Plasma Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Objective: In women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), decreased expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) has been shown in POP tissues. However, no studies have evaluated plasma TGF-β1 levels in patients with POP, so it is unknown whether they are also changed or not. Therefore, we compared plasma TGF-β1 levels in women with and without POP. Methods: Participants were 49 women with POP and 23 healthy control women. All participants were postmenopausal. We measured plasma TGF-β1 and compared data between patients with POP and controls, and between patients with uterine prolapse (UP, n = 19) and those with a cystocele (CC, n = 30). In addition, in patients, we assessed the POP quantification system (POP-Q) stage. Results: Plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in patients than in healthy controls. POP-Q stage was not significantly different between the UP and CC subgroups, but POP-Q stage IV was diagnosed in 63% of patients with UP and 7% of those with CC. Plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in the CC subgroup than in the UP subgroup. Conclusion: Plasma TGF-β1 is decreased in POP. It remains unclear whether the lower levels indicate a reduction in systemic TGF-β1 activity, but they can be assumed to reflect reduced TGF-β1 expression in POP tissues.

Roles of Smad3 and Smad7 in rat pancreatic stellate cells activated by transforming growth factor-beta 1

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a major role in promoting pancreatic fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is a critical mediator of this process. This study aimed to determine the expression of the Smad3 and Smad7 genes in the process of PSC activation, and explore the mechanisms of chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: The expressions of Smad3 and Smad7 in PSCs before and after TGF-beta 1 treatment were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. Smad3 expression was detected in PSCs after treatment with 5 ng/ml of TGF-beta 1 for 24 hours. RESULTS: Smad7 expression was decreased in TGF-beta 1 -activated PSCs (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. When TGF-beta 1 concentration reached 10 ng/ml, the expression of p-Smad3, Smad3, and Smad7 was inhibited (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta 1 promotes the expression of Smad3 and inhibits the expression of Smad7 during the activation of PSCs. In contrast, high-dose TGF-beta 1 downregulates the expression of Smad3 in completely activated PSCs.

Effects of Qingguang'an(青光安)containing serum on the expression levels of autophagy-related genes in human Tenon's fibroblasts induced by transforming growth factor beta 1

OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of Qingguang'an(青光安)containing serum on the expression levels of autophagy related genes in the transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1)-activated human Tenon's fibroblasts(HTFs).METHODS:(a)Primary HTFs were stimulated by TGF-β1 and underwent immunohistochemistry,which established a cell model after Glaucoma filtration surgery(GFS).(b)The cell models were divided into 4 group:normal group(normal cells),model group(+TGF-β1),treatment group(+TGF-β1+medicated serum),and positive control group(TGF-β1+rapamycin).Then,Qingguang'an medicated serum with optimum concentration was added to the corresponding group.The autophagy positive cells were identified by the Cyto-ID autophagy detection kits under fluorescent microscope and Cytation 5 multifunctional instrument for cell imaging.And the mean fluorescence intensity of autophagy positive cells was determined by flow cytometry.The expression levels of autophagy related genes—Beclin-1,autophagy related gene 5(ATG-5),and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC-3Ⅱ)were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.RESULTS:Compared with the normal group and the model group,the relative mRNA expression levels of autophagy-related genes(Beclin-1,ATG-5 and LC-3Ⅱ)in the experimental group were notably increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and with the extension of treatment time,it had an increasing trend(48 h was more obvious),which showed a certain time dependency;the protein expression levels of autophagy-related genes(Beclin-1,ATG-5,and LC-3Ⅱ)were significantly increased in the experimental group(P<0.05,P<0.01).With the prolongation of treatment time,there was an increasing trend(48 h was relatively obvious),and it revealed a certain time dependency CONCLUSION:The Qingguang'an medicated serum could up-regulate autophagy related genes(Beclin1,ATG5,and LC3Ⅱ)in the TGF-β1-activated HTFs.

Flagellin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces transforming growth factor beta 1 expression in normal bronchial epithelial cells through mitogen activated protein kinase cascades

Background Acute lung infection due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa （P. Aeruginosa） is a serious problem, especially in patients with structural lung conditions or immune compromised hosts, leading to an overwhelming threat with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. As an outcome of infection, fibrosis can be linked with chronic lung diseases. But some fibrotic manifestations, such as an irreversible decrease of lung function and fibrous bands seen on chest imaging, have been found after an acute infection with P. Aeruginosa. Fibrogenesis/remodeling resulting from acute lung infection by P.aeruginosa is rarely reported. This study was designed to explore the relation between fibrogenesis/remodeling and acute infection by P. Aeruginosa in vitro. We used flagellin protein from P. Aeruginosa, a key initiator of acute P.aeruginosa lung infection, to elucidate mechanisms by which acute lung infection with P. Aeruginosa can cause fibrogenesis/remodeling.Methods We studied the effect of flagellin from P. Aeruginosa （flagellin for short） on the transforming growth factor beta 1 （TGF-β1） and interleukin-8 （IL-8） expression, and the possible involvement of the signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 （TRAF6）/mitogen activated protein kinase （MAPK） pathway. Flagellin was purified from the P. Aeruginosa standard strain, PAO1. Normal bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B were challenged with different concentrations of flagellin, and cell viability assessment was performed by cell counting kit-8. BEAS-2B cells were incubated with flagellin with the specific MAPK inhibitors or TRAF6 siRNA. Cell lysates and the cultured supernatant were collected. The level of TGF-β1 and IL-8 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay （ELISA）. Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of MAPK signal proteins p38, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase （JNK） and extracellular regulated kinase （ERK）.Results Expression of TGF-β1 in BEAS-2B cells was elevated by flagellin vs. Control groups （（104.3±20.8） vs.（44.6±4.4） pg/ml （P 〈0.01）） and was ablated by either p38 or JNK inhibitors compared with flagellin treatment （（45.1±18.8）vs. （104.3±20.8） pg/ml and （48.1±20.8） vs. （104.3±20.8） pg/ml, respectively （P 〈0.05））. Flagellin also elevated the expression of IL-8 in BEAS-2B cells vs. The control groups （（554.9±57.7） vs. （51.4±2.2.9） pg/ml （P 〈0.01））, and p38 MAPK inhibitors weaken the expression by flagellin （（301.1 ±155.1） vs. （554.9±57.7） pg/ml （P 〈0.05））. Western blotting revealed that all three MAPK proteins, p38, JNK and ERK were activated by flagellin challenge in an early phase, respectively in 15 minutes （P 〈0.01）, 30 minutes （P 〈0.01） and 15 minutes （P 〈0.01）. TRAF6 siRNA which decreased expression of TRAF6, altered the activation of JNK, p38, and ERK following flagellin treatment, but its influence on the expression of TGF-β1 and IL-8 has no statistical significance.Conclusions Flagellin from P. Aeruginosa PAO1 induces TGF-β1 expression in normal bronchial epithelial cells,BEAS-2B, through the MAPK signal cascade in vitro. It suggests that the fibrogenesis/remodeling process may be initiated from an early stage of acute lung infection due to P. Aeruginosa.

Expression of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase-1 in end-plate chondrocytes with transforming growth factor beta 1 siRNA interference by cyclic mechanical tension

Background Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase （ENPP）-I is a membrane-bound protein that catalyzes the hydrolysis of extracellular nucleoside triphosphates to monophosphate and extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate （ePPi）. Mechanical stimulation regulates ENPP-1 expression. This study sought to investigate the changes in ENPP-1 expression after stimulation using cyclic mechanical tension （CMT）.

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.

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

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

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

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

儿童慢性粒细胞白血病慢性期红细胞参数及血清bFGF、TGF-β1、VEGF表达变化分析

目的探究儿童慢性粒细胞白血病(CML)慢性期红细胞参数及血清碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(bFGF)、转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)及血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达变化。方法前瞻性选取2020年1月至2023年1月在首都医科大学附属北京儿童医院进行治疗的54例CML慢性期患儿为研究组,另随机抽取46名同期在本院进行体检的健康儿童为健康对照组。研究组给予酪氨酸激酶抑制剂治疗。比较两组间红细胞参数及血清bFGF、TGF-β1、VEGF表达变化,并比较研究组治疗前后红细胞参数及血清bFGF、TGF-β1、VEGF表达水平。结果研究组的RBC、血红蛋白、红细胞压积(HCT)及平均红细胞血红蛋白浓度(MCHC)水平分别为(3.45±0.04)×10^(12)/L、(102.33±1.15)g/L、(32.03±0.61)%、322.15±2.58,均显著低于对照组[(4.98±0.03)×10^(12)/L、(149.78±1.88)g/L、(44.33±0.31)%、334.12±0.77],平均红细胞体积(MCV)、平均红细胞血红蛋白含量(MCH)及红细胞体积分布宽度(RDW)水平分别为(91.44±0.77)fL、(33.15±2.55)pg、(17.55±0.12)%,均显著高于对照组[(89.88±0.34)fL、(30.24±0.16)pg、(12.66±0.11)%],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。研究组的血清bFGF、VEGF水平分别为(30.66±9.66)、(128.68±30.58)pg/mL,均显著高于对照组[(5.26±1.54)、(70.66±11.26)pg/mL],TGF-β1水平为(38.22±8.06)μg/L,显著低于对照组[(78.66±8.13)μg/L],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,研究组患儿的RBC、血红蛋白、HCT、MCV及MCH水平均较治疗前显著降低,MCHC及RDW水平均较治疗前显著升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。研究组治疗后的血清bFGF、VEGF水平均较治疗前显著降低,TGF-β1水平较治疗前显著升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论在儿童CML慢性期患儿中可见血细胞参数明显异常,血清bFGF、VEGF水平显著升高,TGF-β1水平显著降低。酪氨酸激酶抑制剂治疗CML慢性期能有效改善患儿红细胞形态及功能,抑制肿瘤细胞生长,临床疗效显著,值得临床推广使用。

心房颤动患者血清脂蛋白a、Apelin-13、转化生长因子β1水平与左心房内径的关系

目的 探讨心房颤动(AF)患者血清脂蛋白a[Lp(a)]、Apelin-13、转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)及左心房内径(LAD)间的关系。方法 2022年12月至2024年1月,选择在滁州市第一人民医院心内科住院患者100例,按照是否发生AF分为2组,AF组50例,非AF(NAF)组50例。检测2组患者血清Lp(a)、Apelin-13、TGF-β1水平,采用经胸超声心动图检查左心房内径并进行相关性分析。结果 AF组Lp(a)、TGF-β1水平及LAD升高,Apelin-13水平降低,与NAF组比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,Lp(a)、TGF-β1、舒张压及LAD为AF的危险因素,Apelin-13为AF的保护因素(P<0.05),且Lp(a)、TGF-β1、LAD及Apelin-13对AF具有预测价值(P<0.05)。线性回归结果显示,Lp(a)、TGF-β1、Apelin-13对LAD的回归系数分别为0.01(P>0.05)、-0.04(P>0.05)、-1.22(P<0.05)。结论 Lp(a)、TGF-β1及LAD为AF的独立危险因素;但Lp(a)、TGF-β1与LAD无明确相关性;Apelin-13作为AF独立保护因素,与LAD呈负相关。

鉴定LTBP1作为胃癌预后的生物标志物及其与肿瘤免疫微环境的相关性

目的探索潜在转化生长因子β结合蛋白1(latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 1,LTBP1)在胃癌发生发展及免疫微环境中的生物学功能。方法在TCGA数据库中分析LTBP1在泛癌中的表达,然后通过胃癌组织和癌旁组织进行验证。通过回归比例分析法分析LTBP1表达与临床病理变量之间的相关性。Cox回归分析和Kaplan-Meier图用于评估LTBP1在胃癌中的预后价值。通过TIMER分析LTBP1的表达水平与胃癌中免疫细胞浸润之间的相关性。免疫组织化学染色检测LTBP1蛋白在胃癌组织及癌旁组织中的表达水平。结果与正常胃组织相比,胃癌组织中LTBP1表达显著上调。其表达与病理TNM分期显著相关。LTBP1高表达的胃癌患者的总体生存率(overall survival,OS)缩短。免疫组化结果显示,与癌旁组织相比,LTBP1在胃癌组织中显著高表达。TIMER检测发现LTBP1的表达与3种免疫细胞浸润呈正相关。结论LTBP1可能是胃癌预后的一个潜在生物标志物,并影响癌症的肿瘤免疫微环境。

牛磺熊去氧胆酸通过调节内质网应激抑制转化生长因子β1所诱导的心肌成纤维细胞纤维化

目的探讨牛磺熊去氧胆酸(TUDCA)对转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)所诱导的心肌成纤维细胞(CFs)活化的作用及相关机制,为TUDCA治疗糖尿病心肌纤维化提供新的治疗目标。方法提取原代SD乳鼠CFs和心肌细胞,通过免疫荧光法鉴定CFs的纯度。分别将高糖培养下的CFs用不同时间的TGF-β1干预,用Western blot检测内质网应激(ERS)通路相关蛋白和纤维化指标的表达,探讨TGF-β1对CFs活化及ERS相关通路的影响。用Western blot检测CFs和心肌细胞内同型半胱氨酸内质网应激泛素样结构域1(Herpud1)的表达情况。通过沉默Herpud1的表达及用Transwell和Western blot检测沉默Herpud1后CFs纤维化指标的表达,探讨Herpud1在TGF-β1诱导的CFs活化中的作用。用CCK-8检测不同浓度的TUDCA处理下CFs的活力。用免疫荧光和Western blot检测TUDCA对TGF-β1诱导的CFs中Herpud1、葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78)、转录激活因子6(ATF6)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、波形蛋白(Vimentin)和Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(CollagenⅠ)表达的影响。为进一步明确Herpud1在TUDCA抑制CFs活化中的作用,用Western blot检测过表达Herpud1后相关蛋白的表达情况。结果在成功构建CFs纤维化模型的基础上,TGF-β1能够诱导CFs活化及ERS通路相关蛋白的表达;Herpud1在CFs中的表达高于心肌细胞;敲除Herpud1可抑制TGF-β1所诱导的CFs活化;TUDCA能显著降低TGF-β1诱导的CFs中GRP78、ATF6、α-SMA、Vimentin和CollagenⅠ的表达水平;此外,过表达Herpud1还可逆转TUDCA对TGF-β1诱导的CFs活化的抑制。结论下调Herpud1基因的表达是TUDCA抑制TGF-β1诱导的CFs纤维化的机制之一。

老年患者NLR、TGF-β1、Cav-1水平与颅内大动脉急性闭塞机械取栓术后出血风险的关系

目的探讨老年患者中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值(NLR)、转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、陷窝蛋白1(Cav-1)与颅内大动脉急性闭塞机械取栓术后出血风险的关系。方法选取2017年9月—2021年12月河北中石油中心医院行颅内大动脉急性闭塞机械取栓术的老年颅内大动脉急性闭塞患者120例。根据术后是否出血分为出血组和非出血组,比较2组患者临床资料和NLR、TGF-β1、Cav-1水平差异。采用多因素Logistic回归分析评价术后出血的影响因素;采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评价NLR、TGF-β1、Cav-1预测术后出血的价值。结果出血组美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分为(19.91±2.28)分,NLR和Cav-1分别为(7.20±1.12)和(19.29±5.53)ng·mL^(-1),均高于非出血组(P<0.05);Alberta卒中项目早期电子计算机断层扫描评分(ASPECTS)评分为(5.40±0.77)分,TGF-β1为(20.20±8.28)pg·mL^(-1),均低于非出血组(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,NIHSS评分、NLR是患者术后出血的危险因素(P<0.05),ASPECTS评分是患者术后出血的保护因素(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,基于ASPECTS评分、NIHSS评分、NLR建立的预测模型预测术后出血的曲线下面积为0.851,敏感性和特异性分别为64.00%和84.00%。结论NLR、Cav-1、TGF-β1均与老年患者颅内大动脉急性闭塞机械取栓术后出血有关。基于ASPECTS评分、NIHSS评分、NLR建立的预测模型在预测患者术后出血中有一定的应用价值。

磁共振靶向成像检测心肌纤维化大鼠模型中TGF-β1表达的实验研究

目的构建载转化生长因子-β1(transforming growth factor beta-1,TGF-β1)的超小超顺磁性氧化铁(ultrasmall supperparamagnetic iron oxide,USPIO)靶向探针(USPIO-anti-TGF-β1),探究其表征及磁共振成像(magnetic resonance imaging,MRI)靶向检测大鼠心肌纤维化(myocardial fibrosis,MF)模型中TGF-β1表达的可行性。材料与方法选择40只雄性SD大鼠,其中30只采用异丙肾上腺素(isoprenaline,ISO)皮下注射法建立MF模型,另外10只作为健康对照组。通过超声评估大鼠模型建立情况。将造模成功的30只大鼠随机分为实验组、单纯对照组及空白对照组,每组10只;构建USPIO-anti-TGF-β1靶向探针,通过尾静脉注入实验组大鼠体内,单纯对照组及空白对照组分别注入相同剂量的USPIO和生理盐水,并于注射12 h后行T2序列扫描。扫描完成后取大鼠心肌标本行病理学分析。采用独立样本t检验对给药前后的MRI信号强度变化进行分析。结果MRI示实验组给药前心肌信号尚均匀,给药12 h后心内膜下心肌可见信号减低区,二者相对信号强度具有明显差异(0.72±0.12 vs.0.62±0.10,P<0.01);单纯对照组与空白对照组给药前后心肌信号未见明显减低(0.73±0.12 vs.0.71±0.12,P=0.81;0.70±0.13 vs.0.74±0.13,P=0.52)。普鲁士蓝染色显示实验组MF区域与给药后MRI所示信号减低区相符合,免疫组化可见MF区域TGF-β1的阳性表达,普鲁士蓝染色显示心肌细胞中有大量铁颗粒的沉积,证实USPIO-anti-TGF-β1靶向探针的存在。结论通过USPIO-anti-TGF-β1靶向探针进行MRI在体检测MF大鼠模型中TGF-β1的表达可行,为临床监测TGF-β1的表达及抗MF治疗方案的选择和疗效评估提供了实验依据。

血清LTBP2、Ucn1、CD90水平在子宫内膜异位症诊断及病情严重程度评估中的价值

目的探讨血清转化生长因子结合蛋白2(LTBP2)、尿皮质醇1(Ucn1)、抗原分化簇90(CD90)水平在子宫内膜异位症(EMT)诊断及病情严重程度评估中的价值。方法选取2020年1月至2023年12月在该院进行诊断治疗的EMT患者103例作为实验组,按病情程度将实验组分为重度组与轻度组,另选取同期在该院体检的体检健康者82例作为对照组。采用Pearson分析血清LTBP2、Ucn1、CD90水平相关性,采用多因素Logistic回归分析影响EMT患病因素,通过受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评价血清LTBP2、Ucn1、CD90对EMT的诊断价值。结果实验组与对照组比较,血清LTBP2、Ucn1、CD90水平呈显著升高的趋势(P<0.05)。实验组血清LTBP2、Ucn1、CD90之间呈正相关(r=0.377、0.344、0.246,P<0.001、<0.001、=0.012)。轻度组与重度组血清LTBP2、Ucn1、CD90水平均显著高于对照组患者,轻度组患者血清LTBP2、Ucn1、CD90水平显著低于重度组患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。实验组白细胞介素(IL)-4水平低于对照组,而经期疼痛及盆腔手术史占比高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。血清LTBP2、Ucn1、CD90水平、经期疼痛、盆腔手术史是发生EMT的危险因素(P<0.05),IL-4水平是发生EMT的保护因素(P<0.05)。血清LTBP2、Ucn1、CD90及三者联合对EMT诊断的曲线下面积为0.788、0.801、0.810、0.916,灵敏度为63.11%、63.11%、62.14%、84.47%,三者联合(Z_(LTBP2-三者联合)=4.054、P<0.001,Z_(Ucn1-三者联合)=3.966、P<0.001,Z_(CD90-三者联合)=4.193、P<0.001)对EMT诊断价值更高。结论EMT病情程度较重者血清LTBP2、Ucn1、CD90水平较高,血清LTBP2、Ucn1、CD90联合对EMT具有一定诊断价值。

参附汤联合茯苓四逆汤治疗心阳亏虚型慢性心力衰竭患者的疗效及对其转化生长因子β1、Smad同源物3表达的影响

目的探讨参附汤联合茯苓四逆汤治疗心阳亏虚型慢性心力衰竭患者的疗效及对其转化生长因子β1(transforming growth factor-β,TGF-β1)、Smad同源物3(Smad homolog 3,Smad3)表达的影响。方法选取2020年1月—2023年1月期间北京市怀柔区中医医院收治的90例心阳亏虚型慢性心力衰竭患者,按随机数字表法分为对照组和研究组,每组各45例。对照组予常规西医治疗,研究组在对照组的基础上加用参附汤合茯苓四逆汤治疗。4周为1个疗程,两组患者均治疗4个疗程。观察比较两组患者治疗前后心功能[左室舒张末期内径(Left ventricular end diastolic diameter,LVEDD)、左室收缩末期内径(Left ventricular end systolic diameter,LVESD)、左室射血分数(Left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEEF)、每搏输血量(Blood transfusion volume per stroke,SV)]、心衰因子[心型脂肪酸结合蛋白(Heart-type Fatty Acid Binding Protein,H-FABP)、脑钠肽(Natriuretic peptide,BNP)]、心肌纤维化指标[Ⅰ型前胶原氨基端前肽(Type I procollagen amino terminal peptide,PICP)、Ⅲ型前胶原氨基端末肽(TypeⅢprocollagen amino terminal peptide,PⅢNP)、心肌肌钙蛋白I(cardiac troponin IcTnI)]、TGF-β1、Smad3表达量变化,评价活动耐力、心衰评分、明尼苏达评分、中医证候积分,并统计临床疗效及主要心血管不良事件(MACE)发生情况。结果治疗后两组患者心功能LVEDD、LVESD指标均较治疗前降低,LVEF、SV指标较治疗前升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组心功能LVEDD、LVESD指标明显低于对照组,LVEF、SV指标明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组患者心衰因子H-FABP、cTnI、BNP水平均较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组心衰因子H-FABP、cTnI、BNP水平均明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组患者心肌纤维化PICP、PⅢNP水平均较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组心肌纤维化PICP、PⅢNP水平明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组患者TGF-β1、Smad3表达量均较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组TGF-β1、Smad3表达量均明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组患者活动耐力较治疗前升高,心衰、明尼苏达评分较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组活动耐力评分明显高于对照组,心衰、明尼苏达评分均明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组患者中医证候积分较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组中医证候积分明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后研究组临床总有效率95.56%(43/45)明显高于对照组80.00%(36/45),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗期间,研究组MACE发生率4.44%(2/45)明显低于对照组17.78%(8/45),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论参附汤合茯苓四逆汤可显著改善心阳亏虚型慢性心力衰竭患者临床症状及体征,降低TGF-β1、Smad3表达,抑制心肌纤维化,促进心脏功能恢复,效果理想。

转化生长因子-β_(1)相关血清微小核糖核酸对糖尿病肾病早期诊断的临床价值

目的探讨转化生长因子β_(1)(TGF-β_(1))相关血清微小核糖核酸(miRNA)对糖尿病肾病(DKD)早期诊断的临床价值。方法收集2019年1月至2021年12月在缙云县壶镇镇中心卫生院及缙云县人民医院就诊的2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者260例作为研究对象。根据尿白蛋白排泄率(UAER),研究对象分为单纯T2DM组135例、早期DKD组82例、临床DKD组43例。另选取50名健康志愿者作为对照组。检测各组血清miR-27a、miR-27b、miR-29c、miR-200c水平和TGF-β_(1)水平,并进行指标间的相关关系分析。利用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清miRNAs对DKD的早期诊断价值。结果单纯T2DM组、早期DKD组和临床DKD组患者血清miR-27a、miR-27b、miR-200c水平及TGF-β_(1)水平均高于对照组,miR-29c水平低于对照组(F=235.624、70.351、108.127、672.304,P均<0.001)。TGF-β_(1)与血清miR-27a、miR-27b、miR-200c呈正相关,与miR-29c呈负相关(r=0.668、0.429、0.618、-0.502,P均<0.001)。血清miR-27a、miR-27b、miR-29c、miR-200c对T2DM患者发生DKD的诊断曲线下面积(AUC)为0.913、0.775、0.812、0.894,miR-27a和miR-200c的敏感度和特异度均>0.7。验证队列中血清miR-27a、miR-27b、miR-29c、miR-200c对T2DM患者发生DKD的诊断AUC分别为0.901、0.787、0.802、0.896,差异有统计学意义(Z=-9.012,P<0.01)。结论血清miR-27a、miR-27b、miR-29c、miR-200c对于早期DKD都有一定的诊断价值。

微RNA-196a-1-3p靶向Ras响应元件结合蛋白调控胆管癌细胞增殖的机制研究

目的探讨转化生长因子β(TGF-β)调控人胆管癌细胞系RBE细胞增殖的关键微RNA(miRNA)及其潜在的机制。方法该研究起止时间为2020年1月至2022年1月。磷酸盐缓冲液(PBS)处理为对照组,TGF-β处理为TGF-β组,TGF-β抗体处理为抗体组。检测三组RBE细胞的增殖水平。miRNA高通量测序检测三组RBE细胞的miRNA调控变化,并进行miRNA模拟物过表达筛选鉴定受TGF-β调控的影响RBE细胞增殖水平的关键miRNA。miRNA数据库(miRDB)在线分析miRNA的潜在底物,并通过小干扰RNA(siRNA)敲低筛选鉴定影响RBE细胞增殖水平的关键底物。结果相比于对照组,TGF-β组RBE细胞的增殖水平上升(1.62±0.07比2.35±0.09,P<0.05),抗体组RBE细胞的增殖水平下降(1.62±0.07比1.11±0.08,P<0.05)。过表达微RNA-196a-1-3p(miR-196a-1-3p)时,RBE细胞的增殖水平下降(P<0.05)。敲低Ras响应元件结合蛋白(RREB1)时,RBE细胞的增殖水平下降(P<0.05)。过表达miR-196a-1-3p后,RBE细胞中RREB1的信使RNA(mRNA)和蛋白水平下降(P<0.05)。敲低miR-196a-1-3p后,RBE细胞中RREB1与SMAD家族蛋白3(SMAD3)的相互作用增加。敲低SMAD3后,RBE细胞的增殖水平下降(P<0.05)。与仅敲低SMAD3相比,敲低SMAD3的同时过表达RREB1的RBE细胞的增殖水平无显著变化,并且同时敲低SMAD3和miR-196a-1-3p的RBE细胞的增殖水平无显著变化。结论TGF-β能够通过miR-196a-1-3p/RREB1/SMAD3轴促进RBE细胞增殖;miR-196a-1-3p和RREB1可作为潜在的治疗胆管癌的靶标,为针对该靶标的新药研发奠定了基础。

猪脱细胞真皮基质对大鼠瘘管模型的修复作用及其对TGF-β1/NF-κB p65信号通路的影响

目的:观察猪脱细胞真皮基质对大鼠瘘管模型创面的修复作用,以及对TGF-β1/NF-κB p65信号通路的影响,探讨其可能的修复机制。方法:40只健康SD大鼠适应性喂养1周后,随机分为假手术对照组、模型组、猪脱细胞真皮基质组(真皮组)、瘘管栓阳性对照组(瘘管栓组),每组10只。连续给予相应材料治疗2周后,采用ELISA法检测血清中白介素-1β(IL-1β)、白介素-6(IL-6)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)和前列腺素E2(PGE2)含量;取大鼠创面组织进行病理观察;Western blot法检测创面组织转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、核转录因子-κB p65(NF-κB p65)及VEGF蛋白表达水平。结果:与模型组相比,治疗2周后真皮组和瘘管栓组大鼠的体质量明显增加(P<0.05),创面脓液明显减少。真皮组中血清IL-1β、IL-6和PGE2的含量比模型组低(P<0.05),VEGF含量比模型组高(P<0.05)。HE染色显示,与模型组相比,真皮组炎细胞浸润明显减少,胶原纤维明显增多并且更加致密。真皮组及瘘管栓组大鼠的创面组织TGF-β1和VEGF蛋白表达增加,NF-κB p65蛋白表达降低(P<0.05)。结论:猪脱细胞真皮基质可抑制大鼠瘘管创口组织炎症反应,促进血管新生及伤口愈合,且其促进胶原纤维生成的作用较瘘管栓更加明显,其机制可能与调控TGF-β1/NF-κB p65信号通路有关。

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.