Effects of Serum Concentration, Synchronization Time and Confluence on the Cell-Cycle Synchronization Efficiency of Goat Fibroblasts

This study aims to evaluate the effect of serum concentration, synchronization time, and confluence degree on the synchronisation efficiency of goat fibroblast cycle. The results indicated that there was no difference in the percentage of nucleated fibroblasts in the G0/G1 stage between serum concentrations of 0.3% and 0.4% (83.89% and 82.69%, respectively, P > 0.05) as well as between serum concentrations of 0.2% and 0.5% (76.95% and 75.46%, respectively, P > 0.05). The percentage of nucleated fibroblasts in the G0/G1 stage was highest at the concentration of 0.3% and lowest in the control group (83.89% vs. 62.67%, P 0.05). The beneficial effect of high confluence was confirmed by the large percentage of nucleated fibroblasts at the G0/G1 stage. The 60% confluency was significantly lower than the 80% and 100% confluency (73.44%, 86.63%, and 87.17%, respectively, P < 0.05). The results indicate that the goat fibroblast cycle synchronization is the most effective at the serum concentration of 0.3%, 72 hours of synchronization and 100% confluency.

The Combined Effect of Lumenato and Ceramide in the Protection of Collagen Damage Induced by Neutrophils in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Introduction: Collagen is the primary structural protein fibroblasts produce in the skin’s extracellular matrix. Infiltration of neutrophils into the epidermis and dermis by exposure to UV causes collagen damage and contributes to photoaging. Methods: To study the combined effect of Lumenato and ceramide in preventing collagen-1 damage induced by phagocytes, we used co-cultures of normal human dermal fibroblasts (fibroblasts) and activated human neutrophils. The present study aimed to determine the protective effect of the combination of Lumenato and ceramide on fibroblast collagen-1 damage induced by neutrophils. Results: Lumenato (in the range of 6.5 - 208 μg/ml) or ceramide (in the range of 0.1 - 50 μM) inhibited the production of superoxides and MPO by TNFα-stimulated neutrophils, as well as the production of NO by LPS-stimulated macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. The combinations of Lumenato and ceramide, in low concentrations, caused synergistic prevention of fibroblasts’ collagen-1 damage induced by TNFα-activated neutrophils, detected by fluorescence immunostaining and WB analysis. MPO activity in the supernatants of the co-cultures was also synergistically inhibited. Adding Lumenato or ceramide singly or in combinations in these low concentrations to the fibroblast cultures did not affect the expression of collagen-1. The combinations of Lumenato or ceramide in these concentrations also caused a synergistic inhibition of NO production by activated macrophages. Conclusions: The results suggest that combining low concentrations of Lumenato and ceramide results in synergistic protection against fibroblasts’ collagen-1 damage induced by neutrophils, thus indicating their possible potential for enhanced skin health.

Lysine demethylase 5B transcriptionally regulates TREM1 in human cardiac fibroblasts

Background:A differential gene,triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1(TREM1),was identified in blood sequencing datasets from myocardial infarction patients and healthy controls.Myocardialfibrosis following myocardial infarction significantly contributes to cardiac dysfunction.Objectives:This study aimed to unveil the intrinsic regulatory mechanism of TREM1 in myocardialfibrosis.Methods:Mimicking pathology by angiotensin II(Ang II)treatment of human cardiacfibroblasts(HCFs),the impacts of TREM1 knockdown on its proliferation,migration,and secretion of the pro-fibrotic matrix were identified.Using the Human Transcription Factor Database(HumanTFDB)website,lysine-specific demethylase 5B(KDM5B)was found to bind to the TREM1 promoter,which was further validated through luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP).By promoting KDM5B overexpression,its effect on the regulation of TREM1 was examined.Results:TREM1 knockdown suppressed the proliferation,migration,and secretion of the pro-fibrotic matrix in HCFs upon Ang II treatment.KDM5B bound to the TREM1 promoter and upregulated its transcriptional expression.Furthermore,KDM5B overexpression reversed the regulation of the above cellular phenotypes by TREM1 knockdown.Conclusion:This study sheds light on the positive regulation of TREM1 by KDM5B,demonstrating their role in promoting myocardialfibrosis.Thisfinding provides a theoretical foundation for understanding disease pathology and potentially advancing the development of new targeted therapies.

Resveratrol inhibits pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis by depleting senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer,a formidable gastrointestinal neoplasm,is characterized by its insidious onset,rapid progression,and resistance to treatment,which often lead to a grim prognosis.While the complex pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer is well recognized,recent attention has focused on the oncogenic roles of senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts.However,their precise role in pancreatic cancer remains unknown.Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol known for its multifaceted biological actions,including antioxidative and neuroprotective properties,as well as its potential to inhibit tumor proliferation and migration.Our current investigation builds on prior research and reveals the remarkable ability of resveratrol to inhibit pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis.AIM To explore the potential of resveratrol in inhibiting pancreatic cancer by targeting senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts.METHODS Immunofluorescence staining of pancreatic cancer tissues revealed prominent coexpression ofα-SMA and p16.HP-1 expression was determined using immunohistochemistry.Cells were treated with the senescence-inducing factors known as 3CKs.Long-term growth assays confirmed that 3CKs significantly decreased the CAF growth rate.Western blotting was conducted to assess the expression levels of p16 and p21.Immunofluorescence was performed to assess LaminB1 expression.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the levels of several senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors,including IL-4,IL-6,IL-8,IL-13,MMP-2,MMP-9,CXCL1,and CXCL12.A scratch assay was used to assess the migratory capacity of the cells,whereas Transwell assays were used to evaluate their invasive potential.RESULTS Specifically,we identified the presence of senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts within pancreatic cancer tissues,linking their abundance to cancer progression.Intriguingly,Resveratrol effectively eradicated these fibroblasts and hindered their senescence,which consequently impeded pancreatic cancer progression.CONCLUSION This groundbreaking discovery reinforces Resveratrol's stature as a potential antitumor agent and positions senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts as pivotal contenders in future therapeutic strategies against pancreatic cancer.

CRABP2 regulates infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune response in melanoma

Finding biomarkers for immunotherapy is an urgent issue in cancer treatment.Cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2(CRABP2)is a controversial factor in the occurrence and development of human tumors.However,there is limited research on the relationship between CRABP2 and immunotherapy response.This study found that negative correlations of CRABP2 and immune checkpoint markers(PD-1,PD-L1,and CTLA-4)were observed in breast invasive carcinoma(BRCA),skin cutaneous melanoma(SKCM),stomach adenocarcinoma(STAD)and testicular germ cell tumors(TGCT).In particular,in SKCM patients who were treated with PD-1 inhibitors,high levels of CRABP2 predicted poor prognosis.Additionally,CRABP2 expression was elevated in cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)at the single-cell level.The expression of CRABP2 was positively correlated with markers of CAFs,such as MFAP5,PDPN,ITGA11,PDGFRα/βand THY1 in SKCM.To validate the tumor-promoting effect of CRABP2 in vivo,SKCM xenograft mice models with CRABP2 overexpression have been constructed.These models showed an increase in tumor weight and volume.Enrichment analysis indicated that CRABP2 may be involved in immunerelated pathways of SKCM,such as extracellular matrix(ECM)receptor interaction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).The study suggests that CRABP2 may regulate immunotherapy in SKCM patients by influencing infiltration of CAFs.In conclusion,this study provides new insights into the role of CRABP2 in immunotherapy response.The findings suggest that CRABP2 may be a promising biomarker for PD-1 inhibitors in SKCM patients.Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the clinical implications of CRABP2 in immunotherapy.

Impact of STAT-signaling pathway on cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer and its role in immunosuppression

Colorectal cancer(CRC)remains one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadliest types of cancer worldwide.CRC displays a desmoplastic reaction(DR)that has been inversely associated with poor prognosis;less DR is associated with a better prognosis.This reaction generates excessive connective tissue,in which cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)are critical cells that form a part of the tumor microenvironment.CAFs are directly involved in tumorigenesis through different mechanisms.However,their role in immunosuppression in CRC is not well understood,and the precise role of signal transducers and activators of transcription(STATs)in mediating CAF activity in CRC remains unclear.Among the myriad chemical and biological factors that affect CAFs,different cytokines mediate their function by activating STAT signaling pathways.Thus,the harmful effects of CAFs in favoring tumor growth and invasion may be modulated using STAT inhibitors.Here,we analyze the impact of different STATs on CAF activity and their immunoregulatory role.

In vitro antioxidant and wound healing activity of Sargassum polycystum hydroethanolic extract in fibroblasts and keratinocytes

Objective:To investigate the in vitro antioxidant and wound healing properties of the hydroethanolic extract of Sargassum polycystum,and elucidate the mechanism of its wound healing activity.Methods:Human dermal fibroblast and HaCaT cells were used to evaluate the proliferation by sulforhodamine B and dsDNA assay after treatment with Sargassum polycystum extracts.Scratch wound healing and phalloidin-rhodamine staining were employed to observe migratory activity and filopodia formation,respectively.Western blot and real-time RT-PCR assays were performed to determine the protein and gene expressions related to wound healing activities.Results:The phytochemical analysis found a higher level of flavonoid than phenolic compound in Sargassum polycystum extracts.In human dermal fibroblast cells,Sargassum polycystum extracts at 50 and 100μg/mL significantly increased fibroblast proliferation and the gene expressions of hyaluronic acid synthase 1(HAS1),HAS2,HAS3,collagen type 1 alpha 1 chain(COL1A1),collagen type 3 alpha 1 chain(COL3A1),and elastin.The phosphorylation of Akt,ERK1/2,and p38 MAPK was also significantly upregulated after treatment with Sargassum polycystum extracts.Additionally,50 and 100μg/mL of the extracts prominently enhanced the proliferation,migration,and filopodia formation of HaCaT cells,as well as the protein levels of pFAK/FAK,pSrc/Src,pAkt/Akt,pERK1/2/ERK1/2,Rac1 and Cdc42.Conclusions:Sargassum polycystum extracts show promising wound healing activities in human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

Exosomes from umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells promote the collagen production of fibroblasts from pelvic organ prolapse

BACKGROUND Pelvic organ prolapse(POP)involves pelvic organ herniation into the vagina due to pelvic floor tissue laxity,and vaginal structure is an essential factor.In POP,the vaginal walls exhibit abnormal collagen distribution and decreased fibroblast levels and functions.The intricate etiology of POP and the prohibition of trans-vaginal meshes in pelvic reconstruction surgery present challenges in targeted therapy development.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells(hucMSCs)present limitations,but their exosomes(hucMSC-Exo)are promising therapeutic tools for promoting fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling.suppressed inflammation in POP group fibroblasts,stimulated primary fibroblast growth,and elevated collagen I(Col1)production in vitro.High-throughput RNA-seq of fibroblasts treated with hucMSC-Exo and miRNA sequencing of hucMSC-Exo revealed that abundant exosomal miRNAs downregulated matrix metalloproteinase 11(MMP11)expression.CONCLUSION HucMSC-Exo normalized the growth and function of primary fibroblasts from patients with POP by promoting cell growth and Col1 expression in vitro.Abundant miRNAs in hucMSC-Exo targeted and downregulated MMP11 expression.HucMSC-Exo-based therapy may be ideal for safely and effectively treating POP.

Attenuation of the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Fibroblast Like Synoviocytes of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Baicalin through Regulating the Let-7i-3p/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Axis

[Objectives]To study the effect and mechanism of baicalin on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in human fibroblast like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis(HFLS-RA).[Methods]To confirm that baicalin alleviated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA,the expression of NLRP3 before and after baicalin treatment was observed by immunofluorescence.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1 after baicalin treatment for 48 h,and the contents of IL-1 and IL-18 in the supernatents were detected by ELISA.In order to explore the mechanism of baicalin alleviating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,the corresponding relationship between let-7i-3p and PIK3CA was verified by double luciferin and Westen blot analysis.The expression of let-7i-3p and PI3K before and after baicalin intervention was detected by RT-qPCR.let-7i-3p interference was used to verify whether baicalin mitigated the activation of enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome.[Results]Baicalin(50 and 100 mg/L)significantly reduced the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,inhibited the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1,and the secretion of IL-1 and IL-18.let-7i-3p and PIK3CA had a targeted correspondence,and baicalin up-regulated the expression of let-7i-3p and down-regulated the expression of PIK3CA.Baicalin attenuated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome enhanced by let-7i-3p interference.[Conclusions]Baicalin can up-regulate let-7i-3p expression,inhibit PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal transduction,and thus reduce the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA.

Calcitriol Suppressed Isoproterenol-induced Proliferation of Cardiac Fibroblasts via Integrinβ3/FAK/Akt Pathway

Objective Cardiac fibroblasts(CFs)proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition are important features of cardiac fibrosis.Various studies have indicated that vitamin D displays an anti-fibrotic property in chronic heart diseases.This study explored the role of vitamin D in the growth of CFs via an integrin signaling pathway.Methods MTT and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assays were performed to determine cell viability.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)and integrin signaling pathway.The fibronectin was observed by ELISA.Immunohistochemical staining was employed to evaluate the expression of integrinβ3.Results The PCNA expression in the CFs was enhanced after isoproterenol(ISO)stimulation accompanied by an elevated expression of integrin beta-3(β3).The blockade of the integrinβ3 with a specific integrinβ3 antibody reduced the PCNA expression induced by the ISO.Decreasing the integrinβ3 by siRNA reduced the ISO-triggered phosphorylation of FAK and Akt.Both the FAK inhibitor and Akt inhibitor suppressed the PCNA expression induced by the ISO in the CFs.Calcitriol(CAL),an active form of vitamin D,attenuated the ISO-induced CFs proliferation by downregulating the integrinβ3 expression,and phosphorylation of FAK and Akt.Moreover,CAL reduced the increased levels of fibronectin and hydroxyproline in the CFs culture medium triggered by the ISO.The administration of calcitriol decreased the integrinβ3 expression in the ISO-induced myocardial injury model.Conclusion These findings revealed a novel role for CAL in suppressing the CFs growth by the downregulation of the integrinβ3/FAK/Akt pathway.

17β-estradiol inhibits TGF-β-induced collagen gel contraction mediated by human Tenon fibroblasts via Smads and MAPK signaling pathways

AIM:To investigate the impact of 17β-estradiol on the collagen gels contraction(CGC)and inflammation induced by transforming growth factor(TGF)-βin human Tenon fibroblasts(HTFs).METHODS:HTFs were three-dimensionally cultivated in type I collagen-generated gels with or without TGF-β(5 ng/mL),17β-estradiol(12.5 to 100μmol/L),or progesterone(12.5 to 100μmol/L).Then,the collagen gel diameter was determined to assess the contraction,and the development of stress fibers was analyzed using immunofluorescence staining.Immunoblot and gelatin zymography assays were used to analyze matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases(TIMPs)being released into culture supernatants.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)were used to detect interleukin(IL)-6,monocyte chemoattractant proteins(MCP)-1,and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in HTFs at the translational and transcriptional levels.The phosphorylation levels of Sma-and Mad-related proteins(Smads),mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs),and protein kinase B(AKT)were measured by immunoblotting.Statistical analysis was performed using either the Tukey-Kramer test or Student’s unpaired t-test to compare the various treatments.RESULTS:The CGC caused by TGF-βin HTFs was significantly inhibited by 17β-estradiol(25 to 100μmol/L),and a statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the normal control group with 17β-estradiol concentrations exceeding 25μmol/L(P<0.05).The suppressive impact of 17β-estradiol became evident 24h after administration and peaked at 72h(P<0.05),whereas progesterone had no impact.Moreover,17β-estradiol attenuated the formation of stress fibers,and the production of MMP-3 and MMP-1 in HTFs stimulated by TGF-β.The expression of MCP-1,IL-6,and VEGF mRNA and protein in HTFs were suppressed by 100μmol/L 17β-estradiol(P<0.01).Additionally,the phosphorylation of Smad2 Smad3,p38,and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)were downregulated(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:17β-estradiol significantly inhibits the CGC and inflammation caused by TGF-βin HTFs.This inhibition is likely related to the suppression of stress fibers,inhibition of MMPs,and attenuation of Smads and MAPK(ERK and p38)signaling.17β-estradiol may have potential clinical benefits in preventing scar development and inflammation in the conjunctiva.

血清Cys-c与NLRP3炎性小体及IL-18的水平对脓毒症AKI患者早期的预测价值

目的探究血清胱抑素C(Cys-c)与核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)炎性小体及白细胞介素18(IL-18)的血清水平对脓毒症急性肾损伤(AKI)患者早期的预测价值。方法选择42例脓毒症及61例脓毒症AKI作为研究对象,依据Sepsis 3.0及AKI的诊断标准将患者分为脓毒症组及脓毒症AKI组,依次收集2组患者年龄、序贯器官衰竭评估(SOFA)评分、急性生理学与慢性健康状况评分Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ评分)、入住ICU时间、机械通气时间、总住院天数等基本资料,检测和比较2组患者血清中Cys-c、NLRP3炎性小体及IL-18的水平,采用logistic回归探讨脓毒症患者发生AKI的影响因素。用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线明确血清Cys-c、NLRP3炎性小体及IL-18水平对脓毒症患者发生AKI的预测能力。依据28 d存活与否,将脓毒症AKI患者分为存活组与死亡组,比较2组患者间Cys-c、NLRP3炎性小体及IL-18的水平。结果单因素分析提示脓毒症AKI组患者的血清Cys-c、NLRP3炎性小体及IL-18的水平明显高于脓毒症组(P<0.05),多因素logistic回归分析显示血清Cys-c及NLRP3炎性小体的水平是导致脓毒症患者发生AKI的有害指标。ROC曲线分析,血清Cys-c、NLRP3炎性小体及IL-18的AUC值分别为0.805(95%CI:0.722~0.889)、0.850(95%CI:0.776~0.924)、0.772(95%CI:0.678~0.866),血清Cys-c联合IL-18及NLRP3炎性小体预测脓毒症患者发生AKI的AUC值分别是0.861,0.810,证实血清Cys-c与IL-18的联合预测水平优于单一指标。在存活与死亡组中,死亡组的IL-18水平明显高于存活组(P<0.05)。结论血清Cys-c、NLRP3炎性小体及IL-18的水平对脓毒症AKI患者早期预测具有一定的价值。

Effects of Fuzhenghuayu decoction on collagen synthesis of cultured hepatic stellate cells,hepatocytes and fibroblasts in rats

AIM To study the mechanism of Fuzhenghuayu (FZHY) decoction on anti liver fibrosis. METHODS FZHY 10% decoction sera was incubated with rat normal subcultured hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and fibrotic primarily cultured HSC, normal and fibrotic hepatocytes and subcultured skin fibroblasts separately. Cell intracellular and extracellular collagen synthesis rates were measured by the method of Proline impulse and collagenase digestion. RESULTS For primarily cultured HSC and hepatocytes, both of intracellular and extracellular collagen synthesis rates decreased in the drug sera group. For the normal subcultured HSC and primarily cultured hepatocytes, the extracellular collagen secretion was decreased obviously by the drug sera, and intracellular collagen synthesis rates were inhibited to some extents. For fibroblasts, both intracellular and extracellular collagen synthesis rates were inhibited some what, but no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION The mechanism of FZHY decoction on anti liver fibrosis may be associated with inhibition of liver collagen production.

Effects of hepatocyte growth factor on MMP-2 expression in scleral fibroblasts from a guinea pig myopia model

AIMTo investigate the effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on MMP-2 expression in scleral fibroblasts from guinea pig with LIM.

Inhibition of zymosan-induced cytokine and chemokine expression in human corneal fibroblasts by triptolide

AIM：To investigate the effects of triptolide on proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression induced by the fungal component zymosan in cultured human corneal fibroblasts（HCFs）.·METHODS：HCFs were cultured in the absence or presence of zymosan or triptolide.The release of interleukin（IL）-6,IL-8,and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1（MCP-1）into culture supernatants was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.The cellular abundance of the m RNAs for these proteins was determined by reverse transcription and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases（MAPKs）and the endogenous nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB）inhibitor IκB-αwas examined by immunoblot analysis.The release of lactate dehydrogenase（LDH）activity from HCFs was measured with a colorimetric assay.·R ESULTS：Triptolide inhibited the zymosan-induced release of IL-6,IL-8,and MCP-1 from HCFs in a concentration-and time-dependent manner.It also inhibited the zymosan-induced up-regulation of IL-6,IL-8,and MCP-1 m RNA abundance in these cells.Furthermore,triptolide attenuated zymosan-induced phosphorylation of the MAPKs extracellular signalregulated kinase（ERK）,c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase（JNK）,and p38 as well as the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α.Triptolide did not exhibit cytotoxicity for HCFs.·C ONCLUSION：Triptolide inhibited proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production by HCFs exposed tozymosan,with this action likely being mediated by suppression of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.This compound might thus be expected to limit the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the cornea associated with fungal infection.

Hematopoietic stem cell-derived adipocytes and fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment(TME) is complex and constantly evolving. This is due, in part, to the crosstalk between tumor cells and the multiple cell types that comprise the TME, which results in a heterogeneous population of tumor cells and TME cells. This review will focus on two stromal cell types, the cancerassociated adipocyte(CAA) and the cancer-associated fibroblast(CAF). In the clinic, the presence of CAAs and CAFs in the TME translates to poor prognosis in multiple tumor types. CAAs and CAFs have an activated phenotype and produce growth factors, inflammatory factors, cytokines, chemokines, extracellular matrix components, and proteases in an accelerated and aberrant fashion. Through this activated state, CAAs and CAFs remodel the TME, thereby driving all aspects of tumor progression, including tumor growth and survival, chemoresistance, tumor vascularization, tumor invasion, and tumor cell metastasis. Similarities in the tumorpromoting functions of CAAs and CAFs suggest that a multipronged therapeutic approach may be necessary to achieve maximal impact on disease. While CAAs and CAFs are thought to arise from tissues adjacent to the tumor, multiple alternative origins for CAAs and CAFs have recently been identified. Recent studies from our lab and others suggest that the hematopoietic stem cell, through the myeloid lineage, may serve as a progenitor for CAAs and CAFs. We hypothesize that the multiple origins of CAAs and CAFs may contribute to the heterogeneity seen in the TME. Thus, a better understanding of the origin of CAAs and CAFs, how this origin impacts their functions in the TME, and thetemporal participation of uniquely originating TME cells may lead to novel or improved anti-tumor therapeutics.

Hepatocyte differentiation of human fibroblasts from cirrhotic liver in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND:Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)and fibro-blasts have intimate relationships,and the phenotypic homology between fibroblasts and MSCs has been recently described.The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatic differentiating potential of human fibroblasts in cirrhotic liver. METHODS:The phenotypes of fibroblasts in cirrhotic liver were labeled by biological methods.After that,the differentiation potential of these fibroblasts in vitro was characterized in terms of liver-specific gene and protein expression.Finally,an animal model of hepatocyte regeneration in severe combined immunodeficient(SCID)mice was created by retrorsine injection and partial hepatectomy,and the expression of human hepatocyte proteins in SCID mouse livers was checked by immunohistochemical analysis after fibroblast administration. RESULTS:Surface immunophenotyping revealed that a minority of fibroblasts expressed markers of MSCs and hepatic epithelial cytokeratins as well as alpha-smooth muscle actin, but homogeneously expressed vimentin,desmin,prolyl 4-hydroxylase and fibronectin.These fibroblasts presented the characteristics of hepatocytes in vitro and differentiated directly into functional hepatocytes in the liver of hepatecto-mized SCID mice.CONCLUSIONS:This study demonstrated that fibroblasts in cirrhotic liver have the potential to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro and in vivo.Our findings infer that hepatic differentiation of fibroblasts may serve as a new target for reversion of liver fibrosis and a cell source for tissue engineering.

Activation of endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis by basic fibroblast growth factor-chitosan gel in an adult rat model of ischemic stroke

Attempts have been made to use cell transplantation and biomaterials to promote cell proliferation,differentiation,migration,and survival,as well as angiogenesis,in the context of brain injury.However,whether bioactive materials can repair the damage caused by ischemic stroke by activating endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis is still unknown.In this study,we applied chitosan gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor to the stroke cavity 7 days after ischemic stroke in rats.The gel slowly released basic fibroblast growth factor,which improved the local microenvironment,activated endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,and recruited these cells to migrate toward the penumbra and stroke cavity and subsequently differentiate into neurons,while enhancing angiogenesis in the penumbra and stroke cavity and ultimately leading to partial functional recovery.This study revealed the mechanism by which bioactive materials repair ischemic strokes,thus providing a new strategy for the clinical application of bioactive materials in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Effects of 13 T Static Magnetic Fields (SMF) in the Cell Cycle Distribution and Cell Viability in Immortalized Hamster Cells and Human Primary Fibroblasts Cells

Magnetic resonance image （MRI） systems with a much higher magnetic flux density were developed and applied for potential use in medical diagnostic. Recently, much attention has been paid to the biological effects of static, strong magnetic fields （SMF）. With the 13 T SMF facility in the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the present study focused on the cellular effects of the SMF with 13 T on the cell viability and the cell cycle distribution in immortalized hamster cells, such as human-hamster hybrid （AL） cells, Chinese hamster ovary （CHO） cells, DNA double-strand break repair deficient mutant （XRS-5） cells, and human primary skin fibroblasts （AG1522） cells. It was found that the exposure of 13 T SMF had less effect on the colony formation in either nonsynchronized or synchronized AL cells. Moreover, as compared to non-exposed groups, there were slight differences in the cell cycle distribution no matter in either synchronized or nonsynchronized immortalized hamster ceils after exposure to 13 T SMF. However, it should be noted that the percentage of exposed AG1522 cells at G0/G1 phase was decreased by 10% as compared to the controls. Our data indicated that although 13 T SMF had minimal effects in immortalized hamster cells, the cell cycle distribution was slightly modified by SMF in human primary fibroblasts.

Effects of areca nut consumption on cell differentiation of osteoblasts, myoblasts, and fibroblasts

Areca nut is used worldwide as a hallucinogenic addicting drug along the tropical belt.Arecoline,a toxic compound,is the most important alkaloid in areca nuts.The adverse effects of oral uptake and chewing of areca nut are well known.For example,the possibility of cancer caused by chewing areca nuts is widely discussed.Chewing areca nut has other adverse effects on other organs,including abnormal cell differentiation,oral cancer,and several other diseases.The use of areca nut is also associated with low birthweight.Skeletal musculature is the largest organ in the body and is attached to the bones.During embryo development,the differentiation of bone and muscle cells is critical.In this article,we reviewed the effects of areca nut and arecoline on embryonic cell differentiation,particularly osteoblasts,myoblasts,and fibroblasts.