矽肺大鼠肺组织肿瘤坏死因子–α和转化生长因子–β1的动态观察

目的:动态观察矽肺大鼠肿瘤坏死因子–α(TNF–α)和转化生长因子–β1(TGF–β1)的水平,探讨TNF–α和TGF–β1在矽肺发生发展中的作用。方法:将36只成年SD大鼠随机分成对照组和观察组,采用暴露式气管内注入法给大鼠一次性染矽尘,染尘后第3、7、14天,每组各处死6只大鼠,取肺组织,光学显微镜观察其肺内病理变化,采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测其肺组织TNF–α和TGF–β1的水平。结果:染尘后3 d大鼠肺组织中TNF–α、TGF–β1逐渐升高,第14天达高峰;观察组第14天TNF–α[(79.4±8.6)pg·m L^(-1)]与对照组[(28.8±3.7)pg·m L^(-1)]、观察组第3天[(41.7±8.9)pg·m L^(-1)]比较,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组第7天TGF–β1[(328.4±71.0)pg·m L^(-1)]与对照组[(239.8±32.2)pg·m L^(-1)]、观察组第3天[(295.9±50.9)pg·m L^(-1)]比较,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:TNF–α和TGF–β1在矽肺发生发展中均有重要作用,其中TGF–β1较TNF–α更早起作用。

二甲双胍和瑞格列奈对糖尿病慢性肾脏疾病患者血清转化生长因子–β1水平的影响

目的:探讨二甲双胍和瑞格列奈对糖尿病慢性肾脏疾病患者血清转化生长因子–β1(TGF–β1)水平的影响。方法:将佛山市南海区中医院沙头分院收治的80例糖尿病慢性肾脏疾病患者当作观察对象,根据治疗方式的不同,将其随机分为二甲双胍治疗组(A组患者27例)、瑞格列奈治疗组(B组26例),以及二甲双胍联合瑞格列奈治疗组(C组27例)进行疗效对比。结果:联合用药组患者的整体改善效果要明显优于其他两组患者,组间比较,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。经过各药物对血清TGF–β1水平影响的研究,结果显示,联合用药组较其他两组水平最优,组间比较,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:针对于糖尿病慢性肾脏疾病患者,联合用药治疗效果更加理想,同时两种药物均对血清TGF–β1水平产生作用。

Neuropeptide Y promotes TGF-β1 production in RAW264.7 cells by activating PI3K pathway via Y1 receptor

Objective To examine the effect of neuropeptide Y （NPY） on TGF-β1 production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Methods Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect TGF-β1 production. Cell counting kit 8 （CCK-8） was used to assay the viability of RAW264.7 cells. Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation of PI3K p85. Results NPY treatment could promote TGF-β1 production and rapid phosphorylation of PI3K p85 in RAW264.7 cells via Y1 receptor. The elevated TGF-β 1 production induced by NPY could be abolished by wortrnannin pretreatment. Conclusion NPY may elicit TGF-β production in RAW264.7 cells via Y1 receptor, and the activated PI3K pathway may account for this effect.

Effect of porous titanium coated with IGF-1 and TGF-β_1 loaded gelatin microsphere on function of MG63 cells

Porous titanium with porosity of 60% was prepared by metal injection molding（MIM）,and coated with gelatin sustained-release microspheres which were made by improved emulsified cold condensation method.The effects of porous titanium coated with insulin-like growth factor-1（IGF-1） and transforming growth factor-β1（TGF-β1） gelatin microspheres on the function of MG63 cells were evaluated in vitro.The results show that porous titanium coated with gelatin sustained-release microspheres has no cytotoxicity.The IGF-1 and TGF-β1 loading concentrations are positively correlative with the proliferation and differentiation of MG63 after co-culturing with the concentrations of IGF-1 and TGF-β1 gelatin microspheres in the range of 0.1-10 ng/mg and 0.25-2.5 ng/mg,respectively.The MG63 cells exhibit the best proliferation and differentiation with the IGF-1 and TGF-β1 loading concentrations of 10 ng/mg and 2.5 ng/mg,respectively.The joint application of IGF-1 and TGF-β1 group,which promote adhesion,proliferation and differentiation of MG63 cells,is superior to a single application group.

AAV-mediated expression of p65shRNA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 synergistically enhances chondrocyte regeneration

BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene manipulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis may not produce satisfactory results.Previous studies have shown that nuclear factorκB could promote the inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes,and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)could promote cartilage regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To test whether combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 will yield the synergistic effect on chondrocytes regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.METHODS:Viral particles containing AAV-p65-shRNA and AAV-BMP4 were prepared.Their efficacy in inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and promoting chondrogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo by transfecting AAV-p65-shRNA or AAV-BMP4 into cells.The experiments were divided into five groups:PBS group;osteoarthritis group;AAV-BMP4 group;AAV-p65shRNA group;and BMP4-p65shRNA 1:1 group.Samples were collected at 4,12,and 24 weeks postoperatively.Tissue staining,including safranin O and Alcian blue,was applied after collecting articular tissue.Then,the optimal ratio between the two types of transfected viral particles was further investigated to improve the chondrogenic potential of mixed cells in vivo.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 together showed a synergistic effect on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.Mixed cells transfected with AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 at a 1:1 ratio produced the most extracellular matrix synthesis(P<0.05).In vivo results also revealed that the combination of the two viruses had the highest regenerative potential for osteoarthritic cartilage(P<0.05).In the present study,we also discovered that the combined therapy had the maximum effect when the two viruses were administered in equal proportions.Decreasing either p65shRNA or BMP4 transfected cells resulted in less collagen II synthesis.This implies that inhibiting inflammation by p65shRNA and promoting regeneration by BMP4 are equally important for osteoarthritis treatment.These findings provide a new strategy for the treatment of early osteoarthritis by simultaneously inhibiting cartilage inflammation and promoting cartilage repair.

TGF–β1、Angptl2对乳腺癌的诊断价值及与临床病理特征的关系

目的:探讨血清转化生长因子–β1(TGF–β1)、血管生成素样蛋白2(Angptl2)对乳腺癌的诊断价值及与临床病理特征的关系。方法:选取2019年4月至2021年4月南华大学附属第二医院收治的乳腺癌患者108例作为恶性肿瘤组,同期选取100例乳腺良性肿瘤患者作为良性肿瘤组,以及在南华大学附属第二医院体检的健康者100例作为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附法检测三组受试者的血清TGF–β1、Angptl2表达,分析乳腺癌患者血清TGF–β1、Angptl2水平与临床病理特征的关系,并采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析血清TGF–β1、Angptl2对乳腺癌诊断价值。结果:恶性肿瘤组患者血清TGF–β1、Angptl2显著高于良性肿瘤组与对照组,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。乳腺癌患者血清TGF–β1、Angptl2水平与肿瘤直径、分化程度、转移以及TNM分期有关(P<0.05),而与患者年龄、病理类型无关(P>0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,TGF–β1诊断乳腺癌的曲线下面积为0.861,Angptl2为0.892,二者联合为0.982,高于二者单独诊断。结论:乳腺癌患者血清TGF–β1、Angptl2表达明显升高,且血清TGF–β1、Angptl2水平与乳腺癌恶性病变及肿瘤进展有关,两者对乳腺癌的临床诊断价值也较高。

TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β1 AND SMAD4 SIGNALING PATHWAY DOWN-REGULATES RENAL EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX DEGRADATION IN DIABETIC RATS

Objective To investigate the role of transforming growth factor-131 （TGF-β1）/Smad4 pathway in development of renal fibrosis in streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetic nephropathy （DN） rats and explore its possible mechanism. Methods Male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were divided into 5 groups： group A （ normal control）, group B [ diabetes mellitus （DM） 2 weeks ], group C （ DM 4 weeks）, group D （ DM 8 weeks）, and group E （ DM 16 weeks）. Except for the normal control group, other groups were induced DM by single injection of STZ （55 mg/kg） respectively. Blood glucose level, serum creatinine, and 24-hour urine protein were examined. Expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad4 protein and mRNA in kidney were detected using immunohistochemical technique, Western blot, and real-time PCR. mRNA expressions of stromelysin-1 （ MMP-3 ）, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （ TIMP-1 ）, and collagen Ⅲ in kidney were also detected by real-time PCR. Results The levels of blood glucose, serum creatinine, and 24-hour urine protein in rats of group B, C, D, and E were higher than those of the control group. With the progression of renal fibrosis, the expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad4 protein and mRNA in kidney of diabetic rats elevated. In addition, the renal MMP-3 mRNA expression diminished in diabetic rats, while TIMP-1 and collagen Ⅲ mRNA increased. Conclusions In STZ-induced diabetic rats, the TGF-β1/Smad4 appears to play an important role in renal fibrosis of DN. The increased expression of TGF-β1 and Smad4 might result in the transcriptional regulation of downstream target genes of TGF-β1/Smad4 pathway, which contributes to the progression of renal fibrosis in diabetic rats.

Transforming growth factor-β1 gene polymorphisms are associated with progression of liver fibrosis in Caucasians with chronic hepatitis C infection

AIM: Considerable attention is focused on polymorphisms in the gene encoding transforming growth factor-pi (TGF-β1), a multifunctional cytokine that is in turn a potent growth inhibitor involved in wound healing and differentiation. In humans, it promotes the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis, atherosclerosis, cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, keloid disease, and hypertrophic scarring. For this reason, much emphasis has been placed on studies elucidating the impact of TGF-β1 and its gene variations for the susceptibility and pathogenesis of these diseases. Unfortunately, some studies have serious limitations. METHODS: We have recently described a high-throughput method for investigation the Arg25Pro polymorphism of human TGF-β1 gene and showed that the frequency of the Pro25 allele is significantly associated with hepatic fibrogenesis. In this report, we describe two novel LightCyder (LC) techniques that facilitate the examination of the two other known alterations in the coding region of TGF-β1. We investigated whether these polymorphisms contribute to hepatitis-induced progression of fibrogenesis in Chinese and Caucasians. RESULTS: In the Chinese ancestry, the gene polymorphisms at codons 25 and 263 were not found and the genetic variant at codon 10 is unlikely to confer susceptibility to hepatic fibrosis. Contrarily, in Caucasians TGF-β1 allelic variations are more frequent and the presence of prolines either in codon 25 or 10 is associated with the interindividual variability in developing more severe fibrosis during chronic hepatitis C infection. CONCLUSION: In summary, these results confirm the hypothesis that TGF-β1 polymorphisms are associated with fibrosis progression in Caucasians chronically infected with hepatitis C.

Effect of pegylated interferon alpha 2b plus ribavirin treatment on plasma transforming growth factor-β1,metalloproteinase-1,and tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 in patients with chronic hepatitis C

AIM： To evaluate the effect of antiviral treatment on plasma levels of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, metalloproteinase 1 （MMP-1）, and tissue inhibitor of metaUoproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） in patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS： TGF-β1, MMP-1, and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations were measured by an enzyme immunoassay in 28 patients, during 48 wk of treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha 2b （PEG-IFN-α2b） plus ribavirin （RBV） and after 24 wk of follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups： responders （R） and non-responders （NR） related to achieved sustained virologic response. Normal values were evaluated in plasma samples of 13 healthy volunteers. RESULTS： Baseline plasma concentrations of TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 （30.9±3.7 and 1 506±61 ng/mL respectively） measured in all subjects significantly exceeded the normal values （TGF-β1： 18.3±1.6 ng/mL and TIMP-1： 1 102±67 ng/mL）. In contrast, pretreatment MMP-1 mean level （6.5±0.9 ng/mL） was significantly lower than normal values （11.9±0.9 ng/mL）. Response to the treatment was observed in 12 patients （43%）. TGF-β1 mean concentration measured during the treatment phase decreased to the control level in both groups. However at wk 72, values of NR patients increased and became significantly higher than in R group. TIMP-1 concentrations in R group decreased during the treatment to the level similar to normal. In NR group, TIMP-1 remained significantly elevated during treatment and follow-up phase and significant difference between both groups was demonstrated at wk 48 and 72. MMP-1 levels were significantly decreased in both groups at baseline. Treatment caused rise of its concentration only in the R group, whereas values in NR group remained on the level similar to baseline. Statistically significant difference between groups was noted at wk 48 and 72. CONCLUSION： These findings support the usefulness of TGF-β1, TIMP-1, and MMP-1 in the management of chronic hepatitis C. Elevated TIMP-1 and low MMP-1 plasma concentrations during antiviral therapy may indicate medication failure.

Effect of transforming growth factor-β1 on human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cell growth

AIM： To elucidate the biological effects of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma （ICC）.METHODS： We investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on human ICC cell lines （HuCCT1, MEC, and HUH-28） by monitoring the influence of TGF-β1 on tumor growth and interleukin-6 （IL-6） expression in ICC cells.RESULTS： All three human ICC cell lines produced TGF-β1 and demonstrated accelerated growth in the presence of TGF-β1 with no apoptotic effect. Studies on HuCCT1 revealed a TGF-β1-induced stimulation of the expression of TGF-β1, as well as a decrease in TGF-β1 mRNA expression induced by neutralizing anti-TGF-β1 antibody. These results indicate that TGF-β1 stimulates the production and function of TGF-β1 in an autocrine fashion. Further, IL-6 secretion was observed in all three cell lines and exhibited an inhibitory response to neutralizing anti-TGF-β1 antibody. Experiments using HuCCT1 revealed a TGF-β1-induced acceleration of IL-6 protein expression and mRNA levels. These findings demonstrate a functional interaction between TGF-β1 and IL-6. All three cell lines proliferated in the presence of IL-6. In contrast, TGF-β1 induced no growth effect in HuCCT1 in the presence of small interfering RNA against a specific cell surface receptor of IL-6 and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3.CONCLUSION： ICC cells produce TGF-β1 and confer a TGF-β1-induced growth effect in an autocrine fashion.TGF-β1 activates ILo6 production, and the functional interaction between TGF-β1 and IL-6 contributes to ICC cell growth by TGF-β1.

The expression and antigenicity identification of recombinant rat TGF-β1 in bacteria

In order to study structure-function details of TGF-beta1, the recombinant mature form of rat TGF-beta1 was expressed in bacteria. Synthesis of the 112 amino-acid carboxyl-terminal part of TGF-beta1 (amino acid 279-390) was controlled by an inducible gene expression system based on bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase. This system allowed an active and selective synthesis of recombinant TGF-beta1. The molecular weight of expressed TGF-alpha1 monomer determined on SDS-polyacrylamide gel under reducing conditions was about 13 kD. Serial detergent washes combined with a single gel-filtration purification step were sufficient to purify the expression product to homogeneity. Amino-terminal sequencing revealed that the N-terminal of the recombinant protein was identical to the published data. In Western blot analysis the recombinant polypeptide showed excellent antigenicity against polyclonal TGF-beta1 antibody. The mature recombinant rat TGF-beta1 expressed in this study provides a useful tool for future detailed structural and functional studies.

Down-regulation of transforming growth factor β1/activin receptor-like kinase 1 pathway gene expression by herbal compound 861 is related to deactivation of LX-2 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of herbal compound 861 (Cpd861) on the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1)/ activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1, type Ⅰ receptor) signaling-pathway-related gene expression in the LX-2 cell line, and the inhibitory mechanism of Cpd861 on the activation of LX-2 cells. METHODS: LX-2 cells were treated with TGFβ1 (5 ng/mL) Cpd861 (0.1 mg/mL), TGFβ1 (5 ng/mL) plus Cpd861 (5 ng/mL) for 24 h to investigate the effect of Cpd861 on the TGFβ1/ALK1 pathway. Real-time PCR was performed to examine the expression of α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin), ALK1, Id1 (inhibitor of differentiation 1). Western blotting was carried out to measure the levels of α-SMA and phosphorylated Smad1, and immunocytochemical analysis for the expression of α-SMA. RESULTS: In LX-2 cells, TGFβ1/ALK1-pathway-related gene expression could be stimulated by TGFβ1, which led to excessive activation of the cells. Cpd861 decreased the activation of LX-2 cells by reducing the expression of α-SMA mRNA and protein expression. This effect was related to inhibition of the above TGFβ1/ALK1-pathway- related expression of genes such as Id1 and ALK1, and phosphorylation of Smad1 in LX-2 cells, even with TGFβ1 co-treatment for 24 h. CONCLUSION: Cpd861 can restrain the activation of LX-2 cells by inhibiting the TGFβ1/ALK1/Smad1 pathway.

Effects of saponin from the seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn on TGF-β1, FN and SOCS-1 in renal tubular epithelial cells under high glucose

Objective:To investigate the effect of saponin from the seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn(SLS)on the growth and apoptosis of human kidney epithelial cells(HKC)cultured in high glucose.Methods:HKC were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 30 mmol/L glucose and treated with or without SLS.In the normal group,isometric DMEM/F12 medium with 5.5mmol/L glucose was added.The secretion of TGF-β1 and fibronectin(FN)were detected by ELISA.Cell apoptosis was detected by the method of Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining.Western blot was used to detect the level of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1(SOCS-1).Results:The result of ELISA showed that the secretion of TGF-β1 and FN was decreased in SLS groups compared with those in 30 mmol/L glucose treated group(P<0.05).There were more cells apoptosis in 30 mmol/L glucose treated group than that in the normal group(P<0.01).Compared with the 30 mmol/L glucose treated group,the apoptosis of HKC were significantly decreased in SLS groups(P<0.01).Western blot showed that the level of SOCS-1 in high glucose+SLS group was decreased(P<0.01),compared with the high glucose group.Conclusion:SLS can reduce the secretion of TGF-β1 and FN in HKC by reducing the deposition of extracellular matrix.SLS also significantly reduced the apoptosis of HKC by inhibiting the level of SOCS-1.These results suggest the roles of SLS in preventing the progress of glomerular sclerosis.

TGF-β_1 inhibits connexin-43 expression in cultured smooth muscle cells of human bladder

Objective: In this research, we studied the TGF-β1 effects on connexin-43 expression in cultured human bladder smooth muscle cells. Methods: Human bladder smooth muscle cells primary cultures, with bladder tissue obtained from patients undergoing cystectomy, were intervened by recombinant human TGF-β1. Connexin-43 expression in human bladder smooth muscle cells was then examined by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Results: Stimulation with TGF-β1 led to significant reduction of connexin-43 immunoreactivity and coupling (P<0.0001). Connexin-43 protein expression was significantly downregulated (P<0.05). Simultaneously, low phosphorylation species of connexin-43 were particularly affected. Conclusion: Our experiments demonstrated a significant downregulation of connexin-43 by TGF-β1 in cultured human bladder smooth muscle cells. These findings support the view that TGF-β1 is involved in the pathophysiology of urinary bladder dysfunction.

Influence of HBcAg in liver cell plasma on expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in liver tissue of low-grade chronic hepatitis B patients

AIM： To study the influence of HBcAg on the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 （TGF-131） in liver tissue of low-grade chronic hepatitis B （CHB） patients. METHODS： The expression of T（3F-β1 and HBcAg in liver samples from 93 low-grade CHB patients was detected by immunohistochemistry and valuated by semi-quantitative scoring. RESULTS： In the 93 low-grade CHB patients, HBcAg was expressed in cell plasma but not in the liver tissue. There was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION： The expression of TGF-β1 is not related with HBcAg expressed as plasma type in the tissues of low-grade CHB patients.

A study on the expressions and the correlation of TGF-β1 and α-SMA in healing process of bile duct trauma

Objective: To explore the formation mechanism of benign biliary stricture. Methods: A model of trauma of common bile duct was established in 28 dogs and then repaired. The anasomosis tissues were taken on the 1st week, 3rd week and the 3rd month, 6th month respectively after operation and examined by using light microscopy and elec-tromicroscopy. Macrophage, TGF-p, and a-SMA were studied immunohistochemically. Results: The mucosal epithelium of common bile duct restored poorly, chronic inflammation lasted for a long time, fibroblasts proliferated actively, extracellular matrix overdeposited; and myofibroblasts functioned actively and existed during the whole healing process. Immunohistochemical test showed a high expression of macrophage, TGF-β1 and a-SMA during healing process lasting a long duration. Macrophages were found in the lamina propria under mucosa, TGF-β1 in the granulation tissue, fibroblasts and endothelial cells of blood vesssels, while a-SMA in the myofiroblasts and smooth muscle tissue. Conclusion: The healing of bile duct is in the mode of overhealing. Myofibroblast is the main cause for contracture of scar and stricture of bile duct. The high expression of macrophage, TGF-β1 and a-SMA is closely related to active proliferation of fibroblasts, extracelluar matrix overdeposition and scar contracture of bile duct.

Effects of Matrine on Adenine-Induced Chronic Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis in Rats

Aim ,To study the mechanism relative to therapeutic effects of matrine on adenine-induced renal interstitial fibrosis in rats. Methods Sixty male Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups： normal control group （NCG） consisted of 8 rats, adenine treated group （ATG） 28 rats, and matrine treated group （MTG） 24 rats. Each rat in ATG and MTG was gavaged with adenine （250 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 ） for 21 d. After gavage with adenine for one week, each rat in MTG was administered intraperitoneally matrine（20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 ） in vehicle （ 1 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride） daily. On days 14, 21, and 28, the serum levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and IL-6 were determined and the rat kidneys of ATG, MTG and NCGwere examined pathologically. Radioimmunoassay for serum IL- 6 immunohistochemical staining for TGF-β1 expression in the kidney and semiquantitative analysis were performed. HE staining for semiquantitative analysis of tubulointerstitial injury. Results The serum levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine in MTG were lower as compare to ATG （ P 〈 0.05 ） whereas serum IL- 6 and renal TGF-β1 expression levels were significantly lower than those in ATG （P 〈0.05 ）, but all these indexes were higher than those in NCG （P 〈 0.01 ）. In MTG, the index of tubulointerstitial lesion was lower than that in ATG （P 〈 0.05 ）. Conclusion Matrine inhibits the renal tubulointerstial fibrosis in the adenine-induced rat model by suppressing serum level of IL-6 and expression of TGF-β1 in the tubulointerstitium.

Effects of interferon-alpha on expression of hepatic stellate cell and transforming growth factor-pi and a-smooth muscle actin in rats with hepatic fibrosis

AIM:To investigate the effect of interferon-a (IFN-α) on preventing or reversing hepatic fibrosis in rat experimental model induced by CCI4. METHODS: One hundred and ten Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: group A (normal controls, n = 18), group B (fibrotic model controls, n = 22), group C (IFN-α prevention, n = 22) initially treated with intramuscular injection of IFN-a in saline daily at the doses of 1× 105 U for 6 wk, group D (IFN-a treatment, n = 24) treated with intra-muscular injection of IFN-a in saline daily at the doses of 1×105 U for 6 wk after the first 6 wk, group E (0.9% sodium chloride treatment control, n = 24) treated with intra-muscular injection of 0.01 mL/kg daily for 6 wk after the first 6 wk. At the end of the experiment, all rats of each group were killed. Samples of the liver obtained by biopsy were subjected to histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies for the expressions of transforming growth factor-pi (TGF- μ41) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). RESULTS: The expressions of TGF-pl, the number of activated hepatic stellate cells and a-SMA in hepatic tissue of group C were significantly less than those of group B (P<0.01). The degree of fibrosis score in group B was also significantly less than that of group C under light microscope (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: IFN-a can inhibit the production of TGF-pl, decrease HSC activation and stimulate its apoptosis.

Attenuation of portal hypertension by natural taurine in rats with liver cirrhosis

AIM： To investigate the inhibitory effect of natural taurine （NTau） on portal hypertension （PHT） in rats with experimentally-induced liver cirrhosis （LC）. METHODS： Experimentally-induced LC Wistar rats （20 rats/group） were treated with either oral saline or oral NTau for 6 consecutive weeks. Evaluation parameters included portal venous pressure （PVP）, portal venous resistance （PVR）, portal venous flow （PVF）, splanchnic vascular resistance （SVR） and mean arterial pressure （NAP）. Vasoactive substance levels including nitric oxide （NO）, nitric oxide synthase （NOS） and cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP） were also measured. Histological investigation of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen （COL Ⅰ and Ⅲ） and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） was also performed. RESULTS： Treatment with NTau （1） significantly decreased PVP, PVR and PVF, and increased MAP and SVP; （2） markedly increased the vascular compliance and reduced the zero-stress of the portal vein; （3） markedly decreased the amount of NO and cGMP and activity of NOS; and （4） improved the pathological status of the liver tissue and reduced the expression of COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ and TGF-β1. CONCLUSION： NTau inhibited the LC-induced PHT by improving hyperdynamic circulation, morphology of liver and biomechanical properties of the portal vein in experimentally-induced LC rats.

Differential phosphorylation of p38 induced by apoptotic and anti-apoptotic stimuli in murine hepatocytes

AIM: To investigate the differential phosphorylation and activation of p38 in hepatocytes by pro-apoptotic Transforming Growth Factor-βi (TGF-β1), pro-survival factors Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and 12-0- tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and the potential mechanisms. METHODS: The phosphorylation and activation of p38 were determined by immunoblotting. Apoptosis was analyzed by morphological staining and observation, FACS analysis of sub-G1 content and DNA fragmentation assay. To quantitatively determine caspase activation, caspase activity assay was performed in vitro. RESULTS: TGF-β1-induced apoptosis was associated with the phosphorylation of p38, and SB202190, a specific inhibitor of p38, which was able to inhibit TGF-β1-induced caspase activation and apoptosis. TPA and EGF also blocked apoptosis induced by TGF-β1. Both of them induced the phosphorylation of p38. The results showed SB202190 had no effect on TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of p38, but effectively inhibited both EGF and TPA-induced phosphorylation of p38. CONCLUSION: Pro-apoptotic TGF-β1, anti-apoptotic TPA and EGF induce the phosphorylation of p38 through different mechanisms that can be distinguished by SB202190. The data suggest that TPA and EGF-induced p38 phosphorylation is through an autophosphorylation-dependent mechanism. Since p38 phosphorylation induced by TGF-β1 plays an important role in caspase activation and apoptosis, TPA and EGF-induced p38 phosphorylation may not be requisite for their anti-apoptotic function.