Effect of sericin on diabetic hippocampal growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis

Previous studies have shown that sericin extracted from silk cocoon significantly reduces blood glucose levels and protects the nervous system against diabetes mellitus. In this study, a rat type 2 diabetes mellitus model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg streptozotocin for 3 successive days, following which the rats were treated with sericin for 35 days. After treatment, the blood glucose levels of the diabetic rats decreased significantly, the growth hormone level in serum and its expression in the hippocampus decreased significantly, while the insulin-like growth factor-1 level in serum and insulin-like growth factor-1 and growth hormone receptor expression in the hippocampus increased significantly. The experimental findings indicate that sericin improves disorders of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis to alleviate hippocampal damage in diabetic rats.

Human insulin-like growth factor 1-transfected umbilical cord blood neural stem cell transplantation improves hypoxic-ischemic brain injury

Human insulin-like growth factor 1-transfected umbilical cord blood neural stem cells were transplanted into a hypoxic-ischemic neonatal rat model via the tail vein. BrdU-positive cells at day 7 post-transplantation, as well as nestin- and neuron specific enolase-positive cells at day 14 were increased compared with those of the single neural stem cell transplantation group. In addition, the proportion of neuronal differentiation was enhanced. The genetically modified cell-transplanted rats exhibited enhanced performance in correctly crossing a Y-maze and climbing an angled slope compared with those of the single neural stem cell transplantation group. These results showed that human insulin-like growth factor 1-transfected neural stem cell transplantation promotes the recovery of the leaming, memory and motor functions in hypoxic-ischemic rats.

Brain and spinal cord trauma:what we know about the therapeutic potential of insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy

Although little attention has been paid to cognitive and emotional dysfunctions observed in patients after spinal co rd injury,several reports have described impairments in cognitive abilities.Our group also has contributed significantly to the study of cognitive impairments in a rat model of spinal co rd injury.These findings are very significant because they demonstrate that cognitive and mood deficits are not induced by lifestyle changes,drugs of abuse,and combined medication.They are related to changes in brain structures involved in cognition and emotion,such as the hippocampus.Chronic spinal cord injury decreases neurogenesis,enhances glial reactivity leading to hippocampal neuroinflammation,and trigge rs cognitive deficits.These brain distal abnormalities are recently called te rtiary damage.Given that there is no treatment for Tertiary Damage,insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy emerges as a good candidate.Insulin growth factor 1 gene thera py recove rs neurogenesis and induces the polarization from pro-inflammato ry towards anti-inflammatory microglial phenotypes,which represents a potential strategy to treat the neuroinflammation that supports te rtiary damage.Insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy can be extended to other central nervous system pathologies such as traumatic brain injury where the neuroinflammatory component is crucial.Insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy could emerge as a new therapeutic strategy for treating traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.

Role of insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling pathway in longevity

The insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway is evolutionary conserved in diverse speciesincluding C.elegans, saccharomyces cerevisiae, Drosophila melanogaster, rodents and humans, which is involved in many interrelated functions that are necessary for metabolism, growth and reproduction. Interestingly, more and more research has revealed that insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the regulation of longevity. Generally, disruption of the power of this pathway will extend longevity in species ranging from C.elegansto humans. The role of insulin/IGF-1 in longevit yis probably related to stress resistance. Although the underlying mechanisms of longevity are not fully understood, the Insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway has attracted substantial attention and it will be a novel target to prevent or postpone age-related diseases and extend life span. In this review, we mainly focus on the similar constitution and role of insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in C.elegans, saccharomyces cerevisiae, rodents and humans.

Integrating insulin-like growth factor 1 and sex hormones into neuroprotection:Implications for diabetes

Brain integrity and cognitive aptitude are often impaired in patients with diabetes mellitus, presumably a result of the metabolic complications inherent to the disease. However, an increasing body of evidence has demonstrated the central role of insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF1) and its relation to sex hormones in many neuroprotective processes. Both male and female patients with diabetes display abnormal IGF1 and sexhormone levels but the comparison of these fluctuations is seldom a topic of interest. It is interesting to note that both IGF1 and sex hormones have the ability to regulate phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases-extracellular signal-related kinasesignaling cascades in animal and cell culture models of neuroprotection. Additionally, there is considerable evidence demonstrating the neuroprotective coupling of IGF1 and estrogen. Androgens have also been implicated in many neuroprotective processes that operate on similar signaling cascades as the estrogen-IGF1 relation. Yet, androgens have not been directly linked to the brain IGF1 system and neuroprotection. Despite the sex-specific variations in brain integrity and hormone levels observed in diabetic patients, the IGF1-sex hormone relation in neuroprotection has yet to be fully substantiated in experimental models of diabetes. Taken together, there is a clear need for the comprehensive analysis of sex differences on brain integrity of diabetic patients and the relationship between IGF1 and sex hormones that may influence brain-health outcomes. As such, this review will briefly outline the basic relation of diabetes and IGF1 and its role in neuroprotection. We will also consider the findings on sex hormones and diabetes as a basis for separately analyzing males and females to identify possible hormone-induced brain abnormalities. Finally, we will introduce the neuroprotective interplay of IGF1 and estrogen and how androgen-derived neuroprotection operates through similar signaling cascades. Future research on both neuroprotection and diabetes should include androgens into the interplay of IGF1 and sex hormones.

Rifaximin,but not growth factor 1,reduces brain edema in cirrhotic rats

AIM:To compare rifaximin and insulin-like growth factor(IGF)-1 treatment of hyperammonemia and brain edema in cirrhotic rats with portal occlusion.METHODS:Rats with CCl4-induced cirrhosis with ascites plus portal vein occlusion and controls were randomized into six groups:Cirrhosis;Cirrhosis + IGF-1;Cirrhosis + rifaximin;Controls;Controls + IGF-1;and Controls + rifaximin.An oral glutamine-challenge test was performed,and plasma and cerebral ammonia,glucose,bilirubin,transaminases,endotoxemia,brain water content and ileocecal cultures were measured and liver histology was assessed.RESULTS:Rifaximin treatment significantly reduced bacterial overgrowth and endotoxemia compared with cirrhosis groups,and improved some liver function parameters(bilirubin,alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase).These effects were associated with a significant reduction in cerebral water content.Blood and cerebral ammonia levels,and area-underthe-curve values for oral glutamine-challenge tests were similar in rifaximin-treated cirrhotic rats and control group animals.By contrast,IGF-1 administration failed to improve most alterations observed in cirrhosis.CONCLUSION:By reducing gut bacterial overgrowth,only rifaximin was capable of normalizing plasma and brain ammonia and thereby abolishing low-grade brain edema,alterations associated with hepatic encephalopathy.

Paravertebral fascial massage promotes brain development of neonatal rats via the insulin-like growth factor 1 pathway

Massage in traditional Chinese medicine can promote body and brain development of premature and normal newborn infants. In the present study, neonatal rats （1 day old） underwent paravertebral fascial massage （15 consecutive days）, followed by subcutaneous injection of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor antagonist, JB1 （9 consecutive days）. Paravertebral fascial massage significantly increased insulin-like growth factor 1 expression and cell proliferation in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. However, JB1 inhibited this increase. Results suggest that paravertebral fascial massage can promote brain development of neonatal rats via the insulin-like growth factor I pathway.

The effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 on the fusion of cranial suture

Objective To evaluate the effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 for the bone induction and the regulation for the fusion of the sagittal cranial sutures. Methods The cells, derived from cranial sutures in the newborn SD rats and the sagittal suture from the mice, were cultured with a serum-free medium and treated with and without insulin-like growth factor 1. The osteoblast phetotypes (osteocalcin, alkaline, osteoponcin and type-1 collagen) were measured with the RT -PCR and ELISA, and the explanted sagittal sutures were then evaluated under light microscopy. Results The cells, treated with the insulin-like growth factor 1, significantly produced more osteocalcin, alkaline, osteoponcin and type-1 collagen than those without insulin-like growth factor 1. The fusion of the sagittal suture explants will delay till to 30 days when it was not treated with IGF1. However, in the group with IGF1 the fusion was observed to start in 8 days, and a small amount of the sagittal suture fusion was found at the 20th

MELD score,insulin-like growth factor 1 and cytokines on bone density in end-stage liver disease

AIM:To determine the contributions of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1),cytokines and liver disease severity to bone mineral density in patients pre-transplantation.METHODS:Serum IGF-1,tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score calculated in 121 adult patients referred to a single centre for liver transplantation.Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and femoral neck were assessed via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.Demographics,liver disease etiology,medication use and relevant biochemistry were recorded.RESULTS:A total of 117 subjects were included,with low BMD seen in 68.6%,irrespective of disease etiol-ogy.In multivariable analysis,low body mass index (BMI),increased bone turnover and low IGF-1 were independent predictors of low spinal bone density.At the hip,BMI,IGF-1 and vitamin D status were predictive.Despite prevalent elevations of TNFα and IL-6,levels did not correlate with degree of bone loss.The MELD score failed to predict low BMD in this pre-transplant population.CONCLUSION:Osteopenia/osteoporosis is common in advanced liver disease.Low serum IGF-1 is weakly predictive but serum cytokine and MELD score fail to predict the severity of bone disease.

Effects of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor and Its Inhibitor AG1024 on the Progress of Lung Cancer

Summary： The type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor （IGF-1R） and its downstream signaling com- ponents have been increasingly recognized to drive the development of malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IGF-1R and its in- hibitor, AG1024, on the progression of lung cancer. Tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect the expressions of IGF-1 and IGF-1R in NSCLC tissues （n=198）. Western blotting was used to determine the expressions oflGF-1 and phosphorylated IGF-1R （p-IGF-1R） in A549 human lung carcinoma cells, and MTT assay to measure cell proliferation. Additionally, the expressions of IGF-1, p-IGF-1R and IGF-1R in a mouse model of lung cancer were detected by Western blotting and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （FQ-PCR）, respectively. The results showed that IGF-1 and IGF-1R were overexpressed in NSCLC tissues. The expression levels of IGF-1 and p-IGF-1R were significantly increased in A549 cells treated with IGF-1 as compared to those treated with IGF-1 ＋AG 1024 or untreated cells. In the presence of IGF-1, the proliferation of A549 cells was significantly increased. The progression of lung cancer in mice treated with IGF-1 was significantly increased as compared to the group treated with IGF-l＋AG1024 or the control group, with the same trend mirrored in IGF-1/p-IGF-1R/IGF-1R at the protein and/or mRNA levels. It was concluded that IGF- 1 and IGF inhibitor AG 1024 promotes lung cancer progression.

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.

Prevention of beta cell dysfunction and apoptosis by adenoviral gene transfer of rat insulin-like growth factor 1

Background Islet β-cells are almost completely destroyed when patients with type 1 diabete are diagnosed. To date, insulin substitute therapy is still one of the main treatments. The cure of type 1 diabetes requires β-cell regeneration from islet cell precursors and prevention of recurring autoimmunity. Therefore, β-cell regeneration and proliferation emerge as a new research focus on therapy for type 1 diabetes. Islet β-cell regeneration and development are controlled by many growth factors, especially insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）. Methods Recombinant adenovirus encoding rat IGF-1 （rlGF-1） was constructed and transduced into rat β-cells, RINm5F cells. Western blotting analysis and ELISA were used to detect rlGF-1 protein. Streptozotocin （STZ） was used to induce RINm5F cell destruction. The level of nitric oxide （NO） was detected in cell culture supernatants by the Griess reaction. Islet cell function was evaluated by glucose-stimulated insulin production. Flow cytometry analysis was further used to investigate the apoptosis of RINm5F cells. Thiaoollyl blue viability assay was applied to determine cell viability. Results The recombined adenovirus-rlGF-1 was successfully constructed and the titer was 4.0×10^8 pfu/ml. The rlGF-1 protein was effectively expressed in the RINm5F cells and cell culture supernatants, rlGF-1 expression remarkably inhibited STZ-induced islet cell apoptosis and significantly decreased the level of NO. Furthermore, IGF-1 expression also significantly protected insulin secretion and cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner. Conclusions Our study suggests that locally produced rlGF-I from RINm5F cells may be beneficial in maintaining β-cell function, protecting β-cells from the destruction of apoptosis factors and promoting β-cell survival and proliferation. IGF-1 might be considered as a candidate gene in gene therapy for type 1 diabetes. In addition, it appears that the apoptosis induced by STZ may be NO-dependent.

Exosome-transported IncRNA H19 regulates insulin-like growth factor-1 via the H19/let-7a/insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor axis in ischemic stroke

LncRNA(long non-coding RNA) H19 is a transcript of the H19 gene that is expressed during embryogenesis.We previously discove red a role for circular lncRNA H19 in the onset and prognosis of cerebral ischemic stroke.In this study,we used serum from patients with ischemic stroke,and mouse and cell culture models to elucidate the roles of plasma and neuronal exosomes in the regulatory effect of lncRNA H19 on insulin-like growth factor-1 and its mechanism in ischemic stroke,using western blotting,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Plasma exosomal IncRNA H19 was negatively associated with blood levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 in samples from patients with cerebral ischemic stroke.In a mouse model,levels of exosomal IncRNA H19 were positively correlated with plasma and cerebral lncRNA H19.In a cell co-culture model,we confirmed that IncRNA H19 was transported from neuro ns to astrocytes by exosomes to induce downregulation of insulin-like growth factor-1 through the H19/let-7 a/insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor axis.This study provides the first evidence for the transpo rtation of IncRNA H19 by exosomes and the relationship between IncRNA H19 and insulinlike growth factor-1.

lncRNA-BBOX1-2通过调控成纤维细胞生长因子受体1促进胃癌的发生和发展

目的探讨长链非编码RNA(long non-coding RNA,lncRNA)BBOX1-2通过调控成纤维细胞生长因子受体1(fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,FGFR1)对胃癌的发生发展机制的影响。方法回顾性选取2017年4月至2019年1月于上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院卢湾分院接受胃癌根治术30例病人肿瘤组织及癌旁相应正常组织作为研究对象,采用实时定量PCT(real-time PCR,RT-PCR)检测lncRNA-BBOX1-2和FGFR1表达;si-linc-BBOX1-2转染SGC-7901细胞后,通过蛋白质印迹法/细胞存活率分析(MTT)、细胞迁移和侵袭(Transwell)实验、细胞划痕、平板克隆一系列生物学功能实验,检测肿瘤细胞生物学功能及FGFR1表达的变化。结果胃癌组织中的lncRNA-BBOX1-2(3.68±0.58比1.15±0.11)和FGFR1(4.26±0.71比1.19±0.18)表达显著高于癌旁正常组织(P<0.05);si-linc-BBOX1-2转染SGC-7901细胞后,FGFR1表达下调,细胞活力、迁移、侵袭和生存能力明显下降。结论LincRNA-BBOX1-2可通过调控FGFR1的表达介导胃癌细胞的增殖、凋亡、迁移和侵袭,可能为胃癌的治疗提供了新的靶点和潜在的生物学标志物。

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 inhibits IGF-1-induced proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE Basic fibroblast growth factor(b FGF)and platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)produced by hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells are responsible for the cell growth.Accumulating evidence shows that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3(IGFBP-3)suppresses HCC cell proliferation in both IGF-dependent and independent manners.The present study is to investigate whether treatment with exogenous IGFBP-3 inhibits bF GF and PDGF production and the cell proliferation of HCC cells.METHODS Cell Counting Kit 8 assay were designed to detect HCC cell proliferation,transcription factor early growth response-1(EGR1)involving in IGFBP-3 regulation of b FGF and PDGF were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot assays.Western blot assay was adopted to detect the IGFBP-3 regulating insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF-1R)signaling pathway.RESULTS The present study demonstrates that IGFBP-3 suppressed IGF-1-induced b FGF and PDGF expression while it does not affect their expression in the absence of IGF-1.To delineate the underlying mechanism,Western-blot and RT-PCR assays confirmed that the transcription factor early growth response protein 1(EGR1)is involved in IGFBP-3 regulation of b FGF and PDGF.IGFBP-3 inhibition of type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor(IGF1R),ERK and AKT activation is IGF-1-dependent.Furthermore,transient transfection with constitutively activated AKT or MEK partially blocks the IGFBP-3 inhibition of EGR1,b FGF and PDGF expression.CONCLUSION In conclusion,these findings suggest that IGFBP-3suppresses transcription of EGR1 and its target genes b FGF and PDGF through inhibiting IGF-1-dependent ERK and AKT activation.It demonstrates the importance of IGFBP-3 in the regulation of HCC cell proliferation,suggesting that IGFBP-3 could be a target for the treatment of HCC.

Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 and fibroblast growth factor 21 in alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND The importance of early diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease underscores the need to seek better and especially non-invasive diagnostic procedures.Leukocyte cellderived chemotaxin-2(LECT2)has been widely studied to determine its usefulness in monitoring the course of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease but not for alcoholic liver cirrhosis(ALC).AIM To determine the concentration of LECT2 in the blood serum of patients in relation to progressive stages of ALC,its relation to fibroblast growth factor 1(FGF-1)and FGF-21,and to examine the possible wider use of LECT2 in diagnosing ALC.METHODS A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 69 ALC cases and 17 controls with no ALC.Subjects were recruited from the region of Lublin(eastern Poland).Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed based on clinical features,history of heavy alcohol consumption,laboratory tests,and abdominal ultrasonography.The degree of ALC was evaluated according to Pugh-Child criteria(the Pugh-Child score).Blood was drawn and,after centrifugation,serum was collected for analysis.LECT2,FGF-1,and FGF-21 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.RESULTS The LECT2 Levels in the control group were 18.99±5.36 ng/mL.In the study groups,they declined with the progression of cirrhosis to 11.06±6.47 ng/mL in one group and to 8.06±5.74 ng/mL in the other(P<0.0001).Multiple comparison tests confirmed the statistically significant differences in LECT2 Levels between the control group and both test groups(P=0.006 and P<0.0001).FGF-21 Levels were 44.27±64.19 pg/mL in the first test group,45.4±51.69 pg/mL in the second(P=0.008),and 13.52±7.51 pg/mL in the control group.The difference between the control group and the second test group was statistically significant(P=0.007).CONCLUSION We suggest that LECT2 may be a non-invasive diagnostic factor for alcoholinduced liver cirrhosis.The usefulness of LECT2 for non-invasive monitoring of alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis was indirectly confirmed by the multiple regression model developed on the basis of our statistical analysis.

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.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 induces lymphangiogenesis and facilitates lymphatic metastasis in colorectal cancer

AIM:To investigate the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)/insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor(IGF-1R)in colorectal cancer(CRC)tissues and to analyze their correlation with lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis.METHODS:Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate IGF-1 and IGF-1R expression and lymphatic vessel density(LVD)in 40 CRC specimens.The correlation between IGF-1/IGF-1R and LVD was investigated.Effects of IGF-1 on migration and invasion of CRC cells were examined using transwell chamber assays.A LoVo cell xenograft model was established to further detect the role of IGF-1 in CRC lymphangiogenesis in vivo. RESULTS:Elevated IGF-1 and IGF-1R expression in CRC tissues was correlated with lymph node metastasis(r=0.715 and 0.569,respectively,P<0.05)and tumor TNM stage(r=0.731 and 0.609,P<0.05).A higher LVD was also found in CRC tissues and was correlated with lymphatic metastasis(r=0.405,P<0.05).A positive correlation was found between LVD and IGF-1R expression(r=0.437,P<0.05).Transwell assays revealed that IGF-1 increased the migration and invasion of CRC cells.In vivo mouse studies showed that IGF-1 also increased LVD in LoVo cell xenografts.CONCLUSION:IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling induces tumorassociated lymphangiogenesis and contributes to lymphatic metastasis of CRC.

LOW DOSE PIRFENIDONE SUPPRESSES TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR BETA-1 AND TISSUE INHIBITOR OF METALLOPROTEINASE-1, AND PROTECTS RATS FROM LUNG FIBROSIS INDUCED BY BLEOMYCIN

Objective To investigate the optimal dosage of pirfenidone for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in Wistar rats, and the alteration of expressions of transforming growth factor beta-1 （ TGF-β1 ）, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （ TIMP-1 ）, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 （ MMP-13 ） in lung tissue. Methods Male Wistar rats were endotracheally instilled with bleomycin or normal saline. Pirfenidone （25-800 mg · kg^-l · d^-1 ）, dexamethasone （3 mg/kg）, or 1% carboxymethylcellulose sodium were given daily by feed 2 days before instillation of bleomycin. Groups T7 and T14 were fed pirfenidone 50 mg · kg^-1 · d^-1 at 7 days or 14 daYs after bleomycin instillation. Lungs were harvested at 28 days after bleomycin instillation. Patholological changes in luffg tissues were evaluated with HE staining. Lung collagen was stained by sirius red and measured by content of hydroxypro- line. Expression of proteins of TGF-β1 TIMP-1, and MMP-13 were detected by Western blotting. Results At doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg· kg^- 1 · d ^- 1, pirfenidone had significant anti-fibrotic effects for bleomy- cin-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis, and these effects were most significantly attenuated at the dosage of 50 mg · kg^-1 ·d^ -1（ HE： P 〈 0. 01, P 〈 0.01, and P = 0.064; sirius red： P 〈0.05, P 〈 0.01, and P 〈 0.05 ; hydroxyproline： P = 0.595, P 〈 0.01, and P = 0.976）. Pirfenidone at a dosage of 50 mg · kg^- l · d^-1 inhibited protein expression of TGF-131 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue in the early phase （0.79 and 0.75 times of control group）, but had no effect on ex- nr^eelnn nf MMP-13. Conclusion Low dose pirfenidone, especially at dosage of 50 mg · kg^-1 · d^-1, has significant anti-fibrotic effects on bleomycin-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis. Pirfenidone partially inhibits the enhancement of the expression of TGF-131 and TIMP-β1 in lung tissue.

Transforming growth factor-β1 induces intestinal myofibroblast differentiation and modulates their migration

AIM： To investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） on the differentiation of colonic lamina propria fibroblasts （CLPF） into myofibroblasts in vitro.METHODS： Primary CLPF cultures were incubated with TGF-β1 and analyzed for production of m-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）, fibronectin （FN） and FN isoforms. Migration assays were performed in a modified 48-well Boyden chamber. Levels of total and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase （FAK） in CLPF were analyzed after induction of migration.did not change α-SMA levels, while TGF-β1 treatment for 6 d significantly increased α-SIVlA production. Short term incubation （6 h） with TGF-β1 enhanced CLPF migration, while long term treatment （6 d） of CLPF with TGF-β1 reduced migration to 15%-37% compared to untreated cells. FN and FN isoform mRNA expression were increased after short term incubation with TGF-β1 （2 d） in contrast to long term incubation with TGF-β1 for 6 d. After induction of migration, TGF-β1-preincubated CLPF showed higher amounts of FN and its isoforms and lower levels of total and phosphorylated FAK than untreated cells.CONCLUSION： Long term incubation of CLPF with TGF-β1 induced differentiation into myofibroblasts with enhanced α-SMA, reduced migratory potential and FAK phosphorylation, and increased FN production. In contrast, short term contact （6 h） of fibroblasts with TGF-β1 induced a dose-dependent increase of cell migration and FAK phosphorylation without induction of α-SMA production.