Topical delivery of nerve growth factor for treatment of ocular and brain disorders

Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that support neuronal proliferation, survival, and differentiation in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and are regulators of neuronal plasticity. Nerve growth factor is one of the best-described neurotrophins and has advanced to clinical trials for treatment of ocular and brain diseases due to its trophic and regenerative properties. Prior trials over the past few decades have produced conflicting results, which have principally been ascribed to adverse effects of systemic nerve growth factor administration, together with poor penetrance of the blood-brain barrier that impairs drug delivery. Contrastingly, recent studies have revealed that topical ocular and intranasal nerve growth factor administration are safe and effective, suggesting that topical nerve growth factor delivery is a potential alternative to both systemic and invasive intracerebral delivery. The therapeutic effects of local nerve growth factor delivery have been extensively investigated for different ophthalmic diseases, including neurotrophic keratitis, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and dry eye disease. Further, promising pharmacologic effects were reported in an optic glioma model, which indicated that topically administered nerve growth factor diffused far beyond where it was topically applied. These findings support the therapeutic potential of delivering topical nerve growth factor preparations intranasally for acquired and degenerative brain disorders. Preliminary clinical findings in both traumatic and non-traumatic acquired brain injuries are encouraging, especially in pediatric patients, and clinical trials are ongoing. The present review will focus on the therapeutic effects of both ocular and intranasal nerve growth factor delivery for diseases of the brain and eye.

Decreased serum platelet derived growth factor BB levels in acute and increased in chronic pancreatitis

AIM: To examine circulating growth factor concentrations in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP), and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN).

Inhibitory effect of interferon-α-2b on expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in human hepatocellular carcinoma inoculated in nude mice

AIM： To evaluate the effects of interferon-α-2b （IFN- α-2b） on expression of cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in human hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） inoculated in nude mice and to study the underlying mechanism of IFN-α- 2b against HCC growth. METHODS： Thirb/-two nude mice bearing human HCC were randomly divided into four groups （n = 8）. On the 10th day after implantation of HCC cells, the mice in test groups （groups A, B and C） received IFN-α- 2b at a serial dose （10000 IU for group A, 20000 IU for group B, 40000 IU for group C sc daily） for 35 d. The mice in control group received normal saline （NS）. The growth conditions of transplanted tumors were observed. Both genes and proteins of COX-2 and VEGF were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Apoptosis of tumor cells in nude mice was detected by TUNEL assay after treatment with IFN-α-2b. RESULTS： Tumors were significantly smaller and had a lower weight in the IFN-α-2b treatment groups than those in the control group （P 〈 0.01）, and the tumor growth inhibition rate in groups A, B and C was 27.78%, 65.22% and 49.64%, respectively. The expression levels of both genes and proteins of COX-2 and VEGF were much lower in the IFN-α-2b treatment groups than in the control group （P 〈 0.01）. The apoptosis index （AI） of tumor cells in the IFN-α-2b treatment groups was markedly higher than that in the control group （P 〈 0.01）. Group B had a higher inhibition rate of tumor growth, a lower expression level of COX-2 and VEGF and a higher AI than groups A and C （P 〈 0.05）, but there was no significant difference between groups A and C. CONCLUSION： The inhibitory effects of IFN-α-2b on implanted tumor growth and apoptosis may be associated with the down-regulation of COX-2 and VEGF expression. There is a dose-effect relationship. The medium dose of IFN-α-2b for inhibiting tumor growth is 20 000 IU/d.

Effects of 530 nm monochromatic light on basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 expression in Müller cells

AIMTo expose rat retinal Müller cells to 530 nm monochromatic light and investigate the influence of varying light illumination times on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression.METHODSThree groups of rat retinal Müller cells cultured in vitro under a 530 nm monochromatic light were divided into 6, 12 and 24h experimental groups, while cells incubated under dark conditions served as the control group. The bFGF and TGF-β1 mRNA expression, protein levels and fluorescence intensity of the Müller cells were analyzed.RESULTSThe bFGF mRNA expression and protein levels were significantly upregulated in Müller cells in all three experimental groups compared with the control group (P<0.05), while that of TGF-β1 was downregulated (P<0.05). Also, bFGF expression was positively correlated, but TGF-β1 expression was negatively correlated with illumination time. The largest changes for both cytokines were seen in the 24h group. The changes in bFGF and TGF-β1 fluorescence intensity were highest in the 24h group, and significant differences were observed among the experimental groups (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONThe expressions of bFGF and TGF-β1 changed in a time-dependent manner in Müller cells exposed to 530 nm monochromatic light with 250 lx illumination intensity. Müller cells might play a role in the development of myopia by increasing bFGF expression or decreasing TGF-β1 expression. Changes in cytokine expression in retinal Müller cells may affect monochromatic light-induced myopia.

Clinical significance of connective tissue growth factor in hepatitis B virus-induced hepatic fibrosis

AIM:To determine the utility of connective tissue growth factor(CCN2/CTGF) for assessing hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis B virus(HBV)-induced chronic liver diseases(CLD-B).METHODS:Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure CCN2 in sera from 107 patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB) and 39 patients with HBVinduced active liver cirrhosis and 30 healthy individuals.Liver samples from 31 patients with CHB,8 patients with HBV-induced liver cirrhosis and 8 HBV carriers with normal liver histology were examined for transforming growth factor β-1(TGF-β1) or CCN2 mRNA levels by in situ hybridization,and computer image analysis was performed to measure integrated optimal density(IOD) of CCN2 mRNA-positive cells in liver tissues.Histological inflammation grading and fibrosis staging were evaluated by H and E staining and Van Gieson's method.RESULTS:Serum CCN2 concentrations were,respectively,4.0-or 4.9-fold higher in patients with CHB or active liver cirrhosis as compared to healthy individuals(P < 0.01).There was good consistency between the levels of CCN2 in sera and CCN2 mRNA expression in liver tissues(r = 0.87,P < 0.01).The levels of CCN2 in sera were increased with the enhancement of histological fibrosis staging in patients with CLD-B(r = 0.85,P < 0.01).Serum CCN2 was a reliable marker for the assessment of liver fibrosis,with areas under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves(AUC) of 0.94 or 0.85 for,respectively,distinguishing normal liver controls from patients with F1 stage liver fibrosis or discriminating between mild and significant fibrosis.CONCLUSION:Detection of serum CCN2 in patients with CLD-B may have clinical significance for assessment of severity of hepatic fibrosis.

Effect of interferon alpha2b plus ribavirin treatment on selected growth factors in respect to inflammation and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C

AIM: Growth factors (GF) that participate in regeneration and apoptosis have an important role in chronic liver diseases. We analyzed serum GF concentration during antiviral treatment and correlated it with morphological liver failure in chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: The levels of GF were determined in sera by ELISA method in 0,16,32 and 48 wk of therapy in 40 patients treated with IFNα2b (9 MU sc/wk) and RBV (1.2 g/d) and in 25 healthy subjects. Blind liver biopsies were done before treatment with histological grading and staging examination. RESULTS: The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were markedly elevated prior the treatment and decreased during the therapy, although they did not reach the normal level. In non-responding (NR) patients, HGF and EGF were higher than that in responders (R), however differences were not significant. Before the treatment thrombopoietin (TPO) level was significantly lower in R than in NR (P<0.03). Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) concentration was lower in chronic hepatitis C than in healthy subjects and decreased during the treatment. A significant positive correlation was observed between inflammatory activity in the liver tissue and the concentration of HGF (in R: r= 0.4, in NR: r= 0.5), TPO (R: r= 0.6), and a significant negative correlation between this activity and EGF (R: r = -0.6) and PDGF (R: r= -0.5). Serum HGF concentration was higher in more advanced fibrosis (R: r = 0.5, P<0.05; NR: r=0.4, P<0,03). CONCLUSION: The decrease in PDGF can be an effective prognostic marker of the treatment and HCV elimination. Decreasing HGF, EGF, and PDGF can influence the inhibition of inflammatory and fibrotic processes in the liver during the antiviral treatment.

Vascular endothelial growth factor B inhibits insulin secretion in MIN6 cells and reduces Ca2+ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels through PI3K/AKT pathway

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes(T2 D) is characterized by insufficient insulin secretion caused by defective pancreatic β-cell function or insulin resistance,resulting in an increase in blood glucose.However,the mechanism involved in this lack of insulin secretion is unclear.The level of vascular endothelial growth factor B(VEGF-B) is significantly increased in T2 D patients.The inactivation of VEGF-B could restore insulin sensitivity in db/db mice by reducing fatty acid accumulation.It is speculated that VEGF-B is related to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and is an important factor affecting β-cell secretion of insulin.As an in vitro model of normal pancreatic β-cells,the MIN6 cell line can be used to analyze the mechanism of insulin secretion and related biological effects.AIM To study the role of VEGF-B in the insulin secretion signaling pathway in MIN6 cells and explore the effect of VEGF-B on blood glucose regulation.METHODS The MIN6 mouse pancreatic islet β-cell line was used as the model system.By administering exogenous VEGF-B protein or knocking down VEGF-B expression in MIN6 cells,we examined the effects of VEGF-B on insulin secretion,Ca2+ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) levels,and the insulin secretion signaling pathway.RESULTS Exogenous VEGF-B inhibited the secretion of insulin and simultaneously reduced the levels of Ca2+ and cAMP in MIN6 cells.Exogenous VEGF-B also reduced the expression of phospholipase C gamma 1(PLCγ1),phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3 K),serine/threonine kinase(AKT),and other proteins in the insulin secretion pathway.Upon knockdown of VEGF-B,MIN6 cells exhibited increased insulin secretion and Ca2+ and cAMP levels and upregulated expression of PLCγ1,PI3 K,AKT,and other proteins.CONCLUSION VEGF-B can regulate insulin secretion by modulating the levels of Ca2+ and cAMP.VEGF-B involvement in insulin secretion is related to the expression of PLCγ1,PI3 K,AKT,and other signaling proteins.These results provide theoretical support and an experimental basis for the study of VEGF-B in the pathogenesis of T2 D.

ESTABLISHMENT OF A HUMAN B CELL LINE THAT RESPONDS SPECIFICALLY TO B CELL GROWTH FACTOR

A human B cell line （3D5） that responds specifically to B cell growth factor （BCGF） hasbeen developed by a sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Cowen I activation,EB virus im-mortalization,and cloning.Proliferative response to PHA-stimulated T cell supernatant（PHA-T-Sup） and nonresponsiveness to rIL-2 stimulation were factors used to screen positivecells.Phenotype analysis with a flow cytometer indicated that:1) 3D5 is a B cell line:100% of the cells were positive for B1 marker and 59% were positive for sIg,while T3and Mo 1 were negative:2) 3D5 is an activated B cell line:both Tac and 4F2 markersof activated （but not of resting） B cells were 100% positive:3) 3D5 expresses high molecularweight BCGF （HMW-BCGF） receptor-associated epitope BA5.3D5 cells proliferated inresponse to cpBCGF stimulation in a dose-dependent manner.HMW-BCGF also induced3D5 cells to proliferate.Interestingly.no proliferation could be detected in the presenceof rIL-2,rIL-4,or rIFN-r.The data show that 3D5 cells are specifically BCGF-responsiveB cells.Using 3D5 cells as target,BCGF activity was detected in crude BCGF preparationsedimented by 85% （NH4）2SO4 and chromatographed in a DEAE-Sephadex A-25 column fromPHA-T-Sup.T24 cell supernatant with B cell differentiation factor （BCDF） activity couldnot induce 3D5 cells to differentiate into immunoglobulin-secreting cells.

Effect of NF-κB p65 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on transdifferentiation of normal human lens epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-β2

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.

Effect of Nuclear Factor-kappa B on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor mRNA Expression of Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells in Hypoxia

In order to investigate the effect of nuclear factor kappa B (NF κB) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) in hypoxia, the cultured HPASMCs in vitro were stimulated with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of NF κB. The NF κB p65 nuclei positive expression was detected by immunocytochemical technique. The IκBα protein expression was measured by Western blot. RT PCR was used to detect the VEGF mRNA expression of HPASMCs. The results showed that no significant change was observed in the NF κB p65 nuclei positive expression of cultured HPASMCs during 6 h-24 h in normoxia, but the levels of NF κB p65 nuclei positive expression of cultured HPASMCs were significantly increased in hypoxia groups as compared with those in all normoxia groups ( P <0.05). The IκBα protein expression of cultured HPASMCs showed no significant change during 6 h-24 h in normoxia, but significantly decreased in hypoxia as comapred with that in normoxia groups ( P <0.05). PDTC (1 to 100 μmol/L) could inhibit the VEGF mRNA expression of HPASMCs in a concentration dependent manner in hypoxia. In conclusion, NF κB can be partly translocation activated from cytoplasm into nuclei in the cultured HPASMCs under hypoxia. The inhibition of NF κB activation can decrease the VEGF mRNA expression. It is suggested that the activation of NF κB is involved in the VEGF mRNA expression of HPASMCs under hypoxia.

EXPRESSION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR Ⅱ(IGF-Ⅱ)IN HUMAN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA AND LIVER CIRRHOSIS:ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH HEPATITIS B VIRUS X PROTEIN EXPRESSION

Sixty cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 47 cases of liver cirrhosis (LC) were examined with immunocytochemistry method using antibodies against IGF-II and HBxAg on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. 32 HCC and 37 LC were found to be positive to HBxAg, in which the positive rates of IGF-II were 100% (32/32) and 94.6% (35/37) respectively. 28 HCC and 10 LC were found to be HBxAg negative, IGF-II was positive in 23 HCC (83.1%) and 6 LC (60%). The positive expression rates of IGF-II in HBxAg positive tissues were significantly higher than those in HBxAg negative tissues (P<0.05). There were three types of distribution of IGF-II expression in HCC and LC: (1) perinucleus; (2) diffuse in cytoplasm; (3) inside nucleus. IGF-II was highly expressed in most of hyperplastic and neoplastic nodules hepatocytes and some of regeneration nodules. Small polygonal liver cells (SPLCs) were found in the liver tissues surrounding the tumor and cirrhosis and they were positive to both IGF-II and HBxAg. The positive rates of IGF-II in SPLC were 86.4% (38/44) in the HBxAg-positive tissues and 40.5%, (15/37) in the HBxAg-negative tissues. The above findings suggest that IGF-II plays an important role in abnormal proliferation of HCC and SPLC. The relation between IGF-II andHBxAg and the nature of SPLCs are also discussed.

Vascular endothelial growth factor B improves impaired glucose tolerance through insulin-mediated inhibition of glucagon secretion

BACKGROUND Impaired glucose tolerance(IGT)is a homeostatic state between euglycemia and hyperglycemia and is considered an early high-risk state of diabetes.When IGT occurs,insulin sensitivity decreases,causing a reduction in insulin secretion and an increase in glucagon secretion.Recently,vascular endothelial growth factor B(VEGFB)has been demonstrated to play a positive role in improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.Therefore,we constructed a mouse model of IGT through high-fat diet feeding and speculated that VEGFB can regulate hyperglycemia in IGT by influencing insulin-mediated glucagon secretion,thus contributing to the prevention and cure of prediabetes.AIM To explore the potential molecular mechanism and regulatory effects of VEGFB on insulin-mediated glucagon in mice with IGT.METHODS We conducted in vivo experiments through systematic VEGFB knockout and pancreatic-specific VEGFB overexpression.Insulin and glucagon secretions were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and the protein expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)was determined using western blot.Further,mRNA expression of forkhead box protein O1,phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase,and glucose-6 phosphatase was detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction,and the correlation between the expression of proteins was analyzed via bioinformatics.RESULTS In mice with IGT and VEGFB knockout,glucagon secretion increased,and the protein expression of PI3K/AKT decreased dramatically.Further,in mice with VEGFB overexpression,glucagon levels declined,with the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.CONCLUSION VEGFB/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 can promote insulin-mediated glucagon secretion by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to regulate glucose metabolism disorders in mice with IGT.

Role of vascular endothelial growth factor B in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its potential value

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)refers to fatty liver disease caused by liver injury factors other than alcohol.The disease is characterized by diffuse fat infiltration,including simple steatosis(no inflammatory fat deposition),nonalcoholic fatty hepatitis,liver fibrosis,and so on,which may cause liver cirrhosis,liver failure,and even liver cancer in the later stage of disease progression.At present,the pathogenesis of NAFLD is still being studied.The"two-hit"theory,represented by lipid metabolism disorder and inflammatory reactions,is gradually enriched by the"multiple-hit"theory,which includes multiple factors,such as insulin resistance and adipocyte dysfunction.In recent years,vascular endothelial growth factor B(VEGFB)has been reported to have the potential to regulate lipid metabolism and is expected to become a novel target for ameliorating metabolic diseases,such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.This review summarizes the regulatory role of VEGFB in the onset and development of NAFLD and illustrates its underlying molecular mechanism.In conclusion,the signaling pathway mediated by VEGFB in the liver may provide an innovative approach to the diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD.

PCNA、Bcl-2及EGFR在喉癌组织中的表达及与临床病理特征、生存的关系

目的探讨增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)及表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)在喉癌组织中的表达及与临床病理特征、生存的关系。方法选取2017年3月—2020年1月在苏州大学附属第一医院因喉癌行手术治疗的92例患者的喉癌组织及对应癌旁组织标本。检测癌组织与癌旁组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量,多元线性回归分析其癌组织表达与临床病理特征的关系。随访3年,采用Kaplain-Maier曲线分析不同PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR表达水平患者生存情况差异。结果癌组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量高于癌旁组织(P<0.05)。不同年龄、肿瘤部位患者PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);低分化,临床分期Ⅲ、Ⅳ期及淋巴结转移患者PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量分别高于中、高分化,临床分期Ⅰ、Ⅱ期,无淋巴结转移患者(P<0.05)。多元线性回归分析结果显示,肿瘤分化程度、临床分期、淋巴结转移是喉癌组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA表达的影响因素。Kaplain-Maier曲线分析结果显示,PCNA mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为59.57%和70.21%,低于低表达患者的80.00%和88.89%(P<0.05);Bcl-2 mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为60.78%和70.59%,低于低表达患者的80.49%和90.24%(P<0.05);EGFR mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为59.09%和70.45%,低于低表达患者的79.17%、87.50%(P<0.05)。结论喉癌组织PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR呈高表达,且其高表达状态与肿瘤分期高、分化程度低、淋巴结转移有关,PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR表达水平可在一定程度上反映患者预后。

入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ水平与CHB肝纤维化严重程度的相关性及对疾病预后的预测价值

目的探讨入院时血清转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、Smad同源蛋白2(Smad2)、Smad同源蛋白3(Smad3)及透明质酸(HA)、Ⅲ型前胶原(PCⅢ)、层黏连蛋白(LN)、Ⅳ型胶原(CⅣ)水平与慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)肝纤维化严重程度的相关性及联合检测对疾病预后的预测价值。方法选取河南省中医院2021年3月至2022年3月收治的78例CHB肝纤维化患者作为研究组,选择同期78名健康体检者作为对照组。比较研究组和对照组及不同肝纤维化分期、不同炎症活动分级CHB肝纤维化患者入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、PCⅢ、LN、CⅣ水平;分析入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、PCⅢ、LN、CⅣ水平与肝纤维化分期、炎症活动分级的相关性。CHB肝纤维化患者治疗3个月后,根据患者预后分为预后良好和预后不良亚组,比较预后良好和预后不良患者入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、PCⅢ、LN、CⅣ水平;分析入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、PCⅢ、LN、CⅣ水平联合检测对CHB肝纤维化患者预后不良的预测价值。结果研究组入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ高于对照组(P<0.05);不同肝纤维化分期、炎症活动分级CHB肝纤维化患者入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ比较:S1<S2<S3<S4、G1<G2<G3<G4,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ水平与肝纤维化分期、炎症活动分级均呈正相关(P<0.05)。预后良好患者入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ水平均低于预后不良患者(P<0.05);入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ水平联合预测肝纤维化患者预后不良的曲线下面积(AUC)优于各指标单一检测(P<0.05)。结论CHB肝纤维化患者入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、PCⅢ、LN、CⅣ水平均呈现高表达,且与肝纤维化分期、炎症活动分级密切相关,其联合检测对CHB肝纤维化患者预后有较高的预测价值,可用于评估CHB肝纤维化患者病情严重程度和预后,为制定针对性治疗措施提供参考。

Effects of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α silencing on the proliferation of CBRH-7919 hepatoma cells

AIM:To study the effects of hypoxia-inducible factor1α(HIF-1α) silencing on the proliferation of hypoxic CBRH-7919 rat hepatoma cells.METHODS:The CBRH-7919 rat hepatoma cell line was used in this study and the hypoxic model was constructed using CoCl2.The HIF-1α-specific RNAi sequences were designed according to the gene coding sequence of rat HIF-1α obtained from GeneBank.The secondary structure of the HIF-1α gene sequence was analyzed using RNA draw software.The small interfering RNA(siRNA) transfection mixture was produced by mixing the siRNA and Lipofectamine2000TM,and transfected into the hypoxic hepatoma cells.Real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RTPCR) and Western blotting assay were used to detect the expression levels of mRNA and protein.HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) mRNA was determined using real time RT-PCR;the protein expression levels of AKT,p-AKT,p21 and cyclinD1 were determined using Western blotting.The proliferation of hepatoma cells was observed using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay and the bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU) incorporation cell proliferation assay.RESULTS:Under induced hypoxia,the viability of the hepatoma cells reached a minimum at 800 μmol/L CoCl2;the viability of the cells was relatively high at CoCl2 concentrations between 100 μmol/L and 200 μmol/L.Under hypoxia,the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were significantly higher than that of hepatoma cells that were cultured in normaxia.HIF-1α-specific RNAi sequences were successfully transfected into hepatoma cells.The transfection of specific siRNAs significantly inhibited the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF,along with the protein expression levels of p-AKT and cyclinD1;the protein expression of p21 was significantly increased,and there was no significant difference in the expression of AKT.The MTT assay showed that the amount of hepatoma cells in S phase in the siRNA transfection group was obviously smaller than that in the control group;in the siRNA transfection group,the amount of hepatoma cells in G1 phase was more than that in the control group.The BrdU incorporation assay showed that the number of BrdU positive hepatoma cells in the siRNA transfection group was less than that in the control group.The data of the MTT assay and BrdU incorporation assay suggested that HIF-1α silencing using siRNAs significantly inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma cells.CONCLUSION:Hypoxia increases the expression of HIF-1α,and HIF-1α silencing significantly inhibits the proliferation of hypoxic CBRH-7919 rat hepatoma cells.

Delayed hepatocarcinogenesis through antiangiogenic intervention in the nuclear factor-kappa B activation pathway in rats

BACKGROUND: The active form of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) is involved in the initiation, generation, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and is up-regulated in inflammation-associated malignancies. We investigated the dynamic expression of NF-kappa B and its influences on the occurrence of HCC through antiangiogenic (thalidomide) intervention in NF-kappa B activation. METHODS : Hepatoma models were induced with 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA, 0.05%) in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and thalidomide (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered intragastrically to intervene in NF-kappa B activation. The pathological changes in the liver of sacrificed rats were assessed after hematoxylin and eosin staining. NF-kappa B mRNA was amplified by RT-nested PCR. The alterations of NF-kappa B and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. RESULTS: Rat hepatocytes showed denatured, precancerous, and cancerous stages in hepatocarcinogenesis, with an increasing tendency of hepatic NF-kappa B, NF-kappa B mRNA, and VEGF expression, and their values in the HCC group were higher than those in controls (P<0.001). In the thalidomide-treated group, the morphologic changes generated only punctiform denaturation and necrosis at the early or middle stages, and nodular hyperplasia or a little atypical hyperplasia at the final stages, with the expression of NF-kappa B (chi(2)=9.93, P<0.001) and VEGF (chi(2)=8.024, P<0.001) lower than that in the 2-FAA group. CONCLUSION: NF-kappa B is overexpressed in hepatocarcinogenesis and antiangiogenic treatment down-regulates the expression of NF-kappa B and VEGF, and delays the occurrence of HCC. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 169-174)

Poxue Huayu and Tianjing Busui Decoction for cerebral hemorrhage Upregulation of neurotrophic factor expression

This study established a rat model of cerebral hemorrhage by injecting autologous anticoagulated blood. Rat models were intragastrically administered 5, 10, 20 g/kg Poxue Huayu and Tianjing Busui Decoction, supplemented with Hirudo, raw rhubarb, raw Pollen Typhae, gadfly, Fructrs Trichosanthis, Radix Notoginseng, Rhizoma Acori Talarinowii, and glue of tortoise plastron, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. Results demonstrated that brain water content significantly reduced in rats with cerebral hemorrhage, and intracerebral hematoma volume markedly reduced after treat- ment. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tyrosine kinase B and vascular endothelial growth factor expression noticeably increased around the sur- rounding hematoma. Reverse transcription-PCR revealed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine kinase B mRNA expression significantly increased around the surrounding hematoma. Neurologic impairment obviously reduced. These results indicated that Poxue Huayu and Tianjing Busui Decoction exert therapeutic effects on cerebral hemorrhage by upregulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

仿生电刺激联合人工周期对卵巢储备功能减退患者子宫容受性及血清生长分化因子-9、抑制素B、骨形态发生蛋白-10水平的影响

目的探讨仿生电刺激联合人工周期对卵巢储备功能减退(DOR)患者子宫容受性及血清生长分化因子-9(GDF-9)、抑制素B(INHB)、骨形态发生蛋白-10(BMP-10)水平的影响。方法选取2019年1月至2022年3月广西壮族自治区妇幼保健院收治的87例DOR患者作为研究对象。采用随机数字表法分为A组、B组、C组,每组29例。A组采用仿生电刺激治疗,B组采用人工周期治疗,C组采用仿生电刺激联合人工周期治疗。比较三组治疗前后子宫容受性,血清GDF-9、INHB、BMP-10水平,子宫内膜血流参数及卵巢体积;随访1年,比较三组的妊娠情况;比较三组治疗期间不良反应发生情况。结果与治疗前比较,治疗后A组、B组、C组初级卵泡数、优势卵泡数、排卵数及血清GDF-9、INHB、BMP-10水平均升高,卵巢体积均增大,且A组、B组、C组呈增高趋势(P<0.05)。与治疗前比较,治疗后A组、B组、C组子宫内膜血流搏动指数(PI)、子宫内膜血流阻力指数(RI)均减小,且A组、B组、C组呈下降趋势(P<0.05)。随访1年,C组妊娠率高于A组、B组(P<0.05)。治疗期间,三组不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论仿生电刺激联合人工周期可提高DOR患者子宫容受性,改善子宫内膜血流参数及卵巢体积,也可改善血清GDF-9、INHB、BMP-10水平,提高自然妊娠率,且安全性好。

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

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