Targeting the extracellular matrix for NF1-associated neurofibroma treatment

Neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1)is one of the most common genetic disorders that predisposes patients to benign and malignant tumors of the peripheral nervous system.Plexiform and cutaneous neurofibromas are NF1-associated benign tumors.Despite their benign nature,they can cause tremendous morbidity in patients with NF1.Therapeutic drug options are limited to the MEK inhibitor,selumetinib,which is the only approved drug for pediatric patients with plexiform neurofibromas.Antifibrotic strategies have substantial therapeutic potential for NF1-associated neurofibromas.This review discusses the fibrotic features of plexiform and cutaneous neurofi-bromas focusing on the pathological composition of the extracellular matrix.It also highlights the core pathways implicated in the biochemical and biophysical regulation of the extracellular matrix remodeling in tumor imitation and progression.Finally,this review provides a brief outlook on how exploring novel vulnerabilities residing in the aberrant extracellular matrix and their underlying pathways can benefit the treatment of NF1-associated neurofibromas.

肝细胞癌患者血清ECM1、MMP-9和VEGF水平的变化及其意义

目的 探究肝细胞癌患者血清细胞外基质蛋白-1(ECM1)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9和血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)水平的变化及其意义。方法 对60例肝细胞癌患者进行回顾性分析,患者主要使用甲磺酸阿帕替尼进行治疗,必要时也可联合GEMOX方案肝动脉化疗栓塞术进行治疗。采用酶联免疫吸附法测定患者治疗前后的血清ECM1、VEGF、MMP-9水平。比较患者治疗前后ECM1、MMP-9和VEGF水平;比较不同临床病理特征(年龄、性别、血管侵犯、淋巴结转移、TNM分期、Edmondson分期和肿瘤直径)患者ECM1、MMP-9和VEGF水平。结果 治疗后,患者ECM1、MMP-9以及VEGF水平分别为(135.23±44.58)pg/ml、(421.25±87.56)μg/L和(657.56±54.56)pg/ml,均低于治疗前的(215.56±30.80)pg/ml、(499.56±30.56)μg/L、(798.02±50.79)pg/ml(P<0.05)。不同年龄、性别患者ECM1、MMP-9、VEGF水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);不同血管侵犯、淋巴结转移、TNM分期、Edmondson分期和肿瘤直径患者ECM1、MMP-9、VEGF水平比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 ECM1、MMP-9、VEGF三者相互作用可促进肝癌细胞的转移,可根据其水平情况,了解患者肝细胞、肝功能健康状况。

Novel Mutations in Extracellular Matrix Protein 1 Gene in a Chinese Patient with Lipoid Proteinosis

Lipoid proteinosis （LP,OMIM 247100）,also known as Urbach-Wiethe disease or lipoidosis cutis et mucosae,was first described by Urbach and Wiethe in 1929.It is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis characterized by hoarseness from early infancy,distinctive skin and neurological manifestations,and cutaneous lesions.It affects mucosal membranes of the upper respiratory tract,upper digestive tract,central nervous system,lymph nodes,and striated muscles.Hamada identified the genetic defect to be a loss-of-function mutation or reduced expression of the gene encoding extracellular matrix protein 1 （ECM1） on chromosome lq21 in 2002.So far,approximately,300 cases have been reported.This article reported a case with clinical and molecular findings compatible with LP.

Nectin-like Molecule 1 Inhibits the Migration and Invasion of U251 Glioma Cells by Regulating the Expression of An Extracellular Matrix Protein Osteopontin

Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism of nectin-like molecule 1(NECL1) inhibiting the migration and invasion of U251 glioma cells.Methods We infected U251 glioma cells with adeno-nectin-like molecule 1(Ad-NECL1) or empty adenovirus(Ad).Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to observe the migration of U251 cells incubated with the cell supernatant from Ad-NECL1 or Ad infected U251 cells.DNA microarray was applied to screen the gene expression profile after the restoration of NECL1 in U251 glioma cell lines.The differential expression of osteopontin(OPN),a gene related to migration and invasion,was further analyzed with semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blot,and immunohistochemistry.Results The restoration of NECL1 inhibited migration of U251 cells significantly(P<0.05).Altogether 195 genes were found differentially expressed by microarray,in which 175 were up-regulated and 20 down-regulated,including 9 extracellular matrix proteins involved in the migration of cells.Both mRNA and protein expressions of OPN,the most markedly reduced extracellular matrix protein,were found decreased in U251 cells after restoration of NECL1.Immunohistochemical assay also detected an increase of OPN in glioma tissues,related with the progressing of malignant grade.Conclusion A link might exist between NECL1 and the extracellular matrix protein OPN in inhibiting the migration and invasion of U251 glioma cells.

血清TSP-1联合MMP-9对高血压脑出血患者血肿清除术后发生迟发性脑水肿的预测价值

目的探讨血清血小板反应蛋白(TSP)-1联合基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-9对高血压脑出血(HCH)患者血肿清除术后发生迟发性脑水肿的预测价值。方法选取2020年1月至2023年6月北京市怀柔区中医医院和首都医科大学附属北京中医医院收治的126例HCH患者作为研究对象。所有患者均接受血肿清除手术治疗。观察所有患者术后迟发性脑水肿的发生情况,根据是否发生迟发性脑水肿分为发生组和未发生组。比较两组临床资料,采用多因素Logistic回归分析HCH患者血肿清除术后发生迟发性脑水肿的危险因素。绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估血清TSP-1、MMP-9对HCH患者血肿清除术后发生迟发性脑水肿的预测价值。结果126例HCH患者血肿清除术后有35例患者发生迟发性脑水肿,有91例患者未发生迟发性脑水肿。发生组血清TSP-1、MMP-9水平高于未发生组,血肿体积大于未发生组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,血清TSP-1、MMP-9单独及2项指标联合预测HCH患者血肿清除术后发生迟发性脑水肿的曲线下面积分别为0.761、0.769、0.810。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,TSP-1≥75.440 ng/mL、MMP-9≥183.265μg/L、血肿体积≥50.50 mL是HCH患者血肿清除术后发生迟发性脑水肿的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论血清TSP-1、MMP-9联合预测HCH患者血肿清除术后发生迟发性脑水肿的效能较高,二者有望成为预测其发生的有效指标,可为后续临床诊疗提供指导。

慢性肾脏病患者血清CHI3L1、MMP-13表达水平及其病情评估、预后价值

目的探讨慢性肾脏病患者血清几丁质酶3样蛋白1(CHI3L1)、基质金属蛋白酶-13(MMP-13)表达水平及病情评估、预后价值。方法选取2020年3月至2022年8月在江油市人民医院就诊的208例慢性肾脏病患者作为病例组,按照病情严重程度将208例慢性肾脏病患者分为Ⅰ期组21例、Ⅱ期组42例、Ⅲ期组86例、Ⅳ期组38例、Ⅴ期组21例。另选取同期152例体检健康者作为对照组。根据患者预后情况将208例患者分为预后良好组(n=92)及预后不良组(n=116)。收集受试人员一般资料,采用酶联免疫吸附试验检测血清CHI3L1、MMP-13表达水平,Pearson法分析慢性肾脏病患者血清CHI3L1、MMP-13表达水平的相关性,以及二者与肾小球滤过率(GFR)的相关性,采用Cox回归分析影响慢性肾脏病患者预后的因素。结果对照组、病例组年龄、性别等一般资料比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);病例组患者血清中CHI3L1表达水平较对照组显著增加,但MMP-13表达水平显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);随着病情分期增加,患者血清CHI3L1表达水平随之增加,MMP-13表达水平随之降低(P<0.05);预后不良组患者血清CHI3L1表达水平较预后良好组显著增加,MMP-13表达水平显著降低(P<0.05);Pearson法分析显示,慢性肾脏病患者血清CHI3L1、MMP-13表达水平呈负相关,CHI3L1表达水平与GFR呈负相关,MMP-13表达水平与GFR呈正相关(P<0.05)。Cox回归分析显示,血清CHI3L1、MMP-13、GFR为慢性肾脏病患者预后不良的独立影响因素(P<0.05)。结论慢性肾脏病患者血清CHI3L1表达水平升高,MMP-13表达水平降低,二者均可用于病情及预后评估。

NUSAP1在肿瘤相关巨噬细胞中的表达及对非小细胞肺癌的影响

目的探究NUSAP1在肿瘤相关巨噬细胞中表达对非小细胞肺癌的影响机制。方法使用Western blot检测检测人癌和癌周巨噬细胞中NUSAP1、p-PI3K以及MMP-9的相对蛋白表达量;使用慢病毒感染M2巨噬细胞,构建骨髓诱导M2与人非小细胞肺癌细胞株Lewis共培养体外模拟NSCLC肿瘤微环境,使用Western blot检测M2巨噬细胞中NUSAP1、p-PI3K以及MMP-9的相对蛋白表达量。使用细胞划痕实验检测非小细胞肺癌细胞的迁移能力。结果人体样本Western blot检测结果显示非小细胞肺癌组织中NUSAP1,PI3K与MMP-9的相对蛋白表达量显著高于癌周组织(P<0.05);体外实验通过小鼠巨噬细胞与Lewis共培养以模拟体内肿瘤环境,Western blot检测慢病转染敲低NUSAP1后p-PI3K与MMP-9均表达降低(P<0.05),上调NUSAP1后p-PI3K与MMP-9表达均升高(P<0.05)。MMP-9过表达(OV-MMP-9)抵消了由于敲低NUSAP1所造成的MMP-9表达水平降低,同时shRNA-NUSAP1+ovMMP-9组侵袭率明显高于shRNA-NUSAP1+OVNC组(P<0.05)。shRNANUSAP1(NUSAP1敲低)组比shNUSAP1组的迁移宽度明显增加,说明迁移能力受限;在敲低NUSAP1的基础尚过表达MMP-9(OV-MMP-9)后迁移能力明显变强,迁移宽度显著变小(P<0.05)。结论NUSAP1在肿瘤相关巨噬细胞中通过促进PI3K通路的激活及MMP-9的表达从而促进非小细胞肺癌细胞的迁移。

SOX7靶向ERK1/2/PD-L1通路抑制结直肠癌血管生成

目的探讨性别决定区Y框蛋白7(SOX7)对结直肠癌血管生成的影响及潜在作用机制。方法应用免疫荧光检测结直肠癌患者组织样本中SOX7表达水平,之后通过裸鼠、转染SOX7 mimic的人结直肠癌细胞系SW480细胞和人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC)共培养进一步研究。用Western-blot验证SOX7与ERK1/2/PD-L1对结直肠癌细胞的相关蛋白表达的影响。用CCK8检测SOX7与ERK1/2/PD-L1对HUVEC增殖的影响。通过体外内皮细胞成管实验测定SOX7与ERK1/2/PD-L1对肿瘤血管生成的影响。结果SOX7在人结直肠癌组织中表达被抑制(P<0.01),同时SOX7的过表达抑制了小鼠体内肿瘤生长(P<0.01)。SW480细胞中SOX7的过表达抑制了ERK1/2、c-Jun的表达,并在ERK1/2的激动剂Senkyunolide I的作用下上调了SW480细胞的ERK1/2、c-Jun蛋白表达(P<0.01),逆转了SOX7对SW480细胞中ERK1/2、c-Jun蛋白表达的影响(P<0.01)。HUVEC中SOX7抑制了PD-L1、V-EGFR2、p-PI3K、HIF-1α的蛋白表达,Senkyunolide I上调了HUVEC的PD-L1、V-EGFR2、p-PI3K、HIF-1α的蛋白表达,并逆转了SOX7对HUVEC中上述相关蛋白表达的影响(P<0.01)。PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitor 3抑制了PD-L1、V-EGFR2、p-PI3K、HIF-1α的蛋白表达,SOX7过表达在PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitor 3的影响下并没有表现出抑制作用。CCK8实验结果显示SOX7过表达显著抑制了HUVEC的增殖能力,Senkyunolide I作用下的两组HUVEC增殖能力较SOX7 NC组与SOX7 mimic组明显上升,PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitor 3作用下的两组HUVEC增殖能力较SOX7 NC组与SOX7 mimic组明显下降,以上均有明显统计学差异(P<0.01)。成管实验结果显示SOX7过表达抑制了HUVEC的血管生成,Senkyunolide I强烈加速了血管生成,而PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitor 3血管生成则被显著抑制,以上均有明显统计学差异(P<0.01)。结论SOX7通过ERK1/2/PD-L1通路抑制结直肠肿瘤的增殖和血管生成,SOX7可能是晚期CRC患者临床治疗中潜在的抗血管生成靶点。

MMP9、AEG-1及EphA7蛋白在中耳鳞癌组织中的表达及其临床意义

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、星形细胞提升基因-1(AEG-1)、络氨酸蛋白激酶受体A7(EphA7)蛋白在中耳鳞癌组织中的表达及其意义。方法选取65例中耳鳞癌患者作为研究对象,均行手术治疗,术中采集癌组织及癌旁正常组织送检,检测MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白表达情况,比较癌组织与癌旁正常组织内上述表达差异;并分析MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白表达与年龄、性别、肿瘤分期、淋巴结转移、分化程度等病理特征的关系。结果癌组织内MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白阳性表达率高于癌旁正常组织,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白阳性表达患者Ⅲ~Ⅳ期、有淋巴结转移占比高于阴性表达患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白在中耳鳞癌组织内呈高表达状况,且其表达与肿瘤分期、淋巴结转移关系密切,或可作为临床治疗的新靶点。

Overexpression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 in endothelial cells reduces blood-brain barrier injury in a mouse model of ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke can cause blood-brain barrier(BBB)injury,which worsens brain damage induced by stroke.Abnormal expression of tight junction proteins in endothelial cells(ECs)can increase intracellular space and BBB leakage.Selective inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase,the negative regulatory substrate of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase(MKP)-1,improves tight junction protein function in ECs,and genetic deletion of MKP-1 aggravates ischemic brain injury.However,whether the latter affects BBB integrity,and the cell type-specific mechanism underlying this process,remain unclear.In this study,we established an adult male mouse model of ischemic stroke by occluding the middle cerebral artery for 60 minutes and overexpressed MKP-1 in ECs on the injured side via lentiviral transfection before stroke.We found that overexpression of MKP-1 in ECs reduced infarct volume,reduced the level of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and chemokine C-C motif ligand-2,inhibited vascular injury,and promoted the recovery of sensorimotor and memory/cognitive function.Overexpression of MKP-1 in ECs also inhibited the activation of cerebral ischemia-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)1/2 and the downregulation of occludin expression.Finally,to investigate the mechanism by which MKP-1 exerted these functions in ECs,we established an ischemic stroke model in vitro by depriving the primary endothelial cell of oxygen and glucose,and pharmacologically inhibited the activity of MKP-1 and ERK1/2.Our findings suggest that MKP-1 inhibition aggravates oxygen and glucose deprivation-induced cell death,cell monolayer leakage,and downregulation of occludin expression,and that inhibiting ERK1/2 can reverse these effects.In addition,co-inhibition of MKP-1 and ERK1/2 exhibited similar effects to inhibition of ERK1/2.These findings suggest that overexpression of MKP-1 in ECs can prevent ischemia-induced occludin downregulation and cell death via deactivating ERK1/2,thereby protecting the integrity of BBB,alleviating brain injury,and improving post-stroke prognosis.

胰岛素样生长因子1对人RPE细胞分泌TGF-β2、MMP-2的影响及机制研究

目的研究胰岛素样生长因子1(IGF-1)对人视网膜色素上皮细胞(ARPE-19)表达转化生长因子β2(TGF-β2)、基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP-2)的影响,并探索其作用机制。方法ARPE-19细胞分别按不同浓度IGF-1和不同浓度LY294002培养6 h、12 h、24 h、48 h,采用CCK-8法检测细胞活力,确定IGF-1、LY294002的最佳作用浓度与时间。细胞划痕法检测细胞迁移活性。ELISA法检测细胞培养上清液中TGF-β2浓度。将ARPE-19细胞分为对照组、IGF-1组(80μg·L^(-1) IGF-1)、IGF-1+LY294002组(80μg·L^(-1) IGF-1+30 mmol·L^(-1) LY294002)、LY294002组(30 mmol·L^(-1) LY294002),使用无血清DMEM/F12培养基培养,对照组不做任何处理,分别采用RT-PCR、Western blot检测细胞中TGF-β2、MMP-2、磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶(PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(AKT)的mRNA和蛋白表达量。结果与0μg·L^(-1) IGF-1比较,80μg·L^(-1) IGF-1的细胞活力24 h变化显著(P<0.05),故确定其为IGF-1最佳作用浓度和时间。与0 mmol·L^(-1) LY294002比较,24 h的30 mmol·L^(-1) LY294002接近半数抑制浓度,故确定其为LY294002最佳作用时间和浓度。细胞划痕法检测结果显示,0μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组、40μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组、80μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组细胞迁移率整体比较及两两比较差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。ELISA检测结果显示,0μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组、40μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组、80μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组细胞上清液中TGF-β2浓度整体比较及两两比较差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。RT-PCR、Western blot检测结果显示,IGF-1、LY294002培养24 h,与对照组比较,IGF-1组细胞中TGF-β2、MMP-2、PI3K、AKT的mRNA与蛋白表达水平均升高,而LY294002组细胞中TGF-β2、MMP-2、PI3K、AKT的mRNA与蛋白表达水平均下降(均为P<0.05);与IGF-1组比较,IGF-1+LY294002组细胞中TGF-β2、MMP-2、PI3K、AKT的mRNA与蛋白表达水平均下降(均为P<0.05)。结论IGF-1能促进ARPE-19细胞增殖、迁移;IGF-1可能通过PI3K/AKT信号通路上调ARPE-19细胞中TGF-β2、MMP-2的表达,参与近视的发生与发展。

Dentin matrix protein 1 and phosphate homeostasis are critical for postnatal pulp, dentin and enamel formation

Deletion or mutation of dentin matrix protein 1 （DMP1） leads to hypophosphatemic rickets and defects within the dentin. However, it is largely unknown if this pathological change is a direct role of DMP1 or an indirect role of phosphate （Pi） or both. It has also been previously shown that Klotho-deficient mice, which displayed a high Pi level due to a failure of Pi excretion, causes mild defects in the dentinal structure. This study was to address the distinct roles of DMP1 and Pi homeostasis in cell differentiation, apoptosis and mineralization of dentin and enamel. Our working hypothesis was that a stable Pi homeostasis is critical for postnatal tooth formation, and that DMP1 has an antiapoptotic role in both amelogenesis and dentinogenesis. To test this hypothesis, Dmpl-null （Dmpl-/-）, Klotho-deficient （kl/kl）, Dmpl/Klotho-double-deficient （Dmpl-/-/kl/kl） and wild-type （WT） mice were killed at the age of 6 weeks. Combinations of X-ray, microcomputed tomography （I^CT）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, histology, apoptosis and immunohistochemical methods were used for characterization of dentin, enamel and pulp structures in these mutant mice. Our results showed that Dmpl-/- （a low Pi level） or kl/kl（a high Pi level） mice displayed mild dentin defects such as thin dentin and a reduction of dentin tubules. Neither deficient mouse line exhibited any apparent changes in enamel or pulp structure. However, the double-deficient mice （a high Pi level） displayed severe defects in dentin and enamel structures, including loss of dentinal tubules and enamel prisms, as well as unexpected ectopic ossification within the pulp root canal. TUNEL assay showed a sharp increase in apoptotic cells in ameloblasts and odontoblasts. Based on the above findings, we conclude that DMP1 has a protective role for odontoblasts and ameloblasts in a pro-apoptotic environment （a high Pi level）.

TSP-1 promotes glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix secretion in Thy-1 nephritis rats

The proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells （GMC） and secretion of the extracellular matrix （ECM） in rat with Thy-1 nephritis （Thy-lN） resembling human mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis have been explored for many years; however, the molecular mechanisms of GMC proliferation and ECM production remain unclear. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the thrombospondin-1 （TSP-1） gene was involved in mediating rat GMC proliferation and ECM synthesis induced by sublytic C5b-9 in vitro. 111 the present study, the roles of the TSP-1 gene in GMC proliferation, ECM production, and urinary protein secretion in Thy-lN rats were determined by using TSP-1 small hairpin RNA, and the results revealed that silencing of the TSP-1 gene in rat renal tissues could diminish GMC proliferation （P 〈 0.01） and ECM secretion （P 〈 0.01） as well as urinary protein secretion （P 〈 0.05） in Thy-lN rats. Together, the current findings suggested that TSP-1 gene expression was required for GMC proliferation and ECM production in Thy-lN rats.

Significance of serum glucagon-like peptide-1 and matrix Gla protein levels in patients with diabetes and osteoporosis

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass,impaired bone mass,and reduced bone strength that leads to increased bone fragility and fracture.Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)complicated with osteoporosis is a common systemic metabolic bone disease,and reduced bone mass and bone strength are considered the main clinical features;however,the pathogenesis of this disease has not been fully clarified.Its occurrence is considered related to sex,age,and genetic factors.There are many risk factors for diabetes complicated with osteoporosis.Therefore,exploring these risk factors will help prevent it.AIM To investigate the relationships among serum glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)levels,matrix Gla protein(MGP)levels,and diabetes with osteoporosis.METHODS Sixty patients with T2DM complicated with osteoporosis confirmed by the endocrinology department of our hospital were selected as the case group.Sixty T2DM patients with bone loss were selected as the control group.Sixty healthy participants were selected as the healthy group.The general data,bone mineral density index,and bone metabolic markers of the three groups were compared.The relationships among GLP-1 levels,MGP levels,and the bone mineral density index of the case group were analyzed using linear correlation analysis and a logistic regression model.RESULTS Differences in sex,smoking,and drinking among the case group,control group,and healthy group were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The mean age of the case group was older than those of the control and healthy groups(P<0.05).The body mass index,fasting plasma glucose level,HbA1c level,hypertension rate,and coronary heart disease rate of the case and control groups were higher than those of the healthy group(P<0.05).The serum GLP-1 and MGP levels of the case group were lower than those of the control and healthy groups;these differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The serum GLP-1 and MGP levels of the control group were lower than those of the healthy group;these differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The serum GLP-1 and MGP levels of the case group were significantly positively correlated with the bone mineral density values of the hip and lumbar spine(P<0.05).The results of the logistic regression model showed that age and duration of diabetes were independent risk factors for osteoporosis in diabetic patients(P<0.05)and that increased GLP-1 and MGP values were protective factors against osteoporosis in diabetic patients(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Serum GLP-1 and MGP levels of diabetic patients with osteoporosis were significantly decreased and positively correlated with bone mineral density and were independent risk factors for osteoporosis in diabetic patients.

Extracellular vesicles from hypoxia-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells alleviates myocardial injury by targeting thioredoxininteracting protein-mediated hypoxia-inducible factor-1αpathway

BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles(EVs)derived from hypoxia-preconditioned(HP)mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have better cardioprotective effects against myocardial infarction(MI)in the early stage than EVs isolated from normoxic(NC)-MSCs.However,the cardioprotective mechanisms of HP-EVs are not fully understood.AIM To explore the cardioprotective mechanism of EVs derived from HP MSCs.METHODS We evaluated the cardioprotective effects of HP-EVs or NC-EVs from mouse adipose-derived MSCs(ADSCs)following hypoxia in vitro or MI in vivo,in order to improve the survival of cardiomyocytes(CMs)and restore cardiac function.The degree of CM apoptosis in each group was assessed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling and Annexin V/PI assays.MicroRNA(miRNA)sequencing was used to investigate the functional RNA diversity between HP-EVs and NC-EVs from mouse ADSCs.The molecular mechanism of EVs in mediating thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)was verified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay.Co-immunoprecipitation,western blotting,and immunofluorescence were performed to determine if TXNIP is involved in hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha(HIF-1α)ubiquitination and degradation via the chromosomal region maintenance-1(CRM-1)-dependent nuclear transport pathway.RESULTS HP-EVs derived from MSCs reduced both infarct size(necrosis area)and apoptotic degree to a greater extent than NC-EVs from CMs subjected to hypoxia in vitro and mice with MI in vivo.Sequencing of EV-associated miRNAs showed the upregulation of 10 miRNAs predicted to bind TXNIP,an oxidative stress-associated protein.We showed miRNA224-5p,the most upregulated miRNA in HP-EVs,directly combined the 3’untranslated region of TXNIP and demonstrated its critical protective role against hypoxia-mediated CM injury.Our results demonstrated that MI triggered TXNIP-mediated HIF-1αubiquitination and degradation in the CRM-1-mediated nuclear transport pathway in CMs,which led to aggravated injury and hypoxia tolerance in CMs in the early stage of MI.CONCLUSION The anti-apoptotic effects of HP-EVs in alleviating MI and the hypoxic conditions of CMs until reperfusion therapy may partly result from EV miR-224-5p targeting TXNIP.

通痹活络方联合丁苯酞治疗对急性缺血性脑梗死患者脑血管储备能力及血清MCP-1、MMP-9的影响

目的探究通痹活络方联合丁苯酞治疗对急性缺血性脑梗死(AICI)患者脑血管储备能力及血清单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)的影响。方法按照随机数字表法将2021年1月—2023年1月天津中医药研究院附属医院脑病一科收治的200例AICI患者分为观察组和对照组,每组100例。对照组患者于发病入院的24 h内给予丁苯酞注射治疗,观察组在对照组基础上给予通痹活络方治疗。比较两组患者中医证候积分、脑血管储备功能(CVR)、大脑中动脉(MCV)血流速度、血流灌注指标(PI)、血液流变学指标(血浆黏度、全血高切黏度、红细胞比积水平)、炎症因子指标MCP-1、MMP-9及临床疗效。结果治疗后观察组总有效为95.00%,高于对照组90.00%(χ^(2)=1.802,P=0.179);治疗后口舌歪斜、感官障碍、半身不遂等主症和次症中医证候积分明显降低,且观察组低于对照组(P<0.05);治疗后两组MCV血流速度、CVR均提高,且观察组高于对照组,治疗后PI降低,且观察组低于对照组(P<0.05);治疗后两组患者血浆黏度、全血高切黏度均明显降低,且观察组低于对照组;而治疗后两组患者红细胞比积明显升高,且观察组高于对照组;治疗后两组MCP-1、MMP-9水平均明显降低,且观察组低于对照组(P<0.05);两组患者治疗后观察组总不良反应率为5.00%,低于对照组11.00%(χ^(2)=3.907,P=0.048)。结论通痹活络方联合丁苯酞治疗AICI患者效果确切,能够有效改善患者中医证候积分,提高脑血管储备能力,降低血液黏度和MCP-1、MMP-9水平,值得临床推广应用。

CX3CR1对创伤性骨髓炎大鼠骨骼肌微纤维、ERK/MAPK信号通路及炎症反应的影响

目的探索CX3CR1对创伤性骨髓炎大鼠骨骼肌微纤维、ERK/MAPK信号通路及炎症反应的影响。方法选取30只SPF级SD雄性大鼠,依据随机数字表法分为健康组、模型组、CX3CR1抑制组,每组10只。除健康组外,其余各组均建立创伤性骨髓炎模型。其中健康组、模型组大鼠均每日常规腹腔注射生理盐水,CX3CR1干预组向残腔内注射CX3CR1中和抗体进行处理。采用ELISA法检测血清中IL-6、IL-10、IL-1β、TGF-β水平,应用改良X线Norden评分检测骨骼肌微纤维,HE染色观察病理变化,免疫印迹及PCR检测股骨组织中细胞外信号调节蛋白激酶(Extracellular regulated protein kinase,ERK1/2)、丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(Mitogen activated protein kinase,MAPK)蛋白及mRNA表达。结果与健康组比较,模型组TGF-β、IL-1β、IL-10、IL-6等炎症因子含量均升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,CX3CR1抑制组炎症因子含量降低(P<0.05)。与健康组比较,模型组随时间推移X线Norden评分升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,CX3CR1抑制组X线Norden评分降低(P<0.05)。HE染色显示,健康组骨质完好;模型组可见大量炎性细胞浸润、灶性脓肿及坏死灶;CX3CR1抑制组大鼠的骨质明显改善,炎症反应降低。与健康组比较,模型组ERK1/2、MAPK蛋白及mRNA表达升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,CX3CR1抑制组ERK1/2、MAPK蛋白及mRNA表达降低(P<0.05)。结论抑制CX3CR1可改善创伤性骨髓炎大鼠的疾病反应,可能与降低炎症反应、ERK/MAPK信号通路以及改善骨骼肌微纤维相关。

AAV-mediated expression of p65shRNA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 synergistically enhances chondrocyte regeneration

BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene manipulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis may not produce satisfactory results.Previous studies have shown that nuclear factorκB could promote the inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes,and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)could promote cartilage regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To test whether combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 will yield the synergistic effect on chondrocytes regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.METHODS:Viral particles containing AAV-p65-shRNA and AAV-BMP4 were prepared.Their efficacy in inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and promoting chondrogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo by transfecting AAV-p65-shRNA or AAV-BMP4 into cells.The experiments were divided into five groups:PBS group;osteoarthritis group;AAV-BMP4 group;AAV-p65shRNA group;and BMP4-p65shRNA 1:1 group.Samples were collected at 4,12,and 24 weeks postoperatively.Tissue staining,including safranin O and Alcian blue,was applied after collecting articular tissue.Then,the optimal ratio between the two types of transfected viral particles was further investigated to improve the chondrogenic potential of mixed cells in vivo.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 together showed a synergistic effect on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.Mixed cells transfected with AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 at a 1:1 ratio produced the most extracellular matrix synthesis(P<0.05).In vivo results also revealed that the combination of the two viruses had the highest regenerative potential for osteoarthritic cartilage(P<0.05).In the present study,we also discovered that the combined therapy had the maximum effect when the two viruses were administered in equal proportions.Decreasing either p65shRNA or BMP4 transfected cells resulted in less collagen II synthesis.This implies that inhibiting inflammation by p65shRNA and promoting regeneration by BMP4 are equally important for osteoarthritis treatment.These findings provide a new strategy for the treatment of early osteoarthritis by simultaneously inhibiting cartilage inflammation and promoting cartilage repair.

Effects of Heparin on Transforming Growth Factor-β_1 and Extracellular Matrix Components in the Glomeruli of Diabetic Rats

The effects of heparin on the expression of transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1) and two extracellular matrix components laminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN) in diabetic rat glomeruli were investigated. Twenty-six rats were randomly divided into control group (C, n=8), diabetic group (D, n=9), and diabetes+heparin group (DH, n=9). After 8-week therapy of heparin (200 U once daily by abdominal injection), TGF-β 1, LN and FN expression in glomeruli was detected by immunohistochemical method. The results showed that the expression levels of TGF-β 1, LN and FN were higher in group D than in group C. It was found that heparin could reduce 24-h urinary albumin excretion and inhibit overexpression of TGF-β 1, LN and FN in glomeruli of diabetic rats. It suggested that the inhibitory effect of heparin on diabetic glomerular sclerosis was at least partly related with the inhibition of TGF-β 1 expression.

单核细胞趋化蛋白1对肺癌A549细胞迁移和侵袭的影响及其机制

目的:探讨单核细胞趋化蛋白1(MCP-1)对肺癌A549细胞迁移和侵袭的影响,并阐明其作用机制。方法:采用免疫组织化学法检测80例非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)及癌旁正常肺组织中MCP-1蛋白表达情况。体外培养人肺癌A549细胞,MCP-1-小干扰RNA(siRNA)实验分为空白组、阴性对照组(si-NC组)、MCP-1-siRNA-1组和MCP-1-siRNA-2组;MCP-1过表达实验分为对照组、空载对照组(OE-NC组,转染MCP-1过表达空载质粒)、过表达MCP-1组(OE-MCP-1组,转染MCP-1过表达质粒)、过表达MCP-1+细胞外调节蛋白激酶(ERK)信号通路抑制剂PD98059组(OE-MCP-1+PD98059组,共转染MCP-1过表达质粒和PD98059)和PD98059组(转染PD98059)。分别将MCP-1-siRNA和质粒转染至肺癌A549细胞,Western blotting法验证各组A549细胞转染效率。细胞划痕实验和Transwell小室实验观察各组A549细胞迁移率和侵袭细胞数,Western blotting法检测各组A549细胞中磷酸化ERK(p-ERK)、总ERK(t-ERK)和上皮-间质转化(EMT)相关蛋白表达水平。结果:与癌旁组织比较,NSCLC组织中MCP-1蛋白阳性表达率明显升高(P<0.05);NSCLC组织中MCP-1蛋白表达水平与TNM分期和淋巴结转移有关联(P<0.05)。与si-NC组比较,MCP-1-siRNA-1组和MCP-1-siRNA-2组A549细胞中MCP-1蛋白表达水平均明显降低(P<0.01);与对照组和OE-NC组比较,OE-MCP-1组A549细胞中MCP-1蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01)。细胞划痕实验,与si-NC组比较,MCP-1-siRNA-1组和MCP-1-siRNA-2组细胞迁移率均明显降低(P<0.01);与OE-NC组比较,OE-MCP-1组细胞迁移率明显升高(P<0.01);与OE-MCP-1组比较,OE-MCP-1+PD98059组细胞迁移率明显降低(P<0.01);与OE-MCP-1+PD98059组比较,PD98059组细胞迁移率明显降低(P<0.01)。Transwell小室实验,与si-NC组比较,MCP-1-siRNA-1组和MCP-1-siRNA-2组侵袭细胞数明显减少(P<0.01);与OE-NC组比较,OE-MCP-1组侵袭细胞数明显增加(P<0.01);与OE-MCP-1组比较,OE-MCP-1+PD98059组侵袭细胞数明显减少(P<0.01);与OE-MCP-1+PD98059组比较,PD98059组侵袭细胞数明显减少(P<0.01)。Western blotting法,与si-NC组比较,MCP-1-siRNA-1组和MCP-1-siRNA-2组A549细胞中p-ERK、波形蛋白(Vimentin)和N-钙黏蛋白(N-cadherin)表达水平均明显降低(P<0.05或P<0.01),E-钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)表达水平均明显升高(P<0.01);与OE-NC组比较,OE-MCP-1组A549细胞中p-ERK、Vimentin和N-cadherin蛋白表达水平均明显升高(P<0.01),E-cadherin蛋白表达水平均明显降低(P<0.01);与OE-MCP-1组比较,OE-MCP-1+PD98059组A549细胞中p-ERK、Vimentin和N-cadherin蛋白表达水平均明显降低(P<0.01),E-cadherin蛋白表达水平均明显升高(P<0.05);与OE-MCP-1+PD98059组比较,PD98059组A549细胞中p-ERK、 Vimentin和N-cadherin蛋白表达水平均明显降低(P<0.05或P<0.01),E-cadherin蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01)。结论:MCP-1蛋白可上调肺癌A549细胞中EMT相关蛋白表达,促进肺癌A549细胞的迁移和侵袭,其作用机制与激活ERK信号通路有关。