Expression of transforming growth factors in hepatocellular carcinoma and its relations with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factors (TGF)-beta 1, TGF-beta R2 and Smad4 belong to the TGF family, and play important roles in carcinogenesis and the development of carcinoma, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TGF-beta 1 is a multipotent polypeptide, which inhibits the growth of epithelial cells including hepatoma cell lines and hepatocytes by inducing apoptosis. TGF-beta R2 forms a heterodimeric complex upon binding to TGF-beta, and then generates the first step in the signal transduction pathway leading to growth inhibition in coordination with the type I receptor. Smad4 protein is an important mediator in the TGF-beta signaling pathway, and negatively regulates the growth of epithelial cells. This study aimed to detect the expression of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta R2 and Smad4 in HCCs and their adjacent normal tissues, while assessing its relations with the clinicopathological parameters of HCC. METHODS: Forty-seven HCC specimens and their adjacent normal tissues were obtained surgically at the Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University. The expression of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta R2 and Smad4 was separately detected by immunohistochemistry in all HCC specimens and their adjacent normal tissues, and its relations with the clinicopathological parameters of HCC were assessed. RESULTS: The positive expression of TGF-beta 1 was 72.34% in the HCC specimens, which was higher than that in the adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.001). The positive expression of Smad4 and TGF-beta R2 was 34.04% and 59.57% respectively in the carcinoma specimens. The expression of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta R2 and Smad4 was significantly higher in groups with a tumor embolus of the portal vein, integrity of the amicula, and Edmondson's III-IV than that in other groups, but it was not related to tumor size (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta 1 may play an important role in the occurrence and development of HCC. Combined detection of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta R2 and Smad4 may be useful for the determination of the degree of malignancy and the prognosis of HCC.

Effects of the Nocth signaling pathway on expression of inflammatory factors and transforming growth factors in diabetic foot ulcers

Objective:persistent hyperinflammation is an important reason for the development of diabetic foot ulcer.Notch signaling is an important signaling pathway involved in the inflammatory response and cell proliferation in diabetic foot ulcer rats.This paper aims to explore the effect of Notch signaling on inflammatory factors,chemokines and growth factors through the intervention of Notch signaling in diabetic foot ulcer rats.Methods:the experimental model was made by using high-fat feed combined with streptozotocin(STZ)to cause diabetes,and the experimental model of diabetic foot ulcer was established by constant temperature and constant pressure scald apparatus.The normal ulcer model was used as a control.The intervention controls of the experimental model included normal saline,western medicine growth factor,Notch agonist Jagged1,Notch signaling inhibitor ly-411575,and the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine Zizhu ointment for 7 days.Serum il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation,and il-17 were detected by ELISA.Real-time PCR was used to detect the inflammatory factors,chemokines,and growth factors associated with Notch signaling in wound tissues:tnf-uum,il-1,il-6,il-17,interleukin-8,ip-10,McP-1,TGF-uum,TGF-livelihood.Results:serum levels of il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation and il-17 in diabetic foot ulcer rats were significantly higher than that in normal ulcer rats.The contents of il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation and il-17a in ly-411575 group and Zizhu ointment group were significantly reduced.Real-time PCR results of wound tissue showed that the levels of inflammatory cytokines il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation,il-17 and chemokines ip-10,il-8 and McP-1 in the wound tissue of diabetic foot ulcer rat model were significantly higher than that of normal ulcer model,and the levels of growth factor TGF-exposure were lower than that of normal ulcer model.LY-411575 significantly reduced il-1,il-6,TNF-maxima,il-17,and the chemokines ip-10,il-8,and McP-1 in diabetic foot ulcer rats,and reduced the expression of TGF-,TGF-earth.Jagged1 can increase the expression of TGF--,TGF---,suggesting that inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway can reduce the expression of the inflammatory factors il-1,il-6,TNF--,il-17a,il-8,and the growth factors TGF--,TGF---.Zizhu ointment can reduce the levels of il-1,il-6,TNF-benand,il-17,and the chemokines ip-10,il-8,and McP-1 on the wound surface of diabetic foot rats,and improve the expression of TGF-benand TGF-SUNS.Ly-411575 inhibited the expression of TGF-bento and TGF-promoting of Zizhu ointment.Conclusion:the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines was higher and the expression of growth factors was lower in diabetic foot ulcer rats than in normal ulcer rats.Inhibition of Notch signaling pathway can reduce the expression of inflammatory factors,chemokines and growth factors in experimental model rats,and Notch signaling pathway can promote inflammation and cell proliferation.Zizhu ointment can reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in diabetic foot ulcer rats,improve the expression of growth factors,and reduce wound inflammation,which may be related to the inhibition of Nocth signal expression.

Dihydroergotamine ameliorates liver fibrosis by targeting transforming growth factor β type Ⅱ receptor

BACKGROUND The transforming growth factor β(TGFβ) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis by activating TGFβ type Ⅱ receptor(TGFβR2), followed by the recruitment of TGFβR1 finally triggering downstream signaling pathway.AIM To find drugs targeting TGFβR2 that inhibit TGFβR1/TGFβR2 complex formation, theoretically inhibit TGFβ signaling pathway, and thereby ameliorate liver fibrosis.METHODS Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs were screened for binding affinity with TGFβR2 by virtual molecular docking. We identified 6 candidates and further explored their potential by Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8) cell cytotoxic experiment to validate toxicity and titrated the best cellular working concentrations. Next, we further demonstrated the detailed molecular working mechanisms using mutagenesis analysis. Finally, we used a mouse model to investigate its potential anti-liver fibrosis effect.RESULTS We identified 6 drug candidates. Among these 6 drugs, dihydroergotamine(DHE) shows great ability in reducing fibrotic gene expressions such as collagen, p-SMAD3, and α-SMA in TGFβ induced cellular model of liver fibrosis in LX-2 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that DHE binds to TGFβR2. Moreover, mutation of Leu27, Phe30, Thr51, Ser52, Ile53, and Glu55 of TGFβR2 disrupted the binding of TGFβR2 with DHE. In addition, DHE significantly improved liver fibrosis, as evidenced by Masson’s trichrome staining of liver sections. This is further supported by the width and the velocity of the portal vein, and serum markers of liver function. In line with those observations, DHE also decreased macrophages infiltration and extracellular matrix deposition in the liver.CONCLUSION DHE alleviates liver fibrosis by binding to TGFβR2 thereby suppressing TGFβ signaling pathway. We show here that as far as drug repurposing, DHE has great potential to treat liver fibrosis.

Stage-specific localization of transforming growth factor β1 and β3 and their receptors during spermatogenesis in men

Aim: To investigate the stage-specific localization of transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 and β3 during spermatogenesis in adult human testis. Methods: The localization of TGFβ1 and β3 was investigated by immunohis tochemical staining method employing specific polyclonal antibodies. Results: Both TGFβ1 and β3 and their recep tors were preponderant in the Leydig celis. TGFβ1 could not be detected in the seminiferous tubules. TGFβ3 and TGFβ-Receptor (R) I were mainly seen in the elongated spermatids, while TGFβ-RⅡ in the pachytene spermatocytes and weak in the spermatogonia, spermatids and Sertoli celis. Only TGFβ-RⅡ was detected in the Sertoli celis. TGFβ3, TGFβ-RⅠ and TGFβ-RⅡ showed a staining pattern dependent upon the stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. Conclusion: TGFβ isoforms and their receptors are present in the somatic and germ celis of the adult human testis, suggesting their involvement in the regulation of spermatogenesis.

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.

Transforming growth factor beta 1, a cytokine with regenerative functions

We review the biology and role of transforming growth factor beta 1 （TGF-β1） in peripheral nerve injury and regeneration, as it relates to injuries to large nerve trunks （i.e., sciatic nerve, brachial plexus）, which often leads to suboptimal functional recovery. Experimental studies have suggested that the reason for the lack of functional recovery resides in the lack of sufficient mature axons reaching their targets, which is a result of the loss of the growth-supportive environment provided by the Schwann cells in the distal stump of injured nerves. Using an established chronic nerve injury and delayed repair animal model that accu- rately mimics chronic nerve injuries in humans, we summarize our key findings as well as others to better understand the pathophysiology of poor functional recovery. We demonstrated that 6 month TGF-β1 treat- ment for chronic nerve injury significantly improved Schwann cell capacity to support axonal regeneration. When combined with forskolin, the effect was additive, as evidenced by a near doubling of regenerated axons proximal to the repair site. We showed that in vivo application of TGF-β1 and forskolin directly onto chronically injured nerves reactivated chronically denervated Schwann cells, induced their proliferation, and upregulated the expression of regeneration-associated proteins. The effect of TGF-β1 and forskolin on old nerve injuries is quite impressive and the treatment regiment appears to mediate a growth-supportive milieu in the injured peripheral nerves. In summary, TGF-β1 and forskolin treatment reactivates chronical- ly denervated Schwann cells and could potentially be used to extend and prolong the regenerative responses to promote axonal regeneration.

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.

Expression of Transforming Growth Factor β_1 in Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Potential Utility in Molecular Tissue Engineering for Osteochondral Repair

Summary: The feasibility of using gene therapy to treat full-thickness articular cartilage defects was investigated with respect to the transfection and expression of exogenous transforming growth factor (TGF)-β 1 genes in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro. The full-length rat TGF-β 1 cDNA was transfected to MSCs mediated by lipofectamine and then selected with G418, a synthetic neomycin analog. The transient and stable expression of TGF-β 1 by MSCs was detected by using immunohistochemical staining. The lipofectamine-mediated gene therapy efficiently transfected MSCs in vitro with the TGF-β 1 gene causing a marked up-regulation in TGF-β 1 expression as compared with the vector-transfected control groups, and the increased expression persisted for at least 4 weeks after selected with G418. It was suggested that bone marrow-derived MSCs were susceptible to in vitro lipofectamine mediated TGF-β 1 gene transfer and that transgene expression persisted for at least 4 weeks. Having successfully combined the existing techniques of tissue engineering with the novel possibilities offered by modern gene transfer technology, an innovative concept, i.e. molecular tissue engineering, are put forward for the first time. As a new branch of tissue engineering, it represents both a new area and an important trend in research. Using this technique, we have a new powerful tool with which: (1) to modify the functional biology of articular tissue repair along defined pathways of growth and differentiation and (2) to affect a better repair of full-thickness articular cartilage defects that occur as a result of injury and osteoarthritis.

Uncovering the profile of mutations of transforming growth factor beta-induced gene in Chinese corneal dystrophy patients

AIM： To uncover the mutations profile of transforming growth factor beta-induced （TGFBI） gene in Chinese corneal dystrophy patients and further investigate the characteristics of genotype-phenotype correlations. METHODS： Forty-two subjects （6 unrelated families including 15 patients and 8 unaffected members, and 19 sporadic patients） of Chinese origin were subjected to phenotypic and genotypic characterization. The corneal phenotypes of patients were documented by slit lamp photography. Mutation screening of the coding regions of TGFBI was performed by direct sequencing. RESULTS： We detected four corneal dystrophy types. The most frequent phenotypes were granular corneal dystrophy （GCD） （including 3 families and 8 sporadic patients） and lattice corneal dystrophy （LCD） （including 2 families and 9 sporadic patients）. The next phenotypes were corneal dystrophy of Bowman layer （CDB） （1 family and 1 sporadic patient） and epithelial basement membrane dystrophy （EBMD） （1 sporadic patient）. Six distinct mutations responsible for TGFBI corneal dystrophies were identified in 30 individuals with corneal dystrophies. Those were, p.R124H mutation in 1 family and 2 sporadic patients with GCD, p.R555W mutation in 2 families and 3 sporadic patients with GCD, p.R124C mutation in 2 families and 7 sporadic patients with LCD, p.A620D mutation in 1 sporadic patient with LCD, p.H626R mutation in 1 sporadic patient with LCD, and p.R555Q in 1 family and 1 sporadic patient with CDB. No mutation was detected in the remaining 3 atypical GCD patients and 1 EBMD patient, CONCLUSION： GCD and LCD are the most frequent phenotypes in Chinese population. R555W was the most common mutation for GCD; R124C was the most common mutation for LCD, Our findings extend the mutational spectrum of TFGBI , and this is the extensively delineated TGFBI mutation profile associated with the various corneal dystrophies in the Chinese population.

Cloning and Expression of Rat Transforming Growth Factor β1 cDNA in Osteoblasts

Summary: Rat transforming growth factor β1 (rTGFβ1) cDNA from rat lymphocytes was cloned by RT-PCR and inserted into pcDNA3 to construct an eukaryotic expression vector, which was named pcDNA3-TGFβ1. The cloned gene was confirmed to code rat TGFβ1 by restriction enzyme analysis. pcDNA3-TGFβ1 plasmid was transfected into rat osteoblasts by using liposome-mediated gene transfer technique and the expression of TGFβ1 was detected by using irnmunohistochemical staining assay. It was found that the rat TGFβ1 expression product was obviously detectable in the transfected osteoblasts in 48 h. High expression of TGFβ1 was obtained in the rat osteoblasts in which the constructed TGFβ1 expression vector was transfected.

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.

Molecular Tissue Engineering: Applications for Modulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Proliferation by Transforming Growth Factor β_1 Gene Transfer

The effect of transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF β 1 ) gene transfection on the proliferation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC S ) and the mechanism was investigated to provide basis for accelerating articular cartilage repairing using molecular tissue engineering technology. TGF β 1 gene at different doses was transduced into the rat bone marrow derived MSCs to examine the effects of TGF β 1 gene transfection on MSCs DNA synthesis, cell cycle kinetics and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The results showed that 3 μl lipofectamine mediated 1 μg TGF β 1 gene transfection could effectively promote the proliferation of MSCs best; Under this condition (DNA/Lipofectamine=1μg/3μl), flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analyses revealed a significant increase in the 3 H incorporation, DNA content in S phase and the expression of PCNA. Transfection of gene encoding TGF β 1 could induce the cells at G0/G1 phase to S1 phase, modulate the replication of DNA through the enhancement of the PCNA expression, increase the content of DNA at S1 phase and promote the proliferation of MSCs. This new molecular tissue engineering approach could be of potential benefit to enhance the repair of damaged articular cartilage, especially those caused by degenerative joint diseases.

Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in the Process of Fibrosis of Denervated Skeletal Muscle

In order to investigate the biological function of transforming growth factor-β1（TGF-β1） during fibrosis in denervated skeletal muscle,we recruited sciatic nerve injury model of SD rats in which denervated gastrocnemius was isolated for analysis.At different time points after operation,denervated muscle was examined by several methods.Masson trichrome staining showed morphological changes of denervated skeletal muscle.Quantitative RT-PCR detected the rapid increase of TGF-β1 expression at mRNA level after nerve injury.It was found that a peak of TGF-β1 mRNA expression appeared one week post-operation.The expression of collagen Ⅰ（COL Ⅰ） mRNA was up-regulated in the nerve injury model as well,and reached highest level two weeks post-injury.Immunoblot revealed similar expression pattern of TGF-β1 and COL Ⅰ in denervated muscles at protein level.In addition,we found that the area of the gastrocnemius muscle fiber was decreased gradually along with increased interstitital fibrosis.Interestingly,this pathological change could be prevented,at least partly,by local injection of TGF-β1 antibodies,which could be contributed to the reduced production of COL Ⅰ by inhibiting function of TGF-β1.Taken together,in this study,we demonstrated that the expression of TGF-β1 was increased significantly in denervated skeletal muscle,which might play a crucial role during muscle fibrosis after nerve transection.

Feedback regulation between phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate dependent Rac exchange factor 1 and transforming growth factor β1 and prognostic value in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate dependent Rac exchange factor 1(PREX1)was reported to be overexpressed in some cancers and involved in cancer development,but its expression and significance in gastric cancer remain unclear.AIM To evaluate the expression of PREX1 in gastric cancer and its significance in the development of gastric cancer,especially to evaluate the potential mechanism of PREX1 in gastric cancer.METHODS Bioinformatic analysis was performed in order to examine the expression of PREX1 in gastric cancer.The relationship between the survival rate of gastric cancer patients and PREX1 expression was assessed by Kaplan Meier portal.The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and the correlation between PREX1 and transforming growth factor(TGF)β1 pathway-related mediators were evaluated by cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics.Western blotting and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay were used to test the role of TGFβ1 on the expression of PREX1.Western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter system was used to evaluate the effect of PREX1 on the activation of TGFβ1 pathway.Wound healing and Transwell assay were used to assess the effect of PREX1 on the metastasis activity of gastric cancer cells.RESULTS PREX1 was overexpressed in the gastric tumors,and the expression levels were positively associated with the development of gastric cancer.Also,the high expression of PREX1 revealed poor prognosis,especially for those advanced and specific intestinal gastric cancer patients.PREX1 was closely involved in the positive regulation of cell adhesion and positively correlated with TGFβ1-related mediators.Furthermore,TGFβ1 could induce the expression of PREX1 at both the protein and mRNA level.Also,PREX1 could activate the TGFβ1 pathway.The induced PREX1 could increase the migration and invasion activity of gastric cancer cells.CONCLUSION PREX1 is overexpressed in gastric cancer,and the high level of PREX1 predicts poor prognosis.PREX1 is closely associated with TGFβsignaling and promotes the metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

Plasma transforming growth factor-β_1 levels in patients with erectile dysfunction

Aim: To evaluate the plasma TGF-β1 level in erectile dysfunction (ED) patients of various causes. Methods: Sixty-two patients with ED and 26 potent men were subjected to the study. Based on multidisciplinary work-ups, including medical history, physical examinations, blood tests with lipid profile and hormones, penile duplex Doppler ultrasonogram and neurophysiological tests, causes for ED were classified as psychogenic (n=15), neurogenic (n=16) and vasculogenic (n=31). The plasma TGF-β1 level was measured by the ELISA method. Results: The plasma TGF-β1 level was significantly increased in the ED group (6.7 ± 4.9 ng/mL), compared to the control (4.0±2.1 ng/mL) (P <0.01). In the ED groups, there was a significant increase in the vasculogenic group (9.0 ± 5.5 ng/mL), compared to the psychogenic (3.8 ± 1.8 ng/mL) and neurogenic groups (4.8 ± 3.2 ng/mL) (P<0.01). Of the vascular risk factors, both the smoking (7.5 ± 4.7 ng/mL) and dyslipidemia groups (7.4 ± 4.4 ng/mL) showed significantly increased plasma TGF-β1 levels, compared to the non-smokers (5.5 ± 2.8 ng/mL), and those without dyslipidemia (4.8 ?2.8 ng/mL) (P<0.05). Conclusion: Vascular risk factors are associated with an elevated plasma TGF-β1 level, which may contribute to cavernous fibrosis and ED.

Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β in Cultured Normal Human Lens Epithelia Cells

Summary: In order to investigate whether cultured normal human lens epithelial cells (LEC) express transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical methods were used for detection of TGF-β mRNA and protein in cultured normal human LEC. The results showed that a single RT-PCR amplified product about 310bp was obtained, and the sequence was homologous to the known sequence. TGF-β immunostain was positive in the plasma of LEC. It was suggested that normal human LEC could produce TGF-β, and LEC could be affected by TGF-β through autocrine action.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, transforming growth factor-β1, nerve growth factor, resistin and hyaluronic acid as serum markers：comparison between recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND： Diagnostic parameters that can predict the presence of chronic pancreatitis（CP） in patients with recurrent pain due to pancreatitis would help to direct appropriate therapy. This study aimed to compare the serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1（MCP-1）, transforming growth factor-β1（TGF-β1）, nerve growth factor（NGF）, resistin and hyaluronic acid（HA） in patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis（RAP） and CP to assess their ability to differentiate the two conditions.METHODS： Levels of serum markers assessed by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） were prospectively compared in consecutive patients with RAP, CP and in controls and stepwise discriminant analysis was performed to identify the markers differentiating RAP from CP.RESULTS： One hundred and thirteen consecutive patients（RAP=32, CP=81） and 78 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. The mean（SD） age of the patients was 32.0（14.0）years; 89（78.8%） were male. All markers were significantly higher in CP patients than in the controls（P〈0.001）; MCP-1NGF and HA were significantly higher in RAP patients than in the controls（P〈0.001）. Stepwise discriminant analysis showed significant difference（P=0.002） between RAP and CP for resistin with an accuracy of 61.9%, discriminant scores of ≤-0.479 and ≥0.189 indicating RAP and CP, respectively. The other markers had no differential value between RAP and CP.CONCLUSION： Serum resistin is a promising marker to differentiate between RAP and CP and needs validation in future studies, especially in those with early CP.

Apoptosis of Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β_2 in vitro

Whether transforming growth factor β 2 (TGF β 2) induces apoptosis of human trabecular meshwork cells was investigated in vitro . Cultured 3 5 passage human trabecular meshwork cells were treated with 0 (control), 0.32, 1, 3.2 ng/ml TGF β 2 for 48 h and divided into control group and experimental group. The apoptosis of human trabecular meshwork cells was examined by transmisson electron microscopy, TUNEL technique and flow cytometry. The results showed characteristic morphologic changes of apoptotic cells were observed under transmission electron microscopy. DNA fragmentation of human trabecular meshwork cells was found by TUNEL technique. Quantitative analysis of flow cytometry showed that percentages of apoptotic human trabecular meshwork cells were (2.79±0.44) %, (4.43 ±1.17) % and (9.60±2.05) % respectively with different concentrations [1 ng/ml ( P< 0.05), 3.2 ng/ml ( P< 0.01)] of TGF β 2 with the difference being significant between experimental group and control group[(1.41±0.34) %]. It was concluded that TGF β 2 can induce apoptosis of human trabecular meshwork cells in vitro and may be involved in the decrease of trabecular meshwork cells in the patients with primary open angle glaucoma and aging of normal people.

Effects of Tanshinone ⅡA on Transforming Growth Factor β1-Smads Signal Pathway in Renal Interstitial Fibroblasts of Rats

The effects of tanshinone ⅡA （TSN） on transforming growth factor β1 （TGFβ1） signal transduction in renal interstitial fibroblasts of rats were studied in order to investigate its mechanism in prevention of renal interstitial fibrosis. Rat renal fibroblasts of the line NRK/49F were cultured in vitro, stimulated with 5 ng/mL TGFβ1 and pretreated with 10-6, 10-5, 10-4 mol/L TSN respectively. The mRNA levels of fibronectin （FN） were examined by RT-PCR. The protein expression of FN and Smads was detected by Western blot. TGFβ1 induced the expression of FN mRNA and Smads in a time-dependent manner in a certain range. Compared with pre-stimulation, the FN mRNA and protein levels were increased by 1.1 times and 1.5 times respectively （P〈0.01, P〈0.01）, and the protein expression of phosphorylated Smad2/3 （p-Smad2/3） increased by 7 times at the end of TGFβ1 stimulation （P〈0.01）. TSN pretreatment may down-regulate the FN and p-Smad2/3 expression in a dose-dependent manner. 10-6 mol/L TSN pretreatment had no effect on the FN and p-Smad2/3 expression （both P〉0.05）. After pretreatment with 10-5 and 10-4 mol/L TSN, the FN mRNA levels were decreased by 28.1% and 43.8% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）, the FN protein levels were decreased by 40% and 44% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.05）, and the p-Smad2/3 protein expression were decreased by 40% and 65% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. The inhibitory effect of TSN on renal interstitial fibrosis may be related to its blocking effect on TGFβ1-Smads signal pathway in renal intersti- tial fibroblasts.