Activation of endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis by basic fibroblast growth factor-chitosan gel in an adult rat model of ischemic stroke

Attempts have been made to use cell transplantation and biomaterials to promote cell proliferation,differentiation,migration,and survival,as well as angiogenesis,in the context of brain injury.However,whether bioactive materials can repair the damage caused by ischemic stroke by activating endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis is still unknown.In this study,we applied chitosan gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor to the stroke cavity 7 days after ischemic stroke in rats.The gel slowly released basic fibroblast growth factor,which improved the local microenvironment,activated endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,and recruited these cells to migrate toward the penumbra and stroke cavity and subsequently differentiate into neurons,while enhancing angiogenesis in the penumbra and stroke cavity and ultimately leading to partial functional recovery.This study revealed the mechanism by which bioactive materials repair ischemic strokes,thus providing a new strategy for the clinical application of bioactive materials in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Roles of fibroblast growth factors in the treatment of diabetes

Diabetes affects about 422 million people worldwide,causing 1.5 million deaths each year.However,the incidence of diabetes is increasing,including several types of diabetes.Type 1 diabetes(5%-10%of diabetic cases)and type 2 diabetes(90%-95%of diabetic cases)are the main types of diabetes in the clinic.Accumulating evidence shows that the fibroblast growth factor(FGF)family plays important roles in many metabolic disorders,including type 1 and type 2 diabetes.FGF consists of 23 family members(FGF-1-23)in humans.Here,we review current findings of FGFs in the treatment of diabetes and management of diabetic complications.Some FGFs(e.g.,FGF-15,FGF-19,and FGF-21)have been broadly investigated in preclinical studies for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes,and their therapeutic roles in diabetes are currently under investigation in clinical trials.Overall,the roles of FGFs in diabetes and diabetic complications are involved in numerous processes.First,FGF intervention can prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance and reduce the levels of fasting blood glucose and triglycerides by regulating lipolysis in adipose tissues and hepatic glucose production.Second,modulation of FGF expression can inhibit renal and cardiac fibrosis by regulating the expression of extracellular matrix components,promote diabetic wound healing process and bone repair,and inhibit cancer cell proliferation and migration.Finally,FGFs can regulate the activation of glucoseexcited neurons and the expression of thermogenic genes.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 inhibits ferroptosis following spinal cord injury by regulating heme oxygenase-1

Interfering with the ferroptosis pathway is a new strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury.Fibroblast growth factor 21 can inhibit ferro ptosis and promote neurofunctional recovery,while heme oxygenase-1 is a regulator of iron and reactive oxygen species homeostasis.The relationship between heme oxygenase-1and ferroptosis remains controve rsial.In this study,we used a spinal co rd injury rat model to show that the levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 in spinal co rd tissue decreased after spinal cord injury.In addition,there was a significant aggravation of ferroptosis and a rapid increase in heme oxygenase-1 expression after spinal cord injury.Furthe r,heme oxygenase-1 aggravated fe rroptosis after spinal cord injury,while fibroblast growth factor 21 inhibited fe rroptosis by downregulating heme oxygenase-1.Thus,the activation of fibroblast growth factor 21 may provide a potential treatment for spinal co rd injury.These findings could provide a new potential mechanistic explanation for fibroblast growth factor 21 in the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Activation of adult endogenous neurogenesis by a hyaluronic acid collagen gel containing basic fibroblast growth factor promotes remodeling and functional recovery of the injured cerebral cortex

The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions,such as the cortex,remains unknown.In this study,we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury.Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons.Importantly,these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI,integrated into the existing neural circuitry,and ultimately led to improved brain function.These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries.

Clinical Observation of Recombinant Bovine Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Eye Gel Combined with Tobramycin Dexamethasone Eye Drops in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome in Patients after Cataract Surgery

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor(rbFGF)eye gel combined with tobramycin-dexamethasone(TOB-Dex)eye drops on dry eye syndrome(DES)after cataract surgery.Methods:86 patients with DES after cataract surgery,admitted from November 2021 to November 2023,were randomly divided into groups.The observation group included 43 patients treated with rbFGF eye gel combined with TOB-Dex eye drops.The reference group included 43 patients treated with TOB-Dex eye drops alone.Multiple indicators,including total effective rate and clinical symptom scores,were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than in the reference group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there were no differences in clinical symptom scores,serum factors,or disease severity scores between the two groups(P>0.05).Three weeks after treatment,the observation group had lower clinical symptom scores,serum factors,and disease severity scores compared to the reference group(P<0.05).The adverse reaction rate in the observation group was lower than in the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:rbFGF eye gel combined with TOB-Dex eye drops can improve the clinical efficacy for patients with DES after cataract surgery,alleviate disease symptoms,reduce inflammatory responses,and have fewer adverse reactions.

Overexpression of fibroblast growth factor 13 ameliorates amyloid-β-induced neuronal damage

Previous studies have shown that fibroblast growth factor 13 is downregulated in the brain of both Alzheimer’s disease mouse models and patients,and that it plays a vital role in the learning and memory.However,the underlying mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor 13 in Alzheimer’s disease remain unclear.In this study,we established rat models of Alzheimer’s disease by stereotaxic injection of amyloid-β(Aβ_(1-42))-induced into bilateral hippocampus.We also injected lentivirus containing fibroblast growth factor 13 into bilateral hippocampus to overexpress fibroblast growth factor 13.The expression of fibroblast growth factor 13 was downregulated in the brain of the Alzheimer’s disease model rats.After overexpression of fibroblast growth factor 13,learning and memory abilities of the Alzheimer’s disease model rats were remarkably improved.Fibroblast growth factor 13 overexpression increased brain expression levels of oxidative stress-related markers glutathione,superoxide dismutase,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase,AKT and glycogen synthase kinase 3β,and anti-apoptotic factor BCL.Furthermore,fibroblast growth factor 13 overexpression decreased the number of apoptotic cells,expression of pro-apoptotic factor BAX,cleaved-caspase 3 and amyloid-βexpression,and levels of tau phosphorylation,malondialdehyde,reactive oxygen species and acetylcholinesterase in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease model rats.The changes were reversed by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002.These findings suggest that overexpression of fibroblast growth factor 13 improved neuronal damage in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease through activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT/glycogen synthase kinase 3βsignaling pathway.

Fibroblast growth factor 15,induced by elevated bile acids,mediates the improvement of hepatic glucose metabolism after sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Fibroblast growth factor(FGF)15/19,which is expressed in and secreted from the distal ileum,can regulate hepatic glucose metabolism in an endocrine manner.The levels of both bile acids(BAs)and FGF15/19 are elevated after bariatric surgery.However,it is unclear whether the increase in FGF15/19 is induced by BAs.Moreover,it remains to be understood whether FGF15/19 elevations contribute to improvements in hepatic glucose metabolism after bariatric surgery.AIM To investigate the mechanism of improvement of hepatic glucose metabolism by elevated BAs after sleeve gastrectomy(SG).METHODS By calculating and comparing the changes of body weight after SG with SHAM group,we examined the weight-loss effect of SG.The oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)test and area under the curve of OGTT curves were used to assess the anti-diabetic effects of SG.By detecting the glycogen content,expression and activity of glycogen synthase as well as the glucose-6-phosphatase(G6Pase)and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase(Pepck),we evaluated the hepatic glycogen content and gluconeogenesis activity.We examined the levels of total BA(TBA)together with the farnesoid X receptor(FXR)-agonistic BA subspecies in systemic serum and portal vein at week 12 post-surgery.Then the histological expression of ileal FXR and FGF15 and hepatic FGF receptor 4(FGFR4)with its corresponding signal pathways involved in glucose metabolism were detected.RESULTS After surgery,food intake and body weight gain of SG group was decreased compare with the SHAM group.The hepatic glycogen content and glycogen synthase activity was significantly stimulated after SG,while the expression of the key enzyme for hepatic gluconeogenesis:G6Pase and Pepck,were depressed.TBA levels in serum and portal vein were both elevated after SG,the FXR-agonistic BA subspecies:Chenodeoxycholic acid(CDCA),lithocholic acid(LCA)in serum and CDCA,DCA,LCA in portal vein were all higher in SG group than that in SHAM group.Consequently,the ileal expression of FXR and FGF15 were also advanced in SG group.Moreover,the hepatic expression of FGFR4 was stimulated in SG-operated rats.As a result,the activity of its corresponding pathway for glycogen synthesis:FGFR4-Ras-extracellular signal regulated kinase pathway was stimulated,while the corresponding pathway for hepatic gluconeogenesis:FGFR4-cAMP regulatory element-binding protein-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator-1αpathway was suppressed.CONCLUSION Elevated BAs after SG induced FGF15 expression in distal ileum by activating their receptor FXR.Furthermore,the promoted FGF15 partly mediated the improving effects on hepatic glucose metabolism of SG.

Depletion of gut microbiota facilitates fibroblast growth factor 21-mediated protection against acute pancreatitis in diabetic mice

BACKGROUND Fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21),primarily secreted by the pancreas,liver,and adipose tissues,plays a pivotal role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism.Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a common inflammatory disease with specific clinical manifestations.Many patients with diabetes present with concurrent inflammatory symptoms.Diabetes exacerbates intestinal permeability and intestinal inflammation,thus leading to the progression to AP.Our previous study indicated that FGF21 significantly attenuated susceptibility to AP in mice.AIM To investigate the potential protective role of FGF21 against AP in diabetic mice.METHODS In the present study,a mouse model of AP was established in diabetic(db)/db diabetic mice through ceruletide injections.Thereafter,the protective effects of recombinant FGF21 protein against AP were evaluated,with an emphasis on examining serum amylase(AMS)levels and pancreatic and intestinal inflammatory cytokines[interleukin(IL)-6,tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-),and intestinal IL-1β].Additionally,the impact of this treatment on the histopathologic changes of the pancreas and small intestinal was examined to elucidate the role of FGF21 in diabetic mice with AP.An antibiotic(Abx)cocktail was administered in combination with FGF21 therapy to investigate whether the effect of FGF21 on AP in diabetic mice with AP was mediated through the modulation of the gut microbiota. Subsequently, thePhylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt), a bioinformaticssoftware package, was used to predict different pathways between the groups and to explore the potentialmechanisms by which the gut microbiota influenced the protective effect of FGF21.RESULTSThe results indicated that FGF21 notably diminished the levels of serum AMS (944.5 ± 15.9 vs 1732 ± 83.9, P < 0.01)and inflammatory factors including IL-6 (0.2400 ± 0.55 vs 1.233 ± 0.053, P < 0.01), TNF- (0.7067 ± 0.22 vs 1.433 ±0.051, P < 0.01), and IL-1β (1.377 ± 0.069 vs 0.3328 ± 0.02542, P < 0.01) in diabetic mice with AP. Moreover, notablesigns of recovery were observed in the pancreatic structure of the mice. The histologic evidence of inflammation inthe small intestine, including edema and villous damage, was significantly alleviated. FGF21 also significantlyaltered the composition of the gut microbiota, reestablishing the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio. Upon treatment withan Abx cocktail to deplete the gut microbiota, the FGF21 + Abx group showed lower levels of serum AMS (0.9328 ±0.075 vs 0.2249 ± 0.023, P < 0.01) and inflammatory factors (1.083 ± 0.12 vs 0.2799 ± 0.032, p < 0.01) than the FGF21group. Furthermore, the FGF21 + Abx group exhibited diminished injury to the pancreatic and small intestinaltissues, accompanied by a significant decrease in blood glucose levels (17.50 ± 1.1 vs 9.817 ± 0.69 mmol/L, P <0.001). These findings underscored the superior protective effects of the combination therapy involving an Abxcocktail with FGF21 over the FGF21 treatment alone in diabetic mice with AP. The gut microbiota compositionacross different groups was further characterized, and a differential expression analysis of gene functions wasundertaken using the PICRUSt2 prediction method. These findings suggested that FGF21 could potentially confertherapeutic effects on diabetic mice with AP by modulating the sulfate reduction I pathway and the superpathwayof n-acetylceramide degradation in the gut microbiota.CONCLUSION This study reveals the potential of FGF21 in improving pancreatic and intestinal damage recovery, reducing bloodglucose levels, and reshaping gut microbiota composition in diabetic mice with AP. Notably, the protective effectsof FGF21 are augmented when combined with the Abx cocktail.

Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on ischemic gut and liver injuries

AIMS To explore the possible effects of basic fibrob- last growth factor (bFGF) on ischemic gut and liver in- juries after trauma. METHODS Animal model of super mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion was used in this study. Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 24 rats each. Each animal in group 1 (bFGF treated) was in- jected with 4 μg of bFGF in 0.15 ml of normal saline solution containing 0.1%(w/v) heparin through the jugular vein at the onset of reperfusion. Animals in group 2 (saline treated) received the same vehicle, but without bFGF. Group 3 (sham-operated) ani- mals were treated with the same operations,but without SMA occlusion. Liver function parameters, serum TNFα,bacterial examination and pathological study were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS In group 1,the amounts of ALT and AST and serum TNFα were reduced significantly at 6,24 and 48 hours as compared with group 2. Bacterial ex- amination showed that the bacterial translocation from gut to liver,spleen and MLN in group 1 was much lower than that in group 2. The pathological results support the concept of significant protecting effects of bFGF. CONCLUSIONS Venous administration of bFGF may help reduce gut and liver injuries after ischemia and reperfusion. Its mechanism of action may involve the mitogenic and non-mitogenic effects of bFGF.

Effect of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion on expressions of endogenous basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor β in lung and its relation with lung repair

AIM To study the changes of endogenoustransforming growth factor β(TGFβ)and basicfibroblast growth factor(bFGF)in lung followingintestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury andtheir effects on lung injury and repair.METHODS Sixty Wistar rats were divided intofive groups,which underwent sham-operation,ischemia(45 minutes),and reperfusion(6,24and 48 hours,respectively)after ischemia(45minutes).Immunohistochemical method wasused to observe the localization and amounts ofboth growth factors.RESULTS Positive signals of both growthfactors could be found in normal lung,mainly inalveolar cells and endothelial cells of vein.Afterischemia and reperfusion insult,expressions ofboth growth factors were increased and theiramounts at 6 hours were larger than those ofnormal control or of 24 and 48 hours after insult.CONCLUSION The endogenous bFGF and TGF βexpression appears to be up-regulated in thelung following intestinal ischemia andreperfusion,suggesting that both growth factorsmay be involved in the process of lung injury andrepair.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling as therapeutic targets in gastric cancer

Fibroblast growth factor receptors(FGFRs) regulate a variety of cellular functions, from embryogenesis to adult tissue homeostasis. FGFR signaling also plays significant roles in the proliferation, invasion, and survival of several types of tumor cells. FGFR-induced alterations, including gene amplification, chromosomal translocation, and mutations, have been shown to be associated with the tumor initiation and progression of gastric cancer, especially in diffuse-type cancers. Therefore, the FGFR signaling pathway might be one of the therapeutic targets in gastric cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of the role of FGFR signaling in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, proliferation, and chemoresistance. We also discuss the accumulating evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of using clinical therapeutic agents to inhibit FGFR signaling for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Basic fibroblast growth factor attenuates the degeneration of injured spinal cord motor endplates

The distal end of the spinal cord and neuromuscular junction may develop secondary degeneration and damage following spinal cord injury because of the loss of neural connections. In this study, a rat model of spinal cord injury, established using a modified Allen＇s method, was injected with basic fibroblast growth factor solution via subarachnoid catheter. After injection, rats with spinal cord injury displayed higher scores on the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor scale. Motor function was also well recovered and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that spinal glial scar hyperplasia was not apparent. Additionally, anterior tibial muscle fibers slowly, but progressively, atrophied. Immu- nohistochemical staining showed that the absorbance values of calcitonin gene related peptide and acetylcholinesterase in anterior tibial muscle and spinal cord were similar, and injection of basic fi- broblast growth factor increased this absorbance. Results showed that after spinal cord injury, the distal motor neurons and motor endplate degenerated. Changes in calcitonin gene related peptide and acetylcholinesterase in the spinal cord anterior horn motor neurons and motor endplate then occurred that were consistent with this regeneration. Our findings indicate that basic fibroblast growth factor can protect the endplate through gene related peptide and acetylcholinesterase cord. attenuating the decreased expression of calcitonin n anterior horn motor neurons of the injured spinal

Experimental research of curing sciatic nerve injury using nerve growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor combination

AIM:To explore the co effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the sciatic nerve after injury. METHODS: 96 rats were divided into normal saline group, NGF group, bFGF group and NGF+bFGF group. Sciatic nerve function index (SFI), nerve conduction velocity, regeneration axon counting were detected in the 3 rd, 6 th, 9 th, 12 th week postinjury. RESULTS:The end of SFI, nerve conduction velocity, regeneration axon counting in NGF+bFGF group were higher than those in the other groups. CONCLUSION:The co effect of NGF and bFGF on sciatic nerve is better than the effect of NGF or bFGF alone.

The effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on regeneration in a surgical wound model of rat submandibular glands

This study developed an animal model of surgically wounded submandibular glands （SMGs） and investigated the effects of collagen gel with basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） on tissue regeneration of surgically wounded SMGs in vivo. The animal model was produced by creating a surgical wound using a 3-mm diameter biopsy punch in SMGs. The wound was filled with collagen gel with bFGF （bFGF group） or without bFGF （control group）. In the animal model of surgically wounded SMGs, salivary glands without scar tissue around the wound area were observed with smaller areas of collagen gel. Small round and spindle-shape cells invaded the collagen gel in both groups after operation day （AOD） 5, and this invasion dramatically increased at AOD 7. Host tissue completely replaced the collagen gel at AOD 21. The invading immune cells in the group treated with collagen gel with bFGF were positive for vimentin, g-smooth muscle actin （αSMA）, CD49f, c-kit and AQP5 at AOD 7. Similarly, the mRNA expression of vimentin, αSMA, CD49f, keratin 19 and AQP5 was also increased. This study suggests that the use of collagen gels with bFGF improves salivary gland regeneration.

Effect of electro-acupuncture on basic fibroblast growth factor protein and mRNA expression in hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats

BACKGROUND： Spleen deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine refers to the functional disorder of spleen, pancreas, intestines, and nervous system in modern medicine. OBJECTIVE; To test whether electro-acupuncture could alter basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled, in vivo animal experiment was performed at the National LeveI-B Laboratory of Clinical Cell Molecule and Biology in Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, between March and November in 2008. MATERIALS： Reserpine injection was produced by Guangdong Bangmin Pharmaceutical Co. Rhubarb extract granule preparation was produced by Guangdong Yifang Pharmaceutical. Huanqiu Brand sterile acupuncture pin was provided by Suzhou Acupuncture Supplies, China. Huatuo Brand electroacupuncture instrument （type SDZ-II） was purchased from Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory, China. METHODS： A total of 96 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control （n = 32） and induction （n = 64） groups. Spleen deficiency was induced via intraperitoneal injection of reserpine and intragastric administration of rhubarb. The successful models were randomized into two groups： model and electro-acupuncture, with 32 rats in each group. Electro-acupuncture was administered at Zusanfi （ST 36） and Sanyinjiao （SP 6） acupoints using a condensation wave and rarefaction （condensation wave 15 Hz） at a strength of 6-15 V for 20 minutes, once per day. The appearance of a slight shiver in the corresponding locus was taken as the standard. According to electro- acupuncture time points, each group was assigned to four subgroups at 7, 14, 28, and 49 days, respectively, with eight rats in each subgroup. Immunohistochemical staining, image analysis, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed at different time points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： bFGF protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats. RESULTS： After 7 days of electro-acupuncture therapy, bFGF protein and mRNA expression significantly increased compared with the model and control groups （P 〈 0.05）. After 14 days, bFGF protein and mRNA expression decreased until 28 days, where levels were then equal to the model group and greater than the control group （P 〈 0.05）. After 49 days, the above indices remained increased in the electro-acupuncture group compared to the model and control groups （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Continuous electro-acupuncture maintained a high level of bFGF protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats.

Effects of hepatocyte growth factor on MMP-2 expression in scleral fibroblasts from a guinea pig myopia model

AIMTo investigate the effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on MMP-2 expression in scleral fibroblasts from guinea pig with LIM.

Distribution and localization of fibroblast growth factor-8 in rat brain and nerve cells during neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation

The present study explored the distribution and localization of fibroblast growth factor-8 and its potential receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor-3, in adult rat brain in vivo and in nerve cells during differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells in vitro. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the distribution of fibroblast growth factor-8 in adult rat brain in vivo. Localization of fibroblast growth factor-8 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 in cells during neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation in vitro was detected by immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the effect of an anti-fibroblast growth factor-8 antibody on neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation and expansion in vitro. Results from this study confirmed that fibroblast growth factor-8 was mainly distributed in adult midbrain, namely the substantia nigra, compact part, dorsal tier, substantia nigra and reticular part, but was not detected in the forebrain comprising the caudate putamen and striatum. Unusual results were obtained in retrosplenial locations of adult rat brain. We found that fibroblast growth factor-8 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 were distributed on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm of nerve cells using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses. We considered that the distribution of fibroblast growth factor-8 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 in neural cells corresponded to the characteristics of fibroblast growth factor-8, a secretory factor. Addition of an anti-fibroblast growth factor-8 antibody to cultures significantly affected the rate of expansion and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells. In contrast, addition of recombinant fibroblast growth factor-8 to differentiation medium promoted neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation and increased the final yields of dopaminergic neurons and total neurons. Our study may help delineate the important roles of fibroblast growth factor-8 in brain activities and neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation.

Fibroblast growth factor signaling in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis:Paving the way to hepatocellular carcinoma

Metabolic disorders are increasingly leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,subsequent steatohepatitis,cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Fibroblast growth factors and their receptors play an important role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis also in the liver and disorders in signaling have been identified to contribute to those pathophysiologic conditions leading to hepatic lipid accumulation and chronic inflammation.While specific and well tolerated inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor receptor activity are currently developed for(non-liver)cancer therapy,treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is still limited.Fibroblast growth factor-mimicking or restoring approaches have recently evolved as a novel therapeutic option and the impact of such interactions with the fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling network during non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis development is reviewed here.

Effects of 530 nm monochromatic light on basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 expression in Müller cells

AIMTo expose rat retinal M&#x000fc;ller cells to 530 nm monochromatic light and investigate the influence of varying light illumination times on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor-&#x003b2;1 (TGF-&#x003b2;1) expression.METHODSThree groups of rat retinal M&#x000fc;ller cells cultured in vitro under a 530 nm monochromatic light were divided into 6, 12 and 24h experimental groups, while cells incubated under dark conditions served as the control group. The bFGF and TGF-&#x003b2;1 mRNA expression, protein levels and fluorescence intensity of the M&#x000fc;ller cells were analyzed.RESULTSThe bFGF mRNA expression and protein levels were significantly upregulated in M&#x000fc;ller cells in all three experimental groups compared with the control group (P&#x0003c;0.05), while that of TGF-&#x003b2;1 was downregulated (P&#x0003c;0.05). Also, bFGF expression was positively correlated, but TGF-&#x003b2;1 expression was negatively correlated with illumination time. The largest changes for both cytokines were seen in the 24h group. The changes in bFGF and TGF-&#x003b2;1 fluorescence intensity were highest in the 24h group, and significant differences were observed among the experimental groups (P&#x0003c;0.05).CONCLUSIONThe expressions of bFGF and TGF-&#x003b2;1 changed in a time-dependent manner in M&#x000fc;ller cells exposed to 530 nm monochromatic light with 250 lx illumination intensity. M&#x000fc;ller cells might play a role in the development of myopia by increasing bFGF expression or decreasing TGF-&#x003b2;1 expression. Changes in cytokine expression in retinal M&#x000fc;ller cells may affect monochromatic light-induced myopia.

Interference of Y-27632 on the signal transduction of transforming growth factor beta type 1 in ocular Tenon capsule fibroblasts

AIM: To investigate the interfering effect of Y-27632, a ROCK-I selective inhibitor, on the signal transduction pathway of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in ocular Tenon capsule fibroblasts (OTFS) in vitro. METHODS: After OTFS from passages 4 to 6 47 vitro were induced by TGF-beta 1 and then treated by Y-27632, the changes of the OTFS cell cycles were analyzed via flow cytometry, and the proteins expression of the alpha -smooth muscular actin (alpha -SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), collagen I were calculated by Western blot. After OTFS treated by the different concentrations of Y-27632, the expression levels of the alpha -SMA, CTGF and collagen I mRNA were assayed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Y-27632 had no markedly effect on the OTFS cell cycles. After treated by TGF-beta 1, OTFS in G1 period significantly increased. The cell cycles distribution by both TGF-beta 1 and Y-27632 had no remarkable difference from that in control group. Y-27632 significantly inhibited the proteins expressions of both alpha -SMA and CTGF, while to some extent inhibited that of collagen I. TGF-beta 1 significantly promoted the proteins expressions of alpha -SMA, CTGF and collagen I. After OTFS treated by both TGF-beta 1 and Y-27632, of alpha -SMA, the protein expression was similar with that in control group (P=0.066>0.05), but the protein expression of CTGF or collagen I, respectively, was significantly different from that in control group (P=0.000<0.01). The differences of expressions of the alpha -SMA, CTGF and collagen I mRNA in 30, 150, 750 mu mol/L Y-27632 group were statistically significant, compared with those in control group, respectively (alpha -SMA, P=0.002, 0.000, 0.000; CTGF, P=0.014, 0.002, 0.001; collagen I,P=0.003, 0.002, 0.000). CONCLUSION: Blocking the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway by using of Y-27632 could inhibit the cellular proliferation and the expression of both CTGF and alpha -SMA whatever OTFS induced by TGF-beta 1 or not. Y-27632 suppressed the expression of collagen I mRNA without induction.