Myocyte Enhancer Factor-2A Gene Mutation and Coronary Artery Disease

INTRODUCTION Coronary artery disease （CAD） and its clinical manifestations,including myocardial infarction （MI）,are leading causes of death and infirmity worldwide.A variety of environmental and genetic risk factors are associated with CAD,including hypercholesterolemia,hypertension,obesity,diabetes,and a family history of early CAD.

瘢痕疙瘩miR-557和eIF2a的表达及靶向关系研究

目的检测瘢痕疙瘩中微小RNA-557(miR-557)和真核细胞翻译起始因子2a(eIF2a)在病变组织和细胞株中的表达特征,明确两者的靶向关系。方法选择首都医科大学附属北京朝阳医院诊治患者术后的瘢痕疙瘩(n=98)、增生性瘢痕组织(n=49)和正常皮肤组织(n=49)。应用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(qRT-PCR)检测miR-557的表达,应用免疫组化检测eIF2a和Ki-67的表达。分离培养瘢痕疙瘩组织中的成纤维细胞,应用双荧光素酶报告基因实验观察miR-57与eIF2a的靶向关系。结果瘢痕疙瘩中miR-557的表达量明显低于增生性瘢痕组织和正常皮肤组织(P<0.05),瘢痕疙瘩中eIF2a表达的阳性率明显高于增生性瘢痕组织和正常皮肤组织(P<0.05),miR-557和eIF2a在不同病变最大径、不同增殖指数和有无伴随症状中的比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。瘢痕疙瘩中miR-557与eIF2a呈负相关性(r=-0.69,P=0.016)。双荧光素酶报告基因实验显示miR-557与eIF2a具有靶向关系。结论miR-557在瘢痕疙瘩中的表达下降,eIF2a的表达升高,均与临床及组织病理特征有关,miR-557与eIF2a具有靶向负调控关系。

Keratinocyte growth factor-2 and autologous serum potentiate the regenerative effect of mesenchymal stem cells in cornea damage in rats

AIM:To investigate the healing process after severe corneal epithelial damage in rats treated with mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)cultured with or without keratinocyte growth factor(KGF-2)and autologous serum(AS)on amniotic membrane(AM).Many patients are blind and devastated by severe ocular surface diseases due to limbal stem cell deficiency.Bone marrow-derived MSCs are potential sources for cellbased tissue engineering to repair or replace the corneal tissue,having the potential to differentiate to epithelial cells.METHODS:The study included 5 groups each including 10 female'Sprague Dawley'rats in addition to20 male rats used as bone marrow donors.Group I rats received AM+MSCs,Group II rats AM+MSCs cultured with KGF-2,Group III rats AM+MSCs cultured with KGF-2+AS,Group IV rats only AM and Group V rats,none.AS was derived from blood drawn from male rats and bone marrow was obtained from the femur and tibia bones of the same animals.Therapeutic effect was evaluated with clinical,histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment.MSC engraftment was demonstrated via detection of donor genotype(Y+)in the recipient tissue(X)with polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:Corneal healing was significantly better in Groups I-III rats treated with MSC transplantation compared to Group IV and Group V rats with supportive treatment only.The best results were obtained in Group III rats with 90%transparency,70%lack of neovascularization,and 100%epithelium damage limited to less than 1/4 of cornea.CONCLUSION:We suggest that culture of MSCs with KGF-2 and AS on AM is effective in corneal repair in case of irreversible damage to limbal stem cells.

Neuroprotective effects of insulin-like growth factor-2 in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced cellular and mouse models of Parkinson’s disease

Skin-derived precursor Schwann cells have been reported to play a protective role in the central nervous system. The neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells may be attributable to the release of growth factors that nourish host cells. In this study, we first established a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease using 6-hydroxydopamine. When SH-SY5 Y cells were pretreated with conditioned medium from skin-derived precursor Schwann cells, their activity was greatly increased. The addition of insulin-like growth factor-2 neutralizing antibody markedly attenuated the neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells. We also found that insulin-like growth factor-2 levels in the peripheral blood were greatly increased in patients with Parkinson’s disease and in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Next, we pretreated cell models of Parkinson’s disease with insulin-like growth factor-2 and administered insulin-like growth factor-2 intranasally to a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease induced by 6-hydroxydopamine and found that the level of tyrosine hydroxylase, a marker of dopamine neurons, was markedly restored, α-synuclein aggregation decreased, and insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor downregulation was alleviated. Finally, in vitro experiments showed that insulin-like growth factor-2 activated the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3 K)/AKT pathway. These findings suggest that the neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells on the central nervous system were achieved through insulinlike growth factor-2, and that insulin-like growth factor-2 may play a neuroprotective role through the insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor/PI3 K/AKT pathway. Therefore, insulin-like growth factor-2 may be an useful target for Parkinson’s disease treatment.

Celastrol inhibits migration, proliferation and transforming growth factor-β2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lens epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of celastrol in inhibiting lens epithelial cells(LECs) fibrosis, which is the pathological basis of cataract.METHODS: Human LEC line SRA01/04 was treated with celastrol and transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2). Wound-healing assay, proliferation assay, flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR), Western blot and immunocytochemical staining were used to detect the pathological changes of celastrol on LECs. Then, we cultured Sprague-Dawley rat lens in medium as a semi-in vivo model to find the function of celastrol further.RESULTS: We found that celastrol inhibited the migration of LECs, as well as proliferation(P<0.05). In addition, it induced the G2/M phase arrest by cell cyclerelated proteins(P<0.01). Moreover, celastrol inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) by the blockade of TGF-β/Smad and Jagged/Notch signaling pathways.CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that celastrol could inhibit TGF-β2-induced lens fibrosis and raises the possibility that celastrol could be a potential novel drug in prevention and treatment of fibrotic cataract.

Changes of Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-2 Response to Negative Symptom Improvements in Schizophrenia Patients Treated with Atypical Antipsychotics

Accumulating evidence suggests that a disruption of early brain development,in which insulin-like growth factor-2(IGF-2)has a crucial role,may underlie the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.Our previous study has shown that decreased serum IGF-2 was correlated with the severity of psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia.Here we conducted a prospective observation trial to investigate the effects of atypical antipsychotics on serum IGF-2 level and its relationship with clinical improvements in schizophrenia patients.Thirty-one schizophrenia patients with acute exacerbation and 30 healthy individuals were recruited in this study.Psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)and serum IGF-2 levels were determined using ELISA.We found that schizophrenia patients with acute exacerbation had lower serum IGF-2 levels than control individuals at baseline(P<0.05).After 2 months of atypical antipsychotic treatment,a significant improvement in each PANSS subscore and total score was observed in patients(all P<0.01),and the serum IGF-2 levels of patients were significantly increased compared with those at baseline(203.13±64.62 vs.426.99±124.26 ng/mL;t=−5.044,P<0.001).Correlation analysis revealed that the changes of serum IGF-2 levels in patients were significantly correlated with the improvements of negative symptoms(r=−0.522,P=0.006).Collectively,our findings demonstrated changes of serum IGF-2 response to improvements of negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics,suggesting that serum IGF-2 might be a treatment biomarker for schizophrenia.

Cross-talk between microRNA-let7c and transforming growth factor-β2 during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells

AIM: To explore the roles of microRNA-let7 c(miR-let7 c) and transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2) and cellular signaling during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS: Retinal pigment epithelial(ARPE-19) cells were cultured with no serum for 12 h, and then with recombinant human TGF-β2 for different lengths of time. ARPE-19 cells were transfected with 1×106 TU/mL miR-let7 c mimcs(miR-let7 cM), miR-let7 c mimcs negative control(miR-let7cMNC) and miR-let7 c inhibitor(miR-let7 cI) using the transfection reagent. The expression of keratin-18, vimentin, N-cadherin, IKB alpha, p65 were detected by Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The expression of miR-let7c was dramatically reduced and the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway was activated after induction by TGF-β2(P<0.05). In turn, overexpressed miR-let7 c significantly inhibited TGF-β2-induced EMT(P<0.05). However, miR-let7 c was unable to inhibit TGF-β2-induced EMT when the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited by BAY11-7082(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The miR-let7 c regulates TGF-β2-induced EMT through the NF-κB signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells.

Glycosylation-independent binding to extracellular domains 11-13 of mannose-6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor mediates the effects of soluble CREG on the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

Background The present study aimed to investigate the detailed mode and specific sites for their binding as well as the functional relevance of this binding in the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(SMCs). Methods CREG knocked-down SMCs were employed to evaluate the biological activity of wtCREG and mCREG.Expressions of SMC differentiation markers SM myosin heavy chain(SM-MHC),SM-actin,heavy caldesmon and myocardin were determined by Western blotting using specific antibodies. Cellular growth of SMCs was assessed by bromide dewuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell cycle analysis on fluorescence-activated cell sorting(FACS).A solid-phase binding assay was used to study the binding of CREG to extracellular domains of M6P/IGF2R.The cellular co-localization of the two recombinant CREGs with M6P/IGF2R was detected on SMC surface by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analysis.Results The molecular weight of wtCREG was around 30 kD while that of the mCREG was～25 kD.Treatment of wtCREG with PNGase F reduced its molecular weight from～30 kD to～25 kD,whereas PNGase F treatment had no effect on the molecular weight of mCREG.Both wtCREG and mCREG proteins enhanced SMC differentiation,inhibited BrdU incorporation,and arrested cell cycle progression when added to the culture medium.In CREG knocked-down SMCs,the amount of CREG detected by immunoblotting in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates was significantly reduced when compared to normal cells.Both recombinant CREGs co-immunoprecipitated with M6P/IGF2R, although slightly reduced amount of the mutant CREG was detected in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates.Immunostaining revealed that His-tagged CREGs co-localized with IGF2R on the cell surface in a glycosylation-independent manner.In vitro binding assay showed that CREGs bound to M6P/ IGF2R extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 in a glycosylation -dependent and -independent manner,respectively.Further blocking experiments using soluble M6P/IGF2R fragments and M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody indicated that the biological activities of recombinant CREGs in SMC growth and the up-regulation of SMC differentiation markers were all abolished by treatment with the M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody. However,although the growth inhibitory effect of wtCREG was nearly abolished by D7-10 or D11-13,the effect of mCREG was only reversed by Dll-13,indicating that the binding to domains 11-13 is required for CREG to modulate the proliferation of SMCs.Conclusions These data suggest that solubleCREG proteins can exert their biological function via binding to the extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 of cell surface M6P/IGF2R in both a glycosylation-dependent and -independent manner.

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.

The effect of keratinocyte growth factor-2(KGF-2) on the proliferation of human keratinocytes

Objective;In vitro studies have shown that KGF-2 has a proliferative effect on neonatal foreskin kerati-nocytes.Cells from adult donors have been shown to respond to KGF-1 to a lesser degree than neonatal keratino-cytes.The purpose of the study was to investigate the proliferative effect of KGF-2 on keratinocytes from an adultsubject.Methods;Standard medium was Keratinocyte Growth Medium without BPE,hydrocortisone and EGF.Ke-ratinocytes cultured from a 48-year-old subject were seeded at 2 10~4 in 32 mm ...

Expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 protein in the hippocampus in rats exhibiting chronic stress-induced depression

There is evidence that the expression of members of the fibroblast growth factor （FGF） protein family is altered in post-mortem brains of humans suffering from major depressive disorder. The present study examined whether the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 （FGF2） and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 （FGFR1） protein is altered following chronic stress in an animal model. Rats were exposed to 35 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress, and then tested using open-field and sucrose consumption tests. Compared with the control group, rats in the chronic stress group exhibited obvious depressive-like behaviors, including anhedonia, anxiety and decreased mobility. The results of western blot analysis and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a downregulation of the expression of FGF2 and FGFR1 in the hippocampus of rats, particularly in the CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus. This decreased expression is in accord with the results of post-mortem studies in humans with major depressive disorder. These findings suggest that FGF2 and FGFR1 proteins participate in the pathophysiology of depressive-like behavior, and may play an important role in the mechanism of chronic stress-induced depression.

RNA interference affects tumorigenicity and expression of insulin-like growth factor-1,insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor,and basic fibroblast growth factor-2 in rat C6 glioma cells

BACKGROUND： Human gliomas are more likely to express basic fibroblast growth factor-2 （FGF-2） insulin-like growth factor-1（IGF-1）, and IGF-1 receptor （IGF-1R） than normal brain tissue. These factors activate signal transduction systems of Ras/MAPK and PI3K/Akl, which promote glioma growth. OBJECTIVE： To utilize RNA interference （RNAi） technique to down-regulate FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R gene expression, and to investigate the effects of these genes on rat C6 glioma cells, as well as the feasibility of RNAi for treating glioma. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This neurooncological, randomized, controlled, in vivo and in vitro experiment, which used RNAi methodology, was performed at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences between August 2005 and February 2008. MATERIALS： Rat C6 cell lines were purchased from Shanghai Institute of Cellular Biology Affiliated to Chinese Academy of Sciences. Small interfering RNA （siRNA） was synthesized by Shanghai GenePharma. Anti-IGF-1, anti-IGF-1R, anti-FGF-2, anti-mouse and anti-rabbit IgG G1-HRP antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA. Four to six week-old BALB/c nude mice were purchased from the Laboratory Animal Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences. METHODS： C6 glioma cells were transfected with siRNA, which was chemically synthesized in vitro to correspond to endogenous FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R genes. The inhibition ratio of targeting mRNA expression was detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR, and protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. C6 glioma cell proliferation was observed using a growth curve C6 glioma cell apoptosis rate and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. C6 glioma cell growth regression was observed by transwell migration assay. In addition, nude mouse subcutaneous tumor models were used in this study. For studying the anti-tumor effects of IGF-1 and IGF-1R siRNA, two blank control groups, with six mice each, were set up： A （2.5 μg siRNA was injected one week after C6 cells were inoculated, Le., when tumor volume reached 8 mm × 8 mm） and B （siRNA was injected at the same time with C6 cells were inoculated. To study the effects of FGF-2 siRNA, the groups consisted of a blank control group, negative control group, 2.6 μg siRNA group, 4 μg siRNA group, and 5.3 μg siRNA group, with six mice each. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： mRNA and protein inhibition ratio of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1 R; C6 glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle growth arrest; C6 glioma cell growth regression and subcutaneous tumorigenicity rates. RESULTS： All siRNA constructs proved to be effective. After 48 hours, transfection of 200 nmol/L siRNA resulted in a FGF-2 or IGF-1R gene inhibition ratio 〉 80% and an IGF-1 gene inhibition ratio of approximately 70%. Protein expression levels for FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R decreased in a dose-dependent manner following siRNA transfection, with an inhibition rate 〉 85%, 60%, and 50%, respectively. C6 glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis rates increased in proportion to siRNA. The apoptosis rate of C6 glioma cells induced by FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R siRNA was 39.96%, 15.07% and 22.47%, respectively （P 〈 0.01）. Transfection of 200 nmol/L IGF or IGF-1R siRNA for 48 hours suppressed C6 glioma cell migration. At 30 days after intratumoral injection of 2.6, 4, and 5.3 tJg FGF-2 siRNA, tumor growth regression rate of FGF-2 siRNA was 56%, 67%, and 86%, respectively. The tumor growth regression rate was 71.88% and 45.71%, respectively, when IGF-1 or IGF-1R siRNA was intratumorally injected 1 week after C6 glioma cell transplantation. When IGF-1 or IGF-1 R siRNA was intratumorally injected during C6 glioma cell transplantation, the tumor growth regression rate was 78.13% and 74.29%, respectively. CONCLUSION： siRNA transfection downregulated gene expression of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R In addition, siRNA treatment markedly suppressed glioma cell proliferation, growth, and migration, and concomitantly reduced subcutaneous tumorigenicity.

Chimeric oncogenic interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF-2): Degradation products are biologically active

Interferon Regulatory Factor-2 (IRF-2) belongs to IRF family, was identified as a mammalian transcription factor involved in Interferon beta (IFNβ) gene regulation. Besides that IRF-2 is involved in immunomodulation, hematopoietic differentiation, cell cycle regulation and oncogenesis. We have done molecular sub-cloning and expression of recombinant murine IRF-2 as GST (Glutathione-S-Transferase)- IRF-2 fusion protein in E. coli/XL-1blue cells. Recombinant IRF-2 with GST moiety at N-terminus expressed as GST-IRF-2 (~66 kd) in E. coli along with different low molecular mass degradation products revealed approximately 30, 42, 60 and 62 kd by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, respectively. We further confirm that degradation takes place at C-terminus of the fusion protein not at N-terminus as anti-GST antibody was detecting all bands in the immunoblot. The recombinant IRF-2 was biologically active along with their degradation products in terms of their DNA binding activity as assessed by Electrophoretically Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). We observed three different molecular mass DNA/protein complexes (1 - 3) with Virus Response Element (VRE) derived from human Interferon IFNβ gene and five different molecular mass complexes (1 - 5) with IRF-E motif (GAAAGT)4 in EMSA gel. GST only expressed from empty vector did not bind to these DNA elements. To confirm that the binding is specific, all complexes were competed out completely when challenged with 100-X fold molar excess of IRF-E oligo under cold competition. It means degradation products along with full-length protein are able to interact with VREβ as well as IRF-E motif. This means degradation products may regulate the target gene (s) activation/repression via interacting with VRE/IRF-E.

Unveiling the role of hypoxia-inducible factor 2alpha in osteoporosis:Implications for bone health

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis(OP)has become a major public health problem worldwide.Most OP treatments are based on the inhibition of bone resorption,and it is necessary to identify additional treatments aimed at enhancing osteogenesis.In the bone marrow(BM)niche,bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)are exposed to a hypoxic environment.Recently,a few studies have demonstrated that hypoxiainducible factor 2alpha(HIF-2α)is involved in BMSC osteogenic differentiation,but the molecular mechanism involved has not been determined.AIM To investigate the effect of HIF-2αon the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs and the hematopoietic function of hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs)in the BM niche on the progression of OP.METHODS Mice with BMSC-specific HIF-2αknockout(Prx1-Cre;Hif-2αfl/fl mice)were used for in vivo experiments.Bone quantification was performed on mice of two genotypes with three interventions:Bilateral ovariectomy,semilethal irradiation,and dexamethasone treatment.Moreover,the hematopoietic function of HSCs in the BM niche was compared between the two mouse genotypes.In vitro,the HIF-2αagonist roxadustat and the HIF-2αinhibitor PT2399 were used to investigate the function of HIF-2αin BMSC osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.Finally,we investigated the effect of HIF-2αon BMSCs via treatment with the mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR)agonist MHY1485 and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin.RESULTS The quantitative index determined by microcomputed tomography indicated that the femoral bone density of Prx1-Cre;Hif-2αfl/fl mice was lower than that of Hif-2αfl/fl mice under the three intervention conditions.In vitro,Hif-2αfl/fl mouse BMSCs were cultured and treated with the HIF-2αagonist roxadustat,and after 7 d of BMSC adipogenic differentiation,the oil red O staining intensity and mRNA expression levels of adipogenesis-related genes in BMSCs treated with roxadustat were decreased;in addition,after 14 d of osteogenic differentiation,BMSCs treated with roxadustat exhibited increased expression of osteogenesis-related genes.The opposite effects were shown for mouse BMSCs treated with the HIF-2αinhibitor PT2399.The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin was used to confirm that HIF-2αregulated BMSC osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation by inhibiting the mTOR pathway.Consequently,there was no significant difference in the hematopoietic function of HSCs between Prx1-Cre;Hif-2αfl/fl and Hif-2αfl/fl mice.CONCLUSION Our study showed that inhibition of HIF-2αdecreases bone mass by inhibiting the osteogenic differentiation and increasing the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs through inhibition of mTOR signaling in the BM niche.

X-Paste improves wound healing in diabetes via NF-E2-related factor/HO-1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcers(DFU),as severe complications of diabetes mellitus(DM),significantly compromise patient health and carry risks of amputation and mortality.AIM To offer new insights into the occurrence and development of DFU,focusing on the therapeutic mechanisms of X-Paste(XP)of wound healing in diabetic mice.METHODS Employing traditional Chinese medicine ointment preparation methods,XP combines various medicinal ingredients.High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)identified XP’s main components.Using streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic,we aimed to investigate whether XP participated in the process of diabetic wound healing.RNA-sequencing analyzed gene expression differences between XP-treated and control groups.Molecular docking clarified XP’s treatment mechanisms for diabetic wound healing.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were used to investigate the effects of Andrographolide(Andro)on cell viability,reactive oxygen species generation,apoptosis,proliferation,and metastasis in vitro following exposure to high glucose(HG),while NF-E2-related factor-2(Nrf2)knockdown elucidated Andro’s molecular mechanisms.RESULTS XP notably enhanced wound healing in mice,expediting the healing process.RNA-sequencing revealed Nrf2 upregulation in DM tissues following XP treatment.HPLC identified 21 primary XP components,with Andro exhibiting strong Nrf2 binding.Andro mitigated HG-induced HUVECs proliferation,metastasis,angiogenic injury,and inflammation inhibition.Andro alleviates HG-induced HUVECs damage through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation,with Nrf2 knockdown reducing Andro’s proliferative and endothelial protective effects.CONCLUSION XP significantly promotes wound healing in STZ-induced diabetic models.As XP’s key component,Andro activates the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,enhancing cell proliferation,tubule formation,and inflammation reduction.

肝细胞肝癌组织中WDR4和EIF2A的表达及临床预后价值

目的探讨肝细胞肝癌(HCC)组织中WD重复结构域4(WDR4)、真核翻译起始因子2A(EIF2A)的表达情况及临床预后意义。方法收集2019年1月—2020年1月南京大学医学院附属金陵医院收治的90例HCC患者的临床资料。利用R语言(4.2.1版本)分析癌症基因组图谱(TCGA)数据库下载的327对HCC癌组织和癌旁组织中WDR4 mRNA、EIF2A mRNA表达的转录组测序数据。免疫组织化学检测HCC癌组织、癌旁组织中WDR4、EIF2A表达。分析HCC癌组织WDR4、EIF2A表达与临床病理特征的关系。Kaplan-Meier法分析WDR4、EIF2A表达对HCC患者预后的影响。Cox回归模型分析HCC预后的影响因素。结果HCC癌组织WDR4 mR-NA、EIF2A mRNA表达高于癌旁组织,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。HCC癌组织中WDR4、EIF2A表达阳性率高于癌旁组织,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。HCC癌组织WDR4 mRNA与EIF2A mRNA表达呈正相关(r=0.404,P<0.001)。HCC癌组织中WDR4蛋白与EIF2A蛋白表达呈正相关(r=0.667,P<0.05)。肿瘤最大径>5 cm、TNM分期Ⅲ期及浸润型HCC癌组织中WDR4、EIF2A阳性率分别高于肿瘤最大径≤5 cm、TNM分期Ⅰ-Ⅱ期及非浸润型癌组织,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。WDR4阳性组3年累积生存率明显低于WDR4阴性组,差异有统计学意义(P=0.016)。EIF2A阳性组3年累积生存率明显低于EIF2A阴性组,差异有统计学意义(P=0.022)。肿瘤TNM分期Ⅲ期、肿瘤最大径>5 cm、WDR4阳性、EIF2A阳性是HCC患者不良预后的独立危险因素。结论HCC组织中WDR4、EIF2A表达升高,两者与HCC不良临床病理特征有关,是评估HCC预后的肿瘤标志物。

Bone morphogenetic protein-6 suppresses TGF-β_(2)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in retinal pigment epithelium

AIM:To evaluate the effect of bone morphogenetic protein-6(BMP-6)on transforming growth factor(TGF)-β_(2)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in retinal pigment epithelium(RPE).METHODS:Adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line(ARPE-19)were randomly divided into control,TGF-β_(2)(5μg/L),and BMP-6 small interfering RNA(siRNA)group.The cell morphology was observed by microscopy,and the cell migration ability were detected by Transwell chamber.The EMT-related indexes and BMP-6 protein levels were detected by Western blotting.Furthermore,a BMP-6 overexpression plasmid was constructed and RPE cells were divided into the control group,TGF-β_(2)+empty plasmid group,BMP-6 overexpression group,and TGF-β_(2)+BMP-6 overexpression group.The EMT-related indexes and extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)protein levels were detected.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the migration of RPE cells in the TGF-β_(2) group was significantly enhanced.TGF-β_(2) increased the protein expression levels ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin and vimentin but significantly decreased the protein levels of E-cadherin and BMP-6(P<0.05)in RPE.Similarly,the migration of RPE cells in the BMP-6 siRNA group was also significantly enhanced.BMP-6 siRNA increased the protein expression levels ofα-SMA,fibronectin and vimentin but significantly decreased the protein expression levels of E-cadherin(P<0.05).Overexpression of BMP-6 inhibited the migration of RPE cells induced by TGF-β_(2) and prevented TGF-β_(2) from affecting EMT-related biomarkers(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:BMP-6 prevents the EMT in RPE cells induced by TGF-β_(2),which may provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

口腔癌患者癌组织KLF5和KDM2A表达与临床病理特征及预后的关系

目的探讨口腔癌患者癌组织Krüppel样因子5(KLF5)、赖氨酸去甲基化酶2A(KDM2A)表达与临床病理特征及预后的关系。方法回顾性收集2015年1月至2018年1月在自贡市第一人民医院进行手术治疗的80例口腔癌患者癌组织作为研究对象,另选取正常癌旁组织作为对照。采用免疫组织化学染色法检测口腔癌患者癌组织及癌旁组织KLF5和KDM2A表达情况,并采用Spearman相关性分析癌组织KLF5和KDM2A表达的相关性。收集口腔癌患者临床病理特征资料,分析癌组织KLF5和KDM2A表达情况与患者临床病理特征的关系,以及经多因素Cox回归分析口腔癌患者预后的影响因素,并进一步采用Kaplan-Meier法分析KLF5和KDM2A表达情况与口腔癌患者预后的关系。结果口腔癌患者癌组织KDM2A和KLF5高表达率显著高于癌旁组织KDM2A和KLF5高表达率,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Spearman相关性分析结果显示,口腔癌患者癌组织KLF5和KDM2A表达呈正相关(r=0.375,P<0.05)。口腔癌患者KLF5和KDM2A表达与TNM分期、临床分期、有无淋巴结转移、有无局部浸润和分化程度有关(P<0.05)。多因素Cox回归分析结果显示,KLF5、KDM2A表达水平、TNM分期、淋巴结转移、局部浸润和分化程度均为口腔癌患者预后不良的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。癌组织KLF5、KDM2A高表达患者5年生存率[依次为38.88%(21/54)、42.37%(25/59)],均低于癌组织KLF5、KDM2A低表达患者5年生存率[依次为65.38%(17/26)、61.90%(13/21)],差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=6.554、4.046,P<0.05)。结论口腔癌患者癌组织KLF5和KDM2A呈高表达且影响患者预后。

血管紧张素-(1-7)/血管紧张素-Ⅱ通过调节Nrf2/HO-1通路在糖尿病肾脏缺血再灌注损伤中的作用及机制

目的探讨血管紧张素-(1-7)/血管紧张素-Ⅱ[Ang-(1-7)/Ang-Ⅱ]调节NF-E2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/血红素氧合酶1(HO-1)通路在糖尿病肾脏缺血再灌注损伤中的作用及机制。方法 60只成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常假手术组(Sham组)、正常缺血再灌注组(IR组)、糖尿病假手术组(DS组)、糖尿病缺血再灌注组(DIR组),每组各15只。检测血尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(Cr)和中性粒细胞明胶酶相关载脂蛋白(NGAL),观察肾脏病理学改变,检测肾组织超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量,Western blot检测Ang-(1-7)和Ang-Ⅱ蛋白以及Nrf2和HO-1蛋白表达。结果 Ang-(1-7)蛋白在DS组中表达较Sham组增加(P<0.05),在IR组中表达较Sham组减少(P<0.05),而在DIR组中较IR组进一步减少(P<0.05)。IR组和DS组中Ang-Ⅱ蛋白表达显著高于Sham组(P<0.05),而DIR组中Ang-Ⅱ蛋白表达进一步增高(P<0.05)。IR组和DS组中Nrf2和HO-1蛋白表达显著高于Sham组(P<0.05),而DIR组中Nrf2和HO-1蛋白表达较IR组和DS组降低(P<0.05)。与Sham组比较,IR组和DS组中肾脏损伤程度显著增高(P<0.05),血清BUN、Cr和NGAL水平、肾脏组织MDA含量明显升高而SOD活性显著降低(P<0.05)。与IR组和DS组比较,DIR组中肾脏损伤程度进一步增高(P<0.05),血清BUN、Cr和NGAL水平、肾脏组织MDA含量明显增高,而SOD活性明显降低(P<0.05)。结论缺血再灌注可能通过抑制Ang-(1-7),激活Ang-Ⅱ,下调Nrf2/HO-1通路的抗氧化应激能力,加重了糖尿病肾脏的损伤。

MEF2A基因CAG三联核苷酸重复序列与冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病的相关研究

目的 检测我国汉族人群中肌细胞增强因子2A（MEF2A）基因CAG三联核苷酸重复序列的多态性分布，调查MEF2A基因CAG三联核苷酸重复序列的多态与冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病发生的相关性。方法 用聚合酶链反应．单链构象多态性和（或）聚合酶链反应产物直接测序法对257例冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病阳性病例、154例冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病阴性对照及232例健康体检者的MEF2A基因编码区和5’非翻译区进行全基因扫描，并用病例-对照方法研究了CAG等位基因与冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病发生的相关性。结果 在我国汉族人群中，MEF2A基因第11号外显子中CAG三联核苷酸重复单元的个体携带数目从4～15个不等，存在CAG三联核苷酸的多态分布，4～8个CAG的等位基因与冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病的易感性显著相关（P=0.0057，OR=2．73，95％CI：1．25～6．15）.结论 MEF2A基因第11号外显子4-8个CAG的等位基因可能与我国汉族人群冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病发生相关，提示MEF2A基因第11号外显子4-8个CAG的等位基因可能是冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病的易患因素.