bone loss.Methods:DLEPS was employed for screening anti-osteoporotic agents according to gene profile changes in primary osteoporosis.Micro-CT,histological and morphological analysis were applied for the bone protective detection of CB,and the osteogenic differentiation/function in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(hBMMSCs)were also investigated.The underlying mechanism was verified using qRT-PCR,Western blot(WB),immunofluorescence(IF),etc.Results:A safe concentration(0.25mg/kg in vivo,0.05μM in vitro)of CB could effectively preserve bone mass in estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss and promote osteogenic differentiation/function of hBMMSCs.Both BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways participated in CB-induced osteogenic differentiation,further regulating the expression of osteogenesis-associated factors,and ultimately promoting osteogenesis.Conclusion:Our study demonstrated that CB could significantly reverse estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss,further promoting osteogenic differentiation/function of hBMMSCs,with BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways involved.

Electroacupuncture improves myocardial fibrosis in heart failure rats by attenuating ECM collagen deposition through modulation of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway

Background: To explore the effects of electroacupuncture on cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis in rat models of heart failure, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of electroacupuncture in heart failure treatment. Methods: Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into three groups: Sham group, Model group, and electroacupuncture (Model + EA) group, with each group comprising 8 rats. The model underwent a procedure involving the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce a model of heart failure. The Model + EA group was used for 7 consecutive days for electroacupuncture of bilateral Shenmen (HT7) and Tongli (HT5), once a day for 30 min each time. Left ventricular parameters in rats were assessed using a small-animal ultrasound machine to analyze changes in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular fractional shortening. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cardiac troponin (cTn), and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor levels were measured using ELISA. Histopathological changes in rat myocardium were observed through HE staining, while collagen deposition in rat myocardial tissue was assessed using the Masson staining method. Picro sirius red staining, immunohistochemical staining, and RT-qPCR were utilized to distinguish between the various types of collagen deposition. The expression level of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3/4/7 mRNA in rat myocardial tissues was determined using RT-qPCR. Additionally, western blot analysis was conducted to assess the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, SMAD3/7, and p-SMAD3 in rat myocardial tissues. Results: Compared with the Sham group, the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening values of the Model group were significantly decreased (P < 0.01);the left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular end-systolic volume values were remarkably increased (P < 0.01);serum N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor content was increased (P < 0.01);serum IL-1β and cTn levels were increased (P < 0.01);myocardial collagen volume fraction were increased (P < 0.01);and those of the expression of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3/4 mRNA was increased (P < 0.01);the expression of SMAD7 mRNA was decreased (P < 0.01);the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, SMAD3, and p-Smad3 were increased (P < 0.01);the protein expression level of SMAD7 was decreased (P < 0.01) in the Model group. Compared to the Model group, the expression levels of the proteins TGF-β1, SMAD3, and p-Smad3 in myocardial tissue were found to be decreased (P < 0.01), and the expression level of the protein SMAD7 was found to be increased (P < 0.01) in the Model + EA group;the collagen volume fraction and deposition of type Ⅰ /Ⅲ collagen were decreased (P < 0.01) in the Model + EA group. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture alleviates myocardial fibrosis in rats with heart failure, and this effect is likely due to attributed to the modulation of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, which helps reduce collagen deposition in the extracellular matrix.

Xinfuli Granule improves post-myocardial infarction ventricular remodelingand myocardial fibrosis in rats by regulating TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway

Recent clinical and experimental studies have confirmed the effects of Xinfuli Granule (XG), a compound Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of heart failure (HF). This study aimed to investigate the effects and the mechanisms of XG on ventricular reconstruction in rats with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).MethodsSprague-Dawley rats were subjected to left anterior descending branch ligation. The rats that survived 24 h were randomly assigned to five groups: medium-dose of XG group (MI+XGM), high-dose of XG group (MI+XGH), carvedilol group (MI+C), medium-dose of XG + carvedilol group (MI+C+XGM). Fourteen rats underwent identical surgical procedures without artery ligation, serving as sham controls. At 28 days, left ventricular weight to body weight (LVW/BW) and heart weight to body weight (HW/BW) were calculated; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular shortening fraction (LVFS), left ventricular internal diameter at systole (LVIDS) were measured by ultrasound; HE staining, Masson staining, and Sirius red staining were used to assess the myocardial pathological and physiological changes as well as myocardial fibrosis area and non-infarct zone I/III collagen ratio. Expression of Smad3 were detected and analyzed by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. P-Smad3, Smad2 and Smad7 in the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway were also analyzed by Western blot.ResultsThe LVIDS (P < 0.01), HW/BW (P < 0.05), type I/III collagen ratio (P < 0.01) and myocardial collagen (P < 0.01) decreased significantly while the LVW/BW, LVFS (P < 0.05) increased significantly in MI+XGM group as compared with those in other groups. The expression of key signal molecules of the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway, including Smad3, P-Smad3 and Smad2 protein were decreased, while the expression of Smad7 increased in both XG and carvedilol treatment groups as compared to those of the MI group (all P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence further confirmed the down-regulated Smad3 expression.ConclusionXG can improve ventricular reconstruction and inhibit myocardial fibrosis in rats with AMI by regulating TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway.

Berberine Attenuates Cigarette Smoke Extract-induced Airway Inflammation in Mice:Involvement of TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway

Although several studies confirmed that berberine may attenuate airway inflammation in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),its underlying mechanisms were not clear until now.We aimed to establish an experiment mouse model for COPD and to investigate the effects of berberine on airway inflammation and its possible mechanism in COPD model mice induced by cigarette smoke extract(CSE).Twenty SPF C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into PBS control group,COPD model group,low-dose berberine group and high-dose berberine group,5 mice in each group.The neutrophils and macrophages were examined by Wright's staining.The levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were detennined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expression levels of TGF-β1,Smad2 and Smad3 mRNA and proteins in lung tissues were respectively detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.It was found that CSE increased the number of inflammation cells in BALF,elevated lung inflammation scores,and enhanced the TGF-β1/Smads signaling activity in mice.High-dose berberine restrained the alterations in the COPD mice induced by CSE.It was concluded that high-dose berberine ameliorated CSE-induced airway inflammation in COPD mice.TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway might be involved in the mechanism.These findings suggested a therapeutic potential of high-dose berberine on the CSE-induced airway inflammation.

Smad7 dependent expression signature highlights BMP2 and HK2 signaling in HSC transdifferentiation

AIM: To analyse the influence of Smad7, antagonist of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β canonical signaling pathways on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) transdifferentia-tion in detail. METHODS: We systematically analysed genes regulated by TGF-β/Smad7 in activated HSCs by microarray analy-sis and validated the results using real time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: We identif ied 100 known and unknown tar-gets underlying the regulation of Smad7 expression and delineated 8 gene ontology groups. Hk2, involved in glycolysis, was one of the most downregulated proteins, while BMP2, activator of the Smad1/5/8 pathway, was extremely upregulated by Smad7. However, BMP2 de-pendent Smad1 activation could be inhibited in vitro by Smad7 overexpression in HSCs. CONCLUSION: We conclude (1) the existence of a tight crosstalk of TGF-β and BMP2 pathways in HSCs and (2) a Smad7 dependently decreased sugar metabolism ameliorates HSC activation probably by energy with-drawal.

基于TGF-β/BMP/Smad信号通路治疗激素性股骨头坏死中医药研究进展

激素性股骨头坏死(steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,SIONFH)是由于糖皮质激素使用不当或过度而引起的髋关节疾病,发病机制尚未统一,临床疗效亦不佳。当前,没有效果明确的药物可以延缓疾病进程,而中医药治疗SIONFH在临床上取得一定疗效。即便如此,仍未能完整的从分子生物及细胞生物学角度阐明中药治疗SIONFH的作用机制。转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)/骨形态发生蛋白(BMP)/Smad信号通路的转导是防治SIONFH的研究热点之一,故该文阐明了该信号通路的转导机制以及与SIONFH的联系,检索了基于该通路治疗SIONFH的全部中药及复方并阐述其影响机制。基于中医对SIONFH的认识,现临床上使用补肝肾强筋骨以及活血祛瘀通络类的方药治疗SIONFH,且具有良好的疗效。中药通过调控该通路,可刺激骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化,降低破骨细胞含量,减少脂肪生成,改善微循环,抗氧化损伤,促进股骨头内血管新生,从而促进股骨头损伤的修复。现基于TGF-β/BMP/Smad信号通路对中医药治疗SIONFH的研究进展做一综述,期许为中医药治疗SIONFH提供理论依据及参考。

系统性红斑狼疮模型鼠骨BMP/Smads信号通路状态的研究

目的 :探讨狼疮鼠(MRL/lpr)骨BMP/Smads信号通路表达情况。方法 :分离小鼠股骨制备组织切片,常规苏木素-伊红(HE)染色,观察骨质情况;免疫组化观察骨组织中骨形态发生蛋白-2(bone morphogenetic protein-2,BMP-2)表达;密度梯度离心法和贴壁筛选法分离培养骨髓间充质干细胞(bone marrow masenchymal stem cells,BMMSCs),细胞爬片后免疫荧光法观察BMP-2、p-Smad1/5/8蛋白表达情况;BMP-2诱导BMMSCs向成骨细胞分化,RT-PCR法检测BMMSCs ALP、Runx2基因m RNA水平,ALP染色鉴定早期成骨情况。结果:狼疮鼠骨皮质较正常鼠减少,皮质骨占骨体积比例较正常鼠减低(P<0.01);狼疮鼠股骨BMP-2表达与正常鼠无明显差别(P>0.05);细胞免疫荧光显示狼疮鼠BMMSCs BMP-2、p-Smad1/5/8表达减弱(P<0.05);狼疮鼠BMMSCs BMP-2刺激7 d后ALP活性较正常鼠减低,BMP-2刺激3 d后ALP m RNA水平较正常鼠减弱(P<0.01),Runx2 m RNA水平较正常鼠无明显差别(P>0.05)。结论 :狼疮鼠骨BMP/Smads信号通路处于抑制状态。

富血小板血浆联合骨髓间充质干细胞对兔股骨头坏死BMP-2/Smads通路的影响

目的研究富血小板血浆联合骨髓间充质干细胞对兔股骨头坏死BMP-2/Smads通路的影响。方法随机将40只新西兰兔随机分为模型组、富血小板血浆(3%)组、骨髓间充质干细胞(1×106/m L)组、富血小板血浆(3%)+骨髓间充质干细胞(1×106/m L)组。建立兔股骨头坏死模型,术后4w分别向各组股骨头内髓芯减压后注射富血小板血浆、骨髓间充质干细胞。另设空白组10只新西兰兔。空白组与模型组不注射任何物质作为对照。造模后第14周,取材。通过HE染色观察兔股骨头骨髓腔内的病理学及骨陷窝空缺率变化情况。酶联免疫(ELISA)法检测血清中血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的含量。蛋白免疫印迹(Western blot)法检测股骨头中BMP-2、Smad1、Smad5、Runx2的蛋白水平的变化。结果与模型组相比,各治疗组骨髓腔内骨小梁变粗,脂肪细胞减少,骨细胞增多,骨陷窝空缺率降低(P<0.05);各治疗组兔血清VEGF的含量增加,股骨头中BMP-2、Smad1、Smad5、Runx2的蛋白水平提高。结论富血小板血浆与骨髓间充质干细胞可调节BMP-2/Smads信号通路,促进股骨头骨细胞增殖,减少骨陷窝空缺率。

基于miRNA21-5p调控TGF-β1/Smads信号通路探讨苓桂气化方抗射血分数保留心力衰竭心肌纤维化的机制

目的基于miRNA21-5p调控转化生长因子-β1(transforming growth factor beta 1,TGF-β1)/Smads信号通路探讨苓桂气化方抗射血分数保留心力衰竭(heart failure with preserved ejection fraction,HFpEF)心肌纤维化的机制。方法40只4周龄自发性高血压大鼠(spontaneously hypertensive rats,SHR)平均分为HFpEF组、沙库巴曲缬沙坦组(LCZ696,0.018 g·kg^(-1))、苓桂气化方低剂量组(LGQH-L,3.87 g·kg^(-1))和苓桂气化方高剂量组(LGQH-H,7.74 g·kg^(-1)),给予高脂、高盐及高糖饮食16周及腹腔注射链脲霉素溶液8周建立HFpEF大鼠模型。10只威斯塔京都(Wistar Kyoto,WKY)大鼠和10只SHR大鼠作为对照组,以普通饲料喂养至实验结束。造模成功后,WKY、SHR和HFpEF组给予等剂量生理盐水,其他3组按照预先规定的干预措施,每天灌胃1次,持续6周。干预结束后,行超声心动图测量左心室(left ventricle,LV)前壁厚度(LV end-diastolic anterior wall thickness,LVAWd)、LV后壁厚度(LV end-diastolic posterior wall thickness,LVPWd)、LV舒张末内径(LV end-diastolic internal diameter,LVIDd)、LV射血分数(LV ejection fraction,LVEF)、LV舒张早期二尖瓣流入峰值速度(E)、舒张晚期二尖瓣流入峰值速度(A)和LV舒张早期二尖瓣环运动速度(e'),并计算E/A和E/e';酶联免疫吸附试验检测血清心房钠尿肽(atrial natriuretic peptide,ANP)、B型利钠肽(B-type brain natriuretic peptide,BNP)及半乳糖凝集素3(Galectin-3,Gal-3);病理切片进行苏木精伊红及马松染色观察心肌肥厚及纤维化,并计算LV室壁厚度(LV wall thickness,LVWT)、胶原体积分数(collagen volume fraction,CVF)及血管周围纤维化比率(perivascular fibrosis ratio,PFR);实时定量聚合酶链反应检测LV心肌miRNA21-5p及TGF-β1/Smads信号通路相关mRNA表达;蛋白印迹检测LV心肌TGF-β1/Smads信号通路相关蛋白表达。结果与对照组比较,HFpEF组的LVAWd、LVPWd、LVIDd、E/A、E/e'、ANP、BNP、Gal-3、LVWT、CVF和PFR显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01);LV心肌miR-NA21-5,α-SMA、CollⅠ、CollⅢ、TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3 mRNA表达和α-SMA、CollⅠ、CollⅢ、TGF-β1、P-Smad2/3蛋白表达显著上调(P<0.05或P<0.01);Smad7 mRNA及蛋白表达显著下调(P<0.05或P<0.01)。与HFpEF组比较,苓桂气化方呈剂量依赖性减少LVAWd、LVPWd、LVIDd、E/A、E/e'、ANP、BNP、Gal-3、LVWT、CVF和PFR(P<0.05或P<0.01);下调miRNA21-5p,α-SMA、CollⅠ、CollⅢ、TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3 mRNA表达和α-SMA、CollⅠ、GF-β1、P-Smad2/3蛋白表达(P<0.05或P<0.01);上调Smad7 mRNA及蛋白表达(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论苓桂气化方可能通过靶向miRNA21-5p调控TGF-β1/Smads信号通路抑制心肌纤维化,从而减轻HFpEF大鼠LV重塑和舒张功能障碍,是治疗HFpEF的有效中药复方。

丹酚酸A对慢性肾衰竭大鼠BMP-7/Smads/TGF-β1信号通路的调控作用

目的:观察丹酚酸A对5/6肾切除(Platt法)大鼠肾组织骨形态发生蛋白-7(BMP-7)、转化生长因子β_1(TGF-β_1)/Smads信号通路的调节作用。方法:将40只大鼠随机分为:假手术组、模型组、丹酚酸A组、科素亚组,采用Platt法复制慢性肾衰竭大鼠模型,术后8周分别观察大鼠肾组织BMP-7、Smad6、TGF-β_1蛋白及基因的表达,p-Smad2/3、p-Smad1/5/8的蛋白表达。结果:各治疗组大鼠肾组织BMP-7、Smad6、p-Smad1/5/8的表达较模型组升高(P<0.01 or P<0.05),TGF-β_1、p-Smad2/3的表达较模型组明显减弱(P<0.01 or P<0.05)。结论:丹酚酸A可能是通过诱导BMP-7、Smad6、p-Smad1/5/8蛋白表达,抑制p-Smad2/3蛋白表达,调节BMP-7/Smads/TGF-β_1信号通路,抑制了TGF-β_1信号向细胞核内转导的通路,从而抑制细胞外基质增生,起到延缓肾纤维化的作用。

芪蛭降糖胶囊对糖尿病肾病大鼠肾组织BMP-7及TGF-β_1/smads信号传导通路的影响

目的：观察芪蛭降糖胶囊对糖尿病肾病（diabetic nephropathy,DN）大鼠肾组织骨形成蛋白-7（bone morpho-genetic protein-7,BMP-7）及转化生长因子（transforming growth factor,TGF）-β1/Smads信号传导通路的影响。方法：48只清洁级雄性Wistar大鼠按体重随机抽取40只,采用切除右肾加腹腔注射链脲菌素（ streptozotocin,STZ）的方法制备DN模型,另外8只大鼠行右肾假切术。造模成功后按尿微量白蛋白（ microAlbumin,mAlb）高低,两头随机抽取分为模型组、缬沙坦对照组、芪蛭降糖胶囊低剂量组、芪蛭降糖胶囊高剂量组。成模2 d起各组给予相应浓度和剂量的药物,给药12周时观察DN大鼠尿mAlb、α1微球蛋白（α1-MG）和血清肌酐（ Scr）、尿素氮（ BUN）。然后,处死所有动物,肾组织行HE染色、PAS染色和Masson染色,观察肾组织病理变化并半定量计算肾小管损伤指数（tubulointerstitial injury index,TII）,免疫组化法检测BMP-7、TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad7在肾组织的表达。结果：给药12周后,模型组大鼠尿 mAlb、α1-MG较假手术组显著增多（ P 〈0.01）,3个治疗组DN大鼠尿mAlb、α1-MG较模型组明显减少（P〈0.01）,2个中药治疗组的上述4项指标亦较对照组降低（P〈0.05-0.01）,且呈剂量依赖性。模型组大鼠Scr、BUN亦较假手术组显著升高（P〈0.01）,对照组与模型组相比无明显变化（P〉0.05）,但2个中药治疗组较模型组明显降低（P〈0.05-0.01）。 HE染色显示,3个治疗组大鼠肾组织病理损害明显减轻,2个中药治疗组大鼠肾组织病理改善比对照组更明显；PAS染色进行TII评分发现,3个治疗组大鼠TII显著低于模型组（P〈0.01）,2个中药治疗组TII明显低于对照组（P〈0.05-0.01）；Masson染色观察发现,3个实验组大鼠肾小管间质病变明显轻于模型组,2个中药治疗组大鼠肾小管间质病变轻于对照组；免疫组化法染色并对其灰度值测定发现,3个治疗组大鼠TGF-β1、Smad2在肾组织的表达低于模型组（P〈0.01）,2个中药治疗组大鼠TGF-β1、Smad2在肾组织的表达低于对照组（P〈0.05-0.01）；3个治疗组大鼠BMP-7、Smad7在肾脏组织的表达高于模型组（P〈0.01）,2个中药治疗组大鼠BMP-7、Smad7在肾组织的表达高于对照组（P〈0.05-0.01）。结论：芪蛭降糖胶囊可能通过干预BMP-7/TGF-β1/Smads信号转导通路抑制了TGF-β1信号的细胞内转导,而对DN肾间质纤维化起到治疗作用。

肾衰泻浊丸对慢性肾衰竭大鼠BMP-7/Smads/TGF-β_1信号转导通路的影响

目的:通过实验研究观察肾衰泻浊丸对腺嘌呤致慢性肾衰竭(CRF)大鼠BMP-7/Smads/TGF-β1信号转导通路的影响,探讨肾衰泻浊丸延缓CRF进展及抗肾间质纤维化的机制。方法:采用腺嘌呤致CRF大鼠模型,观察实验大鼠治疗后血清BUN、Scr的变化及肾脏病理变化;采用免疫组织化学法检测肾组织中TGF-β1,Smad6及BMP-7蛋白表达;采用Western Blot法检测肾组织内的Smad6、BMP-7蛋白的表达,采用半定量RT-PCR检测肾组织内的TGF-β1 mRNA的表达水平。结果:肾衰泻浊丸能够明显降低CRF大鼠血清BUN、Scr水平,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义;能够减轻肾小管间质损伤;能够降低肾组织中TGF-β1蛋白的表达,增加Smad6,BMP-7蛋白的表达,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);能够下调CRF大鼠肾组织中TGF-β1 mRNA的表达,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:肾衰泻浊丸可能是通过升高Smad6,BMP-7蛋白的表达,降低TGF-β1的蛋白表达,从而抑制了TGF-β1信号向细胞核内转导的通路;肾衰泻浊丸通过影响BMP-7/Smads/TGF-β1信号通路的转导而减轻肾间质纤维化可能是其延缓CRF进展的机制之一。

BMP-7/Smads通路参与EndoMT在大鼠HHPH中的作用

目的:探讨骨形态发生蛋白(BMP)-7/Smads通路参与的内皮-间充质转化(EndoMT)在大鼠低氧高二氧化碳性肺动脉高压(HHPH)中的作用。方法:将大鼠肺动脉内皮细胞(RPAECs)分为常氧对照(Con)组、低氧高二氧化碳(HH)组、BMP受体激动剂rhBMP-7组、BMP受体抑制剂DMH-1组和溶剂DMSO组。各组给予相应的药物后,Con组置于常氧培养箱中培养,其余4组置于低氧高二氧化碳培养箱中培养。采用免疫荧光标记法观察细胞CD31和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达水平;RT-PCR和Western blot法分别检测各组细胞α-SMA、CD31和Smad1/5/8的mRNA和蛋白表达水平;CCK-8法检测细胞活力;Transwell小室法检测细胞的迁移水平。结果:与Con组相比,HH组α-SMA的mRNA和蛋白表达水平升高,而CD31的mRNA和蛋白表达水平、Smad1/5/8的mRNA和p-Smad1/5/8的蛋白表达水平降低,同时细胞活力降低而迁移增多(P<0.05)。与HH组相比,rhBMP-7组α-SMA的mRNA和蛋白表达水平降低,而CD31的mRNA和蛋白表达水平、Smad1/5/8的mRNA和p-Smad1/5/8的蛋白表达水平升高,同时细胞活力升高而迁移减少(P<0.05)。与rhBMP-7组相比,DMH-1组α-SMA的mRNA和蛋白表达水平升高,而CD31的mRNA和蛋白表达水平及Smad1/5/8的mRNA和p-Smad1/5/8的蛋白表达水平降低,同时细胞活力降低而迁移增多(P<0.05)。结论:低氧高二氧化碳可促进RPAECs发生EndoMT,从而促进HHPH的发展,其机制可能与抑制BMP-7/Smads通路有关。

BMP-7/Smads/TGF-β_1信号转导通路与肾间质纤维化

肾间质纤维化导致多种肾脏疾病发展至终末期肾衰竭,TGF-β1/Smads信号通路是肾脏纤维化重要的转导通路。骨形态发生蛋白7(BMP-7)不仅影响TGF-β1/Smads通路的信号转导,还与TGF-β1存在互逆作用,可多方面抵消TGF-β1的促肾纤维化作用。现就BMP-7/Smads/TGF-β1信号转导通路与肾间质纤维化的关系进行综述。

TGFβ1/Smads信号通路抗纤维化抑制心室重构及红花黄色素干预作用的研究

目的 研究红花黄色素对心肌梗死后的心室重构及TGFβ1/Smads信号通路的影响。方法 结扎左冠状动脉前降支建立心肌梗死模型,假手术组开胸显露左冠状动脉前降支但不行结扎。建模成功大鼠随机分为模型组,红花黄色素高、中、低剂量组,氯沙坦组,给药4周。观察心脏形态结构变化;分析血清丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧物酶(GSH-Px)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)含量变化;Westem blot检测心肌组织转化生长因子β1(TGFβ1)、SMAD2/3、P-SMAD2/3蛋白表达量。结果 与假手术组比较,模型组心脏体积变大,梗死区面积大,左室壁凹陷,变薄;与模型组比较,给药组左心室壁没有明显凹陷,梗死区范围和体积变小;血清MDA降低,SOD、GSH-Px和CAT活性增强(P<0.05);与模型组比较,给药组心肌组织TGFβ1及SMAD2/3蛋白表达下降(P<0.05)。结论 红花黄色素能够减轻心室重构,缓解氧化应激,可能是通过抑制TGFβ1/Smads信号通路而实现。

基于TGF-β_(1)/Smads信号通路探讨大蒜素对2型糖尿病大鼠肾纤维化的影响

目的:探讨大蒜素对2型糖尿病(type 2 diabetes mellitus,T2DM)大鼠肾纤维化和TGF-β_(1)/Smads信号通路的影响以及大蒜素对T2DM所致肾纤维化的作用机制。方法:将50只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型组和大蒜素低剂量组(5 mg/kg)、大蒜素中剂量组(10 mg/kg)、大蒜素高剂量组(20 mg/kg),每组10只。正常对照组大鼠常规饲养,其余各组采用高糖高脂饲料喂养加腹腔注射链尿佐菌素的方法复制T2DM大鼠模型。造模完成后,大蒜素各剂量组大鼠腹腔注射相应剂量大蒜素溶液,正常对照组及模型组腹腔注射等剂量生理盐水,每天1次,共4周。干预4周后,测定各组大鼠空腹血糖水平,称量体质量;生化分析法测定24h尿蛋白(24 hour urine protein,24h UP)、血清尿素氮(blood urea nitrogen,BUN)、血清肌酐(serum creatinine,SCr)表达水平;苏木精-伊红染色法(hematoxylin-eosin staining,HE)进行肾组织病理学检查;Masson染色进行肾组织纤维化检查并计算胶原容积分数(collagen volume fraction,CVF);免疫组织化学(immunohistochemistry,IHC)法检测肾组织中转化生长因子β_(1)(transforming growth factor-β_(1),TGF-β_(1))、磷酸化Smad2(phospho-Smad2,p-Smad2)、p-Smad3蛋白表达以及Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(collagenⅠ,ColⅠ)和Ⅲ型胶原蛋白(collagenⅢ,ColⅢ)表达。结果:与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠肾小球增大、系膜基质增厚、肾小管上皮细胞空泡变性、炎性细胞浸润,大鼠空腹血糖、24h UP、BUN、SCr、CVF、TGF-β_(1)、p-Smad2、p-Smad3、Col I、ColⅢ均升高,体质量下降;与模型组比较,大蒜素中、高剂量组大鼠空腹血糖水平降低、体质量升高(P<0.05),24h UP和血清BUN、SCr水平降低(P<0.01),病理学改变改善;与模型组比较,大蒜素低、中、高剂量组大鼠肾组织纤维化改善,肾组织CVF降低(P<0.01);与模型组比较,大蒜素中、高剂量组大鼠肾组织TGF-β_(1)、p-Smad2、p-Smad3、Col I、ColⅢ蛋白表达下调(P<0.01)。结论:大蒜素对T2DM大鼠肾纤维化具有抑制作用,其机制可能与大蒜素调控TGF-β_(1)/Smads信号通路进而抑制细胞外基质生成有关。

BMP-7/Smads信号通路在胆总管结扎大鼠肝纤维化组织中的表达及意义

目的探讨BMP-7/Smads信号通路在胆总管结扎大鼠肝纤维化组织中的表达及意义。方法将雄性Wistar大鼠简单随机化分组成假手术组,胆总管结扎7天组、14天组、28天组、42天组,采用胆总管结扎方法制备大鼠胆汁淤积肝纤维化模型。苏木精-伊红染色、Msaaon染色观察各组大鼠肝组织形态及胶原沉积情况,实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,RT-qPCR)测各组大鼠肝脏中α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-smooth muscle actin,α-SMA)、纤连蛋白(fibronectin,FN)等肝纤维化指标mRNA的表达变化,免疫组化法明确肝脏胶原蛋白Ⅰ(collagenⅠ)沉积情况,Western blot法检测各组肝组织内FN、collagenⅠ、胶原蛋白Ⅲ(collagenⅢ)、α-SMA和金属基质蛋白酶组织抑制因子1(tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase,TIMP1)等蛋白的表达,同时用免疫组化法及Western blot法检测各组肝组织内BMP-7及p-Smad1/5/8蛋白定位及表达量的变化。结果与假手术组比较,胆总管结扎组随着胆总管结扎时间延长,肝纤维化程度逐渐加重,肝内胶原增生明显,形成粗大的纤维间隔,肝组织内FN、α-SMA、collagenⅠ、collagenⅢ及TIMP1蛋白的表达明显增多,且差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),在肝纤维化组织内,BMP-7及p-Smad1/5/8蛋白在肝纤维化早期显著升高,随着纤维化程度加重,其表达逐渐减少,与假手术组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论BMP-7/Smads信号通路在大鼠肝纤维化早期明显激活,作为一种保护性措施发挥内源性保护作用,而随着肝纤维化的进展,BMP-7/Smads信号通路的激活程度逐渐减弱,这一作用逐渐被削弱。

黄芪多糖通过TGF-β1/Smads通路对哮喘大鼠Th1/Th2免疫失衡的调节作用

目的:探讨黄芪多糖通过转化生长因子(TGF)-β1/Smads信号通路对哮喘大鼠辅助性T细胞(Th)l/Th2免疫失衡的调节作用。方法:选择雄性SD大鼠40只,分为对照组、模型组、黄芪多糖低、中、高剂量组,各8只。建立慢性哮喘大鼠模型,对照组和模型组大鼠尾静脉注射等体积0.9%氯化钠溶液,川芎嗪低、中、高剂量腹腔注射川芎嗪,各组均连续治疗14 d。干预后检测各组大鼠支气管黏膜受损面积和平滑肌厚度,收集各组大鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF),测定白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)水平变化,苏木精-伊红(HE)染色观察肺组织结构变化,实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)和蛋白质免疫印迹(Western blot)对肺组织TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3 mRNA和蛋白表达进行测定。结果:与对照组比较,模型组支气管黏膜受损面积、平滑肌厚度增加,与模型组比较,黄芪多糖各组均下降,且呈剂量依赖性(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,模型组BALF中IFN-γ水平降低,IL-4水平升高,与模型组比较,黄芪多糖各组BALF中IFN-γ水平均升高,IL-4水平均下降,且呈剂量依赖性(P<0.05)。模型组肺组织TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3 mRNA和蛋白表达较对照组升高,黄芪多糖各组肺组织TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3 mRNA和蛋白表达较模型组下降,且呈剂量依赖性(P<0.05)。结论:黄芪多糖通过抑制TGF-β1/Smads信号激活阻止哮喘大鼠气道炎症,调节Th1/Th2比值失衡,改善大鼠肺组织病理损伤。

内热针调节TGF-β1/Smads信号通路对大鼠肩袖损伤后早期愈合的影响

目的探讨内热针对大鼠肩袖损伤后早期愈合及TGF-β1/Smads信号通路的影响。方法将72只8周龄(200±20)g SPF级SD雄性大鼠分为模型组(54只)及对照组(18只)。模型组大鼠通过离断大鼠右肩冈上肌腱止点构建肩袖损伤大鼠模型,对照组大鼠除不横切冈上肌腱外其余处理同模型组。造模成功的大鼠采用简单随机抽样法分为肩袖损伤组、内热针组、内热针+通路激活剂SRI-011381组(内热针+SRI-011381组),每组18只。内热针组给予内热针治疗,内热针+SRI-011381组在内热针治疗的同时腹腔注射7 mg/kg SRI-011381,对照组与肩袖损伤组给予内热针组同时间、同部位的普通针刺。测定各组大鼠右前足足底热缩足潜伏期(TWL);酶联免疫吸附试验法检测关节液白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-6、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平;HE染色观察肩袖关节肌腱组织病理损伤;Masson染色观察肩袖关节肌腱组织纤维化程度;腱-骨界面生物力学检测肩袖的最大拉力负荷;免疫组织化学染色法检测肌腱组织相关蛋白表达;Western blot法检测TGF-β1/Smads信号通路相关蛋白表达。结果与对照组比较,肩袖损伤组TWL缩短,最大拉力负荷及Scx、TnC表达降低,IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α水平及TGF-β1、p-Smad2/3/Smad2/3表达升高(P<0.05)。与肩袖损伤组比较,内热针组TWL延长,最大拉力负荷及Scx、TnC表达升高,IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α水平及TGF-β1、p-Smad2/3/Smad2/3表达降低(P<0.05)。与内热针组比较,内热针+SRI-011381组TWL缩短,最大拉力负荷及Scx、TnC表达降低,IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α水平及TGF-β1、p-Smad2/3/Smad2/3表达升高(P<0.05)。对照组肌腱纤维、软骨及骨组织各层次排列清晰,胶原纤维生成相对正常,存在蓝色胶原纤维沉积;肩袖损伤组组织细胞排列紊乱,炎症细胞浸润明显,胶原纤维生成相对减少,蓝色胶原纤维沉积减少;内热针组组织病理变化得到改善,细胞排列相对正常,炎症细胞浸润减少,有丰富的胶原纤维生成,蓝色胶原纤维沉积大面积增多,胶原纤维连续性、平行取向和密度增加;内热针+SRI-011381组组织病理损伤加重,组织细胞排列紊乱,炎症细胞浸润加剧,胶原纤维生成减少,蓝色胶原纤维沉积明显减少。结论内热针可促进大鼠肩袖损伤早期愈合,其作用机制可能与抑制TGF-β1/Smads信号通路有关。

肾衰泄浊汤对BMP7/TGFβ1/Smads信号通路的调节作用

目的:观察肾衰泄浊汤对单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)大鼠肾组织骨形态蛋白-7(BMP7)、转化生长因子β1(TGFβ1)/Smads信号通路的调节作用。方法:将72只大鼠随机分为:假手术组、模型组、中药低剂量组、中药中剂量组、中药高剂量组、苯那普利组,采用单侧输尿管梗阻动物模型,术后第7、14d分别观察梗阻侧大鼠肾组织病理改变及BMP7、Smad2、Smad6、TGFβ1,Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原及FN蛋白表达。结果:各治疗组大鼠肾组织Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原,FN、Smad2、TGFβ1蛋白表达较模型组明显减弱,但较假手术组显著增强;而各治疗组大鼠肾组织BMP7、Smad6蛋白表达则相反,以中药高剂量组效果最明显。且BMP7、Smad6与TGFβ1呈明显负相关;Smad2与TGFβ1呈明显正相关。结论:肾衰泄浊汤可能是通过诱导BMP7、Smad6蛋白表达,抑制Smad2蛋白表达,调节BMP7/TGFβ1/Smads信号通路,抑制TGFβ1蛋白表达,从而抑制Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原及FN等ECM的过度沉积,减轻肾间质的纤维化。其治疗效果明显优于苯那普利。