Total flavone of Abelmoschus manihot suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition via interfering transforming growth factor-β1 signaling in Crohn's disease intestinal fibrosis

AIM To explore the role and mechanism of total flavone of Abelmoschus manihot(TFA) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) progress of Crohn's disease(CD) intestinal fibrosis.METHODS First,CCK-8 assay was performed to assess TFA on the viability of intestinal epithelial(IEC-6) cells and select the optimal concentrations of TFA for our further studies.Then cell morphology,wound healing and transwell assays were performed to examine the effect of TFA on morphology,migration and invasion of IEC-6 cells treated with TGF-β1.In addition,immunofluorescence,real-time PCR analysis(q RT-PCR) and western blotting assays were carried out to detect the impact of TFA on EMT progress.Moreover,western blotting assay was performed to evaluate the function of TFA on the Smad and MAPK signaling pathways.Further,the role of co-treatment of TFA and si-Smad or MAPK inhibitors has been examined by q RTPCR,western blotting,morphology,wound healing andtranswell assays.RESULTS In this study,TFA promoted transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced(IEC-6) morphological change,migration and invasion,and increased the expression of epithelial markers and reduced the levels of mesenchymal markers,along with the inactivation of Smad and MAPK signaling pathways.Moreover,we revealed that si-Smad and MAPK inhibitors effectively attenuated TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells.Importantly,co-treatment of TFA and si-Smad or MAPK inhibitors had better inhibitory effects on TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells than either one of them.CONCLUSION These findings could provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of TFA on TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells and TFA is expected to advance as a new therapy to treat CD intestinal fibrosis.

Tetrandrine inhibits activation of rat hepatic stellate cells in vitro via transforming growth factor-β signaling

AIM: To investigate the effect of various concentrations of tetrandrine on activation of quiescent rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in vitro.METHODS: HSCs were isolated from rats by in situperfusion of liver and 18% Nycodenz gradient centrifugation, and primarily cultured on uncoated plastic plates for 24 hwith DMEM containing 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS/DMEM) before the culture medium was substituted with 2% FBS/DMEM for another 24 h. Then, the HSCs were cultured in 2% FBS/DMEM with tetrandrine (0.25, 0.5, 1,2 mg/L, respectively). Cell morphological features were observed under an inverted microscope, smooth muscleα-actin (α-SMA) was detected by immunocytochemistry and image analysis system, laminin (LN) and type Ⅲprocollagen (PCⅢ) in supernatants were determined byradioimmunoassay. TGF-β1 mRNA, Smad 7 mRNA and Smad 7 protein were analyzed with RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.RESULTS: Tetrandrine at the concentrations of 0.25-2 mg/L prevented morphological transformation of HSC from the quiescent state to the activated one, while α-SMA, LN and PCⅢ expressions were inhibited. As estimated by gray values, the expression of α-SMA in tetrandrine groups (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 mg/L) was reduced from 21.3% to 42.2%(control: 0.67, tetrandrine groups: 0.82, 0.85, 0.96, or 0.96, respectively, which were statistically different from the control, P＜0.01), and the difference was more significant in tetrandrine at 1 and 2 mg/L. The content of LN in supernatants was significantly decreased in tetrandrine groups to 58.5%, 69.1%, 65.8% or 60.0% that of the control respectively, and that of PCⅢ to 84.6%, 81.5%,75.7% or 80.7% respectively (P＜0.05 vs control), with no significant difference among tetrandrine groups. RTPCR showed that TGF-β1 mRNA expression was reduced by tetrandrine treatments from 56.56% to 87.90% in comparison with the control, while Smad 7 mRNA was increased 1.4-4.8 times. The TGF-β1 mRNA and Smad 7 mRNA expression was in a significant negative correlation (r= -0.755, P＜0.01), and both were significantly correlated with α-SMA protein expression (r = -0.938, P＜0.01;r = 0.938, P＜0.01, respectively). The up-regulation of Smad 7 protein by tetrandrine (1 mg/L)was confirmed by Western blotting as well.CONCLUSION: Tetrandrine has a direct inhibiting effect on the activation of rat HSCs in culture. It up-regulates the expression of Smad 7 which in turn blocks TGF-β1 expression and signaling.

Regulation of transforming growth factor-β signaling as a therapeutic approach to treating colorectal cancer

According to data from 2020,Slovakia has long been among the top five countries with the highest incidence rate of colorectal cancer(CRC)worldwide,and the rate is continuing to rise every year.In approximately 80%of CRC cases,allelic loss(loss of heterozygosity,LOH)occurs in the long arm of chromosome 18q.The most important genes that can be silenced by 18q LOH or mutations are small mothers against decapentaplegic homolog(SMAD)2 and SMAD4,which are intracellular mediators of transforming growth factor(TGF)-βsuperfamily signals.TGF-βplays an important role in the pro-oncogenic processes,including such properties as invasion,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(commonly known as EMT),promotion of angiogenesis,and immunomodulatory effects.Several recent studies have reported that activation of TGF-βsignaling is related to drug resistance in CRC.Because the mechanisms of drug resistance are different between patients in different stages of CRC,personalized treatment is more effective.Therefore,knowledge of the activation and inhibition of factors that affect the TGF-βsignaling pathway is very important.

活血利水复方对自发性高血压大鼠转化生长因子-β1/SMAD家族蛋白信号通路介导下游结缔组织生长因子及Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原表达及血管重塑的影响

目的:基于转化生长因子-β1/SMAD家族蛋白信号通路探讨活血利水中药复方对自发性高血压大鼠血管重塑的保护作用及机制。方法:将自发性高血压大鼠随机分为模型组、卡托普利组、活血利水复方低剂量组、活血利水复方中剂量组、活血利水复方高剂量组,Wistar大鼠作为空白组,每组10只。给予相应药物灌胃,4周后采用酶联免疫吸附试验方法检测血清中C反应蛋白、肿瘤坏死因子-α、白细胞介素-6的含量;采用逆转录聚合酶链反应检测大鼠主动脉组织转化生长因子-β1、结缔组织生长因子及Ⅰ型胶原、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达,并取冠状动脉组织进行马松三色染色。结果:与空白组比较,模型组血清中C反应蛋白、肿瘤坏死因子-α、白细胞介素-6的含量显著升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较,各药物组大鼠干预后血清中C反应蛋白、肿瘤坏死因子-α、白细胞介素-6的含量不同程度降低(P<0.01)。其中,卡托普利组和活血利水复方高剂量组上述3项指标表达最低,与其他组的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01);卡托普利组和活血利水复方高剂量组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与空白组比较,模型组大鼠主动脉转化生长因子-β1、结缔组织生长因子及Ⅰ型胶原、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达显著升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较,卡托普利组及活血利水复方低剂量组、活血利水复方中剂量组、活血利水复方高剂量组大鼠主动脉组织转化生长因子-β1、结缔组织生长因子及Ⅰ型胶原、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达不同程度降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:活血利水中药复方可通过调控转化生长因子-β1/SMAD家族蛋白信号通路及下游结缔组织生长因子及Ⅰ型胶原、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达水平,降低C反应蛋白、肿瘤坏死因子-α、白细胞介素-6等炎症因子的表达,抑制炎症反应,从而改善高血压病炎症状态及血管重塑,其机制可能与降低转化生长因子-β1、结缔组织生长因子及Ⅰ型胶原、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白沉积有关。

圣草酚对TGF-β1诱导的人皮肤成纤维细胞增殖、氧化应激反应及TGF-β1/Smad信号通路活化的影响

目的探讨圣草酚对转化生长因子β1(TGF‑β1)诱导的人皮肤成纤维细胞(HSF)的增殖、氧化应激反应及TGF‑β1/Smad信号通路活化的影响。方法将HSF分为对照组、模型组、圣草酚低剂量组、圣草酚中剂量组、圣草酚高剂量组、SB‑431542组。对照组不做任何处理,模型组用5.0 ng/mL TGF‑β1干预24 h,圣草酚低剂量组、圣草酚中剂量组、圣草酚高剂量组分别用40μmol/L、80μmol/L、160μmol/L圣草酚和5.0 ng/mL TGF‑β1同时干预24 h,SB‑431542组用10μmol/L SB‑431542和5.0 ng/mL TGF‑β1同时干预24 h。检测各组HSF细胞活力、α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α‑SMA)蛋白表达水平、活性氧簇(ROS)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性,TGF⁃β1、α⁃SMA、Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(CoⅠl)、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白(CoⅢl)、基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP2)的mRNA表达量及TGF‑β1的蛋白表达水平。检测对照组、模型组、圣草酚中剂量组HSF的Smad2、Smad3、磷酸化Smad2(p‑Smad2)、磷酸化Smad3(p‑Smad3)蛋白表达水平。结果与对照组相比,模型组的HSF细胞活力及α‑SMA蛋白表达水平增加,ROS含量增加而SOD活性降低,TGF⁃β1、α⁃SMA、CoⅠl、CoⅢl和MMP2 mRNA表达量上调,TGF‑β1、Smad2、Smad3、p‑Smad2、p‑Smad3的蛋白表达量亦上调(P<0.05)。与模型组相比,圣草酚各剂量组和SB‑431542组HSF细胞活力降低、ROS含量降低、SOD活性增强,且α⁃SMA、CoⅠl、CoⅢl、MMP2的mRNA表达量和TGF‑β1蛋白表达量下调,圣草酚中剂量组、圣草酚高剂量组和SB‑431542组HSF细胞中α‑SMA蛋白表达水平降低,圣草酚中剂量组及SB‑431542组Smad2、Smad3、p‑Smad2、p‑Smad3蛋白表达量下调(P<0.05)。圣草酚低剂量组、圣草酚中剂量组、圣草酚高剂量组HSF细胞活力、α‑SMA蛋白表达水平、ROS含量依次降低,SOD活性依次增强,α⁃SMA、CoⅠl、CoⅢl mRNA表达量依次降低(P<0.05)。结论圣草酚可能通过抑制氧化应激反应及TGF‑β1/Smad通路的活化,从而剂量依赖性地抑制TGF‑β1诱导的HSF细胞纤维化。

基于TGF‐β1/Smads信号通路探讨红花抗硬皮病小鼠皮肤纤维化的作用机制

目的探讨红花抗硬皮病小鼠皮肤纤维化的作用及对转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)/Smads信号通路的影响。方法将64只雌性BALB/c小鼠分为对照组(16只)、模型组(16只)、泼尼松组(8只)、红花前干预组(16只)和红花后干预组(8只)。除对照组外,其他4组小鼠采用皮下注射博来霉素诱导硬皮病小鼠模型。造模当天给予泼尼松组小鼠灌胃0.45 mg/mL醋酸泼尼松混悬液,给予红花前干预组小鼠灌胃0.15 g/mL红花水提液,给予对照组、模型组小鼠灌胃生理盐水,造模第15天给予红花后干预组小鼠灌胃0.15 g/mL红花水提液,以上各组小鼠均连续灌胃4周(0.2 mL/d)。干预4周后,观察各组小鼠皮肤外观变化及皮肤病理组织学改变,比较各组小鼠的真皮厚度,采用免疫组化法检测各组小鼠皮肤组织Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(COLⅠ)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的蛋白表达水平,采用实时荧光定量PCR检测各组小鼠皮肤组织COLⅠ-a1、COLⅠ-a2、α-SMA、TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3的mRNA表达水平,采用Western blot检测各组小鼠皮肤组织TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、磷酸化Smad2、磷酸化Smad3的蛋白表达情况。结果(1)模型组小鼠背部未见新生毛发,皮肤硬化明显、有粘连,不易被提起,真皮厚度增厚,各药物干预组皮肤症状较模型组改善,真皮厚度变薄,以泼尼松组、红花前干预组改善最明显。(2)与对照组比较,模型组小鼠皮肤组织COLⅠ、α-SMA的蛋白表达水平,以及COLⅠ-a1、COLⅠ-a2、α-SMA的mRNA表达水平升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,红花前干预组、红花后干预组和泼尼松组小鼠皮肤组织COLⅠ、α-SMA的蛋白表达水平,以及COLⅠ-a1、COLⅠ-a2、α-SMA的mRNA表达水平下降,且泼尼松组、红花前干预组小鼠皮肤组织COLⅠ、α-SMA的蛋白表达水平低于红花后干预组,红花前干预组小鼠皮肤组织COLⅠ-a1、COLⅠ-a2的mRNA表达水平低于红花后干预组(P<0.05)。(3)与对照组比较,模型组小鼠皮肤组织TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3的蛋白及mRNA,以及磷酸化Smad2、磷酸化Smad3的蛋白表达水平升高,红花前干预组小鼠皮肤组织TGF-β1、Smad3的mRNA表达水平降低,Smad2的mRNA表达水平升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,红花前干预组小鼠皮肤组织TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3的蛋白及mRNA,以及磷酸化Smad2、磷酸化Smad3的蛋白表达水平降低(P<0.05)。结论红花可以抑制肌成纤维细胞的激活,减少细胞外基质的生成与堆积,从而发挥抗硬皮病小鼠皮肤纤维化的作用,其机制可能与下调硬皮病小鼠皮肤组织TGF-β1/Smads信号通路相关蛋白的表达有关。

帕立骨化醇对肾性骨病大鼠骨代谢及TGF-β/BMP-7/Smad通路的影响

目的:探讨帕立骨化醇对肾性骨病(ROD)大鼠骨代谢及转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)/骨形态发生蛋白-7(BMP-7)/Smad通路的影响。方法:将90只大鼠随机分为6组:对照组、模型组、帕立骨化醇低剂量(0.2μg/kg)组、帕立骨化醇中剂量(0.4μg/kg)组、帕立骨化醇高剂量(0.8μg/kg)组、骨化三醇(10μg/kg)组,每组15只,对照组大鼠以普通饲料喂养,其余各组大鼠用含有腺嘌呤的饲料喂养,诱导建立ROD模型。分组进行药物治疗后,测定各组大鼠肾功能指标血尿素氮(BUN)与血肌酐(Scr)水平、血钙与血磷水平、股骨骨密度(BMD)、股骨生物力学指标最大载荷、弹性模量与屈服载荷、血清炎症因子IL-6、IL-17水平;采用蛋白免疫印迹法检测骨组织TGF-β/BMP-7/Smad通路蛋白表达情况。再次取45只大鼠随机分为3组:帕立骨化醇(0.8μg/kg)组、TGF-β抑制(LY2157299,150 mg/kg)组、帕立骨化醇(0.8μg/kg)+TGF-β抑制(LY2157299,150 mg/kg)组,每组15只,同样方法建立ROD模型。分组以药物治疗后,测定各组大鼠肾功能指标与股骨生物力学指标水平。结果:与对照组比较,模型组大鼠血钙水平、BMD、弹性模量、最大载荷、屈服载荷、骨组织TGF-β/BMP-7/Smad通路蛋白TGF-β及BMP-7表达、p-Smad3/Smad3显著降低(P<0.05),BUN与Scr水平、血磷水平、血清IL-6与IL-17水平显著升高(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,帕立骨化醇低、中、高剂量组和骨化三醇组大鼠血钙水平、BMD、弹性模量、最大载荷、屈服载荷、骨组织TGF-β/BMP-7/Smad通路蛋白TGF-β及BMP-7表达、p-Smad3/Smad3均升高,BUN与Scr水平、血磷水平、血清IL-6与IL-17水平均降低,且帕立骨化醇各组之间呈剂量依赖性(P<0.05),帕立骨化醇高剂量组和骨化三醇组比较,大鼠各指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与帕立骨化醇+TGF-β抑制组比较,帕立骨化醇组大鼠肾功能指标BUN、Scr与血磷水平降低(P<0.05),血钙水平、BMD、弹性模量、最大载荷、屈服载荷升高(P<0.05);TGF-β抑制组大鼠肾功能指标BUN、Scr与血磷水平升高(P<0.05),血钙水平、BMD、弹性模量、最大载荷、屈服载荷降低(P<0.05)。结论:帕立骨化醇可通过激活TGF-β/BMP-7/Smad信号通路抑制炎症反应,改善ROD大鼠肾功能及骨代谢异常,降低血磷水平,提高血钙水平及骨密度,修复骨生物力学,改善骨病症状。

Moxibustion enables protective effects on rheumatoid arthritis-induced myocardial injury via transforming growth factor beta1 signaling and metabolic reprogramming

OBJECTIVE:To examine the effects of moxibustion on myocardial injury and myocardial metabolomics in rats with rheumatoid arthritis(RA)based on the transforming growth factor beta1(TGF-β1)/Smads signaling pathway.METHODS:One hundred rats were treated with saline[normal control(NC)group]or complete Freund’s adjuvant(CFA)by right plantar injection for the RA model group,and the latter were randomly divided into 4 groups.Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets(雷公藤多苷片,TPT)have anti-inflammatory and are widely used in the clinical treatment of RA,therefore serving as a positive control group.Three days post injection rats were given TPT tablet(TPT group),acupuncture therapy(APT group),and moxibustion treatment(MOX group)for 15 consecutive days,while NC group and model group were equally grasped and fixed and received normal saline.Rat joint swelling scores and arthritis index(AI)were evaluated in each group before the CFA challenge,therapy and after receiving therapy.Myocardial ultrastructure was observed by electron microscope.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect cardiac troponin I(cTnI)levels in rat myocardial tissue.Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-βsignaling molecules including TGF-β1,Smad2,Smad3,Smad4,and Smad7.Myocardial metabolomics was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer.RESULTS:Compared with model group,RA model rats receiving TPT,acupuncture,or moxibustion therapy all showed reduced joint swelling scores and AI(all P<0.01)and improved myocardial damage,whereas rats treated with moxibustion were found to be more marked.Consistently,the expressions of cTnI,TGF-β1,Smad2,Smad3,and Smad4 were found to be elevated in model rat group in contrast to NC rats and were significantly downregulated in TPT,APT and MOX group when compared with model group,while the levels of Smad7 showed the opposite result(all P<0.01).Moreover,the dissection of metabolomics suggested a novel metabolite biomarker panel including D-Xylulose 5-phosphate,dihydroxyacetone phosphate,arachidonic acid,etc was defined and implicated in amino acid,glucose,and fatty acid metabolic processes as revealed by principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis.CONCLUSION:Moxibustion prevents RA-induced inflammatory response and offers potent therapeutic effects on myocardial dysfunctions.The protective effects might be associated with its role in TGF-β1 inactivation and metabolic reprogramming.

Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human gastric carcinoma cell line BGC823 by modulation of transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of BGC823 cell induced by transforming growth factor-β,(TGF-β,) and to explore its mechanism.METHODS:EMT model of BGC823 was stimulated by TGF-β1.Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum and LY-364947 were used as intervention.The proliferation and adhesion of BGC823 were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis.The invasion and migration were detected by Transwell.The level of matrix metalloproteins was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expressions of related proteins and mRNA of EMT marker and TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway were detected by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:Compared with the TGF-β1 group,Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum could inhibit the ability of proliferation,heterogeneous adhesion,invasion,and migration.It also promotes apoptosis and homotypic adhesion in BGC823,with a dose-dependent manner.Meanwhile,Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum could regulate the expression of related proteins and mRNA of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway,and inhibit the expressions of EMT transcription factors and EMT markers.CONCLUSION:Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition by down-regulated the expression of TβRI and the activation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

Shugan Huoxue Huayu Fang(疏肝活血化瘀方)attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats by inhibiting transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the potential mechanism by which Shugan Huoxue Huayu Fang(疏肝活血化瘀方,SGHXHYF)ameliorates liver fibrosis.METHODS:Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride(CCl_(4))in peanut oil solution(40%,3 m L/kg body weight)twice a week for 8 weeks.A normal control group received the same volume of peanut oil alone.During weeks 5-8,the CCl_(4)-injected rat groups were administered saline(vehicle control),colchicine(0.1 mg/mL,1 mg/kg,positive control),or SGHXHYF(0.1 mg/mL;0.3,0.6 and 1.2 mg/kg)once daily by oral gavage.Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last treatment.Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),albumin(ALB),collagenⅠ,and collagenⅢlevels.Liver samples were analyzed by histopathological staining,Masson's staining of extracellular matrix proteins,and immune-ohistochemical staining ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA).TGF-β1/Smad protein and mRNA levels were analyzed by Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis,respectively.In vitro experiments were also performed using rat hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).RESULTS:Compared with the control animals,CCl_(4)-exposed rats exhibited elevated serum levels of ALT,AST,ALP,collagenⅠ,and collagenⅢ;reduced serum levels of ALB;and increased collagen deposition andα-SMA expression in liver sections,reflecting liver fibrosis.CCl_(4) also increased expression of TGF-β1 and the activated(phosphorylated)forms of Smad2 and Smad3 but reduced expression of the negative regulator Smad7 in the liver.Notably,concomitant administration of SGHXHYF to CCl_(4)-exposed rats was found to significantly reverse or abolish the pro-fibrotic effects of CCl_(4) in the liver and reduced serum transferase levels.Analysis of HSCs in vitro confirmed that,mechanistically,SGHXHYF inhibited activation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by downregulating phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 and upregulating Smad7 levels.CONCLUSION:SGHXHYF ameliorated CCl_(4)-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.These findings suggest that SGHXHYF may have clinical utility for the treatment or prevention of liver fibrosis.

miR-215-5p调控YY1通过TGF-β1/Smad信号通路对PCOS大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡的影响

目的探究MicroRNA-215-5p(miR-215-5p)在多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)大鼠中的表达及其对卵巢颗粒细胞(GC)凋亡的影响,并分析潜在机制。方法采用脱氢表雄酮(DHEA)建立PCOS大鼠模型,分离并培养原代PCOS大鼠卵巢GC,分为对照组(control组)、sh-NC组、sh-YY1组、sh-YY1+LY2109761组、miR-NC组、miR-215-5p mimic组、miR-215-5p mimic+pc-NC组、miR-215-5p mimic+pc-YY1组。TUNEL法检测PCOS大鼠卵巢组织GC凋亡;实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)检测卵巢组织/GC中miR-215-5p、阴阳-1(YY1)mRNA表达;CCK-8法和平板克隆形成实验检测细胞增殖能力;流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率;Western blot检测PCOS大鼠卵巢组织/GC中YY1、转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、Smad4蛋白表达。结果miR-215-5p在PCOS大鼠卵巢组织中低表达,YY1 mRNA和蛋白水平在PCOS大鼠卵巢组织中显著升高(P<0.05);敲低YY1或上调miR-215-5p可显著增强PCOS大鼠卵巢GC增殖能力,抑制GC凋亡,升高TGF-β1、Smad4蛋白水平(均P<0.05);TGF-β/Smad4信号通路抑制剂LY2109761可显著减弱敲低YY1对卵巢GC凋亡的抑制作用(P<0.05);在过表达miR-215-5p的基础上,上调YY1可抑制TGF-β1/Smad信号通路的激活,显著减弱miR-215-5p mimic对PCOS大鼠卵巢GC凋亡的抑制作用(P<0.05)。结论miR-215-5p在PCOS中呈低表达,过表达miR-215-5p可能通过下调YY1,激活TGF-β1/Smad信号通路,促进PCOS大鼠卵巢GC增殖并抑制其凋亡。

温针灸对卵巢功能减退大鼠TGF-β1/Smads信号通路的影响

目的探讨温针灸通过调节转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)/Smads信号通路对卵巢功能减退(DOR)大鼠卵巢功能的改善效果。方法采用雷公藤多苷片灌胃法复制DOR模型,温针灸给予关元、气海、中极及双侧肾俞治疗14 d后,采用阴道脱落细胞学检查及HE染色法观察大鼠动情周期和卵巢组织病理形态,采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测血清雌二醇(E_(2))、黄体生成素(LH)、卵泡刺激素(FSH)、抗米勒管激素(AMH)水平,采用免疫组织化学法检测卵巢组织TGF-β1的表达,采用Western blot及实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(qRT-PCR)法检测卵巢组织TGF-β1/Smads通路相关蛋白和mRNA的表达。结果经温针灸治疗后,DOR大鼠动情周期紊乱率显著降低,卵巢内成熟卵泡数显著增多(P<0.05);血清中E_(2)、AMH水平显著增加,LH、FSH水平显著降低(P<0.05);显著上调了卵巢组织TGF-β1的蛋白表达及p-Smad2/Smad2、p-Smad3/Smad3比值,下调了Smad7的蛋白表达(P<0.05);同时显著上调了TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3的mRNA表达,下调了Smad7的mRNA表达(P<0.05)。结论温针灸对DOR大鼠具有明显的治疗效果,其机制可能与调控TGF-β1/Smads信号通路相关。

白藜芦醇阻断TGF-β1/Smad信号通路抑制脑胶质瘤细胞迁移侵袭及上皮间质转化

目的探究白藜芦醇对人脑胶质瘤细胞黏附、迁移、侵袭、上皮间质转化(EMT)及转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)/Smads信号通路的调控作用。方法体外培养人脑胶质瘤T98G细胞,分为对照组(不做干预)、实验组(12.5μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇组、25μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇组、50μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇组)、5-氟尿嘧啶组(50 mg·L^(-1)的5-氟尿嘧啶)、抑制剂组(50μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇+10μmol·L^(-1) TGF-β1/Smad通路抑制剂LY2109761)和激活剂组(50μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇+10μmol·L^(-1)TGF-β1/Smad通路激活剂SRI-011381),干预24 h。用细胞计数试剂盒比色(CCK-8)、倒置显微镜、黏附实验、划痕实验、Transwell小室及蛋白印迹(Wb)法对细胞活力、形态、黏附、迁移、侵袭能力及EMT和TGF-β1/Smad信号通路相关蛋白表达水平进行分析。结果与对照组比较,12.5、25μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇组对细胞活力没有显著变化(P>0.05),50μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇组和5-氟尿嘧啶组的细胞活力显著降低(P<0.05),12.5、25μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇组较5-氟尿嘧啶组细胞活力显著升高(P<0.05)。其中50μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇组细胞活力接近50%且与5-氟尿嘧啶组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),因此,选择在该浓度基础上分别加入TGF-β1/Smad通路抑制剂LY2109761和激活剂SRI-011381进行TGF-β1/Smad通路验证,且实验组中不再选取12.5和25μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇组进行后续实验,其他组别不变。与对照组相比,50μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇组和5-氟尿嘧啶组T98G细胞生长受到抑制、细胞黏附、迁移、侵袭能力及N-钙粘蛋白(N-cadherin)、波形蛋白(Vimentin)、纤维粘连蛋白(FN)、TGF-β1、p-Smad3蛋白表达水平显著降低,而E-钙粘蛋白(E-cadherin)、Smad7蛋白表达水平显著增加(P<0.05);与50μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇组相比,抑制剂组T98G细胞生长进一步受到抑制、细胞黏附、迁移、侵袭能力、N-cadherin、Vimentin、FN、TGF-β1、p-Smad3蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05),而E-cadherin、Smad7蛋白表达水平显著增加(P<0.05);激活剂组较50μmol·L^(-1)白藜芦醇组T98G细胞生长状态较好,细胞黏附、迁移、侵袭能力、N-cadherin、Vimentin、FN及TGF-β1、p-Smad3蛋白表达水平显著增加(P<0.05),而E-cadherin、Smad7蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05)。结论白藜芦醇可显著抑制人脑胶质瘤T98G细胞的生长、黏附、迁移及侵袭,其作用机制可能与通过抑制TGF-β1/Smad通路的信号转导抑制EMT进程相关。

干预TGF-β/Smad信号通路预防腰椎术后神经周围瘢痕形成的研究进展

转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)/Smad信号通路在机体内参与了许多细胞过程,包括多种细胞的生长、分化及凋亡,同时也是调节瘢痕形成的关键。TGF-β/Smad信号通路的失调是组织纤维化和瘢痕形成的一个主要因素。而腰椎术后神经周围纤维瘢痕形成是导致术后效果差、产生新的压迫症状甚至出现腰椎术后综合征的重要因素。这一问题的出现,极大地增加了患者的痛苦与治疗费用。因此,如何通过药物、生物材料等有效的临床治疗手段干预TGF-β/Smad信号通路预防或减少纤维瘢痕组织的形成并提高手术治疗的疗效,是目前临床研究的重点以及面临的挑战。

TGF-β1通过组蛋白修饰酶调控人骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化的表观基因学研究

目的研究骨髓间充质干细胞(bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,BMSCs)成骨分化过程中转化生长因子β1(transforming growth factorβ1,TGF-β1)/Smad信号通路与组蛋白甲基化酶和去甲基化酶的相关性。方法BMSCs成骨诱导培养,用TGF-β1、SB431542和TGF-β1+SB431542干预。分为4组:BMSCsCtrl-3d组(A组),BMSCs-Ctrl-ost3d组(B组),BMSCs-TGF-β1-ost3d组(C组),BMSCs-TGF-β1-SB1UMost3d组(D组)。用qRT-PCR方法检测各组甲基化酶和去甲基化酶mRNA表达量。结果(1)与A组比较,B组DM3B、KDM4A、KDM4B、KDM4C、KDM4D、KDM5A、KDM5B、KDM5C、KDM6A、KDM6B、EZH1的mRNA表达明显增强(P<0.05)。(2)与B组比较,C组KDM3B、KDM4A、KDM4C、KDM4D、KDM5C、EZH1的mRNA表达明显降低(P<0.05);KDM5B、KDM6A、KDM6B的mRNA表达明显增强(P<0.05);而KDM4B、KDM5A表达无明显改变(P>0.05)。(3)与C组比较,D组KDM3B、KDM6A、KDM6B的mRNA表达发生明显改变(P<0.05);KDM4C、KDM4D、KDM5C和EZH1的mRNA改变不显著(P>0.05),KDM4A的mRNA发生非特异性改变(P<0.05)。结论TGF-β1通过TGF-β1/Smad信号通路和TGF-β1/非Smad信号调控部分相关组蛋白甲基化转移酶/去甲化酶的表达,从而促进了BMSCs成骨分化。

术后腹腔粘连形成机制及间充质干细胞外泌体的治疗前景

背景:术后腹腔粘连的形成是一个复杂的过程,预防术后粘连是临床上亟待解决的问题。目的:旨在从细胞及分子水平分析粘连的发生机制,为间充质干细胞外泌体预防和治疗粘连提供理论依据。方法:以“腹腔粘连,盆腔粘连,术后粘连,上皮间充质转化,间充质干细胞,干细胞外泌体,间充质干细胞外泌体”为中文检索词,以“Abdominal adhesion,pelvic adhesion,postoperative adhesion,epithelial mesenchymal transformation,mesenchymal stem cell,stem cell exosomes,mesenchymal stem cell exosomes”为英文检索词,检索PubMed、中国知网和中国生物医学文献数据库,筛选各数据库建库至2023年8月发表的术后腹腔粘连及间充质干细胞外泌体干预研究的相关文章,并进行系统的整理分析,最终纳入54篇文献进行综述。结果与结论:(1)任何腹膜炎症、机械损伤、组织缺血和异物植入等病理因素均可引起腹膜表面的损伤,引起术后腹腔粘连;腹腔粘连的形成过程包括腹膜间皮细胞修复、炎性反应、纤溶系统及凝血途径等过程的相互作用,涉及多种细胞因子及信号通路,包括Wnt/β-catenin通路能诱导纤维化和血管生成,并与转化生长因子β/Smads信号通路相互协同,能刺激成纤维细胞增殖,引起腹膜纤维化;同时,核转录因子kB信号通路上调细胞炎症因子的表达,促进成纤维细胞增生,组织纤维化的过程中发挥关键作用。(2)干细胞的旁分泌功能是目前以再生医学为基础的分子干预腹腔粘连的重要方向,可以参与作用于腹腔粘连中的多种复杂细胞因子及信号通路。(3)相对于传统治疗腹腔粘连的方法,间充质干细胞外泌体具有生物活性、使用安全、无需特殊培养和扩增、更低的免疫原性及较长的稳定性等优势,能通过多种途径引导一种正常的修复和愈合。(4)间充质干细胞外泌体在以往研究中均被证明可以参与调节粘连形成的上述各过程,在临床研究中显示出潜在的应用前景,但需要进一步临床研究以探索适当的间充质干细胞外泌体治疗方案,来解决临床转化的问题。

雷帕霉素对人晶状体上皮细胞侵袭、迁移及炎症因子TNF-α、 IL-6、MIP-1α的影响

目的探讨雷帕霉素(RAPA)对过氧化氢(H_(2)O_(2))诱导的人晶状体上皮细胞侵袭、迁移,以及对肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、巨噬细胞炎症蛋白-1α(MIP-1α)的影响。方法体外培养人晶状体HLE-B3细胞系,分为Con组、H_(2)O_(2)组、H_(2)O_(2)+RAPA组、Y组、RAPA+Y组和RAPA+A组。采用细胞计数试剂盒-8(CCK-8)测定细胞活力;采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测TNF-α、IL-6和MIP-1α表达水平;采用Transwell小室法检测细胞侵袭、迁移能力;采用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)检测上皮间质转化(EMT)相关基因、蛋白的相对表达量;采用蛋白免疫印迹(WB)法测定EMT和转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)/Smads信号通路相关蛋白的相对表达量。结果细胞活力实验结果显示,选择50μmol/L的H_(2)O_(2)作为造模条件进行后续实验,选择20 nmol/L RAPA加入TGF-β1/Smads信号通路抑制剂LY2109761和激活剂SRI-011381进行TGF-β1/Smads信号通路验证实验。与Con组比较,H_(2)O_(2)组TNF-α、IL-6、MIP-1α表达水平,细胞迁移与侵袭能力,N-钙粘蛋白(N-cadherin)、波形蛋白(Vimentin)及纤维粘连蛋白(FN)的mRNA、蛋白相对表达量,TGF-β1、p-Smad3蛋白相对表达量均显著升高(P<0.05),E-钙粘蛋白(E-cadherin)的mRNA、蛋白相对表达量和Smad7蛋白相对表达量均显著降低(P<0.05);与H_(2)O_(2)组比较,H_(2)O_(2)+RAPA组和Y组TNF-α、IL-6、MIP-1α表达水平,细胞迁移与侵袭能力,N-cadherin、Vimentin及FN mRNA、蛋白相对表达量,TGF-β1、p-Smad3蛋白相对表达量均显著降低(P<0.05),E-cadherin mRNA、蛋白相对表达量和Smad7蛋白相对表达量均显著升高(P<0.05);与H_(2)O_(2)+RAPA组比较,RAPA+Y组TNF-α、IL-6、MIP-1α表达水平,细胞迁移与侵袭能力,N-cadherin、Vimentin及FN mRNA、蛋白相对表达量,TGF-β1、p-Smad3蛋白相对表达量均显著降低(P<0.05),E-cadherin mRNA、蛋白相对表达量和Smad7蛋白相对表达量均显著升高(P<0.05),RAPA+A组TNF-α、IL-6、MIP-1α表达水平,细胞迁移与侵袭能力,N-cadherin、Vimentin及FN mRNA、蛋白相对表达量,TGF-β1、p-Smad3蛋白相对表达量均显著升高(P<0.05),E-cadherin mRNA、蛋白相对表达量和Smad7蛋白相对表达量均显著降低(P<0.05)。结论RAPA可显著抑制H_(2)O_(2)诱导的人晶状体上皮HLE-B3细胞的侵袭、迁移能力,抑制EMT进程,并且缓解炎症反应,其作用机制可能与抑制TGF-β1/Smads通路的信号转导有关。

粉防己碱上调Smad7表达抑制大鼠肝星状细胞活化

目的观察低浓度粉防己碱(Tetrandrine,Tet)对培养的大鼠肝星状细胞(HSC)活化和转化生长因子β1(TGFβ1)促活化作用的影响,并探讨该作用与TGFβ1受体后信号通路的关系。方法HSC原代培养,给予Tet(0.4、0.8、1.6和3.2μmol·L-1)处理,免疫细胞化学法检测α平滑肌肌动蛋白(αSMA)表达,或给予TGFβ1(质量浓度5μg·L-1)和(或)Tet(1.6μmol·L-1)干预,分别以RTPCR和Westernblot法检测TGFβ1及其Ⅰ、Ⅱ型受体、Smad3、Smad7以及αSMAmRNA和(或)蛋白表达。结果Tet(0.4～3.2μmol·L-1)能抑制培养HSC表达αSMA。Tet(1.6μmol·L-1)抑制TGFβ1诱导的HSCαSMA表达,伴有Smad7表达上调及TGFβ1表达下降,但不影响TGFβⅠ、Ⅱ型受体和Smad3表达。结论低浓度Tet抑制培养HSC的活化和TGFβ1促活化作用,该作用与上调Smad7表达并抑制TGFβ1有关而不影响TGFβ受体表达。

大蒜素通过部分阻抑TGF-β_1介导的Smads信号改善压力超负荷大鼠心肌反应性纤维化

目的研究大蒜素是否通过TGFβ-Smads信号通路改善压力超负荷大鼠心肌纤维化。方法 40只SD雄性大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、大蒜素组和川芎嗪组,每组10只。以腹主动脉缩窄方法制备压力超负荷心肌肥厚大鼠模型。造模后3天,大蒜素组和川芎嗪组分别给予大蒜素注射液5.0mg/kg、盐酸川芎嗪注射液20mg/kg腹腔注射,假手术组和模型组给予生理盐水腹腔注射。给药4周后,天狼猩红染色观察心肌胶原变化,计算心肌胶原容积分数(myocardial collagen volume fraction,CVF)和血管周围胶原面积(perivascular collagen area,PVCA);ELISA法检测血清转化生长因子-β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)水平;免疫组化法观察心肌组织TGF-β1蛋白表达;实时荧光定量PCR检测心肌Smad2和Smad7 mRNA表达量的变化;荧光素酶报告基因检测进一步验证大蒜素对TGF-β信号传导系统的影响。结果与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠心肌CVF、PVCA、血清TGF-β1水平及心肌组织TGF-β1蛋白表达均明显增加(P<0.05,P<0.01);与模型组比较,大蒜素组和川芎嗪组PVCA、血清TGF-β1水平及心肌组织TGF-β1蛋白表达均明显减少(P<0.05,P<0.01)。模型组Smad2 mRNA表达上调而Smad7mRNA表达下调,大蒜素组和川芎嗪组Smad2 mRNA表达明显下调(P<0.05),川芎嗪组Smad7 mRNA表达明显上调(P>0.05)。在2ng/mLTGF-β1干预下,1～2μg/mL大蒜素可以明显抑制相应TGF-β1的荧光素酶活性(P<0.05)。结论大蒜素通过部分阻抑TGFβ1介导的Smad信号减轻压力超负荷大鼠的心肌反应性纤维化。

TGF-β_1介导的Smads与ERK通路在肺纤维化中的作用及相互关系

丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)是体内四大信号转导系统之一,已发现p38、ERK5/BMK1、ERK及JNK/SAPK4个亚族。它参与介导生长、发育、分裂、分化、死亡及细胞间功能同步等多种细胞过程,其中ERK通路在肺成纤维细胞(FB)增殖过程中起着非常重要的作用。在肺纤维化(pulmonaryfibrosis)的进程中,转化生长因子β-1(TGF-β1)介导的Sma-andMAD-related(Smad)与ERK通路,通过对FB等细胞的作用、对多种炎症因子生成的调控以及促进转录因子活化等机制来调节纤维化过程的发生发展。该文就Smads和ERK通路在肺纤维化发病中的作用及两条通路之间的相互关系作一综述。