Connective tissue growth factor hammerhead ribozyme attenuates human hepatic stellate cell function

AIM： To determine the effect of hammerhead ribozyme targeting connective tissue growth factor （CCN2） on human hepatic stellate cell （HSC） function.METHODS： CCN2 hammerhead ribozyme cDNA plus two self-cleaving sequences were inserted into pTriEx2 to produce pTriCCN2-Rz. Each vector was individually transfected into cultured LX-2 human HSCs, which were then stimulated by addition of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1 to the culture medium. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to determine mRNA levels for CCN2 or collagen I, while protein levels of each molecule in cell /ysates and conditioned medium were measured by ELISA. Cell-cycle progression of the transfected cells was assessed by flow cytometry.RESULTS： In pTriEx2-transfected LX-2 cells, TGF-β1 treatment caused an increase in the mRNA level for CCN2 or collagen I, and an increase in produced and secreted CCN2 or extracellular collagen I protein levels, pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells showed decreased basal CCN2 or collagen mRNA levels, as well as produced and secreted CCN2 or collagen I protein. Furthermore, the TGF-β1-induced increase in mRNA or protein for CCN2 or collagen I was inhibited partially in pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells. Inhibition of CCN2 using hammerhead ribozyme cDNA resulted in fewer of the cells transitioning into S phase.CONCLUSION： Endogenous CCN2 is a mediator of basal or TGF-β1-induced collagen I production in human HSCs and regulates entry of the cells into S phase.

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.

苦参碱对肺成纤维细胞TGF-β_1信号转导途径的干预作用

目的研究苦参碱对肺成纤维细胞转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)信号转导途径的影响。方法以人肺成纤维细胞系(HLF-02)为研究对象,用Western blot法检测TGF-β1、丝/苏氨酸激酶抑制剂星形孢菌素(Staurosporine,SP)和细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK1/2)抑制剂PD98059、苦参碱(Matrine,Mat)作用对结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)、p-Smad2、p-ERK1/2蛋白表达的影响,免疫组织化学方法检测CTGF蛋白,RT-PCR技术检测CTGFmRNA的表达。结果体外培养的HLF-02表达基础水平的CTGF蛋白,1 ng/mL TGF-β1可使CTGF、CTGFmRNA、p-Smad2、p-ERK1/2表达水平增强(P<0.01);使用SP及PD98059预处理细胞可以抑制TGF-β1刺激的CTGF的表达增加(P<0.01)。使用苦参碱预处理细胞可以抑制TGF-β1刺激的CTGF、CTGFmRNA、p-Smad2、p-ERK1/2蛋白的表达(P<0.05或P<0.01),且与苦参碱浓度呈负相关(r分别为0.845,0.900,0.789,0.942;P<0.01)。结论TGF-β1可使CTGF蛋白及CTGFmRNA的表达明显增强,可能是通过Smad2和ERK途径促进CTGF表达。苦参碱可能是通过Smad2和ERK通路在基因及蛋白水平抑制TGF-β1诱导的CTGF表达。

Yangfei Kongliu Formula, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, combined with cisplatin, inhibits growth of lung cancer cells through transforming growth factor-β1 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE： To investigate the tumor inhibition effect of Yangfei Kongliu Formula （YKF）, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, combined with cisplatin （DDP） and its action mechanisms. METHODS： C57BL/6 mice with Lewis lung carcinoma were divided into six groups： control group （C）, DDP group （2 mg/kg, DDP）, low-dose YKF group （2.43 g/kg, L）, high-dose YKF group （24.3 g/kg, H）, low- dose YKF combined with DDP group （L ＋ DDP） and high-dose YKF combined with DDP group （H ＋ DDP）. Transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 （Smad3） and Smad7 levels were measured with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （qPCR）, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the expressions of interleukin-2 （IL-2） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）. RESULTS： YKF combined with DDP significantly inhibited the growth and metastasis of tumors relative to the control group, and YKF groups （P 〈 0.05）. There was no significant difference between high-dose YKF group and low-dose YKF group （P 〉 0.05）. We also found that the expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 were both significantly decreased by YKF relative to the control group （P 〈 0.05）. Furthermore, after treatment with YKF combined with DDP, the expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 were decreased but the expression level of Smad7 was increased relative to the DDP group （P 〈 0.05）. Compared to the DDP group, the combination of YKF and DDP enhanced the effect of tumor inhibition （P 〈 0.05）, showing obvious synergy between YKF and DDP. Treatment with DDP or YKF decreased serum levels of IL-2 and TNF-α relative to the control group （P 〈 0.05）. Furthermore, the expression levels of IL-2 and TNF-α were significantly decreased when treated with YKF in combination with DDP. Co-treatment with YKF and DDP significantly inhibited tumor growth, decreased the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad3, IL-2 and TNF-α and increased the expression of Smad7; these differences were significant relative to both YKF groups and the control group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： YKF can inhibit tumor growth synergistically with DDP, mainly through the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.

Application of Decellularized Scaffold Combined with Loaded Nanoparticles for Heart Valve Tissue Engineering in vitro

The purpose of this study was to fabricate decelluarized valve scaffold modified with polyethylene glycol nanoparticles loaded with transforming growth factor-β1（TGF-β1）,by which to improve the extracellular matrix microenvironment for heart valve tissue engineering in vitro.Polyethylene glycol nanoparticles were obtained by an emulsion-crosslinking method,and their morphology was observed under a scanning electron microscope.Decelluarized valve scaffolds,prepared by using trypsinase and TritonX-100,were modified with nanoparticles by carbodiimide,and then TGF-β1 was loaded into them by adsorption.The TGF-β1 delivery of the fabricated scaffold was measured by asing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Whether unseeded or reseeded with myofibroblast from rats,the morphologic,biochemical and biomechanical characteristics of hybrid scaffolds were tested and compared with decelluarized scaffolds under the same conditions.The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed a typical delivery of nanoparticles.The morphologic observations and biological data analysis indicated that fabricated scaffolds possessed advantageous biocompatibility and biomechanical property beyond decelluarized scaffolds.Altogether this study proved that it was feasible to fabricate the hybrid scaffold and effective to improve extracellular matrix microenvironment,which is beneficial for an application in heart valve tissue engineering.

N-乙酰半胱氨酸对急性肺损伤大鼠肺组织转化生长因子-β1表达影响的研究

目的观察N-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)对急性肺损伤(ALI)肺组织转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)表达的影响。方法将24只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、ALI模型组、地塞米松干预组和NAC干预组4组,每组6只。经尾静脉注射内毒素脂多糖(LPS,5 mg/kg)制备大鼠ALI模型,在肺损伤模型成功后24 h处死大鼠,取左叶肺组织,观察各组大鼠肺组织病理和TGF-β1免疫组化染色结果。结果NAC干预组肺部炎性细胞浸润、渗出、出血较ALI模型组明显减轻;ALI模型组肺组织TGF-β1免疫组化染色灰度值较正常对照组明显减少(155.42±3.58比190.81±6.28,P<0.01),表示其表达明显增加;NAC干预组及地塞米松干预组肺组织TGF-β1免疫组化染色的灰度值明显高于ALI模型组(187.30±20.92和193.99±17.80比155.42±3.58,P均<0.01),表示其表达明显降低;且NAC干预组、地塞米松干预组与正常对照组间表达水平比较差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。结论NAC在ALI的早期可抑制肺组织TGF-β1的表达,肺组织病理亦显示肺部病变明显改善,从而达到对ALI的保护作用。

16,16二甲基前列腺素E_2对博莱霉素致大鼠肺纤维化的干预作用

目的 :探讨 1 6 ,1 6二甲基前列腺素E2 (dmPGE2 )在博莱霉素诱导大鼠肺纤维化进程中对结缔组织生长因子 (CTGF)表达水平的影响。方法 :通过苏木素伊红 (HE)染色及Ⅰ型胶原 (Col Ⅰ )、Ⅲ型胶原 (Col Ⅲ )免疫组化染色评价纤维化程度 ,用原位杂交方法检测结缔组织生长因子 (CTGF)的mRNA在肺内的表达情况 ,用免疫组化法检测转化生长因子 β1 (TGF β1 )及cAMP依赖性磷脂酶A(PKA)的表达。结果 :①模型组中TGF β1 、CTGFmR NA、Col Ⅰ、Col Ⅲ表达水平较空白组明显增高 ;②实验组中CTGFmRNA和Col Ⅰ、Col Ⅲ水平与模型组比明显下降 ,较正常组稍高。结论 :PGE2 可减轻博莱霉素所诱导的肺间质纤维化程度 。

Association of CT perfusion imaging with plasma levels of TGF-β1 and VEGF in patients with NSCLC

Objective: To study the association of CT perfusion imaging parameters with plasma level of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth(VEGF) in patients with non small cell cancer(NSCLC). Methods: A total of 67 patients with NSCLC(NSCLC group) and 64 patients with benign lesion(control group) were given with CT perfusion imaging to obtain blood flow, blood volume, mean transit time, time to peal and permeability surface through CT perfusion software. The plasma levels of TGF-β1 and VEGF were tested by ELISA. The relationship between plasma levels of TGF-β1, VEGF and CT perfusion imaging parameters were analyzed. Results: CT perfusion imaging parameters and the plasma levels of TGF-β1 and VEGF of NSCLC group were significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05), while CT perfusion parameters and the levels of TGF-β1 and VEGF in NSCLC group showed significant difference in different tumor node metastasis stages(P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the level of plasma TGF-β1 and VEGF were positively correlated with blood flow, blood volume, and mean transit time(P<0.05), and negatively correlated with time to peal(P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between TGF-β1 and VEGF with the permeability surface. Conclusions: CT perfusion imaging parameters in patients with NSCLC is closely associated with plasma TGF-β1, VEGF and its biological characteristics. CT perfusion imaging is a convenient method to detect tumor blood perfusion.

Expression of Angiotensin Ⅱ and Aldosterone in Radiation-induced Lung Injury

Objective Radiation-induced lung injury （RILl） is the most common, dose-limiting complication in thoracic malignancy radiotherapy. Considering its negative impact on patients and restrictions to efficacy, the mechanism of RILl was studied. Methods Wistar rats were locally irradiated with a single dose of 0, 16, and 20 Gy to the right half of the lung to establish a lung injury model. Two and six months after irradiation, the right half of the rat lung tissue was removed, and the concentrations of TGF-[31, angiotensin II, and aldosterone were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Statistical differences were observed in the expression levels of angiotensin II and aldosterone between the non-irradiation and irradiation groups. Moreover, the expression level of the angiotensin II-aldosterone system increased with increasing doses, and the difference was still observed as time progressed. Conclusions Angiotensin II-aldosterone system has an important pathophysiological function in the progression of RILI.

百草枯中毒致肺纤维化大鼠细胞因子表达及四氢吡咯二硫代氨基甲酸酯的干预作用

目的探讨百草枯中毒致肺纤维化的机制。方法 SD大鼠随机分为对照组6只、四氢吡咯二硫代氨基甲酸酯(PDTC)对照组36只、百草枯染毒组36只、PDTC干预组36只。染毒组和PDTC干预组给予百草枯80 mg/kg一次性灌胃后2 h,染毒组给予等量生理盐水腹腔注射,PDTC干预组给予PDTC 100 mg/kg一次性腹腔注射;对照组和PDTC对照组予生理盐水1 mL/kg灌胃后2 h,对照组给予等量生理盐水腹腔注射,PDTC对照组给予PDTC 100 mg/kg一次性腹腔注射。于不同处理后1、3、7、14、28、56 d观察大鼠中毒表现,并分别处死6只大鼠观察肺组织病理改变,测定肺组织羟脯氨酸含量,测定血清胰岛素样生长因子1(IGF-1)、转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、血小板源性生长因子(PDGF)水平及肺组织结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)的表达,分析它们与肺组织羟脯氨酸含量的关系。结果染毒早期(1～7 d)病理特征为急性肺泡炎,表现为肺充血、肺水肿及炎性细胞浸润。后期(14～56 d)炎性病变减轻,支气管周围、肺泡间隔及肺泡内大量成纤维细胞增殖、胶原纤维增生。干预组的肺部炎性改变及胶原纤维增生程度均明显减轻。与对照组比较,染毒组IGF-1含量3～56 d明显升高(P<0.01),TGF-β1含量各时段均明显升高(P<0.01),PDGF含量7～56 d显著升高(P<0.01)。经PDTC干预后,上述细胞因子水平明显降低,相应时点差异有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01)。免疫组化显示,染毒组3 d即有CTGF阳性表达,表达强度较弱,主要表达于炎症细胞;7、14 d表达进一步增强,28、56 d表达持续增强,主要表达于巨噬细胞和成纤维细胞。干预组CTGF阳性表达细胞与染毒组相同,但各时段表达强度均显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论细胞因子IGF-1、TGF-β1、PDGF及CTGF的过度表达是参与百草枯致肺纤维化的重要机制。PDTC可能通过抑制NF-κB活化进而抑制上述细胞因子的表达,减轻百草枯中毒大鼠的肺损伤和肺纤维化。

邻苯二甲酸二乙基己基酯对新生大鼠肺组织发育的影响

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)、金属蛋白酶1组织抑制剂(TIMP-1)和转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)是否参与邻苯二甲酸二乙基己基酯(DEHP)影响肺组织形态发育的过程。方法 SD新生大鼠于出生后第1天开始分别ip给予DEHP 10,100和750 mg.kg-1,每天1次。每组1/2大鼠持续染毒14 d,剩余1/2大鼠持续染毒21 d。染毒结束后第2天处死大鼠,取新鲜肺组织,提取总RNA,用实时定量PCR方法检测MMP-9,TIMP-1和TGF-β1mRNA的表达;其余部分石蜡包埋,制备石蜡切片,HE染色进行组织形态观察,或者免疫组化染色检测MMP-9,TIMP-1和TGF-β1蛋白表达。结果 DEHP染毒14 d,与溶剂对照组比较,DEHP 100和750 mg.kg-1组新生大鼠肺泡发育受抑制,肺间质比例增大(P<0.05);DEHP10,100和750 mg.kg-1组MMP-9和TGF-β1mRNA表达随着DEHP染毒剂量的增加而增加(r=0.979,P<0.01;r=0.990,P<0.01),MMP-9和TGF-β1蛋白表达亦随着DEHP染毒剂量的增加而增加(r=0.770,P<0.01;r=0.959,P<0.01);TIMP-1 mRNA和蛋白表达下降(r=0.904,P<0.01;r=0.795,P<0.01)。DEHP染毒21 d,DEHP 10,100和750 mg.kg-1组肺间质比例与溶剂对照组比较无明显变化;MMP-9和TGF-β1mRNA表达随着DEHP染毒剂量的增加而下降(r=0.879,P<0.01;r=0.904,P<0.01),MMP-9和TGF-β1蛋白表达亦随着DEHP染毒剂量的增加而下降(r=0.935,P<0.01;r=0.819,P<0.01);TIMP-1 mRNA和蛋白表达增加(r=0.819,P<0.01;r=0.619,P<0.01)。结论 DEHP通过影响肺组织MMP-9,TIMP-1和TGF-β1基因和蛋白的表达影响新生大鼠肺组织形态发育。

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.

Suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome by ivermectin ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Ivermectin is a US Food and Drug Administration(FDA)-approved antiparasitic agent with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.Although recent studies reported the possible anti-inflammatory activity of ivermectin in respiratory injuries,its potential therapeutic effect on pulmonary fibrosis(PF)has not been investigated.This study aimed to explore the ability of ivermectin(0.6 mg/kg)to alleviate bleomycin-induced biochemical derangements and histological changes in an experimental PF rat model.This can provide the means to validate the clinical utility of ivermectin as a treatment option for idiopathic PF.The results showed that ivermectin mitigated the bleomycin-evoked pulmonary injury,as manifested by the reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells,as well as decreased the inflammation and fibrosis scores.Intriguingly,ivermectin decreased collagen fiber deposition and suppressed transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and fibronectin protein expression,highlighting its anti-fibrotic activity.This study revealed for the first time that ivermectin can suppress the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome,as manifested by the reduced gene expression of NLRP3 and the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),with a subsequent decline in the interleukin-1β(IL-1β)level.In addition,ivermectin inhibited the expression of intracellular nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α(HIF-1α)proteins along with lowering the oxidative stress and apoptotic markers.Altogether,this study revealed that ivermectin could ameliorate pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis induced by bleomycin.These beneficial effects were mediated,at least partly,via the downregulation of TGF-β1 and fibronectin,as well as the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome through modulating the expression of HIF‑1αand NF-κB.

Simvastatin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Background Bleomycin-induced fibrosis is extensively used to model aspects of the pathogenesis of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. This study aimed to determine the benefic effects and mechanisms of simvastatin on bleomycininduced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Methods Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice were administered with simvastatin in different doses for 28 days. We measured inflammatory response, fibrogenic cytokines and profibrogenic markers in both bleomycin-stimulated and control lungs, and correlated these parameters with pulmonary fibrosis. Results Simvastatin attenuated the histopathological change of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and prevented the increase of lung hydroxyproline content and collagen （Ⅰ and Ⅲ） mRNA expression induced by bleomycin. Moreover, simvastatin down-regulated the increased expression of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） and connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） induced by bleomycin at both gene and protein levels. Simultaneously, the accumulation of neutrophils and lymphocytes and the increased production of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-α） in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid were inhibited by simvastatin in early inflammatory phase after bleomycin infusion. The higher dose of simvastatin was associated with a more significant reduction in these inflammatory and fibrotic parameters. Furthermore, the inactivation of p38, RhoA and Smad2/3 signaling pathways was observed during simvastatin administration. Conclusions Simvastatin attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, as indicated by decreases in Ashcroft score and lung collagen accumulation. The inhibitory effect of simvastatin on the progression of pulmonary fibrosis may be demonstrated by reducing inflammatory response and production of TGF-β1 and CTGR These findings indicate that simvastatin may be used in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.