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 extracel...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.展开更多
AIM: To explore the roles of microRNA-let7 c(miR-let7 c) and transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2) and cellular signaling during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS...AIM: To explore the roles of microRNA-let7 c(miR-let7 c) and transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2) and cellular signaling during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS: Retinal pigment epithelial(ARPE-19) cells were cultured with no serum for 12 h, and then with recombinant human TGF-β2 for different lengths of time. ARPE-19 cells were transfected with 1×106 TU/mL miR-let7 c mimcs(miR-let7 cM), miR-let7 c mimcs negative control(miR-let7cMNC) and miR-let7 c inhibitor(miR-let7 cI) using the transfection reagent. The expression of keratin-18, vimentin, N-cadherin, IKB alpha, p65 were detected by Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The expression of miR-let7c was dramatically reduced and the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway was activated after induction by TGF-β2(P<0.05). In turn, overexpressed miR-let7 c significantly inhibited TGF-β2-induced EMT(P<0.05). However, miR-let7 c was unable to inhibit TGF-β2-induced EMT when the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited by BAY11-7082(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The miR-let7 c regulates TGF-β2-induced EMT through the NF-κB signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells.展开更多
AIM:To study the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B p65(NF-κB p65)antisense oligodeoxynucleotide(ASODN)on transdifferentiation of normal human lens epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-β2(T...AIM:To study the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B p65(NF-κB p65)antisense oligodeoxynucleotide(ASODN)on transdifferentiation of normal human lens epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2).·M ETHODS:NF-κBp65ASODNand NF-κBp65missense oligodeoxynucleotide(MSODN)were designed and synthesized.Human lens epithelial cell line(HLE B-3)cells were prepared for study and divided into 7 groups.Control group was HLE B-3 cells cultured in dulbecco’s modified eagle medium(DMEM).T1,T2,and T3 group were HLE B-3 cells cultured in DMEM with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 6h,12h,24h respectively.A+T group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2for 24h after transfected by NF-κB p65 ASODN for 24h.M+T group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 24h after transfected by NF-κB p65 MSODN for 24h.The negative control group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 24h after cultured with transfer agent(Hi Per Fect)for 24h.Cell morphology was observed at different time points using an inverted microscope.The expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA was detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),and the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)protein was assayed with ELISA.·RESULTS:With the TGF-β2 stimulation prolongation,the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA and a-SMA protein increased in T1,T2,T3 groups compared with the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(〈0.05).NF-κB p65 ASODN lowered the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2.NF-κB p65 MSODN and Hi Per Fect did not lower the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2.The difference between control group and A+T group was not statistically significant(〉0.05),but the difference among A+T group and other groups was statistically significant(〈0.05).·CONCLUSION:NF-κB p65 ASODN could lower the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2,and antagonized TGF-β2-induced transdifferentiation of HLE B-3.NF-κB p65ASODN could be used as a new biological therapeutic target of posterior capsular opacification.展开更多
Objective To study the alternative expression and sequence of human elongation factor-1δ (human EF-1δ p31) during malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) ...Objective To study the alternative expression and sequence of human elongation factor-1δ (human EF-1δ p31) during malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and its possible mechanism. Methods Total RNA was isolated at different stages of transformed human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) induced by CdCl2 at a concentration of 5.0 μM. Special primers and probe for human EF-1δ p31 were designed and expression of human EF-18 mRNA from different cell lines was detected with fluorescent quantitative PCR technique. EF-18 cDNA from different cell lines was purified and cloned into pMD 18-T vector followed by confirming and sequencing analysis. Results The expressions of human EF-1δ p31 at different stages of 16HBE cells transformed by CdCl2 was elevated (P〈0.01 or P〈0.05). Compared with their corresponding non-transformed ceils, the overexpression level of EF-15 p31 was averagely increased 2.9 folds in Cd-pretransformed cells, 4.3 folds in Cd-transformed ceils and 7.2 folds in Cd-tumorigenic cells. No change was found in the sequence of overexpressed EF-1δ p31 at different stages of 16HBE cells transformed by CdCl2. Conclusion Overexpression of human EF-1δ p31 is positively correlated with malignant transformation of 16HBE cells induced by CdCl2, but is not correlated with DNA mutations.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the effect of bone morphogenetic protein-6(BMP-6)on transforming growth factor(TGF)-β_(2)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in retinal pigment epithelium(RPE).METHODS:Adult retinal pigment...AIM:To evaluate the effect of bone morphogenetic protein-6(BMP-6)on transforming growth factor(TGF)-β_(2)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in retinal pigment epithelium(RPE).METHODS:Adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line(ARPE-19)were randomly divided into control,TGF-β_(2)(5μg/L),and BMP-6 small interfering RNA(siRNA)group.The cell morphology was observed by microscopy,and the cell migration ability were detected by Transwell chamber.The EMT-related indexes and BMP-6 protein levels were detected by Western blotting.Furthermore,a BMP-6 overexpression plasmid was constructed and RPE cells were divided into the control group,TGF-β_(2)+empty plasmid group,BMP-6 overexpression group,and TGF-β_(2)+BMP-6 overexpression group.The EMT-related indexes and extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)protein levels were detected.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the migration of RPE cells in the TGF-β_(2) group was significantly enhanced.TGF-β_(2) increased the protein expression levels ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin and vimentin but significantly decreased the protein levels of E-cadherin and BMP-6(P<0.05)in RPE.Similarly,the migration of RPE cells in the BMP-6 siRNA group was also significantly enhanced.BMP-6 siRNA increased the protein expression levels ofα-SMA,fibronectin and vimentin but significantly decreased the protein expression levels of E-cadherin(P<0.05).Overexpression of BMP-6 inhibited the migration of RPE cells induced by TGF-β_(2) and prevented TGF-β_(2) from affecting EMT-related biomarkers(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:BMP-6 prevents the EMT in RPE cells induced by TGF-β_(2),which may provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the expression differences of transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2), basic fibroblast growth factor(b FGF) and intercellular cell-adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) in lens epithelial cells(LECs...AIM: To investigate the expression differences of transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2), basic fibroblast growth factor(b FGF) and intercellular cell-adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) in lens epithelial cells(LECs) of complicated cataract with silicone oil tamponade and agerelated cataract. METHODS: Totally 150 eyes of 150 patients(aged 35 to 77y) were investigated, including 75 patients with complicated cataract after silicone oil tamponade and 75 patients with age-related cataract. The central piece of anterior capsules was collected during cataract surgery. TGF-β2, b FGF and ICAM-1 were detected in the 60 specimens of the two groups by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of the three kinds of messenger ribonucleic acid(m RNA) were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction in the 90 specimens of the two groups.RESULTS: TGF-β2 was detected in the cytomembrane and cytoplasm of the LECs and b FGF was detected in the nucleus. ICAM-1 was positive in the cytomembrane of the LECs and the distribution of positive cells was uneven. The m RNA genes expression of the TGF-β2, b FGF and ICAM-1 was significant differences between the two groups and markedly increased in complicated cataract group(P〈0.05).CONCLUSION: The up-regulated TGF-β2, b FGF and ICAM-1 maybe associate with the occurrence and development of complicated cataract with silicone oil tamponade.展开更多
Sequential exposure of mouse embryo cells to HSV-2 and TPA gave rise to a synergistic enhancement of the transformation frequency. The transformants were selected for their ability to form dense foci of cells in me...Sequential exposure of mouse embryo cells to HSV-2 and TPA gave rise to a synergistic enhancement of the transformation frequency. The transformants were selected for their ability to form dense foci of cells in medium containing 10% or 1%(low) fetal bovine serum. The average number of foci induced with HSV -2 followed by TPA was about 3 or 5(in low serum) fold greater than that induced with HSV- 2 alone. HSV- 2 antigen could be detected in about 10% of transformed cells before 27th passage with immunofluorescence technique. Of two cell lines established from single focus , one designated BL which was preferable to form foci in subcultures was tumorigenic after 21th passage. All of the tumors were sarcomas with interlacing bundles of pleomorphic fibroblasts. The other,designated NP was nontumorigenic until 50th passage. The BL cell line was composed of two distict cell types, i. e.,pigmented and unpigmented. No viral DNA sequences weredetected in the cells of tumors derived from BL cell line.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in epithelial–mesenchymal transition(EMT)and apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells(HLECs).METHODS:Flow cytometry was used to assess ROS production after t...AIM:To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in epithelial–mesenchymal transition(EMT)and apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells(HLECs).METHODS:Flow cytometry was used to assess ROS production after transforming growth factorβ2(TGF-β2)induction.Apoptosis of HLECs after H_(2)O_(2) and TGF-β2 interference with or without ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine(NAC)were assessed by flow cytometry.The corresponding protein expression levels of the EMT markerα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),the extracellular matrix(ECM),marker fibronectin(Fn),and apoptosis-associated proteins were detected by using Western blotting in the presence of an ROS scavenger(NAC).Wound-healing and Transwell assays were used to assess the migration capability of HLECs.RESULTS:TGF-β2 stimulates ROS production within 8h in HLECs.Additionally,TGF-β2 induced HLECs cell apoptosis,EMT/ECM synthesis protein markers expression,and pro-apoptotic proteins production;nonetheless,NAC treatment prevented these responses.Similarly,TGF-β2 promoted HLECs cell migration,whereas NAC inhibited cell migration.We further determined that although ROS initiated apoptosis,it only induced the accumulation of the EMT markerα-SMA protein,but not COL-1 or Fn.CONCLUSION:ROS contribute to TGF-β2-induced EMT/ECM synthesis and cell apoptosis of HLECs;however,ROS alone are not sufficient for EMT/ECM synthesis.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81070721)Inernational Exchange Program of Shaanxi Province,China(No.2012kw-31)
文摘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.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81600754)。
文摘AIM: To explore the roles of microRNA-let7 c(miR-let7 c) and transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2) and cellular signaling during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS: Retinal pigment epithelial(ARPE-19) cells were cultured with no serum for 12 h, and then with recombinant human TGF-β2 for different lengths of time. ARPE-19 cells were transfected with 1×106 TU/mL miR-let7 c mimcs(miR-let7 cM), miR-let7 c mimcs negative control(miR-let7cMNC) and miR-let7 c inhibitor(miR-let7 cI) using the transfection reagent. The expression of keratin-18, vimentin, N-cadherin, IKB alpha, p65 were detected by Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The expression of miR-let7c was dramatically reduced and the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway was activated after induction by TGF-β2(P<0.05). In turn, overexpressed miR-let7 c significantly inhibited TGF-β2-induced EMT(P<0.05). However, miR-let7 c was unable to inhibit TGF-β2-induced EMT when the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited by BAY11-7082(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The miR-let7 c regulates TGF-β2-induced EMT through the NF-κB signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells.
基金Supported by the Outstanding Young Medical Personnel of Qingdao City
文摘AIM:To study the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B p65(NF-κB p65)antisense oligodeoxynucleotide(ASODN)on transdifferentiation of normal human lens epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2).·M ETHODS:NF-κBp65ASODNand NF-κBp65missense oligodeoxynucleotide(MSODN)were designed and synthesized.Human lens epithelial cell line(HLE B-3)cells were prepared for study and divided into 7 groups.Control group was HLE B-3 cells cultured in dulbecco’s modified eagle medium(DMEM).T1,T2,and T3 group were HLE B-3 cells cultured in DMEM with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 6h,12h,24h respectively.A+T group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2for 24h after transfected by NF-κB p65 ASODN for 24h.M+T group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 24h after transfected by NF-κB p65 MSODN for 24h.The negative control group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 24h after cultured with transfer agent(Hi Per Fect)for 24h.Cell morphology was observed at different time points using an inverted microscope.The expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA was detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),and the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)protein was assayed with ELISA.·RESULTS:With the TGF-β2 stimulation prolongation,the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA and a-SMA protein increased in T1,T2,T3 groups compared with the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(〈0.05).NF-κB p65 ASODN lowered the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2.NF-κB p65 MSODN and Hi Per Fect did not lower the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2.The difference between control group and A+T group was not statistically significant(〉0.05),but the difference among A+T group and other groups was statistically significant(〈0.05).·CONCLUSION:NF-κB p65 ASODN could lower the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2,and antagonized TGF-β2-induced transdifferentiation of HLE B-3.NF-κB p65ASODN could be used as a new biological therapeutic target of posterior capsular opacification.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30771781)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No.06022672)
文摘Objective To study the alternative expression and sequence of human elongation factor-1δ (human EF-1δ p31) during malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and its possible mechanism. Methods Total RNA was isolated at different stages of transformed human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) induced by CdCl2 at a concentration of 5.0 μM. Special primers and probe for human EF-1δ p31 were designed and expression of human EF-18 mRNA from different cell lines was detected with fluorescent quantitative PCR technique. EF-18 cDNA from different cell lines was purified and cloned into pMD 18-T vector followed by confirming and sequencing analysis. Results The expressions of human EF-1δ p31 at different stages of 16HBE cells transformed by CdCl2 was elevated (P〈0.01 or P〈0.05). Compared with their corresponding non-transformed ceils, the overexpression level of EF-15 p31 was averagely increased 2.9 folds in Cd-pretransformed cells, 4.3 folds in Cd-transformed ceils and 7.2 folds in Cd-tumorigenic cells. No change was found in the sequence of overexpressed EF-1δ p31 at different stages of 16HBE cells transformed by CdCl2. Conclusion Overexpression of human EF-1δ p31 is positively correlated with malignant transformation of 16HBE cells induced by CdCl2, but is not correlated with DNA mutations.
基金Supported by the Key Research&Development Program of Shaanxi Province(No.2022SF-311,No.2024SFYBXM-328,No.2024SF-YBXM-325)the Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi Province,China(No.2021JQ-385).
文摘AIM:To evaluate the effect of bone morphogenetic protein-6(BMP-6)on transforming growth factor(TGF)-β_(2)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in retinal pigment epithelium(RPE).METHODS:Adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line(ARPE-19)were randomly divided into control,TGF-β_(2)(5μg/L),and BMP-6 small interfering RNA(siRNA)group.The cell morphology was observed by microscopy,and the cell migration ability were detected by Transwell chamber.The EMT-related indexes and BMP-6 protein levels were detected by Western blotting.Furthermore,a BMP-6 overexpression plasmid was constructed and RPE cells were divided into the control group,TGF-β_(2)+empty plasmid group,BMP-6 overexpression group,and TGF-β_(2)+BMP-6 overexpression group.The EMT-related indexes and extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)protein levels were detected.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the migration of RPE cells in the TGF-β_(2) group was significantly enhanced.TGF-β_(2) increased the protein expression levels ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin and vimentin but significantly decreased the protein levels of E-cadherin and BMP-6(P<0.05)in RPE.Similarly,the migration of RPE cells in the BMP-6 siRNA group was also significantly enhanced.BMP-6 siRNA increased the protein expression levels ofα-SMA,fibronectin and vimentin but significantly decreased the protein expression levels of E-cadherin(P<0.05).Overexpression of BMP-6 inhibited the migration of RPE cells induced by TGF-β_(2) and prevented TGF-β_(2) from affecting EMT-related biomarkers(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:BMP-6 prevents the EMT in RPE cells induced by TGF-β_(2),which may provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province(No.2012JM4023)
文摘AIM: To investigate the expression differences of transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2), basic fibroblast growth factor(b FGF) and intercellular cell-adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) in lens epithelial cells(LECs) of complicated cataract with silicone oil tamponade and agerelated cataract. METHODS: Totally 150 eyes of 150 patients(aged 35 to 77y) were investigated, including 75 patients with complicated cataract after silicone oil tamponade and 75 patients with age-related cataract. The central piece of anterior capsules was collected during cataract surgery. TGF-β2, b FGF and ICAM-1 were detected in the 60 specimens of the two groups by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of the three kinds of messenger ribonucleic acid(m RNA) were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction in the 90 specimens of the two groups.RESULTS: TGF-β2 was detected in the cytomembrane and cytoplasm of the LECs and b FGF was detected in the nucleus. ICAM-1 was positive in the cytomembrane of the LECs and the distribution of positive cells was uneven. The m RNA genes expression of the TGF-β2, b FGF and ICAM-1 was significant differences between the two groups and markedly increased in complicated cataract group(P〈0.05).CONCLUSION: The up-regulated TGF-β2, b FGF and ICAM-1 maybe associate with the occurrence and development of complicated cataract with silicone oil tamponade.
文摘Sequential exposure of mouse embryo cells to HSV-2 and TPA gave rise to a synergistic enhancement of the transformation frequency. The transformants were selected for their ability to form dense foci of cells in medium containing 10% or 1%(low) fetal bovine serum. The average number of foci induced with HSV -2 followed by TPA was about 3 or 5(in low serum) fold greater than that induced with HSV- 2 alone. HSV- 2 antigen could be detected in about 10% of transformed cells before 27th passage with immunofluorescence technique. Of two cell lines established from single focus , one designated BL which was preferable to form foci in subcultures was tumorigenic after 21th passage. All of the tumors were sarcomas with interlacing bundles of pleomorphic fibroblasts. The other,designated NP was nontumorigenic until 50th passage. The BL cell line was composed of two distict cell types, i. e.,pigmented and unpigmented. No viral DNA sequences weredetected in the cells of tumors derived from BL cell line.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82201163,No.81800812)Natural Science Foundation Youth Foundation of Shaanxi Province(No.2023-JC-QN-0861)Shaanxi Province Key Research and Development Program(No.2023-YBSF-483).
文摘AIM:To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in epithelial–mesenchymal transition(EMT)and apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells(HLECs).METHODS:Flow cytometry was used to assess ROS production after transforming growth factorβ2(TGF-β2)induction.Apoptosis of HLECs after H_(2)O_(2) and TGF-β2 interference with or without ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine(NAC)were assessed by flow cytometry.The corresponding protein expression levels of the EMT markerα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),the extracellular matrix(ECM),marker fibronectin(Fn),and apoptosis-associated proteins were detected by using Western blotting in the presence of an ROS scavenger(NAC).Wound-healing and Transwell assays were used to assess the migration capability of HLECs.RESULTS:TGF-β2 stimulates ROS production within 8h in HLECs.Additionally,TGF-β2 induced HLECs cell apoptosis,EMT/ECM synthesis protein markers expression,and pro-apoptotic proteins production;nonetheless,NAC treatment prevented these responses.Similarly,TGF-β2 promoted HLECs cell migration,whereas NAC inhibited cell migration.We further determined that although ROS initiated apoptosis,it only induced the accumulation of the EMT markerα-SMA protein,but not COL-1 or Fn.CONCLUSION:ROS contribute to TGF-β2-induced EMT/ECM synthesis and cell apoptosis of HLECs;however,ROS alone are not sufficient for EMT/ECM synthesis.