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.

Mendelian randomization provides evidence for a causal effect of serum insulin-like growth factor family concentration on risk of atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation(AF)is one of the most common persistent arrhythmias among adult cardiovascular diseases.It is important to identify potential risk factors for AF.Members of the insulin-like growth factor(IGF)family exert a variety of effects on various cell types in the context of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases,and previous population-based studies indicate associations between IGF family members and AF.However,the causal effects of IGF family members in AF have not been evaluated.assess genetic relationships between IGF family members and AF.METHODS MR was performed based on genome-wide association study(GWAS)datasets,and concentration levels of 14 IGF family members were retrieved.An initial MR analysis was conducted to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms potentially associated with IGF serum concentrations.A GWAS meta-analysis including 60620 AF cases and 970216 control participants of European ancestry was then conducted to identify AF causal effects.Two-sample MR packages were used to perform MR analysis in R.MR-Egger,weighted median(WM),and inverse va-riance weighted(IVW)methods were used.RESULTS Core Tip:Due to the high prevalence of atrial fibrillation(AF),and adverse outcomes related to it,it is important to identify risk factors associated with development of the condition.Insulin-like growth factor(IGF)family members exert a variety of effects on various cell types in the context of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases,and previous population-based studies indicate associations between IGF family members and AF.However,the causal effects of IGF family members in AF have not been evaluated.The results of the current study provide novel insights on the pathogenesis of AF,and implic-ations of serum IGF family member concentrations when assessing the risk of AF.The study generated evidence on the potential roles of developmental pathological effects in the pathogenesis of AF.Further observational and experimental studies are critically needed.

Effect of endogenous insulin-like growth factor and stem cell factor on diabetic colonic dysmotility

AIM: To investigate whether the reduction of stem cell factor (SCF) is mediated by decreased endogenous insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in diabetic rat colon smooth muscle. METHODS: Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group and streptozotocin-induced diabetic group. After 8 wk of streptozotocin administration, colonic motility function and contractility of circular muscle strips were measured. The expression of endogenous IGF-1 and SCF was tested in colonic tissues. Colonic smooth muscle cells were cultured from normal adult rats. IGF-1 siRNA transfection was used to investigate whether SCF expression was affected by endogenous IGF-1 expression in smooth muscle cells, and IGF-1 induced SCF expression effects were studied. The effect of high glucose on the expression of endogenous IGF-1 and SCF was also investigated. RESULTS: Diabetic rats showed prolonged colonic transit time (252 ± 16 min vs 168 ± 9 min, P < 0.01) and weakness of circular muscle contraction (0.81 ± 0.09 g vs 2.48 ± 0.23 g, P < 0.01) compared with the control group. Endogenous IGF-1 and SCF protein expression was significantly reduced in the diabetic colonic muscle tissues. IGF-1 and SCF mRNA expression also showed a paralleled reduction in diabetic rats. In the IGF-1 siRNA transfected smooth muscle cells, SCF mRNA and protein expression was significantly decreased. IGF-1 could induce SCF expression in a concentration and time-dependent manner, mainly through the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signal pathway. High glucose inhibited endogenous IGF-1 and SCF expression and the addition of IGF-1 to the medium reversed the SCF expression. CONCLUSION: Myopathy may resolve in colonic motility dysfunction in diabetic rats. Deficiency of endogenous IGF-1 in colonic smooth muscle cells leads to reduction of SCF expression.

Effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore on expression of insulin-like growth factor-1, nuclear factor-kappa B, and neuronal apoptosis in the epileptic rat brain

BACKGROUND：It has been reported that Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, a very well known Chinese traditional medicine, can affect immunoregulation, free radical scavenging, and anti-hypoxia responses. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）, nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） and neuronal apoptosis in rats with pentylenetetrazol （PTZ）-induced epilepsy. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cellular and molecular biology experiment with randomized controlled study design was performed at the Central Laboratory of Basic Medical College of Jiamusi University from June to August 2005. MATERIALS： Thirty healthy, adult, male, Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups （10 rats per group）： control, epilepsy model, and Ganoderma lucidum spore powder. A sub-eclampsia PTZ dose （35 mg/kg） was intraperitoneally injected to induce epilepsy in the latter two groups. Wild Ganoderma lucidum spore powder （30 g/L） was provided by the wild Ganoderma lucidum plant nursery at Jiamusi, China. Immunohistochemical detection and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediate dUTP nick end-labeling （TUNEL） kits were purchased from Wuhan Boster Biological Technology Co., Ltd., China. METHODS： Ganoderma lucidum spore powder was intragastrically administered at a dose of 10.0 mL/kg, once a day for 28 days. In the epilepsy and control groups, an equivalent volume of normal saline was intragastrically administered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Immunoreactivity for IGF-1 and NF-κB/P65 were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Neuronal apoptosis was detected using TUNEL methods. RESULTS： The hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats with PTZ-induced epilepsy exhibited a higher number of apoptotic cells at high magnification （×400）, compared with the control group. Expression of IGF-1 and NF-κB were higher in the epilepsy group, compared with the control group （P 〈 0.01）. In Ganoderma lucidum spore-treated rats, fewer apoptotic cells were observed in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, expression of NF-κB/P65 was lower, and immunoreactivity to IGF-1 increased more distinctly, compared with the epilepsy group. In addition, seizure latency was longer on 17, 21, and 25 days post-PTZ treatment in the Ganoderma lucidum spore powder group, compared with the epilepsy group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. CONCLUSION： Ganoderma lucidum spore powder down-regulated expression of NF-κB in brain tissues of rats with PTZ-induced epilepsy, increased immunoreactivity to IGF-1, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. These results indicated that Ganoderma lucidum spore powder has a neuroprotective effect.

Expression of insulin-like growth factor Ⅱ and its receptor in hepatocellular carcinogenesis

INTRODUCTIONInsulin-like growth factor Ⅱ(IGF-Ⅱ) is a mitogenic peptide of 74 kD and is mostly synthesized in fetal liver tissue .IGF-Ⅱ is believed to play an important role in fetal growth and development and is involved in cellular proliferation and differentiation[1-5]. Recently ,several researchers have reported increased expression of the IGF-Ⅱgene in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adjacent non-cancerous liver tissues [6-10].

Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 promotes cell proliferation via activation of AKT and is directly targeted by microRNA-494 in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND Studies have shown that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1(IGF2BP1)plays critical roles in the genesis and development of human cancers.AIM To investigate the clinical significance and role of IGF2BP1 in pancreatic cancer.METHODS Expression levels of IGF2BP1 and microRNA-494(miR-494)were mined based on Gene Expression Omnibus datasets and validated in both clinical samples and cell lines by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.The relationship between IGF2BP1 expression and clinicopathological factors of pancreatic cancer patients was analyzed.The effect and mechanism of IGF2BP1 on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation were investigated in vitro and in vivo.Analyses were performed to explore underlying mechanisms of IGF2BP1 upregulation in pancreatic cancer and assays were carried out to verify the posttranscriptional regulation of IGF2BP1 by miR-494.RESULTS We found that IGF2BP1 was upregulated and associated with a poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients.We showed that downregulation of IGF2BP1 inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo via the AKT signaling pathway.Mechanistically,we showed that the frequent upregulation of IGF2BP1 was attributed to the downregulation of miR-494 expression in pancreatic cancer.Furthermore,we discovered that reexpression of miR-494 could partially abrogate the oncogenic role of IGF2BP1.CONCLUSION Our results revealed that upregulated IGF2BP1 promotes the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells via the AKT signaling pathway and confirmed that the activation of IGF2BP1 is partly due to the silencing of miR-494.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein related protein 1 knockdown attenuates hepatic ?brosis via the regulation of MMPs/TIMPs in mice

Background: Previous research suggested that insulin-like growth factor binding protein related protein 1(IGFBPrP1), as a novel mediator, contributes to hepatic fibrogenesis. Matrix metalloproteinases(MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases(TIMP) play an essential role in hepatic fibrogenesis by regulating homeostasis and remodeling of the extracellular matrix(ECM). However, the interaction between IGFBPrP1 and MMP/TIMP is not clear. The present study was to knockdown IGFBPrP1 to investigate the correlation between IGFBPrP1 and MMP/TIMP in hepatic fibrosis. Methods: Hepatic fibrosis was induced by thioacetamide(TAA) in mice. Knockdown of IGFBPrP1 expression by ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction-mediated CMB-shRNA-IGFBPrP1 delivery, or inhibition of the Hedgehog(Hh) pathway by cyclopamine treatment, was performed in TAA-induced liver fibrosis mice. Hepatic fibrosis was determined by hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining. Hepatic expression of IGFBPrP1, α-smooth muscle actin( α-SMA), transforming growth factor β 1(TGF β1), collagen I, MMPs/TIMPs, Sonic Hedgehog(Shh), and glioblastoma family transcription factors(Gli1) were investigated by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting analysis. Results: We found that hepatic expression of IGFBPrP1, TGF β1, α-SMA, and collagen I were increased longitudinally in mice with TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis, concomitant with MMP2/TIMP2 and MMP9/TIMP1 imbalance and Hh pathway activation. Knockdown of IGFBPrP1 expression, or inhibition of the Hh pathway, reduced the hepatic expression of IGFBPrP1, TGF β1, α-SMA, and collagen I and re-established MMP2/TIMP2 and MMP9/TIMP1 balance. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that IGFBPrP1 knockdown attenuates liver fibrosis by re-establishing MMP2/TIMP2 and MMP9/TIMP1 balance, concomitant with the inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation, down-regulation of TGF β1 expression, and degradation of the ECM. Furthermore, the Hh pathway mediates IGFBPrP1 knockdown-induced attenuation of hepatic fibrosis through the regulation of MMPs/TIMPs balance.

Epigenetic regulation of insulin-like growth factor axis in hepatocellular carcinoma

The insulin-like growth factor(IGF) signaling path-way is an important pathway in the process of hepa-tocarcinogenesis,and the IGF network is clearly dysregulated in many cancers and developmental abnormalities.In hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),only a minority of patients are eligible for curative treatments,such as tumor resection or liver transplant.Unfortunately,there is a high recurrence of HCC after surgical tumor removal.Recent research efforts have focused on targeting IGF axis members in an attempt to find therapeutic options for many health problems.In this review,we shed lights on the regulation of members of the IGF axis,mainly by micro RNAs in HCC.Micro RNAs in HCC attempt to halt the aberrant expression of the IGF network,and a single micro RNA can have multiple downstream targets in one or more signaling pathways.Targeting micro RNAs is a relatively new approach for identifying an efficient radical cure for HCC.

Interplay between micro RNA-17-5p, insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ through binding protein-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the effect of microR NA on insulinlike growth factor binding protein-3(IGFBP-3) and hence on insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ(IGF-Ⅱ) bioavailability in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: Bioinformatic analysis was performed using microrna.org, DIANA lab and Segal lab softwares. Total RNA was extracted from 23 HCC and 10 healthy liver tissues using mir Vana mi RNA Isolation Kit. microR NA-17-5p(miR-17-5p) expression was mimicked and antagonized in Hu H-7 cell lines using Hi Per Fect Transfection Reagent, then total RNA was extracted using Biozol reagent then reverse transcribed into cD NA followed by quantification of mi R-17-5p and IGFBP-3 expression using Taq Man real-time quantitative PCR. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the binding of miR-17-5p to the 3'UTR of IGFBP-3. Free IGF-Ⅱ protein was measured in transfected Hu H-7 cells using IGF-Ⅱ ELISA kit. RESULTS: Bioinformatic analysis revealed IGFBP-3 as a potential target for miR-17-5p. Screening of miR-17-5p and IGFBP-3 revealed a moderate negative correlation in HCC patients, where mi R-17-5p was extensively underexpressed in HCC tissues(P = 0.0012), while IGFBP-3 showed significant upregulation in the same set of patients(P = 0.0041) compared to healthy donors. Forcing mi R-17-5p expression in Hu H-7 cell lines showed a significant downregulation of IGFBP-3 mR NA expression(P = 0.0267) and a significant increase in free IGF-Ⅱ protein(P = 0.0339) compared to mock untransfected cells using unpaired t-test. Luciferase assay validated IGFBP-3 as a direct target of mi R-17-5p; luciferase activity was inhibited by 27.5% in cells co-transfected with miR-17-5p mimics and the construct harboring the wild-type binding region 2 of IGFBP-3 compared to cells transfected with this construct alone(P = 0.0474).CONCLUSION: These data suggest that regulating IGF-Ⅱ bioavailability and hence HCC progression can be achieved through targeting IGFBP-3 via manipulating the expression of miR NAs.

Role of Insulin-like Growth Factor II Receptor in Transdifferentiation of Free Silica-induced Primary Rat Lung Fibroblasts

Objective To study the role of insulin-like growth factor II receptor in free silica-induced transdifferentiation of primary rat lung fibroblasts Methods Rat lung fibroblasts and rat alveolar macrophages were cultured. A transdifferentiation model of primary rat lung fibroblasts was induced by free silica. Levels of a-SMA protein, IGF-liR protein and mRNA were measured by immunocytochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. Lung fibroblasts were treated with Wortmannin. Results The expression levels of a-SMA concentration and decreased after Wortmann and IGF-IIR increased with the increasing free silica n was used. Conclusion The IGF-IIR plays an important role in free silica-induced transdifferentiation of primary rat lung fibroblasts.

Interaction between insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 and transforming growth factor beta 1 in primary hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND: We previously showed that insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1) is a novel mediator in liver fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) is known as the strongest effector of liver fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the detailed interaction between IGFBPrP1 and TGF beta 1 in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS: We overexpressed TGF beta 1 or IGFBPrP1 and inhibited TGF beta 1 expression in primary HSCs for 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours to investigate their interaction and observe the accompanying expressions of a-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), collagen I, fibronectin, and phosphorylated-mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 (p-Smad2/3). RESULTS: We found that the adenovirus vector encoding the TGF beta 1 gene (AdTGF beta 1) induced IGFBPrP1 expression while that of alpha-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and TGF beta 1 increased gradually. Concomitantly, AdIGFBPrP1 upregulated TGF beta 1, alpha-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and p-Smad2/3 in a time-dependent manner while IGFBPrP1 expression was decreased at 96 hours. Inhibition of TGF beta 1 expression reduced the IGFBPrP1-stimulated expression of alpha-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and p-Smad2/3. CONCLUSIONS: These findings for the first time suggest the existence of a possible mutually regulation between IGFBPrP1 and TGF beta 1, which likely accelerates liver fibrosis progression. Furthermore, IGFBPrP1 likely participates in liver fibrosis in a TGF beta 1-depedent manner, and may act as an upstream regulatory factor of TGF beta 1 in the Smad pathway.

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.

Association of Insulin-like Growth Factors with Lung Development in Neonatal Rats

To explore the relationship between Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)- Ⅰ, -Ⅱ and lung development in neonatal rats. 80 timed pregnant Sprague-Dawley ( SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=20): group A (Control group), group B (Dexamethasone (DEX) 1 group), group C (DEX 2 group), group D (retinoic acid (RA) group). 20 pregnant rats in group A, B and D were injected subcutaneously or intraperitoneally with vehicle (NS), DEX, or RA respectively during gestational day 16 to 18. All newborn rats in group C were subcutaneously injected with DEX at day 1 to 3 after birth. The lung tissue was obtained at the following times: fetuses at gestational ages of 18, 20 and 21 days, and 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days after birth. Lung tissues were used for histopathological study, the polypeptides analysis of IGF-Ⅰ, -Ⅱ (immunohistochemistry and Western blot) and mRNA analysis ( RT- PCR). The results showed that the strongest expression of IGF-Ⅰ in group A and D occurred at ages of 5-7 days (alveolar stage). The stronger their expressions, the better the alveolar develop. The peak stage of expression in group B occurred earlier, on the day 3 after birth. Compared with group A, the expression of IGF-Ⅰ during gestation age of 18 days to age of 3 days in group B were significantly higher (P<0.01), but significantly lower at other time points (P<0.01). The expression of IGF-Ⅰ was lower in group C all the time and always higher in group D than those in group A (P<0.01). The peak expression of IGF-Ⅱ took place at the gestation age of 18 days, then gradually dropped to trace. During 18 days of gestation to age of 3 days, the expression of IGF-Ⅱ in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.01). No difference was found among all other groups. The change in the expression of IGF-Ⅰ, -Ⅱ mRNA in all 4 groups was similar to that of their polypeptides. The results suggested that there is a close linking between IGF-Ⅰ, -Ⅱ and lung development in newborns. The IGF-Ⅱ works at early stage and the that of IGF-Ⅰ works at the stage of new septa formation and alveoli maturation. The stronger their expressions, the more mature the lung development.

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.

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.

SIMULTANEOUS OVER-EXPRESSION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR- Ⅱ (IGF- Ⅱ ) AND IGF- Ⅱ RECEPTOR(IGF- Ⅱ R) GENES IN HUMAN PRIMARY CANCER-IMPLICATION OF AUTOCRINE AND PARACRINE MECHANISM IN AUTONOMOUS GROWTH OF HEPATIC CANCER

This is first report about the simultaneous over-expression of both Insulin-like growth factor (IGF- I ) and its receptor (IGF- I R) at mRNA level in human primary hepatic Cancer (PHC). In 10 PHC samples from China, IGF-I and IGF- I R were both over-expressed, whereas only a background signal was detected in normal liver. In 5 pairs of PHC and its non- tumorous adjacent liver tissues from South Africa, IGF- I and IGF- I R were also over-expressed in PHC. mRNA expression of IGF- I in all 5 cases and IGF- I R in 4 of 5 cases were higher in cancer than non- tumorous adjacent liver tissues. These results strongly implicate that an autocrine and/ or paracrine mechanism might be Involved in formation and progression of PHC.

Circulating insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 as prognostic biomarker in liver cirrhosis

AIM: To investigate the prognostic significance of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3(IGFBP-3) in patients with cirrhosis.METHODS: Prospective study that included two cohorts: outpatients with stable cirrhosis(n = 138) and patients hospitalized for acute decompensation(n = 189). Development of complications, mortality or liver transplantation was assessed by periodical phone calls and during outpatient visits. The cohort of stable cirrhosis also underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation yearly(2013 and 2014) in predefined study visits. In patients with stable cirrhosis, IGFBP-3 levels were measured at baseline(2012) and at second re-evaluation(2014). In hospitalized subjects, IGFBP-3 levels were measured in serum samples collected in the first and in the third day after admission and stored at-80 ℃. IGFBP-3 levels were measured by immunochemiluminescence.RESULTS: IGFBP-3 levels were lower in hospitalized patients as compared to outpatients(0.94 mcg/mL vs 1.69 mcg/m L, P < 0.001) and increased after liver transplantation(3.81 mcg/m L vs 1.33 mcg/mL, P = 0.008). During the follow-up of the stable cohort, 17 patients died and 11 received liver transplantation. Bivariate analysis showed that death or transplant was associated with lower IGFBP-3 levels(1.44 mcg/mL vs 1.74 mcg/m L, P = 0.027). The Kaplan-Meier transplant-free survival probability was 88.6% in patients with IGFBP-3 ≥ 1.67 mcg/mL and 72.1% for those with IGFBP3 < 1.67 mcg/mL(P = 0.015). In the hospitalized cohort, 30-d mortality was 24.3% and was independently associated with creatinine, INR, SpO_2/FiO_2 ratio and IGFBP-3 levels in the logistic regression. The 90-d transplant-free survival probability was 80.4% in patients with IGFBP-3 ≥ 0.86 mcg/mL and 56.1% for those with IGFBP3 < 0.86 mcg/mL(P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lower IGFBP-3 levels were associated with worse outcomes in patients with cirrhosis, and might represent a promising prognostic tool that can be incorporated in clinical practice.

Modified insulin-like growth factor 1 containing collagen-binding domain for nerve regeneration

Insulin-like growth factor 1 （IGF-I） is a potential nutrient for nerve repair. However, it is impractical as a therapy because of its limited half- life, rapid clearance, and limited target specificity. To achieve targeted and long-lasting treatment, we investigated the addition of a binding structure by fusing a collagen-binding domain to IGF- 1. After confirming its affinity for collagen, the biological activity of this construct was examined by measuring cell proliferation after transfection into PC12 and Schwann cells using a 3-（4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl）-2,5-di- phenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to detect neurofilament and microtubule-associated protein 2 expression, while real time-polymerase chain reaction was utilized to determine IGF-1 receptor and nerve growth/actor mRNA expression. Our results demonstrate a significant increase in collagen-binding activity of the recombinant protein compared with IGF-1. Moreover, the recombinant protein promoted proliferation of PC12 and Schwann cells, and increased the expression of neurofilament and microtubule-associated protein 2. Importantly, the recombinant protein also stimulated sustained expression of IGF-1 receptor and nerve growth factor mRNA for days. These results show that the recombinant protein achieved the goal of targeting and long-lasting treatment, and thus could become a clinically used factor for promoting nerve regeneration with a prolonged therapeutic effect.

Variation in Expression of Insulin-like Growth Factors( IGFs) System Genes in Ovarian and Uterine Tissues of Aging Rats

Variations in expression of insulin-like growth factors （IGFs） system genes in rat ovarian and uterine tissues were investigated by real-time quantitative PCR amplification using RT2 ProfilerTM PCR Array Rat Insulin Signaling Pathway （PARN-030A） chips. According to results of gene detection, a total of 15 differeutially expressed genes were screened in ovarian tissues, including 3 upregulated genes and 10 downregulated genes; a total of 22 differentially expressed genes were screened in uterine tissues, including 5 upregulated genes and 17 downregulated genes. These differentially expressed genes might be related to the insulin resistance.

Significance of highly phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 and cervical length for prediction of preterm delivery in twin pregnancies

BACKGROUND A twin pregnancy can carry greater risks than singleton pregnancies.About 60 in 100 twin pregnancies result in spontaneous birth before 37 wk,which is associated with several complications in the premature babies.Clinical detection of biomarkers may help to predict the possibility of premature birth so that corresponding interventions can be given to the pregnant women in a timely manner,in order to reduce the risk of preterm birth and improve the outcomes of the newborn infants.AIM To explore the clinical value of transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length combined with insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1(IGFBP-1)hyperphosphorylation in cervical secretions as predictors of preterm delivery in twin pregnancies.METHODS A total of 254 pregnant women with twin pregnancies,who were admitted to Hainan General Hospital and underwent maternity examination,were selected as the study subjects from January 2015 to December 2018.All participants received transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length and phosphorylated IGFBP-1(phIGFBP-1)test between 24 and 34 wk gestation.The pregnancy outcomes were analyzed.RESULTS Of the women with a positive phIGFBP-1 test result,preterm birth rate was higher in those with a cervical length≤25 mm than those with a cervical length>25 mm(all P<0.05).Similarly,in women with a negative phIGFBP-1 test result,preterm birth rate was higher in those with a cervical length≤25 mm than those with a cervical length>25 mm(all P<0.05).The sensitivity,specificity,and positive and negative predictive values of the phIGFBP-1 test combined with the cervical length test were 95.71%,91.21%,95.12%and 92.22%,respectively,for the prediction of preterm birth.CONCLUSION Cervical length combined with phIGFBP-1 tests is of value for the prediction of outcomes of preterm delivery in twin pregnancies.