Impact of umbelliprenin-containing niosome nanoparticles on VEGF-A and CTGF genes expression in retinal pigment epithelium cells

AIM:To investigate the impact of niosome nanoparticles carrying umbelliprenin(UMB),an anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory plant compound,on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF-A)and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)genes in a human retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)-like retina-derived cell line.METHODS:UMB-containing niosomes were created,optimized,and characterized.RPE-like cells were treated with free UMB and UMB-containing niosomes.The IC_(50)values of the treatments were determined using an MTT assay.Gene expression of VEGF-A and CTGF was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction after RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis.Niosomes’characteristics,including drug entrapment efficiency,size,dispersion index,and zeta potential were assessed.Free UMB had an IC_(50)of 96.2μg/mL,while UMB-containing niosomes had an IC_(50)of 25μg/mL.RESULTS:Treatment with UMB-containing niosomes and free UMB resulted in a significant reduction in VEGF-A expression compared to control cells(P=0.001).Additionally,UMB-containing niosomes demonstrated a significant reduction in CTGF expression compared to control cells(P=0.05).However,there was no significant reduction in the expression of both genes in cells treated with free UMB.CONCLUSION:Both free UMB and niosome-encapsulated UMB inhibits VEGF-A and CTGF genes expression.However,the latter demonstrates significantly greater efficacy,potentially due to the lower UMB dosage and gradual delivery.These findings have implications for anti-angiogenesis therapeutic approaches targeting age-related macular degeneration.

Research progress on the role of connective tissue growth factor in fibrosis of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy（DR） is one of the most important types of diabetic microangiopathy, which is a specific change of fundus lesions and is one of the most serious complications of diabetes. When DR develops to proliferative DR, the main factors of decreasing vision, and even blindness, include retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage caused by contraction of blood vessels by fiber membrane. Recent studies reported that the formation of fiber vascular membrane is closely related to retinal fibrosis. The connective tissue growth factor（CTGF） is a cytokine that is closely related to DR fibrosis. However, its mechanism is poorly understood. This paper summarizes the recent studies about CTGF on DR fibrosis for a comprehensive understanding of the role and mechanism of CTGF in PDR.

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.

Association of Plasma Connective Tissue Growth Factor Levels with Hyperthyroid Heart Disease

Hyperthyroid heart disease(HHD)is one of the most severe complications of overt hyperthyroidism and increases the risk of mortality in affected patients.Early identification of patients at a higher risk of developing HHD can improve clinical outcomes through active surveillance and management.Connective tissue growth factor(CTGF),a secreted extracellular protein,plays a significant role in cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.We aimed to investigate the association between plasma CTGF level and the risk of HHD in this study.A total of 142 overt hyperthyroid patients without HHD and 99 patients with HHD were included.The plasma CTGF levels were measured using ELISA kits.Routine clinical medical data and echocardiography parameters were recorded for analysis.The plasma CTGF level was significantly higher in patients with HHD than in those without HHD(P=0.002).The plasma CTGF level was positively correlated with free triiodothyronin,tryrotropin receptor antibody,troponin I and lactate dehydrogenase levels and the left atrium diameters,right atrium diameters,and right ventricular end-diastolic diameters(all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that quartiles 3 and 4 of plasma CTGF levels were significantly associated with the increased risk of HHD(crude OR:2.529;95%CI:1.188-5.387).However,after adjustment for the potentially confounding variables,quartile 4 alone was significantly associated with the higher risk of HHD relative to quartile I.Hyperthyroid patients with HHD display higher plasma CTGF levels.Furthermore,CTGF is an independent risk factor for HHD.Therefore,the plasma CTGF level may be a potential biomarker for the risk of HHD.

Role of Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Extracellular Matrix Degradation in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells

In order to investigate the effects of connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） antisense oligodeoxynucleotide （ODN） on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 （PAI-1） expression in renal tubular cells induced by transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） and to explore the role of CTGF in the degradation of renal extracellular matrix （ECM）, a human proximal tubular epithelial cell line （HKC） was cultured in vitro. Cationic lipid-mediated CTGF antisense ODN was transfected into HKC. After HKC were stimulated with TGF-β1 （5 μg/L）, the mRNA level of PAI-1 was detected by RT-PCR. Intracellular PAI-1 protein synthesis was assessed by flow cytometry. The secreted PAI-1 in the media was determined by Western blot. The results showed that TGF-β1 could induce tubular CTGF and PAI-1 mRNA expression. The PAI-1 mRNA expression induced by TGF-β1 was significantly inhibited by CTGF antisense ODN. CTGF antisense ODN also inhibited intracellular PAI-1 protein synthesis and lowered the levels of PAI-1 protein secreted into the media. It was concluded that CTGF might play a crucial role in the degradation of excessive ECM during tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and blocking the biological effect of CTGF may he a novel way in preventing renal fibrosis.

Expression of Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis in Rats and Its Pathogenic Role

Summary： In order to explore the role of connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） in the pathogenesis of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, 48 Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated and unilateral ureteral obstruction （UUO） group. On the postoperative day 1, 3, 7 and 14, the rats were killed and the kidneys were removed. The renal tubulointerstitial injury index was evaluated according to the MASSON staining. The mRNA levels of CTGF, transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1）. collagen [ （col I ）, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 （PAI 1） were detected using rexerse transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction （RT PCR）. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluale the protein expression of the above factors, and the relations among them were analyzed. Quantitative expression of CTGF protein in the kidneys was also assessed using Western blot. The results showed that TGF-β1 mRNA level was increased at first day after UUO, followed by a marked elevation of CTGF mRNA level, which began to increase 3 days after UUO （P〈0.01）. With the progression of the disease, the mRNA expression of CTGF, col I and PAI-1 was increased progressively. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the CTGF protein expression was significantly increased in fibrotic areas and tubular epithelial cells 3 days after UUO. On the post-UUO day 7, the protein level of CTGF was positively related to the renal tubulointerstitial injury index （r =0.62, P〈0.01）, the expression of TGF-β1 （r=0.85, P〈0.01）, colI （r=0.78, P〈0.01）, and PAI-1（r=0.76, P〈0.01）. Upon Western blot analysis, CTGF protein expression began to increase 3 days after UUO, and appeared progressively throughout the time course （P〈0.01, as compared with sham-operated group）. It is concluded that CTGF can be induced by TGF-β and mediate various profibrotic actions of this cytokine, such as increasing extracellular matrix （ECM） synthesis and decreasing ECM degradation. The increased expression of CTGF may play a crucial role in the development and progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

The Effect of Connective Tissue Growth Factor on Human Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Transdifferentiation

To investigate the role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in transdifferentiation of human renal tubular epithelial cell (HKC), in vitro cultured HKC cells were divided into 3 groups: negtive control, low dose CTGF-treated group (rh CTGF, 2.5 ng/ml) and high dose CTGF-treated (rhCTGF, 5.0 ng/ml). Then the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were assessed by indirect immuno-fluorescence, and the percentage of α-SMA positive cells were assessed by flow cytometry. RT-PCR were also performed to examine the mRNA level of α-SMA. Upon the stimulation of different concentrations of rhCTGF, the expression of α-SMA were markedly stronger than that in negative controls. The percentages of α-SMA positive cells were significantly higher in the stimulated groups than that of negative controls (38.9 %, 65.5 % vs 2.4 %, P<0.01) .α-SMA mRNA levels were also up-regulated by the stimulation of rhCTGF (P<0.01). These results suggest that CTGF can promote the transdifferentiation of human renal tubular epithelial cells towards myofibroblast (Myo-F).

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

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

Activation of PPAR-γ Inhibits Differentiation of Rat Osteoblasts by Reducing Expression of Connective Tissue Growth Factor

Long-term treatment with an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor （PPAR）-γ is associated with bone fractures in the clinical practice. However, the mechanisms underlying the frac- tures are not fully understood. This study was aimed to examine the effect of rosiglitazone （an agonist of PPAR-T） of different doses on the proliferation, differentiation, and transforming growth factor beta 1 （TGF-131）-induced expression of connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） in primary rat osteoblasts in vitro. Osteoblasts were isolated from newly born SD rats and treated with different doses of rosiglita- zone （0-20 gmol/L）. The proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts were measured by MTT assay and NPP assay, respectively. The expression of CTGF was determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that most isolated osteoblasts displayed strong alkaline phosphatase （ALP） activity and treatment with different doses of rosiglitazone did not affect their proliferation, but significantly in- hibited the differentiation of osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment with different doses of rosiglitazone significantly reduced the TGF-131-induced CTGF mRNA transcription and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner in rat osteoblasts. It was concluded that the activation of PPAR-y may inhibit the differentiation of osteoblasts by reducing the TGF-131-induced CTGF expres- sion in vitro.

Connective tissue growth factor expression hints at aggressive nature of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)is a mediator of transforming growth factor-beta signaling and plays a key role in connective tissue remodeling,inflammatory processes and fibrosis in various illnesses including cancer.AIM To investigate the role of CTGF in colorectal cancer(CRC)progression and to compare the CTGF expression with different clinicopathological parameters.METHODS Real-time polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry and Western blotting was performed to evaluate the CTGF expression and the results were statistically analyzed against the clinicopathological variables of patient data using STATA software version 16.RESULTS CTGF expression levels in tumor specimens were significantly higher than their paired normal specimens.The higher protein expression levels showed a significant association with smoking,staging,tumor grade,invasion depth,necrosis of tumor tissue,and both lymphovascular and perineural invasion.As per the cox regression model and classification tree analysis,tumor-nodemetastasis stage and perineural invasion were important predictors for CTGF expression and prognosis of CRC patients.Survival analysis indicated that CTGF overexpression was associated with poorer overall and disease-free survival.CONCLUSION Expression of CTGF was increased in CRC and was linked with poor overall and disease-free survival of CRC patients.These findings support prior observations and thus CTGF may be a possible prognostic marker in CRC.

Expression of transcription factors Slug in the lens epithelial cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by connective tissue growth factor

AIMTo investigate the expression of transcription factors Slug in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF).METHODSHLECs were treated with CTGF of different concentrations (20, 50 and 100 ng/mL) or without CTGF (control) for 24h. The morphological changes of HLECs were analysed by microscopy. The expression and cellular localization of Slug was evaluated by immumo-fluorescence. Expressions of Slug, E-cadherin and alpha smooth muscle actin (&#x003b1;-SMA) were further determined by Western blot analysis.RESULTSHLECs showed spidle fibrolasts-like characteristics and loosely connected each other after CTGF treatment. The immuno-fluorescence staining indicated that Slug was localized in the nuclei and its expression was induced by CTGF. The relative expressions of Slug protein were 1.64&#x000b1;0.11, 1.96 &#x000b1;0.03, 3.12 &#x000b1;0.10, and 4.08&#x000b1;0.14, respectively, in response to control group and treatment with CTGF of 20, 50 and 100 ng/mL (F=443.86, P&#x0003c;0.01). The increased Slug protein levels were correlated well with up-expression of &#x003b1;-SMA (0.78&#x000b1;0.05, 0.85&#x000b1;0.06, 2.17&#x000b1;0.15, 2.86&#x000b1;0.10; F=449.85, P&#x0003c;0.01) and down-expression of E-cadherin (2.50&#x000b1;0.11, 1.79&#x000b1;0.26, 1.05&#x000b1;0.14, 0.63&#x000b1;0.08; F=101.55, P&#x0003c;0.01).CONCLUSIONTranscription factor Slug may be involved in EMT of HLECs induced by CTGF in vitro.

Connective Tissue Growth Factor Expression in Rabbit Corneal Fibroblast and Its Effect on Fibroblast Proliferation In Vitro

The connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in cultured corneal fibroblasts and its effect on corneal fibroblasts proliferation in vitro were examined. Total RNA was extracted from early passaged rabbit corneal fibroblasts by guanidine isothiocyanate one-step method and mRNA was reversely transcripted into complementary DNA (cDNA). Specific CTGF primers were used in the PCR reaction and the products were analyzed by electrophoresis to determine the expression of mRNA for CTGF against DNA marker. House-keeping gene GAPDH was used as control. Different concentrations of CTGF (0.5, 5, 50, 500, 5 000, 50 000 ng/ml) were added into the third passaged corneal fibroblast culture system, and its effect on corneal fibroblast proliferation was measured by MTT method. The results showed that compared with a GAPDH 450 bp band, CTGF RT-PCR product showed a specific 120 bp band as expected. CTGF produced a dose-dependent increase in the proliferation of corneal fibroblasts but it inhibited fibroblast proliferation at higher concentrations (5 000 and 50 000 ng/ml). It was concluded that proliferating corneal fibroblasts produce CTGF and CTGF helps to promote corneal fibroblast proliferation. The results indicated that CTGF might be involved in the corneal wound healing after photorefractive keratectomy in which corneal fibroblasts are activated to proliferate and secrete growth factors that in turn promote corneal fibroblast proliferation.

Effects of connective tissue growth factor and collagen type Ⅰ scleroderma

Objective： To investigate the effects of connective tissue growth factor（CTGF） and collagen type I（COL-I） on the pathogenesis of scleroderma and explore the relationship between the level of COL-I and CTGF. Methods： 12 mice model of scleroderma was established by the injection of Bleomycin. The level of CTGF and COL-I were detected by immunohistochemical method. The relationship was analyzed between CTGF and COL-I level. As control group, 12 healthy mice were selected. Results： The levels of CTGF and COL-I in sclerotic models were higher than in normal controls （P 〈 0.05）. It was found that there was a correlation between the level of CTGF and COL-I. Conclusion： CTGF and COL-I played an important role in the hardening process of the skin lesions of the mice model, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of scleroderma.

Inhibition of RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway suppresses the expression of extracellular matrix induced by CTGF or TGF-β in ARPE-19

AIM:To investigate the role of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y27632, in mediating the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components including fibronectin, matrix metallo-proteinase-2 (MMP-2) and type I collagen as induced by connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) or transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line, ARPE-19. METHODS:The effect of Y27632 on the CTGF or TGF-β induced phenotype in ARPE-19 cells was measured with immunocytochemistry as the change in F-actin. ARPE-19 cells were treated with CTGF (1, 10, 100ng/mL)and TGF-β (10ng/mL) in serum free media, and analyzed for fibronectin, laminin, and MMP-2 and type I collagen by RT-qPCR and immunocytochemistry. Cells were also pretreated with an ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, to analyze the signaling contributing to ECM production. ·RESULTS:Treatment of ARPE-19 cells in culture with TGF-β or CTGF induced an ECM change from a cobblestone morphology to a more elongated swirl pattern indicating a mesenchymal phenotype. RT-qPCR analysis and different gene expression analysis demonstrated an upregulation in expression of genes associated with cytoskeletal structure and motility. CTGFor TGF-β significantly increased expression of fibronectin mRNA (P =0.006, P =0.003 respectively), laminin mRNA (P =0.006, P =0.005), MMP-2 mRNA (P =0.006, P =0.001), COL1A1 mRNA (P =0.001, P =0.001), COL1A2 mRNA (P = 0.001, P =0.001). Preincubation of ARPE-19 with Y27632 (10mmol/L) significantly prevented CTGF or TGF-β induced fibronectin (P=0.005, P=0.003 respectively), MMP-2 (P = 0.003, P =0.002), COL1A1 (P =0.006, P =0.003), and COL1A2 (P =0.006, P =0.004) gene expression, but not laminin (P =0.375, P =0.516). CONCLUSION:Our study demonstrated that both TGF-β and CTGF upregulate the expression of ECM components including fibronectin, laminin, MMP-2 and type I collagen by activating the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. During this process, ARPE-19 cells were shown to change from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype in vitro. Y27632, a ROCK inhibitor, inhibited the transcription of fibronectin, MMP-2 and type I collagen, but not laminin. The data from our work suggest a role for CTGF as a profibrotic mediator. Inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway represents a potential target to prevent the fibrosis of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. This might lead to a novel therapeutic approach to preventing the onset of early proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR).

The Intervention Effect of Rosiglitozone in Ovarian Fibrosis of PCOS Rats

Objective To explore the Intervention effect of Rosiglitozone in ovarian fibrosis of PCOS rats. Methods 60 female SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups： control group, model group and treatment group. The model and treatment groups were established by subcutaneous injection of DHEA, while the treatment group was given RGZ. The serum hormone values, pathohistology of ovarian structure of rats, ovarian ultrastructure and the expressions of TGF-β1 and CTGF were detected. Results The PCOS model was established successfully. The expression intensity of TGF-β1 and CTGF in Oocytes of the PCOS groups was 9.545±2.954 and 9.665±2.400, respectively and was significantly higher than that of the control group 6.636±2.264 and 7.036±2.133; after treatment with rosiglitazone, the expression was significantly decreased 6.980±2.421 and 6.642±2.721 as compared with that of the model group （P〈0.05, P〈0.001）. The values in serum of the PCOS groups were 3.749±2.054 and 0.265±0.129, and 1.914±1.801 and 0.096±0.088 in the control group which had statistically significant difference （P〈0.05, P〈0.O01）. After treatment with rosiglitazone, the values were 2.3100±1.825 and 0.112±0.187 and were significantly different with those of the model group （P〈0.05, P〈0.O01）. Conclusion TGF-β1 and CTGF play an important role in the development of ovary fibrosis in PCOS. However, RGZ may postpone the development of fibrosis by decreasing the levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF.

High Glucose Promotes the CTGF Expression in Human Mesangial Cells via Serum and Glucocorticoid-induced Kinase 1 Pathway

The role of serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 （SGK1） pathway in the connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） expression was investigated in cultured human mesangial cells （HMCs） under high glucose. By using RT-PCR and Western blot, the effect of SGK1 on the CTGF expression in HMCs under high glucose was examined. Overexpression of active SGK1 in HMCs transfected with PIRES2-EGFP- S422D hSGK1 （SD） could increase the expression of phosphorylated SGK1 and CTGF as compared with HMCs groups transfected with PIRES2-EGFP （FP） under high glucose or normal glucose. Overexpression of inactive SGK1 in HMCs transfected with PIRES2-EGFP- K127N hSGK1 （KN） could decrease phosphorylated SGK1 and CTGF expression as compared with HMCs groups transfected with FP under high glucose. In conclusion, these results suggest that high glucose-induced CTGF expression is mediated through the active SGK1 in HMCs.

Low-power laser irradiation inhibits arecoline-induced fibrosis:an in vitro study

Oral submucous fibrosis （OSF） is a potentially malignant disorder that is characterized by a progressive fibrosis in the oral submucosa. Arecoline, an alkaloid compound of the areca nut, is reported to be a major aetiological factor in the development of OSF. Low-power laser irradiation （LPLI） has been reported to be beneficial in fibrosis prevention in different damaged organs. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of LPLI on arecoline-induced fibrosis. Arecoline- stimulated human gingival fibroblasts （HGFs） were treated with or without LPLI. The expression levels of the fibrotic marker genes alpha-smooth muscle actin （a-SMA） and connective tissue growth factor （CTGF/CCN2） were analysed by quantitative real- time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and western blots. In addition, the transcriptional activity of CCN2 was further determined by a reporter assay. The results indicated that arecoline increased the messenger RNA and protein expression of CCN2 and a-SMA in HGF. Interestingly, both LPLI and forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, reduced the expression of arecoline-mediated fibrotic marker genes and inhibited the transcriptional activity of CCN2. Moreover, pretreatment with SQ22536, an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, blocked LPLI＇s inhibition of the expression of arecoline-mediated fibrotic marker genes. Our data suggest that LPLI may inhibit the expression of arecoline-mediated fibrotic marker genes via the cAMP signalling pathway.

Filtering bleb area and intraocular pressure following subconjunctival injection of CTGF antibody after glaucoma filtration surgery in rabbits

AIM: To study the role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) antibody in inhibiting bleb scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) in rabbit model. METHODS: GFS was performed on both eyes in five rabbits. One eye of each rabbit was chosen randomly as antibody group and received subconjunctival injection of 0.1mL CTGF antibody (50mg/L) immediately after GFS applied and on the 5 th day after GFS. The other eye of each rabbit as control group was received subconjunctival injection of 0.1mL PBS at the same time as antibody group. On postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14, the appearance of filtrating blebs was observed under slit lamp, the area and the intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured with micrometer and applanation tonometer, respectively. RESULTS: On postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14, areas of filtrating blebs in antibody group were all larger comparing with the control group (P<0.05) and IOPs of antibody group were lower than the control group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Subconjunctival injection of CTGF antibody can maintain larger bleb area and lower IOP after GFS in rabbit.

Inhibitory Effect of TanshinoneⅡA on TGF-β1-induced Cardiac Fibrosis

This study examined the effect of tanshinoneⅡA (TSNⅡA) on the cardiac fibrosis induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and the possible mechanisms. Cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from cardiac tissues of neonatal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by the trypsin digestion and differential adhesion method. The cells were treated with 5 ng/mL TGF-β1 alone or pretreated with TSNⅡA at different concentrations (10–5 mol/L, 10–4 mol/L). Immunocytochemistry was used for cell identification, RT-PCR for detection of the mRNA expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen type Ⅰ (COLⅠ), Western blotting for detection of the protein expression of Smad7 and Smad3, and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining for detection of the protein expression of phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3), CTGF and COLⅠ. The results showed that TGF-β1 induced the expression of CTGF, COLⅠ, p-Smad3 and Smad7 in a time-dependent manner. The mRNA expression of CTGF and COLⅠ was significantly increased 24 h after TGF-β1 stimulation (P<0.01 for all). The protein expression of p-Smad3 and Smad7 reached a peak 1 h after TGF-β1 stimulation, much higher than the baseline level (P<0.01 for all). Pretreatment with high concentration of TSNⅡA resulted in a decrease in the expression of p-Smad3, CTGF and COLⅠ (P<0.01). The protein expression of Smad7 was substantially upregulated after pretreatment with two concentrations of TSNⅡA as compared with that at 2h post TGF-β1 stimulation (P<0.05 for low concentration of TSNⅡA; P<0.01 for high concentration of TSNⅡA). It was concluded that TSNⅡA may exert an inhibitory effect on cardiac fibrosis by upregulating the expression of Smad7, suppressing the TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad3 and partially blocking the TGF-β1-Smads signaling pathway.

Expression of Serum and Glucocorticoid-inducible Kinase1 in Diabetic Rats and Its Modulation by Fluvastatin

The expression of serum and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase in the renal cortex of diabetic rats was examined, and the function of signal transduction mediated by SGK1 in diabetic nephropathy and its modulation by fluvastatin were also investigated. 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group （n = 8）, diabetic nephropathy group （n = 8） and fluvastatin-treated diabetic nephropathy group （15 mg/kg/d, n=8）. The metabolic parameters were measured at the 8th week. The expression of transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） and fibronectin （FN） was immunohistochemically examined. The expression of SGK1 was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, and CTGF mRNA was assessed by RT-PCR. As compared to DN, blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, Cer and kidney weight index were all decreased and the weight was increased obviously in group F. At the same time, mesangial cells and extracellular matrix proliferation were relieved significantly. The levels of cortex SGK1 mRNA and protein were up-regulated, and both TGF-β1 and FN were down-regulated by fluvastatin. The mRNA of SGK1 was positively correlated with the CTGF, TGF-β1 and FN. SGK1 expression is markedly up-regulated in the renal cortex of DN group and plays an important role in the development and progress of diabetic nephropathy by means of signal transduction. Fluvastatin suppressed the increased SGKlmRNA expression in renal cortex and postponed the development of diabetic nephropathy.