Transforming growth factor-beta 1 enhances discharge activity of cortical neurons

Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may depend on the pathological process and cell types involved.Voltage-gated sodium channels(VGSCs)are essential ion channels for the generation of action potentials in neurons,and are involved in various neuroexcitation-related diseases.However,the effects of TGF-β1 on the functional properties of VGSCs and firing properties in cortical neurons remain unclear.In this study,we investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on VGSC function and firing properties in primary cortical neurons from mice.We found that TGF-β1 increased VGSC current density in a dose-and time-dependent manner,which was attributable to the upregulation of Nav1.3 expression.Increased VGSC current density and Nav1.3 expression were significantly abolished by preincubation with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(PD98059),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(SB203580),and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 inhibitor(SP600125).Interestingly,TGF-β1 significantly increased the firing threshold of action potentials but did not change their firing rate in cortical neurons.These findings suggest that TGF-β1 can increase Nav1.3 expression through activation of the ERK1/2-JNK-MAPK pathway,which leads to a decrease in the firing threshold of action potentials in cortical neurons under pathological conditions.Thus,this contributes to the occurrence and progression of neuroexcitatory-related diseases of the central nervous system.

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.

Effects of RNA interference targeting transforming growth factor-beta 1 on immune hepatic fibrosis induced by Concanavalin A in mice

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is the most potent means of stimulating liver fibrogenesis by myofibroblast-like cells derived from hepatic stellate cells. Thus, TGF-beta 1 could be a target for treating hepatic fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of specific TGF-beta 1 small interference RNA (siRNA) on immune hepatic fibrosis induced by Concanavalin A (Con A) in mice. METHODS: Three short hairpin RNAs targeting different positions of TGF-beta 1 were designed and cloned to the plasmid pGenesil-1 to obtain three recombinant expression vectors (pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-ml, pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-m2 and pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-m3). Thirty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal, model, control, and three treatment groups. The immune hepatic fibrosis models were constructed by injecting Con A via the tail vein at 8 mg/kg per week for 6 weeks. At weeks 2, 4 and 6, pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-ml, pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-m2 or pGenesi1-TGF-beta 1-m3 was injected by a hydrodynamics-based transfection method via the tail vein at 0.8 ml/10 g within 24 hours after injection of Con A in each of the three treatment groups. The mice in the control group were injected with control plasmid pGenesil-HK at the same dose. All mice were sacrificed at week 7. The levels of hydroxyproline in liver tissue were determined by biochemistry. Liver histopathology was assessed by Van Gieson staining. The expression levels and localization of TGF-beta 1, Smad3, and Smad7 in liver tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of TGF-beta 1, Smad3, Smad7 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) mRNAs in the liver were assessed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: The levels of hydroxyproline in the liver tissue of the treatment groups were lower than those of the model group (P<0.01). Histopathologic assay showed that liver fibrogenesis was clearly improved in the treatment groups compared with the model group. The expression levels of TGF-beta 1 and Smad3 of liver tissue were also markedly lower in the treatment groups than in the model group (P<0.01), while the levels of Smad7 were higher in the treatment groups than in the model group (P<0.01). RT-PCR further showed that the expression of TGF-beta 1, Smad3 and alpha-SMA mRNA was significantly inhibited in the treatment groups compared with the model group, while the levels of Smad7 were increased. There was no difference in the above parameters among the three treatment groups or between the control and model groups (P>0.05), but the inhibitory effect of pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-ml was the highest among the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Specific siRNA targeting of TGF-beta 1 markedly inhibited the fibrogenesis of immune hepatic fibrosis induced by Con A in mice. The anti-fibrosis mechanisms of siRNAs may be associated with the down-regulation of TGF-beta 1, Smad3 and alpha-SMA expression and up-regulation of Smad7 expression in liver tissue, which resulted in suppressing the activation of hepatic stellate cells. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2009; 8: 300-308)

Deciphering the role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 as a diagnostic-prognostic-therapeutic candidate against hepatocellular carcinoma

Transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β)is a multifunctional cytokine that performs a dual role as a tumor suppressor and tumor promoter during cancer progression.Among different ligands of the TGF-βfamily,TGF-β1 modulates most of its biological outcomes.Despite the abundant expression of TGF-β1 in the liver,steatosis to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)progression triggers elevated TGF-β1 levels,contributing to poor prognosis and survival.Additionally,elevated TGF-β1 levels in the tumor microenvironment create an immunosuppressive stage via various mechanisms.TGF-β1 has a prime role as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in HCC.Moreover,TGF-β1 is widely studied as a therapeutic target either as monotherapy or combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.This review provides clinical relevance and up-to-date information regarding the potential of TGF-β1 in diagnosis,prognosis,and therapy against HCC.

Pre-ischemia electro-acupuncture potentiates the expression of Bcl-2 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in rat brains

The expression of the anti-apoptotic molecules Bcl-2 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 is known to confer protective effects on the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.The current study investigated the expression levels of Bcl-2 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in response to multiple pre-ischemia electro-acupuncture at acupoints Zusanli（ST36）and Fengchi（GB20） stimulation.Rats were divided into five groups：uninjured,control,non-acupoint,GB20 and ST36. Rats in the non-acupoint,GB20 and ST36 groups received 30 minutes（3 times or 18 times）of electro-acupuncture stimulation before experimental cerebral ischemia was induced.Bcl-2 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 were found to be significantly increased in the ST36 groups with either 3 or 18 electro-acupuncture treatments（P〈0.05）.The production was higher with 18 electro-acupuncture treatments in the ST36 groups（P〈0.05）.In the GB20 groups,significant increase was only observed in transforming growth factor-beta 1 with 18 electro-acupuncture treatments（P〈0.05）.No significant elevation of the level of transforming growth factor-beta 1 was observed in the non-acupoint groups.However,the production of Bcl-2 increased with 18 treatments in the non-acupoint groups（P〈0.05）.The data suggest that multiple pre-ischemia electro-acupuncture at ST36 was effective in conferring neuroprotective effect on the brain by means of upregulation of Bcl-2 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 and the effect was increase with the number of treatment.

Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 in Patients with the Early Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Hepatectomy

Background: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) are modulated in variety cancers including Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is a paucity of data concerning their role in the pathologic process of recurrence of HCC following hepatectomy. We herein assessed the role of the hepatic expression of COX-2 and TGF-β as predictors for patients with early recurrence within 2 years of HCC diagnosis. Methods: Sixty patients with HCC who underwent curative hepatectomy between 2000 and 2003 were entered in the present study. The immunoreactivity and distribution patterns of COX-2 and TGF-β1 were examined in both the HCC and the adjacent nonHCC tissues of the liver. Risk factors of tumor recurrence within 2 years, including COX-2 and TGF-β1 expression, were investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Among 60 patients, 31 patients had early recurrences within 2 years and 14 patients recurred after 2 years following surgery. Patients with low COX-2 expression in the HCC tissues and adjacent nonHCC tissues had favorable disease-free survival (p = 0.002 and p β1 expression in the nonHCC tissues had also longer disease-free survival (p = 0.045). Based on the expression patterns of COX-2 and TGF-β1, patients with low COX-2 and positive TGF-β1 expression in the nonHCC tissues had favorable overall and disease-free survival (p β1 signaling in nontumor tissues suggested high risk of recurrence and poor survival to the HCC patients following hepatectomy.

Role of transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway in pathogenesis of benign biliary stricture

AIM: To characterize the expression of members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad/ connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) signaling pathway in the tissue of benign biliary stricture, and to investigate the effect of TGF-β signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of benign biliary stricture. METHODS: Paraffin embedded materials from 23 cases of benign biliary stricture were analyzed for members of the TGF-β/Smad/CTGF signaling pathway. TGF-β_1, TβRⅠ, TβRⅡ, Smad4, Smad7 and CTGF protein were detected by immunohistochemical strepto-advidinbiotin complex method, and CTGF mRNA was evaluated by hybridization in situ, while 6 cases of normal bile duct served as controls. The percentages of positive cells were counted. The correlation between TGF-β_1, Smad4 and CTGF was analyzed. RESULTS: The positive expression ratios of TGF-β_1, TβRⅠ , TβRⅡ , Smad4, CTGF and CTGF mRNA in 23 cases with benign biliary stricture were 91.3%, 82.6%, 87.0%, 78.3%, 82.6% and 65.2%, respectively, signifi cantly higher than that in 6 cases of normal bile duct respectively (vs 33.3%, 16.7%, 50.0%, 33.3%, 50.0%, 16.7%, respectively, P < 0.05). The positiveexpression ratio of Smad7 in cases with benign biliary stricture was 70.0%, higher than that in normal bile duct, but this difference is not statistically signifi cant 70.0% vs 50%, P > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between positive expression of TGF-β_1, Smad4 and CTGF in cases with benign biliary stricture. CONCLUSION: The high expression of TGF-β/Smad/ CTGF signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of benign biliary stricture.

Inhibition of Ubiquitin-specific Protease 4 Attenuates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells via Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor Type Ⅰ

Objective Ubiquitin-specific protease 4(USP4)facilitates the development of transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in various cancer cells.Moreover,EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells(RTECs)is required for the progression of renal interstitial fibrosis.However,the role of USP4 in EMT of RTECs remains unknown.The present study aimed to explore the effect of USP4 on the EMT of RTECs as well as the involved mechanism.Methods In established unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO)rats and NRK-52E cells,immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays were performed.Results USP4 expression was increased significantly with obstruction time.In NRK-52E cells stimulated by TGF-β1,USP4 expression was increased in a time-dependent manner.In addition,USP4 silencing with specific siRNA indicated that USP4 protein was suppressed effectively.Meanwhile,USP4 siRNA treatment restored E-cadherin and weakened alpha smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)expression,indicating that USP4 may promote EMT.After treatment with USP4 siRNA and TGF-β1 for 24 h,the expression of TGF-β1 receptor type I(TβRI)was decreased.Conclusion USP4 promotes the EMT of RTECs through upregulating TβRI,thereby facilitating renal interstitial fibrosis.These findings may provide a potential target of USP4 in the treatment of renal fibrosis.

Effects of Xiaoke granule on transforming growth factor-beta_1 expression and proliferation in rat mesangial cells

Diabetic nephropathy, one of the major causes of death of diabetes patients, is diagnosed as the thickening of glomerular basement membrane and progressive expansion of the glomerular mesangium and tubulointerstitium. Intensive studies have shown that hyperglycemia is the key factor for renal sclerosis which can lead to end-stage renal disease for diabetic patients.^1,2 Our previous studies demonstrated that Xiaoke granule can inhibit the progression of diabetic nephropathy. However, its mechanisms remain unknown.^3,4 In this study, we found that Xiaoke granule coincidently depresses transforming growth factor-beta1 （TGF-β1） expression and inhibits the effect of high glucose on mesangial cell proliferation. This might suggest that the effect of Xiaoke granule on inhibiting progression of diabetic nephropathy through down-regulating TGF-β1 expression.

Early Growth Response Gene-1 Deficiency Interrupts TGFβ1 Signaling Activation and Aggravates Neurodegeneration in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice

Early growth response protein 1(Egr-1)triggers the transcription of many genes involved in cell growth,differentiation,synaptic plasticity,and neurogenesis.However,its mechanism in neuronal survival and degeneration is still poorly understood.This study demonstrated that Egr-1 was down-regulated at mRNA and protein levels in the central nervous system(CNS)of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE)mice.Egr-1 knockout exacerbated EAE progression in mice,as shown by increased disease severity and incidence;it also aggravated neuronal apoptosis,which was associated with weakened activation of the BDNF/TGFβ1/MAPK/Akt signaling pathways in the CNS of EAE mice.Consistently,Egr-1 siRNA promoted apoptosis but mitigated the activation of BDNF/TGFβ1/MAPK/Akt signaling in SH-SY5Y cells.Our results revealed that Egr-1 is a crucial regulator of neuronal survival in EAE by regulating TGFβ1-mediated signaling activation,implicating the important role of Egr-1 in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis as a potential novel therapy target.

脑脊液中TGF-β1、PICP、PⅢNP、HA、LN在蛛网膜下腔出血后脑积水发生中的意义

目的探讨蛛网膜下腔出血后转化生长因子β1(Transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)、Ⅰ型前胶原前肽(procollagenⅠCpropeptide,PICP)、Ⅲ型前胶原前肽(procollagenⅢN-propeptide,PⅢNP)、透明质酸(hyaluronic acid,HA)及层黏蛋白(laminin,LN)在脑积水形成的过程中的作用。方法收集我院颅脑损伤及自发性颅内出血(波及到蛛网膜下腔及脑室系统)的患者,入院时不同时间点检查患者脑脊液中TGF-β1、PICP、PⅢNP、HA、LN的水平,同时随访上述患者在半年内发生脑积水的情况,比较出现与未出现脑积水患者脑脊液中TGF-β1、PICP、PⅢNP、HA、LN水平的差异。分析患者脑脊液中TGF-β1分别与PICP、PⅢNP、HA、LN表达的相关性及其时间-浓度关系。结果收集病例83例,随访半年,53例未出现脑积水(A组),30例出现脑积水(B组),结果显示,出现脑积水的患者在脑脊液各个时间点的TGF-β1、PICP、HA、LN水平均显著高于未出现脑积水的患者。83例患者脑脊液中TGF-β1与PICP、PⅢNP、HA、LN的表达呈正相关,相关系数分别为0.8248、0.7951、0.9078、0.7572。脑脊液中TGF-β1在7天时达到高峰期,之后逐渐下降,而PICP、PⅢNP、HA、LN在脑脊液中的表达是在TGF-β1达到高峰后快速上升,后缓慢下降。结论脑脊液中TGF-β1、PICP、PⅢNP、HA、LN与脑脊液系统出血后慢性脑积水的发生过程中发挥着重要作用。TGF-β1在脑脊液系统出血后的表达可能促进了PICP、PⅢNP、HA、LN的表达。

Transforming Growth Factor-beta I Involved in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis through Regulating Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor under Hypoxia

Background： Endometriosis （EMs） is a common gynecological disorder characterized by endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Hypoxia induces the expression of many important downstream genes to regulate the implantation, survival, and maintenance ofectopic endometriotic lesions. Transtbrming growth factor-beta I （TGF-β1） plays a major role in the etiology of EMs. We aimed to determine whether TGF-β1 affects EMs development and progression and its related mechanisms in hypoxic conditions. Methods： Endometrial tissue was obtained from women with or without EMs undergoing surgery from October, 2015 to October, 2016. Endometrial cells were cultured and then exposed to hypoxia and TGF-β1 or TGF-β1 inhibitors. The messenger RNA （mRNA） and protein expression levels ofTGF-β1, vascular endothelial growth fhctor （VEGF）, and hypoxia-inducible fhctor-Ic~ （HIF-β1） were measured. A DuaI-Luciferase Reporter Assay was used to examine the effect ofTGF-[31 and hypoxia on a VEGF promoter construct. Student＇s t-test was pertbrmed/br comparison among groups （one-sided or two-sided） and a value ofP 〈 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results： TGF-β1, VEGF, HIF-β1 mRNA, and protein expression were significantly higher in EMs tissue than that in normal endometrial tissue （t = 2.16, P = 0.042）. EMs primary cultured cells exposed to hypoxia expressed 43.8% higher VEGF mRNA and protein （t = 6.84, P - 0.023）. VEGF mRNA levels increased 12.5% in response to TGF-β1, whereas the combined treatment of hypoxia/TGF-β1 resulted in a much higher production （87.5% increases） of VEGF. The luciferase activity of the VEGF promoter construct was increased in the presence of either TGF-β1 （2.6-fold, t = 6.08, P = 0.032） or hypoxia （11.2-fold, t = 32.70, P 〈 0.001 ）, whereas the simultaneous presence of both stimuli resulted in a significant cooperative effect （ 18.5-fold, t = 33.50, P 〈 0.001 ）. Conclusions： The data support the hypothesis that TGF-β1 is involved in the pathogenesis of EMs through regulating VEGF expression. An additive effect of TGF-[31 and hypoxia is taking place at the transcriptional level.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in relation to gene polymorphisms of transforming growth factor-β1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF） is a progressive and lethal fibrotic lung disease of unknown etiology. Host susceptibility or genetic factors may be important for the predisposition to it. Transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1 a potent profibrotic cytokine） and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 （PAl-1） play important roles in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. The objective of the study was to investigate the association between the gene polymorphisms of TGF-β1 869 T〉C and PAl-1 4G/5G and the susceptibility to IPF in Han ethnicity. Methods Polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and restriction fragment length polymorphism were performed to analyse the gene polymorphisms of TGF-β1 in 869T〉C and PAl-1 4G/5G in 85 IPF patients and 85 healthy controls matched in age, gender, race and smoker status. Results There was a significant difference in 869T〉C genotype distribution of TGF-β1 between IPF cases and controls, a significant negative association between TC genotype and the development of IPF （OR=0.508, 95% CI： 0.275-0.941） and a positive association between CC genotype and the development of IPF （OR=1.967, 95% CI： 1.063-3.641）. There was a significant positive association between PAl-1 5G/5G genotype and the development of IPF （OR=0.418, 95% CI： 0.193-0.904）. Conclusions Gene polymorphisms of TGF-β1 in 869T〉Cand PAl-1 4G/5G may affect the susceptibility to IPF in Han ethnicity. Further investigations are needed to confirm these findings and assess their biological significance in the development of the disease in this ethnic population.

Upregulated DJ-1 Promotes Renal Tubular EMT by Suppressing Cytoplasmic PTEN Expression and Akt Activation

Recently,phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10（PTEN） is suggested as a new agent in the fighting against fibrogenesis.In tumor,DJ-1 is identified as a negative regulator of PTEN.But the expression of DJ-1 and the regulation of PTEN in fibrosis are unclear.Renal fibrosis was induced in 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy rat model.Human proximal tubular epithelial cells（HKC） were treated with transforming growth factor-beta 1（TGF-β1）,or transfected with DJ-1 or PTEN.Confocal microscope was used to investigate the localization of DJ-1 and PTEN.The selective phosphoinositide-3 kinase（PI3K） inhibitor,LY294002,was administered to inhibit PI3K pathway.The DJ-1 and PTEN expression,markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition（EMT） and Akt phosphorylation were measured by RT-PCR,Western blotting or immunocytochemistry.In vitro,after HKC cells were stimulated with 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 for 72 h,the expression of DJ-1 was increased,and that of PTEN was decreased.In vivo,the same results were identified in 5/6-nephrectomized rats.In normal HKC cells,most of DJ-1 protein localized in cytoplasm,and little in nucleus.TGF-β1 upregulated DJ-1 expression in both cytoplasma and nuclei.In contrary,TGF-β1 emptied cytoplasmic PTEN protein into nucleus.Overexpression of DJ-1 decreased the expression of PTEN,promoted the activation of Akt and the expression of vimentin,and also led to the loss of cytoplasmic PTEN.Contrarily,overexpression of PTEN protected HKC cells from TGF-β1-induced EMT.In conclusion,DJ-1 is upregulated in renal fibrosis and DJ-1 mediates EMT by suppressing cytoplasmic PTEN expression and Akt activation.

Association of overexpression of TIF1γ with colorectal carcinogenesis and advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma

AIM:To determine the expression and clinical significance of transcriptional intermediary factor 1 gamma (TIF1γ),Smad4 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβR) across a spectrum representing colorectal cancer (CRC) development.METHODS:Tissue microarrays were prepared from archival paraffin embedded tissue,including 51 colorectal carcinomas,25 tubular adenomas (TA) and 26 HPs,each with matched normal colonic epithelium.Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against TIF1γ,Smad4 and TGFβ RⅡ.The levels of expression were scored semi-quantitatively (score 0-3 or loss and retention for Smad4).RESULTS:Overexpression of TIF1γ was detected in 5/26 (19%) HP;however,it was seen in a significantly higher proportion of neoplasms,15/25 (60%) TAs and 24/51 (47%) CRCs (P<0.05).Normal colonic mucosa,HP,and TAs showed strong Smad4 expression,while its expression was absent in 22/51 (43%) CRCs.Over-expression of TGFβ RⅡ was more commonly seen in neoplasms,13/25 (52%) TAs and 29/51 (57%) CRCs compared to 9/26 (35%) HP (P<0.05).Furthermore,there was a correlation between TIF1γ overexpression and Smad4 loss in CRC (Kendall tau rank correlation value=0.35,P<0.05).The levels of TIF1γ overexpression were significantly higher in stage Ⅲ than in stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ CRC (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The findings suggest that over-expression of TIF1γ occurs in early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis,is inversely related with Smad4 loss,and may be a prognostic indicator for poor outcome.

TGF-β2-induced NEAT1 regulates lens epithelial cell proliferation,migration and EMT by the miR-26a-5p/FANCE axis

AIM:To explore the regulatory mechanism of nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1(NEAT1)in the pathogenesis of posterior capsule opacification(PCO).METHODS:Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-q PCR)was executed to analyze NEAT1 and micro RNA(miR)-26a-5p expression in transforming growth factor-beta 2(TGF-β2)-disposed lens epithelial cells(LECs).The proliferation,cell cycle progression,apoptosis,and migration of TGF-β2-disposed LECs were evaluated.The relationship between NEAT1 or fanconi anemia(FA)complementation group E(FANCE)and miR-26a-5p was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay.RESULTS:TGF-β2 induced NEAT1 expression in LECs.NEAT1 inhibition accelerated apoptosis,cell cycle arrest,decreased proliferation,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT),and migration of TGF-β2-disposed LECs.NEAT1 sponged miR-26a-5p to further regulate FANCE expression.Rescue experiments presented that miR-26a-5p downregulation overturned NEAT1 silencing-mediated impacts on TGF-β2-disposed LEC biological behaviors.Additionally,FANCE overexpression reversed miR-26a-5p mimic-mediated impacts on TGF-β2-disposed LEC biological behaviors.CONCLUSION:TGF-β2-induced NEAT1 facilitates LEC proliferation,migration,and EMT by upregulating FANCE via sequestering miR-26a-5p.

The expression of TGF-β_1,ADAM12 and HB-EGF in primary hepatic carcinoma

Objective: To detect the expression and location of TGF-β1, ADAM12 and HB-EGF in primary hepatic carcinoma and study their effect on the growth and metastasis of hepatoma carcinoma cell. Methods: TGF-β1, ADAM12 and HB-EGF were detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in 30 cases of hepatic carcinoma tissues, 30 cases of adjacent carci- noma tissues and 5 cases of normal hepatic tissues. Results: RT-PCR analyses showed that the mRNA expression of TGF-β1, ADAM12 and HB-EGF were markedly increased in each hepatic carcinoma tissue compared with its adjacent tissue (P < 0.01), but no signal was detected in normal hepatic tissue. Immunohistochemistry showed the same outcome on the expression of above three factors in hepatic tissues as RT-PCR. Proteins location analyses showed the proteins of TGF-β1, ADAM12 and HB-EGF all distributed in the stroma of hepatic carcinoma tissues. The positive correlation was found between TGF-β1 and ADAM12 (r = 0.6137, P < 0.05), as well as ADAM12 and HB-EGF (r = 0.5763, P < 0.05). The protein expression of TGF-β1, ADAM12 and HB-EGF were correlated with the size of tumors, degree of differentiation of hepatoma carcinoma cells, portal vein thrombus and the metastasis of absorbent glands, especially with hepatic cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus. Conclu- sion: TGF-β1, ADAM12 and HB-EGF possibly play an important role in the process of growth, invasion and metastasis of hepatoma carcinoma cell, meanwhile, the above three factors may collectively participate in the transition from hepatic cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus to hepatocellular carcinoma.

黄芪多糖和三七总皂苷配伍对糖尿病大鼠肾组织Ⅳ型胶原及层黏连蛋白表达的影响

目的探讨黄芪多糖(APS)和三七总皂苷(PNS)配伍对糖尿病大鼠肾组织Ⅳ型胶原及层黏连蛋白的影响。方法通过腹腔注射链脲佐菌素建立糖尿病大鼠模型,将糖尿病模型大鼠随机分为模型组、APS组、PNS组、APS组+PNS组和贝那普利组,除模型组外,每天给药1次,连续给药8周。8周后测定大鼠24 h尿总蛋白、血糖、血肌酐和尿素氮;采用免疫组化法测定糖尿病大鼠肾组织内转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、血小板源性生长因子(PDGF-BB)、Ⅳ型胶原蛋白(Col-Ⅳ)和层粘连蛋白(LN)的表达。结果与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠24 h尿总蛋白、血糖、血肌酐和尿素氮含量显著升高(P﹤0.01),肾组织中TGF-β1、PDGF-BB、Col-Ⅳ和LN蛋白表达显著增强(P﹤0.01);与模型组比较,APS、PNS、APS与PNS配伍组大鼠的24 h尿总蛋白、血糖、血肌酐和尿素氮显著降低(P﹤0.01),肾组织中TGF-β1、PDGF-BB、Col-Ⅳ和LN蛋白表达显著减少(P﹤0.01),APS与PNS配伍组的作用优于APS、PNS单用组(P﹤0.05,P﹤0.01)。结论 APS和PNS配伍对糖尿病大鼠的肾脏具有保护作用,其作用机制可能与其下调TGF-β1、PDGF-BB、Col-Ⅳ和LN蛋白表达,从而抑制细胞外基质合成有关。

原代培养大鼠肝星状细胞、枯否氏细胞及肝素的干预作用

目的同步分离培养大鼠肝星状细胞及枯否细胞,应用肝素进行干预,观察肝素在体外对肝星状细胞及枯否细胞的影响。方法应用Nycodenz一步密度梯度离心法一步分离肝纤维化大鼠的肝星状细胞及枯否细胞。分别将不同浓度的肝素加入肝星状细胞和枯否细胞培养板中,应用MTT比色法检测各组肝星状细胞和枯否细胞的增殖状况,免疫细胞化学检测各组肝星状细胞中α平滑肌肌动蛋白(αSMA)、转化生长因子β1(TGFβ1)、层连蛋白(LN)的表达。结果加入高浓度肝素、低浓度肝素及未用药的肝星状细胞0D值分别为0.0626±0.0137、0.0746±0.0131和0.1106±0.0198。加入高浓度肝素、低浓度肝素及未用药的枯否氏细胞0D值分别为0.1340±0.0270、0.1540±0.270和0.2120±0.0444。二肝素组肝星状细胞、枯否氏细胞0D值均显著低于未加药组。高浓度肝素组肝星状细胞及枯否氏细胞OD值较低浓度肝素组为低,但无显著性差异。加入肝素的肝星状细胞αSMA、TGFβ1,LN的表达较未用药的肝星状细胞为弱。高浓度肝素组αSMA、TGFβ1LN的表达较低浓度肝素组弱。结论肝素可抑制肝星状细胞的增殖、活化及胶原的分泌,且对枯否氏细胞也具有抑制作用。

Mechanisms of fibrogenesis in liver cirrhosis:The molecular aspects of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Liver injuries are repaired by fibrosis and regeneration.The cause of fibrosis and diminished regeneration,especially in liver cirrhosis,is still unknown.Epithelialmesenchymal transition(EMT) has been found to be associated with liver fibrosis.The possibility that EMT could contribute to hepatic fibrogenesis reinforced the concept that activated hepatic stellate cells are not the only key players in the hepatic fibrogenic process and that other cell types,either hepatic or bone marrow-derived cells could contribute to this process.Following an initial enthusiasm for the discovery of this novel pathway in fibrogenesis,more recent research has started to cast serious doubts upon the real relevance of this phenomenon in human fibrogenetic disorders.The debate on the authenticity of EMT or on its contribution to the fibrogenic process has become very animated.The overall result is a general confusion on the meaning and on the definition of several key aspects.The aim of this article is to describe how EMT participates to hepatic fibrosis and discuss the evidence of supporting this possibility in order to reach reasonable and useful conclusions.