Epigallocatechin-3-gallate suppresses transforming growth factor-beta signaling by interacting with the transforming growth factor-beta typeⅡreceptor

AIM: To investigate the(-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) binding to transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) type Ⅱ receptor(TGFRⅡ).METHODS: The expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) was used as a marker for fibrotic change inhuman lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. The α-SMA expression level was determined by western blotting and immunohistological analysis. We examined whether the anti-fibrotic effects of EGCG on MRC-5 cells was dependent on antioxidant mechanism by using edaravone and N-acetylcysteine(NAC). The suppression effects of EGCG on Smad2/3 activation were studied by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The binding of EGCG to recombinant TGFRⅡ protein was analyzed by immunoprecipitation and affinity chromatography.RESULTS: When MRC-5 cells were treated with TGF-β, EGCG decreased the expression of α-SMA in a dose dependent manner, whereas catechin did not influence the α-SMA expression in the cells. Except for EGCG, antioxidant compounds(e.g., edaravone and NAC) had no effects on the TGF-β-induced α-SMA expression. Nuclear localization of phosphorylated Smad2/3 was observed after TGF-β treatment; however, EGCG treatment attenuated the nuclear transportation of Smad2/3 in the presence or absence of TGF-β. After a TGFRⅡ expression vector was introduced into COS-7 cells, cell lysates were untreated or treated with EGCG or catechin. The immunoprecipitation experiments using the lysates showed that EGCG dose-dependently bound to TGFRⅡ and that catechin did not at all. Affinity chromatography study indicated that EGCG would bind to TGFRⅡ.CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that EGCG interacts with TGFRⅡ and inhibits the expression of α-SMA via the TGF-β-Smad2/3 pathway in human lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells.

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 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.

Interaction between insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 and transforming growth factor beta 1 in primary hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND: We previously showed that insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1) is a novel mediator in liver fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) is known as the strongest effector of liver fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the detailed interaction between IGFBPrP1 and TGF beta 1 in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS: We overexpressed TGF beta 1 or IGFBPrP1 and inhibited TGF beta 1 expression in primary HSCs for 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours to investigate their interaction and observe the accompanying expressions of a-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), collagen I, fibronectin, and phosphorylated-mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 (p-Smad2/3). RESULTS: We found that the adenovirus vector encoding the TGF beta 1 gene (AdTGF beta 1) induced IGFBPrP1 expression while that of alpha-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and TGF beta 1 increased gradually. Concomitantly, AdIGFBPrP1 upregulated TGF beta 1, alpha-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and p-Smad2/3 in a time-dependent manner while IGFBPrP1 expression was decreased at 96 hours. Inhibition of TGF beta 1 expression reduced the IGFBPrP1-stimulated expression of alpha-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and p-Smad2/3. CONCLUSIONS: These findings for the first time suggest the existence of a possible mutually regulation between IGFBPrP1 and TGF beta 1, which likely accelerates liver fibrosis progression. Furthermore, IGFBPrP1 likely participates in liver fibrosis in a TGF beta 1-depedent manner, and may act as an upstream regulatory factor of TGF beta 1 in the Smad pathway.

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.

Expression of transcription factors Slug in the lens epithelial cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by connective tissue growth factor

AIMTo investigate the expression of transcription factors Slug in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF).METHODSHLECs were treated with CTGF of different concentrations (20, 50 and 100 ng/mL) or without CTGF (control) for 24h. The morphological changes of HLECs were analysed by microscopy. The expression and cellular localization of Slug was evaluated by immumo-fluorescence. Expressions of Slug, E-cadherin and alpha smooth muscle actin (&#x003b1;-SMA) were further determined by Western blot analysis.RESULTSHLECs showed spidle fibrolasts-like characteristics and loosely connected each other after CTGF treatment. The immuno-fluorescence staining indicated that Slug was localized in the nuclei and its expression was induced by CTGF. The relative expressions of Slug protein were 1.64&#x000b1;0.11, 1.96 &#x000b1;0.03, 3.12 &#x000b1;0.10, and 4.08&#x000b1;0.14, respectively, in response to control group and treatment with CTGF of 20, 50 and 100 ng/mL (F=443.86, P&#x0003c;0.01). The increased Slug protein levels were correlated well with up-expression of &#x003b1;-SMA (0.78&#x000b1;0.05, 0.85&#x000b1;0.06, 2.17&#x000b1;0.15, 2.86&#x000b1;0.10; F=449.85, P&#x0003c;0.01) and down-expression of E-cadherin (2.50&#x000b1;0.11, 1.79&#x000b1;0.26, 1.05&#x000b1;0.14, 0.63&#x000b1;0.08; F=101.55, P&#x0003c;0.01).CONCLUSIONTranscription factor Slug may be involved in EMT of HLECs induced by CTGF in vitro.

针刺对哮喘模型大鼠肺组织α-平滑肌肌动蛋白及纤维连接蛋白表达水平的影响

目的观察针刺对哮喘模型大鼠肺组织α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、纤维连接蛋白(FN)表达水平的影响.方法选择雄性SPF级SD大鼠40只,按随机掷骰子法将大鼠分为正常对照组、模型组、药物组、针刺组,每组10只.于实验1d、8d,正常对照组腹腔注射1 mL 0.9%氯化钠溶液,模型组腹腔注射1 mL 10%复合卵蛋白溶液致敏.实验15 d,正常对照组雾化喷入0.9%氯化钠溶液20 min,模型组雾化喷入1%卵蛋白溶液20 min激发哮喘,制模成功后正常对照组与模型组不进行处理,药物组腹腔注射0.05%地塞米松磷酸钠溶液,每日1次,持续10d;针刺组针刺肺俞、大椎、风门穴,每2d施针1次,共7次.比较4组大鼠肺组织中信号转导和转录激活因子6(STAT6)mRNA表达、转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)的阳性表达和蛋白表达及α-SMA、FN、外周血T淋巴细胞亚群(CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)、CD8^(+))水平的差异.结果与正常对照组比较,模型组STAT6 mRNA表达、TGF-β1蛋白表达和TGF-β1、α-SMA、FN阳性表达及外周血中T淋巴细胞群(CD3^(+)、CD8^(+))均明显升高[STAT6 mRNA表达(2^(-ΔΔCt)):13.12±2.20比1.02±0.20,TGF-β1蛋白表达(A值):0.10±0.01比0.06±0.01,TGF-β1阳性表达(A值):0.11±0.01比0.08±0.01,α-SMA阳性表达(A值):19.65±1.37比7.74±0.81,FN阳性表达(A值):18.40±0.79比6.50±0.60,CD3^(+):0.70±0.03比0.59±0.02,CD8^(+):0.39±0.02比0.20±0.02,均P<0.05],CD4^(+)明显降低(0.32±0.02比0.39±0.03,P<0.05);药物组和针刺组STAT6 mRNA表达、TGF-β1蛋白表达和TGF-β1、α-SMA、FN阳性表达及外周血中T淋巴细胞群(CD3^(+)、CD8^(+))水平均较模型组明显降低,CD4^(+)较模型组明显升高,且以针刺组的变化较药物组更显著[STAT6 mRNA表达(2-ΔΔCt):3.01±0.55比5.64±0.65,TGF-β1蛋白表达(A值):0.06±0.01比0.09±0.01,TGF-β1阳性表达(A值):0.08±0.01比0.09±0.01,α-SMA阳性表达(A值):12.33±0.50比14.99±0.53,FN阳性表达(A值):9.91±0.61比13.19±0.66,CD3^(+):0.60±0.03比0.65±0.04,CD4^(+):0.39±0.02比0.35±0.02,CD8^(+):0.21±0.04比0.28±0.03,均P<0.05].结论对于哮喘模型大鼠,针刺其肺俞、大椎、风门穴可以刺激肺组织的神经和肌肉,促进肺部血液循环,增强肺功能,改善肺组织的健康状况,降低肺组织中α-SMA、FN的阳性表达,改善气道重塑,效果显著.

滋阴潜阳方对自发性高血压大鼠心肌纤维化相关蛋白表达的影响

目的 观察滋阴潜阳方对自发性高血压大鼠心肌纤维化的作用及其机制。方法 将40只雄性自发性高血压大鼠随机分为模型组,依那普利组,滋阴潜阳方高、低剂量组,每组10只,另取10只Wistar雄性大鼠作为正常组。各给药组分别每日2次、连续灌胃6周给予相应药物;记录各组大鼠血压值,Masson染色观察大鼠心肌组织病理变化,Western blot法检测大鼠心肌组织结缔组织生长因子(connective tissue growth factor,CTGF)、Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(collagenⅠ,Col-Ⅰ)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-smooth muscle actin,α-SMA)表达水平,RT-PCR法检测大鼠心肌组织CTGF、Col-Ⅰ、α-SMA mRNA表达水平。结果 与模型组比较,滋阴潜阳方高、低剂量组及依那普利组大鼠收缩压均显著降低(P<0.05);滋阴潜阳方高剂量组与依那普利组大鼠心肌组织蓝色心肌胶原纤维明显减少;滋阴潜阳方高剂量组和依那普利组大鼠心肌组织Col-Ⅰ、CTGF、α-SMA蛋白及mRNA表达水平均明显降低(P<0.05)。结论 滋阴潜阳方能够降低自发性高血压大鼠的血压并抑制其心肌纤维化,其作用机制可能与其抑制心肌成纤维细胞的增殖、转分化有关。

五虎汤通过调控miRNA-146a改善幼龄哮喘大鼠气道重塑

目的探讨五虎汤通过调控miRNA-146a对幼龄哮喘大鼠气道重塑的影响。方法SPF级幼龄雌性SD大鼠80只,先随机将20只作为空白组,60只作为造模组。造模组采用卵清白蛋白联合氢氧化铝五点注射法致敏以及卵清白蛋白雾化激发哮喘。两组各随机抽取10只检测气道反应性,评判造模是否成功。造模成功后,剩下的10只空白组大鼠作为正常组,50只造模组大鼠随机分为5组(模型组、五虎汤低剂量组、五虎汤中剂量组、五虎汤高剂量组、地塞米松组),每组10只。五虎汤高、中、低剂量组分别灌胃五虎汤4.428、2.214、1.107 g/kg,地塞米松组灌胃地塞米松0.075 mg/kg,正常组及模型组灌胃等容积生理盐水,1次/d,连续2周后处理大鼠。气道反应性检测大鼠气道阻力;HE、PAS及Masson染色法分别观察大鼠肺组织气道炎症细胞浸润、气道黏液储备和气道胶原沉积情况;Western blot法检测基质金属蛋白酶-9(matrix metalloprotein-9,MMP-9)、金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子-1(tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1,TIMP-1)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-smooth muscle actin,α-SMA)、转化生长因子-β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)蛋白表达水平;qPCR法检测miRNA-146a及MMP-9、TIMP-1 mRNA含量,并对miRNA-146a与MMP-9、TIMP-1 mRNA进行相关性分析。结果与空白组比较,造模组气道阻力显著升高(P<0.01),提示造模成功。与正常组比较,模型组大鼠肺组织周围炎性细胞浸润,上皮细胞化生,炎性黏液较多,气道壁增厚,气道胶原广泛沉积;肺组织α-SMA、TGF-β1、MMP-9、TIMP-1、miRNA-146a、MMP-9 mRNA、TIMP-1 mRNA均显著升高(P<0.01)。与模型组相比,五虎汤高、中、低剂量组及地塞米松组气道阻力明显降低(P<0.01),肺组织病理情况明显缓解,且五虎汤高剂量组及地塞米松组改善更加明显;α-SMA、TGF-β1、MMP-9、TIMP-1、miRNA-146a、MMP-9 mRNA、TIMP-1 mRNA均显著下降(P<0.01)。五虎汤中、低剂量组α-SMA、TGF-β1、miRNA-146a、MMP-9 mRNA、TIMP-1 mRNA及五虎汤低剂量组TIMP-1显著高于地塞米松组(P<0.05、P<0.01);五虎汤高、中剂量组α-SMA、TIMP-1、miRNA-146a、MMP-9 mRNA、TIMP-1 mRNA及五虎汤高剂量组TGF-β1低于五虎汤低剂量组(P<0.05、P<0.01);五虎汤高剂量组α-SMA、TGF-β1、miRNA-146a、TIMP-1 mRNA低于五虎汤中剂量组(P<0.05、P<0.01)。Pearson相关性分析显示,大鼠肺组织miRNA-146a与MMP-9 mRNA、TIMP-1 mRNA均有极强正相关性(r分别为0.956、0.973,P<0.01)。结论五虎汤能够有效改善哮喘大鼠气道重塑,这可能与五虎汤抑制miRNA-146a表达,降低MMP-9、TIMP-1及其mRNA,以及减少α-SMA、TGF-β1相关。

血管内皮生长因子-A_(165)对形觉剥夺性近视豚鼠巩膜重塑的影响

目的:探讨玻璃体腔内注射血管内皮生长因子-A_(165)(VEGF-A_(165))对形觉剥夺性近视(FDM)豚鼠巩膜重塑的影响。方法:健康3周龄三色豚鼠120只随机分为6组,每组20只,其中空白组不做任何干预,FDM组仅建立FDM模型,PBS组建立FDM模型前玻璃体腔内注射PBS缓冲液2.5μL,1ng组、5ng组、10ng组建立FDM模型前玻璃体腔内分别注射VEGF-A_(165)1、5、10ng。用半透明气球遮盖豚鼠右眼14d建立FDM模型,造模前后测量豚鼠右眼屈光度和眼轴长度,造模14d后采用高效液相色谱法检测视网膜中多巴胺(DA)含量,用RT-PCR、Western blot法检测巩膜中基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)、基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂-2(TIMP-2)、转化生长因子(TGF)-β1、TGF-β2、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的mRNA和蛋白表达情况。结果:造模前,各组豚鼠右眼屈光度和眼轴长度均无显著差异(P>0.05)。造模14d后,与空白组相比,FDM组豚鼠右眼近视度数升高,眼轴增长,视网膜中DA含量减少,巩膜中MMP-2、TGF-β2、α-SMA表达量均增加,TIMP-2、TGF-β1表达量均减少(P<0.01);与FDM组相比,1ng组、5ng组、10ng组豚鼠右眼近视度数均降低,眼轴增长趋势均减缓,视网膜中DA含量均增加,巩膜中MMP-2、TGF-β2、α-SMA表达量均减少,TIMP-2、TGF-β1表达量均增加(P<0.01),且随着玻璃体腔注射VEGF-A_(165)浓度的升高,豚鼠右眼近视度数逐渐升高,眼轴逐渐延长,视网膜中DA含量逐渐减少,巩膜中MMP-2、TGF-β2、α-SMA表达量均逐渐增加,TIMP-2、TGF-β1表达量均逐渐减少。结论:玻璃体腔内注射VEGF-A_(165)可以增加FDM豚鼠视网膜中DA含量,影响巩膜中MMP-2、TIMP-2、TGF-β1、TGF-β2、α-SMA的表达,抑制巩膜重塑,其中1ng VEGF-A_(165)效果最明显。

神经营养素-3过表达诱导多能干细胞治疗糖尿病性勃起功能障碍大鼠的实验研究

目的 探讨神经营养素-3过表达诱导多能干细胞(iPSC-NT-3)对糖尿病性勃起功能障碍(DIED)大鼠的治疗作用。方法 腹腔注射链脲佐菌素建立糖尿病模型大鼠,皮下注射阿扑吗啡对DIED模型进行验证。选择24只造模成功的DIED大鼠,随机分为模型对照组、诱导多能干细胞(iPSC)治疗组和iPSC-NT-3治疗组;腹腔注射柠檬酸钠-柠檬酸缓冲液的8只SD大鼠作为正常对照组。各组大鼠腹腔注射戊巴比妥钠进行麻醉,iPSC治疗组和iPSC-NT-3治疗组分别将iPSC和iPSC-NT-3用微量注射针注射入大鼠阴茎海绵体内,正常对照组和模型对照组同法注射同体积的磷酸缓冲液。治疗后第4周,观察各组大鼠的一般情况,评估性功能和阴茎勃起功能。采用定量聚合酶链反应(q-PCR)和Western blot实验检测神经营养素-3(NT-3)、CD31、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)、结蛋白(Desmin)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的mRNA和蛋白的表达。结果 治疗前和治疗后4周,模型对照组、iPSC治疗组和iPSC-NT-3治疗组大鼠体质量和血糖水平的组内、组间差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。在大鼠首次爬背时间比较中,模型对照组较正常对照组延长,iPSC治疗组、iPSC-NT-3治疗组较模型对照组缩短,iPSC-NT-3治疗组较iPSC治疗组缩短,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);在舔嗅次数、骑跨次数和插入次数的比较中,模型对照组均较正常对照组减少,iPSC治疗组、iPSC-NT-3治疗组较模型对照组增加,iPSC-NT-3治疗组较iPSC治疗组增加,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。在ICP和ICP/MAP的比较中,模型对照组较正常对照组降低,iPSC治疗组、iPSC-NT-3治疗组较模型对照组升高,iPSC-NT-3治疗组较iPSC治疗组升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。在大鼠阴茎海绵体NT-3、CD31、VEGF、eNOS、Desmin和α-SMA的mRNA表达水平比较中,模型对照组较正常对照组降低,iPSC治疗组、iPSC-NT-3治疗组较模型对照组升高,iPSC-NT-3治疗组较iPSC治疗组升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。在大鼠阴茎海绵体NT-3、CD31、VEGF、eNOS、Desmin、α-SMA蛋白水平比较中,模型对照组较正常对照组降低,iPSC治疗组、iPSC-NT-3治疗组较模型对照组升高,iPSC-NT-3治疗组较iPSC治疗组升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 iPSC-NT-3可通过促进海绵体组织eNOS、血管内皮及平滑肌的生成而改善DIED大鼠的性功能和勃起功能,是一种潜在的治疗DIED的方法。

吗替麦考酚酯减轻四氯化碳诱导的小鼠肝纤维化

目的:肝纤维化是由慢性肝病导致的严重病理后果,并最终发展为肝硬化。吗替麦考酚酯(mycophenolate mofetil,MMF)是器官移植术后常用的免疫抑制剂,与肝纤维化的关系尚不明确。本研究旨在探讨MMF对小鼠肝纤维化的影响及其机制。方法:选用雄性8周龄C57BL/6小鼠24只,将其随机分为空白对照组、MMF组、四氯化碳(carbon tetrachloride,CCl_(4))组、CCl_(4)+MMF组(每组均n=6)。小鼠处死后,取血清检测丙氨酸转氨酶(alanine aminotransferase,ALT)及天冬氨酸转氨酶(aspartate aminotransferase,AST);肝组织行Masson染色评估纤维化程度,采用免疫组织化学染色评估I型胶原蛋白(collagen I,COL1)表达水平;然后采用蛋白质印迹法检测转化生长因子-β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(alpha-smooth muscle actin,α-SMA)的蛋白质表达水平;最后利用real-time PCR检测TGF-β1、α-SMA及COL1的mRNA相对表达量。结果:与CCl_(4)组相比,CCl_(4)+MMF组小鼠的ALT与AST均下降(均P<0.05),肝纤维化程度明显减轻,肝组织中COL1的沉积明显减少(P<0.01)。与CCl_(4)组相比,CCl_(4)+MMF组小鼠肝组织中TGF-β1与α-SMA的蛋白质表达水平均明显降低(均P<0.05);TGF-β1、α-SMA及COL1的mRNA相对表达水平均明显降低(均P<0.05)。结论:MMF能减轻CCl_(4)诱导的小鼠肝纤维化程度,其机制可能与抑制TGF-β1的基因表达及蛋白质合成有关,本研究有望为肝纤维化的治疗提供新方向。

红花黄色素通过TGF-β_(1)通路抑制百草枯诱导的肺纤维化研究

目的探讨红花黄色素(SY)抑制百草枯(PQ)诱导的肺纤维化的可能机制,为其临床应用提供理论依据。方法24只健康清洁级SD大鼠,随机分为对照组(NS组)、PQ组、SY组、PQ+SY组,每组6只。PQ组和PQ+SY组通过腹腔注射PQ溶液(20 mg/kg)建立肺纤维化模型,NS组和SY组给予等体积生理盐水。24 h建模成功后,SY组和PQ+SY组灌胃25 mg/(kg·d)的SY进行干预治疗,NS组和PQ组每天给予等体积的生理盐水。7 d后处死,采用HE和Masson染色观察大鼠肺组织病理变化;逆转录-聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)法检测大鼠肺组织匀浆转化生长因子-β_(1)(TGF-β_(1))基因表达水平;蛋白印迹法(Western Blot)法检测肺组织匀浆中TGF-β_(1)蛋白、α-肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、E-Cadherin的表达水平。结果NS组、PQ组、SY组、PQ+SY组SY组大鼠肺组织中TGF-β_(1)相对mRNA表达水平分别为(1.00±0.20)、(2.63±0.12)、(1.28±0.26)、(1.52±0.08)。NS组与SY组大鼠肺组织中TGF-β_(1)相对mRNA表达水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);PQ组大鼠肺组织中TGF-β_(1)相对mRNA表达水平高于NS组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);SY+PQ组大鼠肺组织中TGF-β_(1)相对mRNA表达水平低于PQ组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。NS组、PQ组、SY组、PQ+SY组大鼠肺组织中TGF-β_(1)蛋白表达水平分别为(0.150±0.012)、(0.340±0.013)、(0.120±0.034)、(0.290±0.020)μg/ml,E-Cadherin表达水平分别为(0.700±0.066)、(0.280±0.039)、(0.820±0.116)、(0.560±0.050)μg/ml,α-SMA表达水平分别为(0.930±0.021)、(1.840±0.090)、(0.850±0.093)、(1.490±0.060)μg/ml。NS组与SY组大鼠肺组织中TGF-β_(1)蛋白、E-Cadherin、α-SMA表达水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);PQ组大鼠肺组织中TGF-β_(1)蛋白、α-SMA表达水平高于NS组,E-Cadherin表达水平低于NS组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);SY+PQ组大鼠肺组织中TGF-β_(1)蛋白、α-SMA表达水平低于PQ组,E-Cadherin表达水平高于PQ组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论SY可能通过抑制TGF-β_(1)蛋白、α-SMA的表达来抑制PQ诱导的肺纤维化。

芍药苷对日本血吸虫感染小鼠肝组织免疫病理的影响

目的观察芍药苷(paeoniflorin)对日本血吸虫病小鼠肝组织免疫病理的影响,探索芍药苷预防血吸虫病肝虫卵肉芽肿和肝纤维化的作用机制。方法日本血吸虫尾蚴感染昆明小鼠,制成肝虫卵肉芽肿和肝纤维化小鼠模型。然后随机分为4组:模型组(A组)(15只),吡喹酮治疗前(B组)、治疗同时(C组)及治疗后(D组)给予芍药苷组(各45只)。其中后3组又各分为低剂量组[芍药苷30mg/(kg·d)×30d]、高剂量组[芍药苷120mg/(kg·d)×30d]及对照组(0.5%羧甲基纤维素钠溶剂2ml×30d)。B组感染后第12天起、C及D组分别于感染后第42及72天起,灌胃芍药苷或0.5%羧甲基纤维素钠溶剂。B、C和D等3组均于感染后第42天起灌胃吡喹酮[500mg/(kg·d)×2d]。感染后第102天处死取血及肝脏。用竞争放射免疫法检测血清透明质酸(HA)含量,苏木素-伊红(HE)及Masson胶原纤维染色观察肝虫卵肉芽肿面积及纤维化程度,用免疫组化技术评价α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)和Ⅰ型胶原(ColⅠ)表达情况。结果B组HA水平,低剂量组及高剂量组均显著低于对照组(F=9.429,P值均<0.01);肉芽肿面积及肝纤维化程度,低剂量组及高剂量组均显著低于对照组(F=862.540、F=29.738,P值均<0.01);α-SMA阳性细胞表达强度(F=12.323,P值均<0.01)、TGF-β1表达强度(F=148.990,P值均<0.01)、ColⅠ含量(F=180.881,P值均<0.01),低剂量组和高剂量组均显著低于对照组。C组及D组各项检测数据与其相应的对照组之间差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论吡喹酮治疗前给予芍药苷,能明显降低肝虫卵肉芽肿和肝纤维化程度,减少肝组织TGF-β1、α-SMA的表达。

葛根素对酒精性肝损伤大鼠肝组织TGF-β_1和α-SMA表达的影响

目的:研究葛根素对酒精性肝损伤大鼠肝组织转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)表达的调控作用,探讨葛根素对酒精性肝损伤的防治机制。方法:将75只SD大鼠随机分成5组:正常组10只、模型组20只(乙醇等混合液,2次/d)、阳性对照组15只(乙醇等混合液+复方鳖甲软肝片,1 g.kg-1.d-1)、葛根素大剂量组15只(乙醇等混合液+葛根素片1.5 g.kg-1.d-1)、葛根素小剂量组15只(乙醇等混合液+葛根素片0.75 g.kg-1.d-1),8周后抽取股静脉血并处死,观察肝脏组织病理变化,检测肝组织TGF-β1和α-SMA的表达。结果:模型组大鼠肝组织病理变化和肝纤维化积分与其他各组相比都有显著性改变(P<0.05);葛根素大、小剂量组肝组织TGF-β1和α-SMA表达水平明显低于模型组(P<0.01);且葛根素大剂量组α-SMA水平明显低于对照组(P<0.05),小剂量组与模型组相比无显著性差异。结论:酒精性肝损伤大鼠肝脏组织TGF-β1和α-SMA有不同程度的升高,葛根素对其有调控作用,葛根素对酒精性肝损伤有保护作用。

结缔组织生长因子在单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾组织中的表达

目的:检测大鼠单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)模型不同时期,肾组织中结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)、转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达,观察比较在间质纤维化不同阶段,3者的动态变化及关系。方法:采用雄性SD大鼠36只,分为假手术组和模型组,模型组行左侧输尿管结扎术,再分3、7、14、21和28d共6组,每组6只,于各时点处死大鼠,取肾组织,常规HE、Masson染色,按小管间质损害的特征进行半定量评分。免疫组化检测CTGF、TGF-β1和α-SMA表达。结果:随梗阻时间的延长,小管间质纤维化加重,28d间质已基本被纤维化组织所代替。随间质纤维化程度的加重,CTGF和α-SMA表达逐渐增加,两者与小管间质损害积分呈正相关,CTGF与α-SMA的表达之间也呈正相关。TGF-β1表达在7-14d达高峰后,逐渐减少,但仍高于对照组。结论:UUO致CTGF表达增加可能与TGF-β升高有关,CTGF可能通过促进间质中肌成纤维细胞的形成而参与肾间质纤维化。

转化生长因子β1和Snail1参与糖尿病大鼠肾小管上皮细胞向间充质细胞转变

本文旨在观察转化生长因子β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)和锌指转录因子Snail1在糖尿病(diabetes mellitus,DM)大鼠肾组织中的表达,并初步探讨它们与肾小管上皮细胞向间充质细胞转变的关系。链脲佐菌素(streptozotocin,STZ)诱发大鼠DM,按病程分为2、4、8、12、16、20、24周、16周胰岛素治疗(16wA)、20周胰岛素治疗(20wA)和24周胰岛素治疗(24wA)组(n=6)。其中胰岛素治疗组动物从第13周起用胰岛素控制血糖至正常水平,每一时点均设鼠龄匹配的正常对照组。测定各组血糖、24h尿蛋白、血肌酐(serumcreatinine,Scr)、肾脏指数。PAS染色光镜观察肾脏病理学改变。免疫组织化学检测肾脏Snail1、TGF-β1、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-smoothmuscleactin,α-SMA)、E-钙黏素和纤连蛋白(fibronectin,FN)的表达;Westernblot检测肾皮质Snail1、TGF-β1和E-钙黏素蛋白表达。RT-PCR检测肾皮质Snail1和E-钙黏素mRNA表达。结果显示:(1)DM各组大鼠的血糖、24h尿蛋白、Scr、肾脏指数均较正常对照组明显升高(P<0.05,P<0.01),胰岛素治疗组大鼠上述指标均较DM组显著降低(P<0.01)。(2)TGF-β1和Snail1免疫组织化学阳性染色见于DM各组大鼠肾小管,正常对照组未见阳性表达,胰岛素治疗组大鼠弱阳性表达,并随治疗时间延长而减少。从16周开始在DM大鼠肾小管上皮细胞可见α-SMA蛋白阳性表达,胰岛素治疗组大鼠未见α-SMA蛋白表达;DM组大鼠E-钙黏素蛋白阳性染色明显少于正常对照组。(3)DM组大鼠肾皮质TGF-β1和Snail1蛋白以及Snail1mRNA表达较正常对照组显著增高(P<0.01),胰岛素治疗组大鼠则显著低于DM组(P<0.01);DM组E-钙黏素mRNA和蛋白表达与TGF-β1和Snail1呈相反变化。结果提示,TGF-β1和Snail1可能参与DM大鼠肾小管上皮细胞向间充质细胞转变,胰岛素治疗可抑制两者表达并阻断肾小管上皮细胞向间充质细胞转变。

灯盏花素对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾间质纤维化的保护作用

目的观察灯盏花素对单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)大鼠肾脏间质纤维化的保护作用及机制。方法将72只Wistar大鼠随机均分为假手术组、UUO组和灯盏花素组。后两组大鼠结扎并剪断左侧输尿管制作UUO模型,假手术组仅游离左侧输尿管后缝合。灯盏花素组于手术前1d至处死当天给予灯盏花素注射液[100mg/(kg.d)]腹腔注射(2.5ml/次,2次/d)。假手术组及UUO组用同体积生理盐水腹腔注射。采用HE染色观察术后4、7、14d肾脏组织的病理改变,免疫组化及Western blotting检测转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)在肾脏的表达。结果假手术组的各时间点肾组织未见病理改变。UUO组术后4、7d,肾间质相对面积增加,且有炎性细胞浸润;术后14d可见肾小管明显扩张,肾间质明显纤维化。与同时间点的UUO组相比,灯盏花素组肾间质相对面积明显下降。与假手术组比较,UUO组和灯盏花素组的TGF-β1和α-SMA蛋白表达水平均有明显增加(P<0.01),但灯盏花素组的表达低于UUO组(P<0.05)。结论灯盏花素可以通过下调TGF-β及α-SMA的表达减轻UUO术后肾脏间质纤维化。

表皮细胞生长因子及其受体在胎儿皮肤组织内的表达特征及其意义

目的研究表皮细胞生长因子(EGF)及其受体(EGFR)和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-ASMA)在胎儿和成人皮肤中的表达特征。方法用免疫组化和病理技术确定这3种蛋白在胎儿皮肤(8例)和成人皮肤(8例)中的定位和表达量。结果EGF和EGFR在胎儿和成人皮肤内都有表达,随着胎儿生长发育,EGF及其受体的阳性细胞率逐渐增大。α-ASMA在发育后期的胎儿和成人皮肤中呈较强阳性表达,但在发育早期的胎儿皮肤中表达较弱。结论EGF和EGFR对皮肤的发生、结构功能的维持以及伤后修复十分重要。在发育早期的胎儿皮肤中,EGF、EGFR和α-ASMA低表达可能与胎儿创面无瘢愈合密切相关。

熊果酸对肝纤维化大鼠肝组织TGF-β1和α-SMA表达的影响

目的:观察熊果酸(UA)对肝纤维化大鼠肝组织TGF-β1基因与蛋白及α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)表达的影响,并探讨其抗肝纤维化作用机制.方法:SD大鼠96只随机分为正常对照组(N组)、模型组(M组)、UA低剂量组(U1组)、UA中剂量组(U2组)、UA高剂量组(U3组)及秋水仙碱组(C组),每组16只.除N组外,均用二甲基亚硝胺(Dimethylnitrosamine,DMN)诱导肝纤维化4wk,分别给予安慰剂、不同剂量的UA、秋水仙碱腹腔注射,治疗4wk处死大鼠,取肝组织行病理HE染色及VG染色判断炎症和肝纤维化程度;分别采用免疫组织化学和Western blot检测TGF-β1蛋白和α-SMA蛋白的表达;采用RT-PCR检测TGF-β1mRNA的表达.结果:U2和U3组肝细胞坏死和纤维组织增生明显减轻;M组TGF-β1蛋白、TGF-β1mRNA及α-SMA蛋白较N组的表达明显增加(8.76±1.47vs1.48±0.24;0.60±0.11vs0.05±0.02;0.51±0.10vs0.09±0.02,均P<0.01).U1组和C组TGF-β1蛋白的表达较M组降低(P<0.05),U2和U3组TGF-β1蛋白的表达较M组明显降低(5.32±1.63,3.98±0.67vs8.76±1.47,均P<0.01),且低于C组的表达(7.14±1.29,P<0.05或0.01).U2和U3组的TGF-β1mRNA的表达也明显低于M组(0.36±0.07,0.25±0.06vs0.60±0.11,均P<0.01)和C组(0.47±0.10,P<0.05或0.01).U1-U3组较M组α-SMA蛋白的表达明显降低(0.36±0.08,0.23±0.02,0.15±0.03vs0.51±0.10,均P<0.01);U2和U3组α-SMA蛋白的表达也显著低于C组(0.43±0.05,均P<0.01).结论:UA能明显改善肝纤维化大鼠的肝脏组织结构,减轻肝纤维化;其抗肝纤维化的机制可能与降低TGF-β1表达,抑制HSC的激活有关.