Role of transforming growth factor-βin peripheral nerve regeneration

Injuries caused by trauma and neurodegenerative diseases can damage the peripheral nervous system and cause functional deficits.Unlike in the central nervous system,damaged axons in peripheral nerves can be induced to regenerate in response to intrinsic cues after reprogramming or in a growth-promoting microenvironment created by Schwann cells.However,axon regeneration and repair do not automatically result in the restoration of function,which is the ultimate therapeutic goal but also a major clinical challenge.Transforming growth factor(TGF)is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates various biological processes including tissue repair,embryo development,and cell growth and differentiation.There is accumulating evidence that TGF-βfamily proteins participate in peripheral nerve repair through various factors and signaling pathways by regulating the growth and transformation of Schwann cells;recruiting specific immune cells;controlling the permeability of the blood-nerve barrier,thereby stimulating axon growth;and inhibiting remyelination of regenerated axons.TGF-βhas been applied to the treatment of peripheral nerve injury in animal models.In this context,we review the functions of TGF-βin peripheral nerve regeneration and potential clinical applications.

Plasma Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Objective: In women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), decreased expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) has been shown in POP tissues. However, no studies have evaluated plasma TGF-β1 levels in patients with POP, so it is unknown whether they are also changed or not. Therefore, we compared plasma TGF-β1 levels in women with and without POP. Methods: Participants were 49 women with POP and 23 healthy control women. All participants were postmenopausal. We measured plasma TGF-β1 and compared data between patients with POP and controls, and between patients with uterine prolapse (UP, n = 19) and those with a cystocele (CC, n = 30). In addition, in patients, we assessed the POP quantification system (POP-Q) stage. Results: Plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in patients than in healthy controls. POP-Q stage was not significantly different between the UP and CC subgroups, but POP-Q stage IV was diagnosed in 63% of patients with UP and 7% of those with CC. Plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in the CC subgroup than in the UP subgroup. Conclusion: Plasma TGF-β1 is decreased in POP. It remains unclear whether the lower levels indicate a reduction in systemic TGF-β1 activity, but they can be assumed to reflect reduced TGF-β1 expression in POP tissues.

Targeting Transforming Growth Factor-<i>β</i>(TGF-<i>β</i>) in Cancer and Non-Neoplastic Diseases

Transforming growth factor-β?(TGF-β) superfamily is a key player in the regulation of a wide variety of physiological processes from development to pathogenesis. Since the discovery of the prototypic member, TGF-β, almost three decades ago, there have been tremendous advances in our understanding of its complex biology. TGF-β?misregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancer with a direct role in facilitating metastasis, fibrosis and inflammation. Consequently, TGF-β?is currently explored as a prognostic candidate biomarker of tumor invasiveness and metastasis;and it offers an attractive target for cancer therapy. Several anti-TGF-β?approaches, such as TGF-β?antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules inhibitors of TGF-β?type 1 receptor kinase, have shown great promise in the preclinical studies. Here, we consider why the TGF-βsignaling pathway is a drug target, the potential clinical applications of TGF-β?inhibition, the issues arising with anti-TGF-β?therapy and how these might be adopted using personalized approaches with a special care for patient selection and timing of therapy so that we may bring forward all the potentials of targeting this pathway for therapeutic uses in both cancer, preferentially in combination therapy, and non-neoplastic diseases.

Downregulation of transforming growth factor-<i>β</i>(TGF-<i>β</i>) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice using stearic acid-grafted carboxymethyl chitosan (SA-CMC)

The present study was conducted to investigate the use of stearic acid-grafted carboxymethyl chitosan(SA-CMC) as a downregulator for trans- forming growth factor-β (TGF- β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice. The antitumor effect of stearic acid-grafted carboxymethyl chitosan was assessed by the estimation of TGF- β and VEGF in serum in addition to the estimation of tumor volume, median survival time (MST), percentage of increase in life span (ILS%) as well as the contents of total lipid, DNA and RNA in liver tissues. Hematological profiles (hemoglobin, red blood cells, and platelets) were also assessed. In addition, liver function tests and the redox status were estimated. TGF- β, VEGF, DNA, RNA, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, in addition to serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities as well as total white blood cells counts and tumor volume were all highly significantly increased (P < 0.001) in untreated EAC-bearing mice compared to controls. However, hematological profiles, total lipid in liver tissues and serum albumin were highly decreased in EAC-bearing mice compared to controls. All these parameters were restored to the normal levels in SA-CMC treated EAC-bearing mice com- pared to the untreated EAC-bearing mice. It is thus concluded that stearic acid-grafted carboxymethyl chitosan has a remarkable antitumor activity against EAC in Swiss albino mice through downregulation of TGF-β and VEGF.

Vascular endothelial growth factor A, secreted in response to transforming growth factor-β1 under hypoxic conditions, induces autocrine effects on migration of prostate cancer cells

Hypoxia and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） increase vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA） expression in a number of malignancies. This effect of hypoxia and TGF-β1 might be responsible for tumor progression and metastasis of advanced prostate cancer. In the present study, TGF-β1 was shown to induce VEGFA165 secretion from both normal cell lines （HPV7 and RWPE1） and prostate cancer cell lines （DU 145 and PC3）. Conversely, hypoxia-stimulated VEGFA165 secretion was observed only in prostate cancer cell lines. Hypoxia induced TGF-β1 expression in PC3 prostate cancer cells, and the TGF-β1 type I receptor （ALK5） kinase inhibitor partially blocked hypoxia-mediated VEGFA16s secretion. This effect of hypoxia provides a novel mechanism to increase VEGFA expression in prostate cancer cells. Although autocrine signaling of VEGFA has been implicated in prostate cancer progression and metastasis, the associated mechanism is poorly characterized. VEGFA activity is mediated via VEGF receptor （VEGFR） 1 （Fit-l） and 2 （FIk-I/KDR）. Whereas VEGFR-1 mRNA was detected in normal prostate epithelial cells, VEGFR-2 mRNA and VEGFR protein were expressed only in PC3 cells. VEGFA165 treatment induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERKI/2） in PC3 cells but not in HPV7 cells, suggesting that the autocrine function of VEGFA may be uniquely associated with prostate cancer. Activation of VEGFR-2 by VEGFA165 was shown to enhance migration of PC3 cells. A similar effect was also observed with endogenous VEGFA induced by TGF-β1 and hypoxia. These findings illustrate that an autocrine loop of VEGFA via VEGFR-2 is critical for the tumorigenic effects of TGF-β1 and hypoxia on metastatic prostate cancers.

Organ fibrosis inhibited by blocking transforming growth factor-β signaling via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonists

BACKGROUND:Organ fibrosis has been viewed as one of the major medical problems, which can lead to progressive dysfunction of the liver, lung, kidney, skin, heart, and eventually death of patients. Fibrosis is initiated by a variety of pathological, physiological, biochemical, and physical factors. Regardless of their different etiologies, they all share a common pathogenetic process: excessive activation of the key profibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a ligand-activated transcription factor of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has received particular attention in recent years, because the activation of PPARγ by both natural and synthetic agonists could effectively inhibit TGF-β-induced profibrotic effects in many organs. DATA SOURCES: The English-language medical databases, PubMed, Elsevier and SpringerLink were searched for articles on PPARγ, TGF-β, and fibrosis, and related topics. RESULTS: TGF-β is recognized as a key profibrotic cytokine. Excessive activation of TGF-β increases synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins and decreases their degradation, associated with a gradual destruction of normal tissue architecture and function, whereas PPARγ agonists inhibit TGF-β signal transduction and are effective antifibrogenic agents in many organs including the liver, lung, kidney, skin and heart. CONCLUSIONS: The main antifibrotic activity of PPARγ agonists is to suppress the TGF-β signaling pathway by so-called PPARγ-dependent effect. In addition, PPARγ agonists, especially 15d-PGJ2, also exert potentially antifibrotic activity independent of PPARγ activation. TGF-β1/Smads signaling not only plays many essential roles in multiple developmental processes, butalso forms cross-talk networks with other signal pathways, and their inhibition by PPARγ agonists certainly affects the cytokine networks and causes non-suspected side-effects. Anti-TGF-β therapies with PPARγ agonists may have to be carefully tailored to be tissue-and target gene-specific to minimize side-effects, indicating a great challenge to the medical research at present.

Total flavone of Abelmoschus manihot suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition via interfering transforming growth factor-β1 signaling in Crohn's disease intestinal fibrosis

AIM To explore the role and mechanism of total flavone of Abelmoschus manihot(TFA) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) progress of Crohn's disease(CD) intestinal fibrosis.METHODS First,CCK-8 assay was performed to assess TFA on the viability of intestinal epithelial(IEC-6) cells and select the optimal concentrations of TFA for our further studies.Then cell morphology,wound healing and transwell assays were performed to examine the effect of TFA on morphology,migration and invasion of IEC-6 cells treated with TGF-β1.In addition,immunofluorescence,real-time PCR analysis(q RT-PCR) and western blotting assays were carried out to detect the impact of TFA on EMT progress.Moreover,western blotting assay was performed to evaluate the function of TFA on the Smad and MAPK signaling pathways.Further,the role of co-treatment of TFA and si-Smad or MAPK inhibitors has been examined by q RTPCR,western blotting,morphology,wound healing andtranswell assays.RESULTS In this study,TFA promoted transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced(IEC-6) morphological change,migration and invasion,and increased the expression of epithelial markers and reduced the levels of mesenchymal markers,along with the inactivation of Smad and MAPK signaling pathways.Moreover,we revealed that si-Smad and MAPK inhibitors effectively attenuated TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells.Importantly,co-treatment of TFA and si-Smad or MAPK inhibitors had better inhibitory effects on TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells than either one of them.CONCLUSION These findings could provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of TFA on TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells and TFA is expected to advance as a new therapy to treat CD intestinal fibrosis.

The Effect of Simvastatin on mRNA Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β1,Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Tooth Extraction Socket

Aim To determine the effect of local simvastatin application on the mRNA expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the tooth sockets of rat. Methodology Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups （n=24）. Polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymer carriers, with or without simvastatin, were implanted into extraction sockets of right mandibular incisors. The expression of TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA was determined by in situ hybridization in the tooth extraction socket at five days, one week, two weeks and four weeks after implantation. Results The fusiform stroma cells in the tooth extraction socket began to express TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA in both experimental and control groups from one week after tooth extraction until the end of experiment. The expression of TGF-131 and BMP-2 mRNA in the experimental group was significantly up-regulated after one, two and four weeks, and expression of VEGF mRNA was significantly increased after one and two weeks compared with that in the control group. Conclusion The findings indicate that local administration of simvastatin can influence alveolar bone remodeling by regulating the expression of a school of growth factors which are crucial to osteogenesis in the tooth extraction socket.

Progress of Targeting Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Small Interfering RNA in Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a common pathological consequence of a variety of chronic stimuli, including viral, autoimmune, drug-induced, cholestatic and metabolic diseases. Fibrosis is driven by a dynamic process involving increased synthesis of matrix components and a failure of physiological mechanisms of matrix turnover. Activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) remains a central event in fibrosis. HSCs are the main source of extracellular matrix(ECM). Transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β), which is the fibrogenic master cytokine, can induce the activation of HSCs to produce a large amount of ECM, and is capable of inducing apoptosis of liver cells. RNA interference(RNAi) is a novel gene disruption technology. Studies have shown that small interfering RNA(si RNA) targeting TGF-β1 may inhibit the activation and proliferation of HSCs, suppress ECM synthesis and block liver fibrosis. TGF-β1 si RNA-mediated gene silencing therapy provides a new avenue for liver fibrosis. This review summarizes recent progresses in research on HSCs, TGF-β1 and TGF-β1 si RNA in liver fibrosis.

Chondrogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells by transforming growth factor-β3 and bone morphogenetic protein-6 in a normal healthy impacted third molar

The periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cell is regarded as a source of adult stem cells due to its multipotency.However, the proof of chondrogenic potential of the cells is scarce.Therefore,we investigated the chondrogenic differentiation capacity of periodontal ligament derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by transforming growth factor(TGF)-p3 and bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)-6.After isolation of periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs) from human periodontal ligament,the cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium(DMEM) with 20%fetal bovine serum(FBS).A mechanical force initiated chondrogenic differentiation of the cells.For chondrogenic differentiation,10μg·LTGF-β3 or 100μg·LBMP-6 and the combination treating group for synergistic effect of the growth factors.We analyzed the PDLSCs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and chondrogenesis were evaluated by glycosaminoglycans assay,histology,immunohistochemistry and genetic analysis.PDLSCs showed mesenchymal stem cell properties proved by FACS analysis.Glycosaminoglycans contents were increased 217%by TGF-β3 and 220%by BMP-6. The synergetic effect of TGF-β3 and BMP-6 were shown up to 281%compared to control.The combination treatment increased Sox9, aggrecan and collagen II expression compared with not only controls,but also TGF-P3 or BMP-6 single treatment dramatically.The histological analysis also indicated the chondrogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in our conditions.The results of the present study demonstrate the potential of the dental stem cell as a valuable cell source for chondrogenesis,which may be applicable for regeneration of cartilage and bone fracture in the field of cell therapy.

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

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

Histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid alleviates liver fibrosis by suppressing the transforming growth factor-β1 signal pathway

Background: Histone deacetylases(HDACs) inhibitors are new anti-fibrotic drugs that inhibit the activity of hepatic stellate cells. The present study focused on the anti-fibrotic function of HDAC inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid(SAHA) by suppressing transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) signaling. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to induce liver fibrosis with carbon tetrachloride(CCl 4) and LX2 cell(human hepatic stellate cell line) was stimulated by TGF-β1. Both animals and cells were treated with SAHA. The Smad7 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) mRNA levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR). Western blotting was used to examine the protein levels of CTGF, Histone H3(H3), Smad7, Smad2/3, Acetyl-Histone H3(AH3), HDAC2, α-smooth muscle actin( α-SMA), HDAC6, p-Smad2/3 and HDAC8. In addition, the TGF-β1 and liver enzyme levels from rat serum were detected. Histopathological changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin(HE), Sirius red and Masson trichrome staining. The α-SMA expression was detected by immumohistochemical staining. Results: Compared with control group, the TGF-β1 and liver enzyme levels from rat serum, together with the mRNA levels of CTGF and protein levels of CTGF, HDAC2, α-SMA, HDAC6, p-Smad2/3 and HDAC8 were elevated in fibrotic rats( P < 0.01). But the Smad7 mRNA and AH3 protein levels were notably suppressed in the fibrotic rats( P < 0.01). Pathological examination showed the typical changes of liver fibrosis in the fibrotic rats. After the treatment with SAHA, the levels of liver enzymes, TGF-β1, CTGF, HDAC2, α-SMA, HDAC6, p-Smad2/3 and HDAC8 were reduced( P < 0.01) and Smad7 and AH3 protein contents were elevated in liver fibrotic rats( P < 0.01). Moreover, immumohistochemistry showed that SAHA significantly suppressed the α-SMA protein content in fibrotic liver( P < 0.01). Conclusion: The HDAC inhibitor SAHA alleviated liver fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β1 signaling.

Transforming growth factor-β and peripheral regulatory cells are negatively correlated with the overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM To understand the cellular and molecular changes inperipheral blood that can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and provide new methods for its diagnosis and treatment.METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of HCC patients and normal controls and then analyzed by flow cytometry. The percentage of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)+ regulatory cells(Tregs) in the peripheral blood was measured, and the expression of TGF-β was also determined. Then, the relationship between the changes and the 5-year survival of patients was analyzed. In addition, recombinant human TGF-β(rh TGF-β) and recombinant human interleukin-6 were added to stimulate the cultured cells, and their effects on HCC were evaluated.RESULTS The expression of TGF-β and the percentage of TGF-β+ Tregs in the peripheral blood of HCC patients increased significantly compared with normal controls. Compared with the low TGF-β expression group, the high TGF-β expression group had a significantly lower 5-year survival rate, and the same result was found in the two TGF-β+ Treg groups, suggesting that TGF-β and TGF-β+ Tregs were negatively correlated with the overall survival of the patients. In addition, rh TGF-β promoted the growth of tumor cells and induced high expression levels of IL-6, which further promoted tumor proliferation.CONCLUSION The results showed that TGF-β may promote tumor growth and proliferation by inducing the production of IL-6, and TGF-β and TGF-β+ Tregs may serve as new markers for predicting a poor prognosis in HCC.

Dab2 attenuates brain injury in APP/PS1 mice via targeting transforming growth factor-beta/SMAD signaling

Transforming growth factor-beta （TGF-β） type II receptor （TβRⅡ） levels are extremely low in the brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer＇s disease. This receptor inhibits TGF-β1/SMAD signaling and thereby aggravates amyolid-beta deposition and neuronal injury. Dab2, a specific adapter protein, protects T RII from degradation and ensures the effective conduction of TGF-β 1/SMAD signaling. In this study, we used an adenoviral vector to overexpress the Dab2 gene in the mouse hippocampus and investigated the regulatory effect of Dab2 protein on TGF-β1/SMAD signaling in a mouse model of Alzheimer＇s disease, and the potential neuroprotective effect. The results showed that the TβRⅡ level was lower.in APP/PS1 mouse hippocampus than in normal mouse hippocampus. After Dab2 expression, hippocampal TβRⅡ and p-SMAD2/3 levels were signifi- cantly increased, while amyloid-beta deposition, microglia activation, tumor necrosis factor- and interleulin-6 levels and neuronal loss were significantly attenuated in APP/PS1 mouse brain tissue. These results suggest that Dab2 can exhibit neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer＇s disease by regulating TGF-β1/SMAD signaling.

Regulatory role of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway in the drug resistance of gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal(GI)cancer,including esophageal,gastric,and colorectal cancer,is one of the most prevalent types of malignant carcinoma and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.Despite significant advances in therapeutic strategies for GI cancers in recent decades,drug resistance with various mechanisms remains the prevailing cause of therapy failure in GI cancers.Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the transforming growth factor(TGF)-βsignaling pathway has crucial,complex roles in many cellular functions related to drug resistance.This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the role of the TGF-βsignaling pathway in the resistance of GI cancers to conventional chemotherapy,targeted therapy,immunotherapy,and traditional medicine.Various processes,including epithelial-mesenchymal transition,cancer stem cell development,tumor microenvironment alteration,and microRNA biogenesis,are proposed as the main mechanisms of TGF-β-mediated drug resistance in GI cancers.Several studies have already indicated the benefit of combining antitumor drugs with agents that suppress the TGF-βsignaling pathway,but this approach needs to be verified in additional clinical studies.Moreover,the identification of potential biological markers that can be used to predict the response to TGF-βsignaling pathway inhibitors during anticancer treatments will have important clinical implications in the future.

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

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

Hsa_circRNA_102610 upregulation in Crohn’s disease promotes transforming growth factor-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition via sponging of hsa-miR-130a-3p

BACKGROUND The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease,a chronic intestinal inflammatory disorder that includes Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis,is rising.Circular RNAs are considered valuable diagnostic biomarkers for CD.Current evidence supports the views that epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)plays an important role in CD pathogenesis,and that hsa-miR-130a-3p can inhibit transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced EMT.Our previous study revealed that hsa_circRNA_102610 was upregulated in CD patients.Moreover,we predicted an interaction between hsa_circRNA_102610 and hsa-miR-130a-3p.Thus,we hypothesized that hsa_circRNA_102610 may play roles in the proliferation and EMT of intestinal epithelial cells by sponging hsa-miR-130a-3p to participate in the pathogenesis of CD.AIM To explore the mechanism of hsa_circRNA_102610 in the pathogenesis of CD.METHODS The relative expression levels of hsa_circRNA_102610 and hsa-miR-130a-3p in patients were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.The proliferation of human intestinal epithelial cells(HIECs)and normal-derived colon mucosa cell line 460(NCM460)cells was detected by cell counting kit-8,5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine staining and cell cycle assays following overexpression or downregulation of hsa_circRNA_102610.Cell proliferation assays were performed as described above in a rescue experiment with hsa-miR-130a-3p mimics.The interaction of hsa_circRNA_102610 and hsa-miR-130a-3p was verified by fluorescence in situ hybridization and dual luciferase reporter assays.The relative expression levels of CyclinD1,mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4(SMAD4),E-cadherin,N-cadherin and Vimentin were detected by western blotting following hsa_circRNA_102610 overexpression,TGF-β1-induced EMT or hsa-miR-130a-3p mimic transfection(in rescue experiments).RESULTS Upregulation of hsa_circRNA_102610 was determined to be positively correlated with elevated fecal calprotectin levels in CD(r=0.359,P=0.007)by Pearson correlation analysis.Hsa_circRNA_102610 promoted the proliferation of HIECs and NCM460 cells,while hsa-miR-130a-3p reversed the cell proliferationpromoting effects of hsa_circRNA_102610.Fluorescence in situ hybridization and dual luciferase reporter assays showed that hsa_circRNA_102610 directly bound hsa-miR-130a-3p in NCM460 and 293T cells.An inverse correlation between downregulation of hsa-miR-130a-3p and upregulation of hsa_circRNA_102610 in CD patients was observed(r=-0.290,P=0.024)by Pearson correlation analysis.Moreover,overexpression of hsa_circRNA_102610 promoted SMAD4 and CyclinD1 protein expression validated by western-blotting.Furthermore,overexpression of hsa_circRNA_102610 promoted TGF-β1 induced EMT in HIECs and NCM460 cells via targeting of hsa-miR-130a-3p,with increased expression of Vimentin and N-cadherin and decreased expression of E-cadherin.CONCLUSION Hsa_circRNA_102610 upregulation in CD patients could promote the proliferation and EMT of intestinal epithelial cells via sponging of hsa-miR-130a-3p.

Neuron-like differentiation of adult rat bone marrow stromal cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta and brain-derived neurotrophic factor

BACKGROUND： It has been demonstrated that transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） and brain- derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） can induce stem cell differentiation into neuron-like cells. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the efficacy of TGF-β and BDNF at inducing the differentiation of adult rat bone marrow stromal cells （BMSCs） into neuron-like cells, both in combination or alone. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A comparative observation experiment was performed at the Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University between October 2007 and January 2008. MATERIALS： TGF-~ and BDNF were purchased from Sigma, USA; mouse anti-rat neuron specific enolase, neurofilament and glial fibrillary acidic protein were purchased from Beijing HMHL Biochem Ltd., China. METHODS： BMSCs were isolated from rats aged 4 weeks and incubated with TGF-β（1μ g/L） and/or BDNF （50 μ g/mL）. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression of neuron-specific enolase, neurofilament and glial fibrillary acidic protein were determined by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS： BMSCs differentiated into neuron-like cells following induction of TGF-β and BDNF, and expressed both neuron-specific enolase and neurofilament. The percent of positive cells was significantly greater in the combination group than those induced with TGF-β or BDNF alone （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Treatment of BMSCs with a combination of TGF-β and BDNF induced differentiation into neuron-like cells, with the induction being significantly greater than with TGF-β or BDNF alone.

Transforming growth factor-β signaling in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis（SSc） is a complex, multiorgan autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Manifestation of the disease results from an interaction of three key pathologic features including irregularities of the antigen-specific immune system and the non-specific Immune system, resulting in autoantibody production, vascular endothelial activation of small blood vessels, and tissue fibrosis as a result of fibroblast dysfunction. Given the heterogeneity of clinical presentation of the disease, a lack of universal models has impeded adequate testing of potential therapies for SSc. Regardless, recent research has elucidated the roles of various ubiquitous molecular mechanisms that contribute to the clinical manifestation of the disease. Transforming growth factor β（TGF-β） has been identified as a regulator of pathological fibrogenesis in SSc. Various processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and extracellular matrix synthesis are regulated by TGF-β,a type of cytokine secreted by macrophages and many other cell types. Understanding the essential role TGF-β pathways play in the pathology of systemic sclerosis could provide a potential outlet for treatment and a better understanding of this severe disease.

Effect of NF-κB p65 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on transdifferentiation of normal human lens epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-β2

AIM：To study the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B p65（NF-κB p65）antisense oligodeoxynucleotide（ASODN）on transdifferentiation of normal human lens epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-β2（TGF-β2）.·M ETHODS：NF-κBp65ASODNand NF-κBp65missense oligodeoxynucleotide（MSODN）were designed and synthesized.Human lens epithelial cell line（HLE B-3）cells were prepared for study and divided into 7 groups.Control group was HLE B-3 cells cultured in dulbecco’s modified eagle medium（DMEM）.T1,T2,and T3 group were HLE B-3 cells cultured in DMEM with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 6h,12h,24h respectively.A＋T group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2for 24h after transfected by NF-κB p65 ASODN for 24h.M＋T group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 24h after transfected by NF-κB p65 MSODN for 24h.The negative control group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 24h after cultured with transfer agent（Hi Per Fect）for 24h.Cell morphology was observed at different time points using an inverted microscope.The expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA was detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）,and the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin（α-SMA）protein was assayed with ELISA.·RESULTS：With the TGF-β2 stimulation prolongation,the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA and a-SMA protein increased in T1,T2,T3 groups compared with the control group,and the difference was statistically significant（〈0.05）.NF-κB p65 ASODN lowered the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2.NF-κB p65 MSODN and Hi Per Fect did not lower the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2.The difference between control group and A＋T group was not statistically significant（〉0.05）,but the difference among A＋T group and other groups was statistically significant（〈0.05）.·CONCLUSION：NF-κB p65 ASODN could lower the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2,and antagonized TGF-β2-induced transdifferentiation of HLE B-3.NF-κB p65ASODN could be used as a new biological therapeutic target of posterior capsular opacification.